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Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 10, 2026

Explore 13 nursing programs across North Dakota universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your best fit.

Overview of Nursing Education in North Dakota

North Dakota offers nursing students 13 accredited programs spanning universities and community colleges across the state. Whether you're pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you'll find affordable options with strong job market demand.

The state's nursing education landscape is characterized by low tuition costs compared to national averages and accessible admission standards. Public universities in North Dakota charge between $7,935 and $10,951 annually for in-state students, while community colleges offer even more affordable pathways starting at $4,938 per year. This affordability, combined with North Dakota's nursing shortage and competitive salaries, makes the state an attractive destination for aspiring nurses.

Top University Nursing Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota State University-Main Campus (Fargo)

Tuition: $10,857/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 95.8%
Graduation Rate: 63.4%
Enrollment: 9,567 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $116,073/year (Doctoral degree holders)

NDSU's nursing program is one of the largest in the state, serving nearly 10,000 students across all disciplines. The exceptionally high acceptance rate (95.8%) makes it accessible to most applicants, though the 63.4% graduation rate suggests coursework demands rigor. NDSU's location in Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, provides abundant clinical placement opportunities and networking potential.

University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)

Tuition: $10,951/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 77.1%
Graduation Rate: 63.2%
Enrollment: 9,296 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $116,029/year (Master's degree holders)

UND represents a competitive but achievable option with a 77.1% acceptance rate and solid graduation rate of 63.2%. The university's nursing graduates earning $116,029 annually with master's degrees indicates strong advanced practice opportunities. UND's Grand Forks campus offers research opportunities and partnerships with regional healthcare systems.

University of Mary (Bismarck)

Tuition: $21,468/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 78.3%
Graduation Rate: 66.0%
Enrollment: 2,280 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $118,571/year (Doctoral degree holders)

University of Mary is North Dakota's highest-earning nursing program, with graduates earning $118,571 annually when holding doctoral degrees. The private nonprofit institution charges more than public universities ($21,468 vs. $10,857–$10,951), but delivers the highest graduation rate (66.0%) among four-year universities. Located in Bismarck, the state capital, UMary benefits from proximity to major healthcare employers.

Minot State University (Minot)

Tuition: $8,634/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 72.2%
Graduation Rate: 46.4%
Enrollment: 2,072 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $62,648/year (Bachelor's degree)

Minot State offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities at $8,634 annually. The program is moderately selective (72.2% acceptance) but has a lower graduation rate (46.4%) compared to peers. This is an excellent budget option if you're cost-conscious, though you should prepare for competitive coursework.

Dickinson State University (Dickinson)

Tuition: $9,118/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 60.1%
Graduation Rate: 43.9%
Enrollment: 1,108 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $55,198/year (Bachelor's degree)

Dickinson State is the most selective four-year program in North Dakota (60.1% acceptance rate), suggesting more rigorous admissions standards. However, the 43.9% graduation rate is the lowest among universities, indicating challenging coursework. This program is best suited for students with strong academic preparation.

Mayville State University (Mayville)

Tuition: $7,935/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 37.4%
Enrollment: 704 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $77,525/year (Bachelor's degree)

Mayville State has the lowest tuition of any four-year university at $7,935 annually. However, the 37.4% graduation rate is significantly lower than competitors, suggesting the program is challenging relative to student preparation levels. Consider this option only if you have strong academic fundamentals and can commit to intensive study.

University of Jamestown (Jamestown)

Tuition: $24,820/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 93.5%
Graduation Rate: 46.6%
Enrollment: 947 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $62,972/year (Bachelor's degree)

University of Jamestown is North Dakota's most expensive nursing program at $24,820 annually, but offers the highest acceptance rate (93.5%) among four-year institutions. The private nonprofit has the lowest earnings outcomes for bachelor's degree holders ($62,972), so carefully weigh cost against expected return on investment.

Rasmussen University-North Dakota (Fargo)

Tuition: $12,715/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 56.4%
Enrollment: 44 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $89,809/year (Master's degree)

Rasmussen is a for-profit institution with a very small nursing cohort (44 students). While graduates with master's degrees earn $89,809 annually, the for-profit model typically involves higher total costs. This option may appeal to working professionals seeking flexible scheduling.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

North Dakota's four community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at significantly lower costs than universities. ADN graduates can work as registered nurses immediately and pursue bachelor's degrees later through RN-to-BSN programs.

Bismarck State College (Bismarck)

Tuition: $5,195/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 49.6%
Enrollment: 2,629 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $57,868/year (Associate's degree)

Bismarck State offers the most affordable nursing education in North Dakota at $5,195 annually. The program serves the largest community college population and provides excellent value for students prioritizing cost.

North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton)

Tuition: $5,928/year (in-state)
Enrollment: 1,733 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $59,229/year (Associate's degree)

NDCSS in Wahpeton charges $5,928 annually and produces graduates earning $59,229 per year with associate degrees—among the highest for ADN programs.

Williston State College (Williston)

Tuition: $4,938/year (in-state)
Enrollment: 686 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $56,601/year (Associate's degree)

Williston State has the lowest tuition of any nursing program in North Dakota at $4,938 annually. Located in northwestern North Dakota, it serves a smaller student population but provides exceptional affordability.

Lake Region State College (Devils Lake)

Tuition: $5,478/year (in-state)
Enrollment: 599 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $58,420/year (Associate's degree)

Lake Region State charges $5,478 annually and serves a compact student body in northeastern North Dakota.

Dakota College at Bottineau (Bottineau)

Tuition: $5,347/year (in-state)
Enrollment: 417 total students
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $57,801/year (Associate's degree)

Dakota College at Bottineau rounds out the community college options at $5,347 annually, serving the smallest nursing cohort in the state.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Career Goals

Bachelor's vs. Associate's Degree: University BSN programs prepare you for advanced practice roles and leadership positions. Community college ADN programs get you working as a registered nurse faster and cost significantly less. Many nurses complete an ADN, work for 1-2 years, then pursue an RN-to-BSN degree while earning.

Advanced Practice: If you plan to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist, a bachelor's degree (or master's degree) is essential. University programs like UND and NDSU position you better for these pathways.

Evaluate Total Cost of Attendance

Don't compare tuition alone—factor in living expenses, books, and clinical fees. Fargo and Grand Forks have higher living costs than rural areas. Community colleges offer the lowest total cost, especially if you live at home.

Four-Year University Cost Examples (4 years):

Minot State: $34,536 tuition + living expenses
NDSU: $43,428 tuition + living expenses
University of Mary: $85,872 tuition + living expenses

Community College Cost Examples (2 years):

Williston State: $9,876 tuition + living expenses
Bismarck State: $10,390 tuition + living expenses

Assess Graduation Rates Honestly

Graduation rates indicate program rigor and student support. University of Mary (66.0%) and UND (63.2%) have the highest rates. Mayville State (37.4%) and Dickinson State (43.9%) have lower rates—not necessarily bad programs, but they're more challenging. Be honest about your academic preparation.

Consider Location and Clinical Placements

North Dakota's largest healthcare systems are in Fargo (NDSU area), Grand Forks (UND area), and Bismarck (UMary area). Larger cities offer more clinical placement options and diverse patient populations. Rural programs like Williston and Bottineau may have limited placement variety but strong community connections.

North Dakota Nursing Job Market

North Dakota faces a significant nursing shortage, creating excellent employment opportunities for graduates.

Key Market Facts:

North Dakota has one of the lowest nurse-to-population ratios in the nation
Healthcare is the state's largest employment sector
Major employers: Sanford Health, Essentia Health, CHI Health, regional hospitals
Nursing shortage means strong job security and competitive salaries
Rural areas (Williston, Minot, Dickinson) have acute nursing shortages and often offer sign-on bonuses

Salary Expectations:

ADN graduates: $56,601–$59,229/year (starting)
BSN graduates: $55,198–$77,525/year (starting)
Master's degree holders: $116,029–$118,571/year (advanced practice roles)

Graduates should expect to find employment within weeks of licensure. Many employers offer tuition assistance for RN-to-BSN programs, making the community college-to-university pathway financially feasible.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in North Dakota

Federal Aid

All North Dakota nursing programs participate in federal financial aid. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access:

Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024-25)
Stafford Loans (up to $5,500–$7,500 annually for undergraduates)
Work-Study programs

State Programs

North Dakota Student Assistance Program (NDSAP): Grants for North Dakota residents attending in-state institutions
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program: Forgives loans for nurses working in underserved areas

Employer Sponsorship

Many North Dakota healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees. Sanford Health and Essentia Health are major sponsors.

Scholarships

University of Mary, NDSU, and UND offer merit-based scholarships for nursing students
Professional nursing associations (North Dakota Nurses Association) offer smaller scholarships
Community foundations in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks fund nursing scholarships

Cost-Reduction Strategies

Start at community college: Save $15,000–$20,000 on tuition
Live at home: Eliminate housing costs
Work part-time: Many students work as nursing assistants while studying
Apply for all available scholarships: Even small scholarships ($500–$2,000) reduce loan debt

Next Steps: Find Your Program

You now have detailed information about all 13 nursing programs in North Dakota. The next step is to compare programs side-by-side based on your priorities.

Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Filter by tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate
Compare programs directly
Read student reviews
Access application links and contact information
Explore RN-to-BSN pathways

Action Items

Take the NCLEX-style practice exam to assess nursing readiness
Schedule campus visits to Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks programs
Speak with current nursing students about their experiences
Request information packets from 3-5 programs matching your criteria
Complete the FAFSA (opens October 1 annually)
Apply to programs (most deadlines are February–April)

North Dakota's nursing programs offer exceptional value, strong job market demand, and genuine career advancement opportunities. Whether you choose a community college or university pathway, you're investing in a stable, well-compensated career with immediate employment prospects.