Nursing in Minnesota 2026

Best Colleges for Nursing in Minnesota 2026

With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Minnesota. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.

We analyzed 53 colleges and universities in Minnesota offering Nursing programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Nursing Programs in Minnesota

Detailed School Profiles

1. Crown College

Location: Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 22.8%
• In-State Tuition: $31,410 | Out-of-State: $31,410
• Enrollment: 796 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,300
• Average Financial Aid: $14,862

View full Crown College profile →

2. St Olaf College

Location: Northfield, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 48.3%
• In-State Tuition: $59,760 | Out-of-State: $59,760
• Enrollment: 3,093 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,700
• Average Financial Aid: $31,436

View full St Olaf College profile →

3. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN)

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 52%
• In-State Tuition: $13,058 | Out-of-State: $30,438
• Enrollment: 50,734 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,800
• Average Financial Aid: $9,521

View full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) profile →

4. Bemidji State University (BSU)

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $10,237 | Out-of-State: $10,237
• Enrollment: 3,139 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,300
• Average Financial Aid: $5,241

View full Bemidji State University (BSU) profile →

5. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
• In-State Tuition: $10,428 | Out-of-State: $10,428
• Enrollment: 3,072 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
• Average Financial Aid: $4,802

View full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile →

6. Gustavus Adolphus College

Location: Saint Peter, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• In-State Tuition: $56,076 | Out-of-State: $56,076
• Enrollment: 1,878 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,700
• Average Financial Aid: $31,858

View full Gustavus Adolphus College profile →

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Location: Marshall, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
• In-State Tuition: $10,361 | Out-of-State: $10,361
• Enrollment: 2,315 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $5,850

View full Southwest Minnesota State University profile →

8. Concordia College at Moorhead

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 62.7%
• In-State Tuition: $31,170 | Out-of-State: $31,170
• Enrollment: 1,829 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,200
• Average Financial Aid: $26,148

View full Concordia College at Moorhead profile →

9. Bethel University

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• In-State Tuition: $37,140 | Out-of-State: $37,300
• Enrollment: 3,692 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,100
• Average Financial Aid: $23,246

View full Bethel University profile →

10. St. Catherine University

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• In-State Tuition: $38,910 | Out-of-State: $39,554
• Enrollment: 4,859 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $42,700
• Average Financial Aid: $28,275

View full St. Catherine University profile →

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Minnesota

Selecting the best Nursing program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Minnesota residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Nursing.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Nursing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Nursing in Minnesota?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in Minnesota include Crown College, St Olaf College, and University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN).

How much does a Nursing degree cost in Minnesota?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Minnesota averages around $29,855 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Nursing degree from a Minnesota school?
Graduates from Minnesota's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.