Online Nursing Programs in MN: Find Top Schools
You might be a high school graduate interested in starting a career as an RN. Or an experienced nurse looking to move up the ranks for more pay and responsibility. Either way, Minnesota has many quality nursing programs to meet your needs. This guide offers a detailed look into Minnesota nursing programs and highlights the schools that stand out in terms of affordability, flexibility, academics, and student support. We also review the process for securing your RN license in Minnesota and discuss salary and pay data. Keep reading to learn more about online nursing schools in Minnesota and find the one that best fits your individual needs.
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Exploring Minnesota’s Online Nursing Programs
Online nursing programs in Minnesota have become popular in recent years, especially for working students. You should remember that you still need to satisfy any clinical requirements in person, although certain programs offer online components. However, many programs are fully online, and you can meet clinical requirements through your current nursing job.
Online programs stress flexibility, but the coursework requires self-discipline, commitment, and time management. Some students struggle with these traits on their own and thrive better with in-person settings. As you explore different program options, pay attention to what type of coursework is offered. An asynchronous model allows you to study at your own place, while synchronous classes meet (virtually) on a specific time and day. Keep reading to learn more about the various nursing program options in Minnesota.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Entry-level nurses can take advantage of multiple pathways toward a satisfying career. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) program can usually be completed in just a few months, while a BSN results in a bachelor’s degree and usually takes approximately four years to complete. LPN and ADN programs usually take a year or two and are the quickest paths to becoming a fully licensed nurse in Minnesota.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you want to jumpstart your healthcare career right away, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) usually takes just a few weeks or months. CNA programs are often available at technical schools and community colleges. They prepare students for an entry-level nursing position with plenty of hands-on patient interaction.
Example: Century College – Nursing Assistant Program
- Cost: $1,154
- Length: Two months
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs prepare students to become licensed nurses who work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. LPN programs are longer and more involved than CNA programs, but they can be completed in approximately one year – sometimes a bit less, sometimes a bit more.
Example: Northland Community and Technical College – Practical Nursing Diploma
- Cost: $6,106.36
- Length: Three semesters (42 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are designed for students who are seeking licensure as a nurse. These programs are traditionally offered at community and technical colleges. They are popular options for students who don’t want to commit to a four-year undergraduate degree. Full-time students usually complete ADN programs in approximately two years and can become registered nurses (RNs) upon completion of the program.
Example: Northwest Technical College – AS Traditional RN Program
- Cost: $5,896/semester
- Length: Two years (64 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree leads to nursing licensure and takes full-time students four years to complete. BSNs offer expanded career options and earning potential. This degree is often prized by employers because of its rigorous, in-depth curriculum. A BSN degree can lead to advanced practice specializations such as nurse midwife or nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Northwestern – St. Paul – BSN Program
- Cost: $18,490/semester
- Length: Four years (125 credits)
- Mode: Online or Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An Accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree is a practical option for students who earned an unrelated bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a nursing career. After completing general education requirements, accelerated BSN students focus entirely on nursing-related requirements to finish their degree in approximately 18 months.
Example: Concordia University, St. Paul – ABSN Program
- Cost: $64,050 total ($1,050/credit)
- Length: 16 months (61 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Minnesota Graduate and Post-Graduate Programs
A graduate program can help you focus on a specialized area and increase your earning potential if you already have a nursing license. Multiple graduate degree options are available, ranging from a traditional MSN to a DNP or a PhD – the field’s highest degree.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are available for both working nurses with BSNs and students who earned an unrelated bachelor’s degree. Students complete various core requirements and often specialize in areas like nursing leadership, informatics, and/or other areas of clinical practice. This degree takes between two and three years to complete, depending on previous academic experience.
Example: Winona State University – MSN Progarm
- Cost: $48,000 to $54,000
- Length: Four semesters plus summer sessions (46 to 48 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP degree further hones clinical skills and can lead to various nursing leadership positions. A PhD is designed for students who are interested in research and teaching at the collegiate level. It focuses on the skills needed to transition into an academic setting. These degrees take three to six years to complete, depending on previous academic experience.
Example: Minnesota State University, Mankato – MSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $1198.19/credit (in-state), $1,797.15 (out-of-state)
- Length: Two years, part-time (27 credits)
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates are designed for working RNs who earned an MSN degree. Students will learn about specific areas in the nursing field. They can access post-graduate certificate programs both online and on-campus. These programs focus on specialization areas like nursing management, gerontology, and nurse education. If you want to advance your education without enrolling in a degree program, earning a certificate can be a way to do it.
Example: The College of St. Scholastica – APRN Certificate Program
- Cost: $925/credit
- Length: Three to four semesters (40 to 43 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
Are you already working as a nurse and want to build on your knowledge and skills? If so, a bridge program can be a great option. Bridge programs offer accelerated pathways for current nurses to earn higher degrees. For example, if you’re a licensed practical nurse who wants to earn a bachelor’s degree, an LPN to BSN program might be a good fit.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Bridge degree programs such as LPN to RN and LPN to BSN offer a clear academic path toward licensure as an RN. An LPN to RN program usually takes 18 to 24 months to complete, while an LPN to BSN track typically takes three to four years. These bridge programs will build upon your existing nursing skills and knowledge so you can complete the degree more quickly.
Example: Northwest Technical College – LPN Step-In Program
- Cost: $13,372.80 ($208.95/credit)
- Length: Three semesters (64 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Accelerated RN to BSN programs offer working RNs a convenient path to complete a bachelor’s degree. These programs build upon prior coursework and focus on augmenting nursing knowledge and clinical skills. These degrees usually take approximately two years to complete and are often offered online, including some programs in Minnesota.
Example: Augsburg University – BSN Completion Program
- Cost: $476/credit
- Length: As little as 12 months (32 to 26 credits)
- Mode: Asynchronous Online
RN to MSN
An RN to MSN bridge degree program offers working RNs with an ADN the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in a shorter amount of time by building on current nursing knowledge and skills. Bridge degree programs are both online and in-person and usually take between 30 and 36 months.
Example: Minnesota State University Moorhead – Accelerated RN to MSN Program
- Cost: $638.39/credit
- Length: Approximately four years, including summer semesters
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are ready to take your nursing education to the highest level, a BSN to DNP program will allow you to efficiently combine coursework from both MSN and DNP programs. This process accelerates the degree timeline and allows you to earn both degrees concurrently.
Example: Winona State University – BSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $81,000 to $84,000
- Length: Six to nine semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A direct-entry MSN program is designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This program offers an accelerated path to nursing with no BSN required. For example, if you majored in biology as an undergrad and want to become a nurse practitioner, a direct-entry MSN program can get you up to speed by focusing of the prerequisite nursing skills that are necessary for a new career.
Example: St. Catherine University – Entry-Level MSN Program
- Cost: $50,745 ($995/credit)
- Length: 23 months (51 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Requirements for RNs in Minnesota
You must attend a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing to become a registered nurse in Minnesota. Approved programs offer academic and clinical skills needed to secure your nursing license and provide competent and compassionate care. RN licensing information and requirements vary among states, so we highlighted the steps you need to take to secure an RN license in Minnesota.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree (with Proper Accreditation)
Whether you’re attending an ADN or BSN program, it needs to be from a board-approved and accredited nursing school. Refer to this list of approved professional nursing programs in Minnesota as you explore schools. You can begin the process of securing your RN license through the Minnesota Board of Nursing during your last semester. As you approach graduation, you’ll need to study for the NCLEX examination and undergo a criminal background check.
2 – Your NCLEX-RN Score = Pass
After graduation, you’ll prepare to take the national nursing exam (NCLEX). To begin, you’ll need to complete a licensing application and pay the associated fees. Then, you can schedule your exam and take it. Many programs can assist you with NCLEX test prep, but taking the time to study independently can help ensure you pass on the first attempt. Various test prep options are available online, and studying with your cohort can also be beneficial. After you pass the NCELX-RN exam, expect to receive your RN license in the mail in approximately 10 business days.
3 – Apply for Licensure in Minnesota
The process is the same whether you’re applying for an LPN or RN license, and you should submit your application before you take the NCLEX-RN exam. The nursing licensure process in Minnesota also includes a criminal background check with fingerprints. Keep in mind that your licensure application needs to be complete and correct, since any omissions or mistakes can delay the process. If you are transferring your nursing license from another state, you must take additional steps such as verifying your employment history.
4 – Keep Your License Current
After you receive your Minnesota RN license, you need to renew it every two years. In addition to completing a renewal application and paying the required fees, RNs in Minnesota must complete at least 24 contact hours of continuing education.
5 – Specialty Certification (Optional)
If you completed a specialty certification program for an advanced practice role like clinical nurse specialist, registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner, you need to complete an additional step. Minnesota has a specific set of requirements for advanced practice registered nurses, including graduating from an approved program and obtaining a certification from a national certifying body.
Career and Salary Info for Minnesota RNs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $75,830 | $100,870 | $128,200 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $67,400 | $83,270 | $106,490 |
| Mankato, MN | $79,270 | $103,000 | $123,150 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $78,120 | $102,240 | $128,690 |
| Rochester, MN | $82,960 | $102,580 | $124,960 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $77,150 | $103,890 | $111,860 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota
We created a ranking of online nursing schools in Minnesota to help you identify top program options. We used data pulled from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to determine which schools are eligible for inclusion. This information includes details on accreditation, online offerings, and factors like academic support and student-to-faculty ratio. While there are plenty of schools vying for your time and money, the schools on this list combine all-important institutional accreditation with a mix of affordability, flexibility, and high-quality instruction.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Winona State University
- Winona State University’s Nursing program boasts a 96% job placement rate and offers a complementary Minnesota Public Health Nurse Certification, enhancing graduate employability and credentials.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs that provide realistic clinical training, increasing practical skills and confidence before real-world exposure.
- The program guarantees admission for students with exceptional ACT/SAT scores and excellent college grades, providing a clear pathway for high-achieving applicants.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,173 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Nursing program offers highly flexible RN to BSN options with individualized pacing and online/hybrid formats, supporting working nurses’ schedules and enabling study from any location.
- The program features doctorally prepared, specialty credentialed faculty who employ cutting-edge nursing practice theories and incorporate best adult education and online teaching methods for a high-quality, accessible learning experience.
- Students benefit from experiential learning integrated in clinical courses, including locally arranged practica with families, elders, public health settings, and practice improvement projects, strengthening real-world skills relevant to nursing leadership and practice.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,173 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,891 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St Catherine University
- Saint Catherine University’s Nursing program offers a unique blend of education with advanced simulation and extensive hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for real-world healthcare environments.
- The program emphasizes multicultural competence and social justice in healthcare, fostering nurses equipped to serve diverse populations effectively.
- St. Kate’s Nursing programs include specialized graduate tracks such as Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nurse Practitioner options, providing tailored career pathways beyond traditional nursing roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,891 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,381 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Minnesota-Duluth
- The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers an Early Assurance Nursing program allowing first-year students at the Rochester campus guaranteed entry into the Twin Cities BSN program with nursing practicums completed at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
- The school’s faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders and researchers who engage students in collaborative research and interprofessional experiences tied directly to frontline healthcare challenges.
- The BSN program boasts a high on-time graduation rate of 92% and a 93% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting strong preparation and clinical placement success for professional nursing licensure.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,381 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Winona, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,035 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Nursing program offers an accelerated online RN to BSN pathway that can be completed in just one year, providing flexibility for working nurses.
- The program fosters a supportive small cohort community with about 40 students per year, ensuring accessible faculty interactions and personalized support.
- It emphasizes integration of Lasallian Catholic values, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning, preparing nurses as compassionate leaders in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,035 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers an Early Assurance Nursing program allowing first-year students to secure guaranteed entry into the Twin Cities BSN program with practicum experiences at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
- Students benefit from internationally-renowned faculty who engage in cutting-edge research and community practice, providing deep expertise and opportunities for student collaboration on impactful projects.
- The BSN program spans both Twin Cities and Rochester campuses, with transfer students completing foundational courses prior to entry, enabling flexible pathways personalized to student backgrounds.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,385 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bethany Lutheran College
- Bethany Lutheran College’s Nursing program boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for six consecutive years, demonstrating exceptional graduate success in licensure.
- The program emphasizes preparing students as compassionate Christian servant leaders with strong clinical reasoning and evidence-based, patient-centered care skills within collaborative healthcare teams.
- Bethany Nursing graduates are noted for making immediate impactful contributions at their healthcare facilities, reflecting the program’s effective training and professional preparation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,385 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $25,130 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The College of Saint Scholastica
- The Nursing program at The College of St. Scholastica offers once-in-a-lifetime international study opportunities in diverse locations like Tanzania, Belize, and London, enriching students' cultural competence and global nursing perspectives.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs that provide realistic clinical scenarios, ensuring hands-on practice of critical nursing skills, including rare high-risk situations like resuscitations.
- The program integrates Benedictine values enabling a unique holistic approach to nursing education, preparing students to treat patients as whole persons—mind, body, and spirit—with emphasis on community, hospitality, and respect.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $25,130 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,363 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bemidji State University
- Bemidji State University's Nursing program offers a fully accredited, student-centered curriculum with innovative technology use including simulation manikins and handheld devices to enhance practical skill development before clinical exposure.
- The RN to BSN completion track provides 100% online coursework designed for working registered nurses, allowing flexible pacing with one or two classes at a time, making advancement accessible without disrupting work schedules.
- The program emphasizes cultural awareness with specialized coursework focused on serving diverse populations, notably the region’s American Indian community, preparing graduates for culturally competent nursing care.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,363 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,176 Avg. Aid Amount
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bethel University
- Bethel University’s nursing program offers an accelerated blended BSN option specifically designed for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree, enabling faster career transitions.
- The program boasts a #1 NCLEX-RN pass rate in Indiana and the U.S. for 2024, demonstrating outstanding licensure exam preparation and graduate success.
- Students begin clinical experiences as sophomores, one full year earlier than most programs, providing extended hands-on patient care learning opportunities.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,176 Avg. Aid Amount
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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