Compare NCLEX pass rates, costs, and outcomes for every accredited ND nursing program.
Two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s: the first real fork in the road for North Dakota nursing students. Associate programs like those at Bismarck State College and Dakota College at Bottineau net out under $11,000, while private BSN options such as the University of Mary carry a net price closer to $18,000.
The calculus extends beyond tuition. Statewide NCLEX pass rates remain solid, and even in rural communities where ADN-prepared nurses provide essential care, employers increasingly favor the BSN for leadership and specialty roles. These competing pressures, balancing lower upfront cost against broader long-term mobility, define the early program selection process.
This ranking highlights North Dakota nursing programs that combine strong academic outcomes, affordability, and unique workforce-aligned features. We considered factors such as graduation rates, net price, program accreditation, and graduate earnings. Several schools stand out for their dedicated pathways to rural healthcare and tuition-saving initiatives.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | Tuition-free scholars with guaranteed job placement | |
University of Mary offers a CCNE-accredited BSN with flexible pathways, including LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN options, and boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates. A standout is the tuition-free Nursing Academy, launched in 2023, which provides 30 full-tuition scholarships per year for high-achieving freshmen who commit to the Year-Round Campus model and finish in about 2.6 years with a guaranteed employment offer upon graduation. The program emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on clinical experience.
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| #2 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | $19,000/yr | Rural care advocates seeking strong ROI | |
The University of North Dakota's BSN program is designed for students interested in serving rural and diverse populations, consistently exceeding national NCLEX pass rates with a 97% first-time pass rate. The on-campus program requires 121 credit hours over four years and features extensive clinical experiences and a state-of-the-art simulation center. Graduates enjoy a strong return on investment, with earnings reflecting high demand for nurses across the region.
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| #3 | North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | $16,000/yr | Students committed to underserved community health | |
North Dakota State University's BSN prepares nurses to improve health outcomes in underserved and rural communities through a three-year professional program that emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and collaborative practice. The curriculum includes pre-nursing advising and active student organizations, and admission is selective. The program's affordability and strong graduate earnings make it a compelling choice for students committed to community health.
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| #4 | Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Lake Region State College offers a hybrid ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a blend of classroom instruction and clinical practice. Designed for LPNs or paramedics, the program covers adult health, maternal-child nursing, and community health, with a strong record of student performance on the comprehensive predictor exam.
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| #5 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Bismarck State College offers an ADN through the statewide Dakota Nursing Program consortium, providing a hybrid 1+1 pathway that transitions LPNs to RNs. The program emphasizes a strong science foundation and prepares graduates for high-demand nursing roles across North Dakota. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and includes locally arranged clinical placements.
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| #6 | Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau, ND | $10,000/yr | ||
Dakota College at Bottineau's ADN program, a member of the Dakota Nursing Program, serves rural north-central North Dakota. The on-campus program requires a 2.75 GPA in prerequisites and includes clinical applications across acute care, long-term facilities, and community agencies. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
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| #7 | Williston State College | Williston, ND | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Williston State College provides a hybrid ADN accredited by NLN CNEA and tailored to western North Dakota's healthcare workforce needs. The program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. Financial aid is available, and admission requires CPR certification and completed prerequisites.
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| #8 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Minot State University's BSN offers over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experiences within a dynamic learning environment that includes high-fidelity simulations and public health nursing opportunities. The program is notable for its affordability, as it charges no out-of-state tuition increase, and offers guaranteed admission for qualified applicants. Multiple scholarships and an active Nursing Student Association support students throughout the 122-credit, four-year curriculum.
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| #9 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Dickinson State University's ACEN-accredited BSN program equips students with nursing skills through state-of-the-art simulation labs and a supportive learning environment. The on-campus program provides comprehensive hands-on training and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
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| #10 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Rasmussen University's CCNE-accredited BSN program in Fargo offers hybrid learning with small class sizes and no prerequisite courses for admission. Students can choose between a standard 33-month track or an accelerated 18-month second-degree option, and eight annual start dates provide flexibility. Hands-on clinical experiences and financial aid support the path to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
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| #11 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
University of Jamestown offers multiple nursing pathways, including a traditional BSN noted for small class sizes, a 99% employment rate, and opportunities to earn certifications like ACLS and PALS. The ASN is a hybrid online program with in-person clinicals in Fargo, ideal for those seeking a 20-month route to RN licensure. Additionally, a Direct Entry MSN allows career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's to earn a master's in 20 months. All programs emphasize patient-centered care and evidence-based practice.
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This table compares key factors for the main Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in North Dakota. Net price is an institution-wide average, so your actual cost after financial aid may vary. The 2026 NCLEX-RN pass rates have not yet been published by the state board; the column will be updated when available.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Institution Average) | Program Format | Graduation Rate | NCLEX Pass Rate (2026) | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | $9,118 | $9,118 | $14,092 | On-campus | 50.6% | Not yet published | ACEN |
| Minot State University | $8,702 | $8,702 | $12,703 | On-campus | 45.1% | Not yet published | CCNE |
| North Dakota State University | $10,910 | $15,564 | $15,543 | On-campus | 63.9% | Not yet published | Check program website |
| University of Jamestown | $24,990 | $24,990 | $19,567 | On-campus | 49.0% | Not yet published | Check program website |
| University of Mary | $22,356 | $22,356 | $17,770 | On-campus | 66.6% | Not yet published | CCNE |
| University of North Dakota | $10,951 | $15,570 | $18,551 | On-campus | 60.5% | Not yet published | CCNE |
Nursing school applicants in North Dakota have reason to be optimistic about licensure outcomes. While the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate has seen some volatility, dropping from around 92% in 20232 to 86.8% in the first quarter of 20261, North Dakota programs have historically outpaced that average. The North Dakota Board of Nursing sets a firm floor: every approved prelicensure nursing program must maintain a first-time pass rate of at least 80%3, and those that dip below that mark face close scrutiny. One standout example, the University of North Dakota's BSN program, posted a 97% first-time pass rate in 20232, underscoring the caliber of preparation available in the state.
NCLEX pass rates are much more than just a data point for school rankings. A consistently high first-time pass rate indicates that a program's curriculum aligns tightly with the NCSBN test plan, that faculty are skilled at teaching critical-thinking and clinical judgment, and that students receive robust support throughout their studies. When a program's pass rate lingers near the state-mandated minimum, it can point to curriculum gaps, insufficient clinical hours, or inadequate NCLEX-specific preparation. However, applicants should interpret these numbers with nuance. Small cohort sizes, common among many North Dakota nursing programs, mean that a handful of test failures can cause a dramatic percentage swing. A program with only 15 graduates might see its pass rate plummet from 93% to 80% if just two students fail. That's why the Board of Nursing evaluates multi-year trends rather than penalizing a single down year. Prospective students should look for programs with stable, above-average pass rates over three to five years.
When comparing schools, don't treat pass rates in a vacuum. Pair them with information on clinical placement quality, faculty-to-student ratios, and graduate satisfaction. Ask how many students complete the program on time and whether the school provides structured NCLEX prep resources like live review courses or adaptive testing platforms. A program that invests in early remediation and individualized academic coaching often translates that commitment into higher pass rates. Remember: a pass rate tells you what happened, but the support structures tell you how likely you are to be in the passing group.
The North Dakota Board of Nursing publishes the official, program-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates on its website, updated after each testing cycle. This is the most reliable source for current numbers, so bookmark it and check back before finalizing your application list. For national context, the NCSBN releases quarterly reports summarizing state and national averages. While school marketing materials may highlight impressive numbers, always verify them against the board's official records.
Aspiring nurses in North Dakota can choose from three main educational pathways. An ADN typically takes two years, a traditional BSN requires four, and an accelerated BSN for those who already hold a bachelor's degree can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Most employers across the state now favor BSN-prepared nurses, though all three routes lead to the same RN license.
Accelerated nursing tracks are reshaping how career changers enter the profession. In North Dakota, the landscape for these fast-paced programs remains compact but is evolving to meet demand. As of 2026, North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers the state's primary Accelerated BSN pathway, built for individuals who already hold a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing field.
NDSU's Accelerated BSN is a 14-month, full-time program delivered through a blended hybrid format. Courses combine online learning with on-site labs and clinical rotations at the Sanford Health campus in Bismarck. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing, ensuring graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Other state institutions have not yet introduced comparable prelicensure accelerated options. The University of North Dakota offers a traditional BSN, and the University of Jamestown provides an RN-to-BSN for current registered nurses. Minot State University focuses on traditional and online RN-to-BSN tracks, though no accelerated second-degree BSN was reported for 2025–2026. This means NDSU remains the go-to choice for students needing a direct, accelerated entry into nursing.
Accelerated second-degree programs are designed for career changers who want to transition into nursing without repeating a full four-year curriculum. Because students already possess a prior bachelor's degree, the pace is intensive, NDSU's 14-month timeline covers the same core nursing content as a traditional program but in a compressed schedule. Expect full-time study with limited breaks, and plan to prioritize the program over outside work during clinical phases.
Seats in North Dakota's accelerated programs are limited by faculty and clinical site availability. Prospective students should apply as early as possible and confirm all prerequisites are completed or in progress well before the deadline. Starting the process with an advising meeting at NDSU can clarify any missing requirements and strengthen your application.
Because North Dakota's program options remain few, candidates are encouraged to submit applications early and ensure all materials are complete. A strong academic record and a clear personal statement can help distinguish you in a competitive applicant pool.
Figuring out how to pay for nursing school can be just as important as choosing the right program. In North Dakota, the cost gap between a public community college associate degree and a private university bachelor's degree can be tens of thousands of dollars, but price alone doesn't tell the whole story. Graduates from pricier schools often carry heavier debt loads, yet they may also see higher early-career earnings. The key is weighing your budget against realistic borrowing and future salary expectations.
Net price, the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, varies dramatically across North Dakota institutions. According to the latest federal data, public two-year colleges like Williston State College report an average net price around $5,900, while Dakota College at Bottineau and Bismarck State College fall near $10,000 to $10,300. Public four-year schools such as Minot State University ($12,700), Lake Region State College ($13,600), and Dickinson State University ($14,100) sit in the middle. North Dakota State University ($15,500) and the University of North Dakota ($18,600) push higher. Private options carry the biggest sticker shock: the University of Mary averages $17,800 net, while the University of Jamestown tops $19,600.
These are institution-wide federal IPEDS figures, not program-specific, so your individual aid package may differ. Public schools generally offer lower tuition, but private schools sometimes provide generous institutional aid that can narrow the gap.
The median federal student loan debt for graduates tells a parallel story. Williston State ($10,100), Dakota College ($10,500), and Bismarck State ($11,500) leave students with relatively little to repay. Compare that to Dickinson State ($18,400), NDSU ($23,200), UND ($22,100), and the private University of Mary ($24,000) and University of Jamestown ($27,000). Under a standard 10-year repayment plan, a $10,000 loan at 6.8% interest costs about $115 a month; a $27,000 balance bumps that to over $310. Program-level earnings data isn't yet published, but these school-wide median earnings after graduation range from about $40,600 to $63,600, suggesting that for many, the debt is manageable relative to a nursing salary.
Another lens on affordability is the share of students receiving federal Pell Grants, which go to undergraduates with exceptional financial need. At Dakota College, 68% of students receive a Pell Grant, one of the highest rates in the state. Williston State (59%) and Lake Region State (59%) also serve many lower-income students. Four-year public schools like UND (36%) and NDSU (37%) have lower Pell shares, while private schools range from 35% at the University of Mary to 43% at the University of Jamestown. A high Pell percentage can indicate strong support systems for students with limited means, and often correlates with generous need-based aid packages.
Beyond federal aid, North Dakota offers several programs designed specifically for nursing students:
Individual aid packages will vary, so it's smart to file your FAFSA early and check with each school's financial aid office. Many programs combine state, federal, and institutional funds, and the net price you see on paper can look very different after you factor in scholarships and loan forgiveness.
Program-level earnings for North Dakota nursing graduates are not yet available from the U.S. Department of Education, making early-career comparisons across schools difficult. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary for registered nurses across the state that helps set a baseline for what you might anticipate.
Public university BSNs and private college programs both lead to RN licensure, but they differ sharply in price tag, campus culture, and clinical footprint. A large public institution like North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo offers a lower in-state tuition of $11,110 and broad partnerships with Sanford Medical Center and Essentia Health. A private option such as University of Mary in Bismarck costs $22,356 annually but embeds clinical rotations at CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Bismarck from day one, often with smaller class sizes. The best fit depends on how you balance cost, admission odds, and hands-on training opportunities.
Admissions rates vary widely across North Dakota BSN programs. NDSU admitted about 95% of applicants in the most recent available data, while the University of North Dakota (UND) accepted 77%, University of Mary 75%, and Minot State University around 65%. Dickinson State University was the most selective at 37%, whereas University of Jamestown admitted roughly 88%. A higher acceptance rate doesn't mean a program lacks rigor; it may reflect institutional mission or capacity. NDSU uses a points-based evaluation system that weighs prerequisite GPA, entrance exam scores, and other factors. Most programs require a minimum overall GPA between 2.75 and 3.0, and many set a separate prerequisite GPA threshold of 3.0 for science courses. Meeting these baselines doesn't guarantee a seat because cohort sizes are limited and competitive.
Clinical rotations are the backbone of your nursing education, so pay close attention to each school's health system affiliations. The hospitals and clinics where you train often become your professional network. - University of North Dakota: Altru Health System in Grand Forks anchors clinical experiences, with additional access to rural and regional sites. - North Dakota State University: Students rotate through Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Essentia Health, both major employers in the Red River Valley. - Minot State University: The primary partner is Trinity Health in Minot, offering exposure to a regional referral center serving northwestern North Dakota. - University of Mary: Clinical placements span CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Bismarck, giving nursing students direct experience in two large Bismarck-based systems. - University of Jamestown: Jamestown Regional Medical Center serves as the core clinical site, reinforcing a community-focused training model. These partnerships influence not only where you'll complete your 1,000-plus clinical hours but also where you might land your first nursing job after graduation.
Most North Dakota BSN programs are campus-based, with only Rasmussen University offering a hybrid option that blends online coursework with in-person clinicals. This matters in a state where clinical sites can be hundreds of miles apart. A campus-based program in Fargo, Grand Forks, or Bismarck centralizes your learning but may require occasional travel to rural rotation sites. UND and NDSU invest in simulation technology (UND's Clinical Resource and Simulation Center is a standout) to reduce the strain of geographic dispersion, yet real-world clinical hours still demand physical presence. If you live far from a major city, a program with a more distributed network, like the Dakota Nursing Program consortium through two-year colleges, might be a better logistical fit, though that option awards an associate degree rather than a BSN.
Every BSN program in North Dakota mandates a set of prerequisite courses, typically including Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, English Composition, Psychology, Statistics, and Communication/Speech. Most schools require an entrance exam, either the TEAS or HESI A2, and a background check upon acceptance. Some programs, like Dickinson State, may require CPR certification before starting clinicals. A few institutions offer direct admission from high school or early assurance pathways that bypass later competition, while others admit only after you complete prerequisites. Confirm whether your credits transfer cleanly, especially if you're coming from an out-of-state school or a North Dakota two-year college.
Pull together what you know about each program's cost, selectivity, and clinical reach. - Budget: In-state public tuition ranges from $10,951 (UND) to $11,110 (NDSU); private programs charge $22,356 (University of Mary) or $24,990 (University of Jamestown). Net price after aid can substantially narrow the gap. - Location: Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, and Jamestown each offer different living costs and lifestyle. Clinical partnerships within a city can mean less commuting but may limit exposure to rural health settings. - Career Goals: If you plan to work in rural North Dakota, UND's explicit rural-health emphasis or Minot's northwestern reach could be strategic. If you want an urban academic medical center setting, NDSU's Sanford connection may hold advantage. - Specialization Interests: While BSN programs cover generalist competencies, some schools embed unique strengths. For example, UND offers research participation and Sigma Theta Tau honor society involvement; University of Mary includes leadership and communication development across the curriculum.
Lining up your personal priorities with these program strengths helps you make a confident, informed choice.
Choosing a nursing program is a big decision. These short answers tackle the most common questions prospective students ask about North Dakota nursing schools, from program length and cost to NCLEX performance and online options.
