Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota (2026)

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Minnesota Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$124,367
Salary OutlookMinnesota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMinnesota Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Minnesota offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Minnesota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Minnesota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Minnesota

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Minnesota.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria, MN BOC Score 74.5
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 64%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,393
Avg net price $13,691/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 38

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, MN BOC Score 72.2
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 52%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,938
Avg net price $13,548/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$6,679
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$6,679
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN BOC Score 68.7
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,827
Avg net price $10,046/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 62

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Rochester, MN BOC Score 82.8
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $79,652
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Minnesota

Nursing professionals in Minnesota experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Minnesota.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Minnesota)
Registered Nurse$101,510
Licensed Practical Nurse$63,750
Nurse Anesthetist$266,190
Nurse Midwife$134,810
Nurse Practitioner$133,260
Nursing Assistant$46,680

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Minnesota?

Choosing a program in Minnesota can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Minnesota offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Minnesota Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Minnesota accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Minnesota compare to other states?

Minnesota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Minnesota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Minnesota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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