Nursing in Minnesota

Minnesota has a large number of nursing programs, but they are largely concentrated in urban and suburban areas, especially the Twin Cities metro region. Out of 76 nursing schools across 77 cities, most are clustered in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, and a few other regional centers. Rural areas and northern Minnesota have limited access to nursing education, which can affect local healthcare staffing and create barriers for students outside metro zones.

The nursing job market in Minnesota remains relatively steady. There are about 66,700 registered nurse (RN) positions statewide, with no immediate signs of oversaturation. Employers like Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, HealthPartners, and Fairview provide many nursing jobs, but competition is higher in these urban health systems. Rural hospitals and clinics often face nurse shortages, especially in specialty care roles. The high cost of living in areas like Minneapolis can offset salary gains; the average RN salary of $94,830 ranges widely ... from about $73,000 in rural settings to over $120,000 in specialized urban roles. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn less on average, around $58,870.

Minnesota’s NCLEX pass rates average 83.4%, which is slightly below the national average. Rates vary widely by program, from 75.5% to 89.4%. Lower pass rates have been linked to some for-profit nursing schools with less rigorous admission and education standards, though most public and non-profit programs maintain steady outcomes. The pass rate trend has been stable in recent years. Students should review program-specific data closely when choosing a school.

Regarding licensure, Minnesota is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means nurses licensed in Minnesota cannot automatically practice in other compact states without obtaining additional state licenses. Reciprocity exists but can involve extra steps, affecting cross-state mobility compared to compact states.

Program costs in Minnesota vary by level and institution type. LPN programs at community colleges typically cost between $6,000 and $12,000 for tuition and fees. ADN programs usually run from $8,000 to $15,000, while BSN programs at public universities range widely, often $15,000 to $30,000 for in-state students. Private schools have higher tuition, sometimes exceeding $40,000. These costs must be considered alongside Minnesota’s above-average cost of living, especially housing in metro areas.

You can explore nursing programs by degree type, check detailed NCLEX pass rates, and find scholarship options tailored to Minnesota students below.