Nursing Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Last Updated On Jul 27, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Minneapolis

Choosing the right nursing school is a critical decision. Our rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Minneapolis help students compare programs based on NCLEX pass rates, the gold standard for nursing program quality. Registerednursing.org has analyzed recent data to identify top performers. For our methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates improved significantly from 2022 to 2023, with a slight dip in 2024. Test-taker numbers grew each year, indicating expanding program capacity.

2022: 79.29% average pass rate (478 students)
2023: 91.11% average pass rate (506 students)
2024: 89.91% average pass rate (545 students)

Top Performing Schools

Three schools lead with the highest average pass rates over the available years. Bethel University and University of Northwestern-St Paul show exceptional consistency.

Bethel University: 93.78% average pass rate (241 students, 3 years)
University of Northwestern-St Paul: 93.55% average pass rate (155 students, 3 years)
University of St Thomas: 91.67% average pass rate (36 students, 1 year)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Smaller programs post the highest average pass rates, while medium-sized programs trail slightly. All size categories remain above 88%.

Small (<50 students/year): 91.87% average pass rate (123 students)
Medium (50-100 students/year): 88.78% average pass rate (303 students)
Large (>100 students/year): 90.76% average pass rate (119 students)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Only two programs maintain an average pass rate above 90% across at least two years, reflecting outstanding stability.

Bethel University: 93.78% average pass rate over 3 years
University of Northwestern-St Paul: 93.55% average pass rate over 3 years

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - bethel.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethel’s B.S.N. program blends rigorous nursing science with a Christ-centered worldview, preparing you to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in a wide range of healthcare settings. Through hands-on clinical rotations at over 30 partner agencies in the Twin Cities, you’ll build experience in hospitals, clinics, public health, and more. State-of-the-art simulation labs let you practice high-stakes scenarios in a safe environment. Faculty mentors guide you in research and ethical decision-making, while career coaching starts from day one. You’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills grounded in Christian values. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and enter a growing field with strong earning potential. Whether you aim for hospital nursing, community health, or graduate study, Bethel’s supportive community and practical focus set you up for a fulfilling career.

4-Year program
2.8 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
Christ-centered learning community
Life-like simulation labs
Over 30 clinical agencies
Career coaching and preparation

Bachelor's - Post-Baccalaureate Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethel University's Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is an accelerated BSN pathway for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions in St. Paul, MN, allowing you to finish in as few as 15-20 months. The curriculum builds critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and compassionate care from a faith-based perspective. You'll learn to apply research, lead effectively, and communicate across diverse settings. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, public health, and more. With a 99% employment or continuing education rate, this program prepares you for immediate impact. Tuition is $891 per credit, and scholarships like the Brace Scholarship are available. Faculty mentors provide support throughout your journey.

$891 per credit
Complete in Finish in as few as 15-20 months
99% job placement rate
2.9 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
Accelerated pathway to licensure
Faith-based nursing education

Show 1 More Programs ˅

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - unwsp.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Northwestern-St. Paul’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year, 125-credit program that blends medical knowledge, clinical skills, and spiritual formation. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing theory, with state-of-the-art simulations and hands-on clinical experiences at leading Twin Cities hospitals like M Health Fairview and Mayo Clinic. Students choose between a standard path with summers off or an accelerated option. The program emphasizes servant leadership and faith integration, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, community health, and more. With a 94% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2021-24) and 80% employment within one year, graduates are well-prepared for licensure and careers in diverse nursing settings. Flexible connected learning combines in-person and online instruction, while faculty provide individualized support. Accredited by CCNE.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
4-Year program
Complete in four-year BSN degree
125 total credit hours
Full-time and part-time options
Starts fall/spring
Synchronous and asynchronous options
94% licensure pass rate
80% job placement rate
476 clinical hours

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a rigorous education on both the Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. With a 93% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and 92% on-time graduation, the program prepares students for licensure and diverse nursing careers. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it blends the intimacy of a small college with Big 10 University resources. The innovative curriculum includes unique experiences such as following patients through the healthcare system at Tribal Colleges and Universities. Freshmen are admitted to the Twin Cities campus, while transfer students study in Rochester. Graduates emerge ready for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
93% licensure pass rate
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
92% on-time graduation rate
Located in Twin Cities and Rochester
Community of small college within Big 10
Innovative curriculum sends students to TCUs

University of St Thomas

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stthomas.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of St. Thomas prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a unique focus on whole-person wellness and health equity. The four-year curriculum integrates 56 nursing credits with supporting coursework in biology, psychology, and anatomy. Students gain real-world experience through clinical placements in areas like pediatrics, obstetrics, and public health. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and advocacy, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Accredited by CCNE, the program offers direct admission for qualified high school seniors and scholarship opportunities. Students benefit from a dedicated clinical placement specialist and receive iPads for coursework. With a strong foundation in liberal arts and nursing science, graduates are equipped to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care in diverse healthcare settings.

CCNE accredited
4-Year program
131 total credit hours
Starts fall
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
Emphasis on whole-person wellness and health equity
Clinical placements in pediatrics, obstetrics, public health

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis, MN - Public 2-Year - minneapolis.edu

Associate - Associate in Science Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minneapolis College's Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares you for a career as a registered nurse (RN) through a concept-based, evidence-driven curriculum. Over four semesters of weekday daytime classes, you'll learn the nursing process, health assessment, medication administration, therapeutic communication, and care planning. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue over 100 nursing roles, from public health to travel nursing. The program features expert faculty, state-of-the-art technology, and a seamless dual admission to Augsburg University's BSN program, allowing you to earn a bachelor's degree in as little as one additional year. With ACEN accreditation since 1975 and a 91.25% NCLEX pass rate, this program provides a strong foundation for your nursing career.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
Entrance exam required
Exams: TEAS
4-Semester program
64 total credit hours
2 start dates per year
Starts fall/spring
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Dually admitted to Augsburg BSN program

*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

For those who don't hold an RN license, there are numerous entry-level degree pathways in the Minneapolis area. Students can opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or even a high-level Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN).

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses want to build on their existing licensure and experience working with patients to move into a career as an RN. These LPNs may be interested in LPN to RN bridge programs, which shorten the amount of time it takes to earn an associate’s degree in nursing. The program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College, for example, awards LPNs with unencumbered licenses five credits toward their ADN degree.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is the shortest way to earn a basic RN education. These 2-year programs are often available at community and state colleges and are quite common. The Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) unites many community colleges in the Minneapolis area to promote baccalaureate nursing education. As part of this initiative, schools such as Anoka-Ramsey Community College offer an ADN degree with the option to continue on to earn a BSN.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Direct-entry BSN programs are designed for students who have not previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma. These classic 4-year degrees are starting to become more commonplace for healthcare employers, who often prefer them over lesser degree types. St. Catherine University in Minneapolis offers a traditional BSN pathway in which students take courses like Holistic Care of Adults, Nutrition Foundations, and more.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

This is a less common nursing program that allows a student to earn a master's degree in nursing in an accelerated format. Typically, these programs require that the applicant already holds a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. St. Catherine University in St. Paul offers an entry-level MSN program that can be completed in just 26 months.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are often referred to as "bridge" programs because they allow ADN-educated RNs the chance to advance their education in a shorter amount of time by bridging the gap in knowledge. These programs are often available in online formats.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program is a popular way for RNs with an ADN or diploma to earn a baccalaureate degree. Once prerequisite courses are completed, students move on to the bachelor's degree portion of the program. Metropolitan State University, for example, offers an RN to BSN program that requires just 32 total credits taken in 5 consecutive semesters to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those who wish to specialize in an advanced practice area, the RN to MSN pathway is ideal. Capella University, for example, offers an online RN to MSN program in a variety of concentrations, including Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership & Administration. These tracks require roughly 66 total credits to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

Looking to advance a nursing career? This table lists RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs across the country. Each entry shows the school's city and state, highlights what makes the program stand out, and provides a direct link to the program page. Use this list to compare options and find the right fit for your goals.

Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg University

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 12-Month program
- 32 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available

Capella University

RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- FlexPath learning format available
- CCNE accredited program
- 9 core courses required
- 180 total quarter credits
- 135 maximum transfer credits
- 40 practicum hours required
- Capstone project included

Walden University

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- Finish in as few as 9 months
- Tuition $14,065 for course-based
- Transfer up to 75% of credits
- No application fee
- No essay required
- Valid RN license required
- 46 quarter credits required

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University

RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 5-Semester program
- Complete in Five semester progression
- 31 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes

St Catherine University

RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Practicum requirement in two courses
- Designed for registered nurses only
- Public Health Certification option
- CPR certification required
- Admission requires unencumbered RN license
- Population-based nursing practice courses

*Source: IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Advanced nursing program options are available for those who want to access the highest positions as nurse practitioners. Pathways include the traditional MSN degree, the post-master's certificate, and even doctoral programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).

MSN Programs

The MSN degree is a common post-graduate nursing degree. Typically requiring around 2 years beyond a BSN degree, the MSN degree allows students to specialize in a number of concentrations.

Learn more about Minnesota Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate programs are designed for nurses who have already earned an MSN degree, but who wish to change specializations. This allows them to do so without having to obtain another lengthy degree. The University of Minnesota offers many post-master's certificates in specialties such as Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.

Learn more about Minnesota Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral programs are considered terminal degree types in nursing. Students can choose between earning a DNP, which focuses on clinical practice, or a Ph.D., which focuses on education and research. Metropolitan State University offers both a BSN to DNP and an MSN to DNP. The University of Minnesota offers a Ph.D. in nursing program that takes 4-5 years to complete, on average.

Learn more about Minnesota DNP Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Minneapolis

Looking for advanced practice nursing programs in Minneapolis? We've rounded up a list of APRN options, including MSN, DNP, and NP tracks. The table below shows each school's city and state, program highlights, and direct links to the program pages. Whether you're aiming for a master's or a doctorate, this roundup covers key details to simplify your search. Scroll through the table to compare your choices and jump straight to the official pages for the most up-to-date information.