Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
If you’re a working RN in Minnesota and looking for new responsibilities and higher pay, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) could be the answer. Use this EduMed guide to see how online RN to BSN bridge programs in Minnesota work, and read about admissions requirements, timelines, costs, content delivery formats, and more.
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Reviewing Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
Earning a BSN opens doors for registered nurses across Minnesota, from large hospital systems in Minneapolis to rural clinics near the Canadian border. Online RN to BSN bridge programs make it possible to advance your education without starting over in a traditional four-year program.
As you explore your options, keep these factors in mind:
- Career reach: A BSN expands job opportunities statewide, including leadership and specialized nursing roles.
- Bridge structure: RN to BSN programs build on your nursing diploma or ADN, current RN license, and professional experience to shorten time to graduation.
- Flexible formats: Most Minnesota programs are offered online or in hybrid formats, allowing you to continue working full time.
- Course delivery: Many programs rely heavily on asynchronous coursework, giving you control over when you complete assignments and lectures.
To get you started, we’ve highlighted three online RN to BSN programs currently available in Minnesota. These spotlights provide a clear picture of what to expect as you compare programs and plan your next steps.
Nursing RN to BSN – Metro State University
The Registered Nurse to BSN program at Metro State University highlights health equity, holistic care, and the use of critical analysis to question today’s pressing issues in nursing and healthcare.
The 31-credit asynchronous program is designed for students to take two nursing courses each semester and is completed with five semesters of part-time study, allowing students to maintain a positive work-home balance. All students must also meet all general education and liberal studies requirements.
The program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation and qualifies you to take the holistic nursing certification exam. It’s also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: Five semesters (including summers)
Mode: Online coursework with in-person community health practicum
Cost: $385.25/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Transcript indicating completion of an ADN or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
- Active unencumbered RN license
Curriculum:
- Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice
- Racism and Health
- Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
- Global Health Issues
- Holistic Health and Healing
- Community Health Nursing and Practicum
- Lifespan Transitions: Aging and Health
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Capstone: Nurses Take Action for Health Equity
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Nursing B.S. (RN to B.S.) – Bemidji State University
Study flexibility is a key feature of the CCNE-accredited Nursing B.S. (RN-BS) program at Bemidji State University. Students have the option full-time or part-time (one or two classes at a time) enrollment and can choose among one of five start dates annually.
Graduates are well qualified to work in any of several healthcare settings with job titles such as:
- Charge nurse
- Traveling nurse
- Director of nursing
- Chief nursing officer
- Case manager
- Insurance specialist
Bemidji awards over $41,000 in scholarships annually to its nursing students.
Duration: Three semesters full time, five semesters part time
Mode: Fully online (some classes may require some travel to attend to site visits, patient assessments, etc.)
Cost: $339.52/credit (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bemidji State University application
- Department of Nursing RN-BS application
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in your nursing associate degree or diploma program
- Internet access suitable for delivery of online courses, practice experiences, and peer collaboration
- Associate degree or diploma as an RN or be a licensed RN by the end of the first semester in the RN-BS program
- Unencumbered RN license in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or North Dakota
- Residence in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or North Dakota
Curriculum:
- Concepts of Nursing and Healthcare
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Integrative and Cultural Nursing or American Indian Health Issues & Nursing
- Information Management and Collaborative Communication
- Health Care Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments
- Family and Population Health (with Practicum)
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Evidence, Practice, and Research
- Plus one elective course
Nursing RN-to-BS – Winona State University
Prepare yourself to be a leader in nursing with the RN to BS program at Winona State University.
This CCNE-accredited program places a special emphasis on enhancing student skills in teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and quality control. Students additionally learn to perform holistic assessments, understand how to work with vulnerable populations through experiential learning, and learn to write evidence-based practice reports.
The course of study consists of 40 credits. Students may transfer in up to 80 previously-earned credits to reach the 120-credit total to obtain the degree.
Start dates are available in the fall and spring.
Winona State provides $75,000 in scholarships annually to nursing students.
Duration: Self-paced. As little as one year.
Mode: Fully-online coursework, asynchronous delivery, plus in-person practicum experiences
Cost: $4,466.34/semester for 12 to 18 credits for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents; $295.43/credit for Minnesota residents (part-time); $324.40/credit for Wisconsin residents (part-time). Rates vary for residents of other states.
Admissions Requirements:
- Admission to Winona State University
- 2.5 GPA
- Active RN license
- Meeting with RN-BS program advisor
Curriculum:
- Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Concepts in Professional Nursing
- Holistic Assessment
- Leadership and Management
- Issues and Trends in Managing Chronic Conditions
- Population-Based Healthcare
RN to BSN Program FAQs: Minnesota Edition
If you’re ready to start applying but still have some lingering questions, we can help. Here are the answers to five commonly-asked questions by prospective Minnesota online RN to BSN students.
How will an RN to BSN program in Minnesota prepare me for more opportunities?
Building on the foundational knowledge gained in your nursing diploma or ADN program — and experience working as an RN — your BSN program will provide you with greater depth and breadth of nursing skills to take on leadership and specialized practice roles.
Additionally, BSN degree holders can continue with their educations to earn a master’s degree leading to advanced specialized practice as a Nurse Practitioner and, further, pursue a doctorate to fill a top-tier position in medical research or postsecondary education.
How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Minnesota?
Completion times for online RN to BSN programs vary from program to program.
In Minnesota, some programs can be completed in as little as one year. Program examples include those at Augsburg University, Bemidji State University, and Winona State University.
Most programs offer part-time or self-paced options as well that can add another year or more to the program length, but by doing so provide students greater flexibility to earn their degree while continuing their RN jobs. For example, at Minnesota State University—Moorhead, RN to BSN students have the option of taking one, two, or three courses per term.
How affordable are RN to BSN programs in Minnesota?
Affordability is a concern for practically all college students. And while some RN to BSN programs are more affordable than others, if you’re looking to choose an online RN to BSN program in Minnesota, you should expect to find most charging per-credit rates from the low-to-mid $100’s to over $1,400.
Examples include:
- Minnesota State University—Mankato is $367.90/credit
- Metro State University is $385.25/credit
- Augsburg University is $1,439/credit
- Minnesota State University—Moorhead is $377.27/credit.
Some schools, such as Bemidji State University and Winona State University, offer banded tuition, meaning you pay the same per-semester price for 12 credits to 18 credits — a great savings advantage if you’re able to study full time.
Remember, though, that your total program price tag will depend on a number of elements, including tuition rate, additional fees and expenses, and the total number of credits you need to earn.
Is there financial aid available to Minnesota RN to BSN students?
Online RN to BSN students in Minnesota may be eligible for various financial aid resources to help pay for their educations. Common funding types include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Loans
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discounts, deferment, and installment plans
When applying to RN to BSN programs in Minnesota, don’t forget to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for government-subsidized loans and grants. And be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each school you’re considering for the latest information on funding help for your RN to BSN program.
In Minnesota, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?
There are two main components to ensuring the quality of any online RN to BSN program in Minnesota you’re considering:
- Approval by the Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Programmatic accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Proper accreditation is your way of knowing that a program has met important standards of academic quality. It’s also critical because many forms of financial aid are only available to students in properly-accredited programs.
Minnesota RN to BSN Salary and Career Info
While all levels of nursing can lead to a rewarding career, going from an RN with a nursing diploma or associate degree to one with a BSN significantly improves your job and salary prospects. As evidence, here are average annual salaries for RNs in Minnesota according to recent (January 2026) figures from ZipRecruiter:
- RNs with an ADN degree: $78,417
- RNs generally: $86,059
- RNs with a BSN degree: $90,898
These are, of course, average salary figures. What you actually earn in your Minnesota RN job will depend on several specific factors, the most impactful including:
- Your geographic location
- Your specific job title, responsibilities, and employer
- Your level of professional nursing experience
Job growth for RNs in Minnesota remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a growth rate of 5.3% for RNs in the state between 2022 and 2032, which is just slightly lower than the 5.6% projected for RNs in the nation overall.
Top Picks: Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
We’ve created the following rankings of online RN to BSN programs in Minnesota based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Specific factors considered for inclusion in our list include:
- Proper accreditation
- At least one online component
- Availability of academic counseling and career placement services
- Percentage of students participating in online learning
- Tuition
- Completion rates
- Amount of grant aid awarded
- Student-to-faculty ratio
To learn more about our program selection process, click the “About the ranking” button below.
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
- The RN to BSN program at Minnesota State University Moorhead offers flexible pacing with the ability to take one to three courses per term, accommodating working RN schedules.
- Students benefit from faculty expertise in online adult education and real-world clinical experiences arranged both locally and independently, enhancing practical skills.
- The program’s hybrid format meets F1 Visa international student requirements, broadening access for global learners seeking career advancement.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,173 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
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
- The RN-to-BSN program at Winona State University is entirely online with asynchronous classes, allowing working nurses to complete coursework flexibly at their own pace from anywhere.
- The program prepares students for Public Health Nurse certification and School Nurse licensure, enhancing career specialization and leadership opportunities in nursing.
- Credits previously earned from associate degrees or diplomas can be directly applied toward the BSN, saving students time and tuition costs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 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
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at St. Catherine University offers an accelerated timeline with completion possible in as little as 10-12 months, ideal for busy working nurses.
- The program provides maximal recognition of prior nursing education allowing transfer credits from associate degrees and other coursework, reducing time and cost to degree completion.
- There is no application fee for admission, easing access and reducing upfront financial barriers for prospective RN to BSN students.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,891 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 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 RN to BSN Bridge program offers personalized faculty advising to create individualized plans, allowing students to progress at their own pace and balance education with life commitments.
- The program integrates experiential learning with clinical experiences conducted locally, including family and elder care, public health, and practice improvement projects, strengthening practical expertise in students’ home regions.
- Rooted in the Lasallian Catholic tradition, the program fosters a compassionate nursing community emphasizing holistic care, self-care, and ethical development alongside professional nursing skills.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,035 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 18/1 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 RN to BSN Bridge program offers multiple merit-based scholarships, including up to $10,000 departmental awards specifically for nursing students.
- The program delivers a fully 100% online curriculum designed for working RNs, allowing flexible pacing with part-time or full-time study options that do not disrupt work schedules.
- Graduates of the program benefit from a 100% job placement rate and employer preference, with 77% of healthcare employers strongly preferring BSN-prepared nurses, enhancing career and salary prospects.
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 RN to BSN program offers an accelerated format with seven-week classes, allowing students to graduate in as little as one year while starting clinicals a full year earlier than most programs.
- The program boasts a 100% job placement rate for nursing graduates and 100% employer satisfaction, demonstrating strong workforce connections and career support.
- Experienced faculty provide personalized mentorship and build ongoing relationships, emphasizing servant leadership and compassionate teaching to support student success.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,176 Avg. Aid Amount
- 77% 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 RN to BSN Bridge program at College of Saint Scholastica offers tuition discounts for returning students and financial aid options tailored to working nurses, making it financially accessible.
- It features flexible online course delivery that accommodates working professionals, allowing nurses to continue employment while advancing their education with no in-person attendance required.
- The program is supported by faculty with extensive clinical and professional nursing experience, providing expert guidance and mentorship to enhance practical and leadership skills.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $25,130 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,755 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southwest Minnesota State University
- The SMSU RN to BSN Bridge program attracts students by offering accelerated and 16-week course options with flexible, customized academic plans that accommodate full-time work and family commitments.
- Students receive a free application opportunity using the code RN2BSN, reducing upfront enrollment costs.
- The program features expert nursing faculty dedicated to personalized instruction with strong community and rural population healthcare connections, enhancing practical learning and professional growth.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,755 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,340 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Cloud State University
- The RN to BSN program at St. Cloud State offers a cohort-based online format with personalized advising to support timely graduation and dedicated full-time nurse faculty instruction.
- Tuition for the RN to BS completion program is affordable, costing less than $10,000 total, making it an economical pathway to a bachelor's degree in nursing.
- The program includes a capstone experience with clinical partnerships in students' home communities, providing applied learning directly relevant to their professional practice.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,340 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MNProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,235 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Minnesota State University-Mankato
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Minnesota State University Moorhead offers an accelerated pathway to earn both BSN and MSN degrees completely online, saving significant time and tuition costs.
- The program provides personalized academic advising to create individual study plans, allowing students to progress flexibly at their own pace while balancing work and life commitments.
- Faculty members are doctorally prepared and experienced, offering high-quality mentorship and instruction informed by current nursing professional standards and employer input.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,235 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program 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*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- 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.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 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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