Registered nurses (RNs) looking to become leaders in the healthcare workforce are increasingly going back to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). This advanced degree can lead to promotions, specialized nursing careers, and a higher salary. Minnesota is leading the charge by encouraging their schools to offer RN to BSN programs for nurses who currently hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing and want to move up to the next level in their careers.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Minnesota? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list considers quality, flexibility, and affordability. Start advancing your nursing education today. Check out our rankings to make an informed choice. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN - Public 4-Year - smsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Southwest Minnesota State University's RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement through a flexible, fully online format. This program stands out by accommodating working nurses with customizable pacing and recognition of prior learning, eliminating the need for additional entrance exams. It emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates for diverse healthcare roles. Accredited by CCNE and ACEN, it offers a practical pathway to public health nursing eligibility, requiring a 2.30 minimum nursing GPA and completion of 120 credits, including 40 at the upper level.

  • Fully online flexible program
  • No set credit requirements
  • CCNE and ACEN accredited
  • Prior learning credits awarded
  • Public health nurse eligibility
  • 2.30 minimum nursing GPA
  • 120 total credits required
  • 40 upper-level credits
  • Working nurse-friendly curriculum
#2

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a distinctive RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus sessions, catering to the busy schedules of working nurses. Accredited by the CCNE, it boasts a 100% employment rate post-graduation, underscoring its effectiveness in preparing nurses for advanced roles. The curriculum, delivered by doctorally prepared faculty, emphasizes practical application in diverse healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership positions. With an impressive 86% career advancement potential, this program stands out as a prime choice for nurses aiming for both personal and professional growth.

  • Hybrid online/on-campus format
  • 100% employment rate
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Experienced doctorally prepared faculty
  • 86% career advancement potential
#3

Winona State University

Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Winona State University offers an RN-to-BS Completion Program tailored for licensed RNs seeking to elevate their professional standing. This fully online program emphasizes leadership development and advanced patient care techniques, catering to the schedules of working nurses with its asynchronous coursework. With a 40-credit curriculum that acknowledges prior academic achievements, students can efficiently transition into higher-paying roles in healthcare management or public health. The program, accredited by the CCNE, includes 60 hours of experiential learning, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare environments. Additionally, it serves as a stepping stone for those aiming for public health certification.

  • Fully online degree completion
  • 40 credit program
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Flexible asynchronous coursework
  • 60 hours experiential learning
  • Pathway to public health certification
#4

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN - Public 4-Year - bemidjistate.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Bemidji State University offers an affordable and flexible RN to BSN online program, designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. With a total cost under $11,000, students can complete the program in as little as one year, benefiting from 100% online coursework. The program stands out by offering 15 free nursing credits and the opportunity to earn certifications in Public Health Nursing and End of Life Nursing. It prepares graduates for diverse roles in healthcare, from critical care to leadership, without the need for a statistics course. A 2.5+ GPA and an RN license are required for admission.

  • 100% Online Program
  • Less than $11,000 Total Cost
  • Flexible Part-Time Options
  • 15 Free Nursing Credits
  • No Statistics Course Required
  • Public Health Nursing Certification
  • End of Life Nursing Certification
  • Customized Graduation Plan
  • 2.5+ GPA Requirement
  • RN License Needed
#5

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN - Public 4-Year - stcloudstate.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Option

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Cloud State University offers an RN-BS Completion Option, a streamlined online program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This 30-credit curriculum is designed for completion within a year, focusing on leadership development and broadening professional horizons. Priced at around $11,000 for Minnesota residents, with a per-credit cost of $377, the program stands out for its affordability and flexibility, catering to both part-time and full-time students. Admission requires a 2.50 GPA and active RN licensure, setting the stage for graduates to pursue advanced positions and eligibility for public health certification. The program's CCNE accreditation underscores its quality and relevance in the nursing field.

  • 30-credit online nursing program
  • Completion in 12 months
  • Part-time or full-time options
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
  • Courses every seven weeks
  • Approximately $11k total tuition
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Public health certification eligible
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

Fast & Affordable Program Options

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to advance your nursing career, bridge programs (such as an RN to BSN program) are a great option. These programs can often be completed in half the amount of time, saving you money on tuition and allowing you to hold other commitments in your schedule such as work or family obligations.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

To save the most time in a BSN degree program, many nurses leverage their experience and credentials and enroll in an RN to BSN program. These fast-tracked bridge programs accept a large number of credits from associate programs and work with nurses who have their licenses to deliver the shortest possible enrollment period. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed two years or less. Here are a few of the shortest RN to BSN programs in Minnesota.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Minnesota State UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year
St. Catherine UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

You may (in some unique instances) find an RN to BSN program that allows certain students to only commit six months to their education. Eligible candidates with a large number of transferable credits, a current license, and several years of nursing experience can apply to these types of programs where they exist, though you will likely have a hard time finding them in Minnesota.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Beyond the timeliness of an RN to BSN, you can also look forward to saving a lot of money on tuition! Many RN to BSN programs cost only half as much as a traditional BSN — or even less. Like most bachelor’s degree programs, many schools hosting RN to BSN programs categorize their tuition costs by residency status, so if you are a Minnesota state resident, you can look forward to additional savings. Here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in the state:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Minnesota State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$9,444 per year (Resident)

$18,814 per year (Non-Resident)

St. Cloud State UniversityRN to BSN$10,117 per year (Resident)

$20,001 per year (Non-resident)

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

There are typically strict criteria necessary for admittance into a good RN to BSN program. The following are examples of real entrance requirements that accredited schools in Minnesota list in order to be eligible for their RN to BSN programs:

  • Current, unencumbered RN license
  • Nursing GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Must submit transcripts from all colleges attended

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Students in an RN to BSN program will need a total of 120 credits to graduate, although roughly 30 of these will be core nursing courses. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers the following upper-division nursing courses as part of their program:

  • NURS 342: Care of Diverse Populations
  • NURS 370: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
  • NURS 420L: Gerontological Nursing to Promote Successful Aging
  • NURS 450: Applied Pathophysiology
  • NURS 472: Leadership and Professional Development

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

Learn about the best RN tp BSN programs in the state in our listings below:

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

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Bemidji, MN

Bemidji State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Less than $11,000 Total Cost
    • Flexible Part-Time Options
    • 15 Free Nursing Credits
    • No Statistics Course Required
    • Public Health Nursing Certification
    • End of Life Nursing Certification
    • Customized Graduation Plan

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University-Mankato

  • Bachelor's - RN Baccalaureate Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Curriculum
    • Rolling Admission Available
    • Flexible Start Times
    • Individualized Learning Approach
    • Affordable Tuition

Marshall, MN

Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online flexible program
    • No set credit requirements
    • CCNE and ACEN accredited
    • Prior learning credits awarded
    • Public health nurse eligibility
    • 2.30 minimum nursing GPA
    • 120 total credits required
    • 40 upper-level credits

Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Asynchronous online format
    • 12-month completion possible
    • 32-36 credit requirements
    • Multiple start times annually
    • Transcultural nursing focus
    • Community immersion experiences
    • Public health nursing certification
    • Flexible pathway options

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/on-campus format
    • 100% employment rate
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Experienced doctorally prepared faculty
    • 86% career advancement potential

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • 30-credit online nursing program
    • Completion in 12 months
    • Part-time or full-time options
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
    • Courses every seven weeks
    • Approximately $11k total tuition
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Public health certification eligible

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, part-time flexible format
    • Holistic nursing approach
    • Health equity focus
    • Five semester progression
    • 31 nursing major credits
    • Two courses per semester
    • Endorsed by Holistic Nursing Credentialing
    • Public health nursing eligible

St Catherine University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online degree completion program
    • 22-28 total program credits
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Current RN licensure needed
    • Practicum-integrated courses
    • Leadership and systems focus
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Population health curriculum

Winona, MN

Winona State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online degree completion
    • 40 credit program
    • Prepares for leadership roles
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Flexible asynchronous coursework
    • 60 hours experiential learning
    • Pathway to public health certification
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.