Compare costs, outcomes, and program length for LPN schools within easy reach of Eagan.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul south metro continues to absorb LPNs faster than local training programs can graduate them, driven by expanding long-term care and home health sectors. Eagan itself does not host a public college LPN program, but multiple accredited LPN programs are within a straightforward commute, including options in Inver Grove Heights, Bloomington, and the surrounding counties. These programs differ sharply in cost, duration, and NCLEX-PN performance. While some public diploma tracks run under $7,000, others stretch longer and carry higher price tags. Employers in the region often use NCLEX-PN pass rates and clinical hour volume as hiring signals, making program selection an immediate career investment.
Finding the right LPN program means balancing commute, cost, and career goals. We ranked accredited schools within a manageable drive of Eagan based on outcomes, flexibility, and student support. Each option below offers a direct path to the NCLEX-PN and entry-level nursing roles across the Twin Cities metro and beyond.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | $18,000/yr | Eagan-area students valuing flexible hybrid delivery | |
Rasmussen University combines a fast-paced hybrid LPN diploma with deep Minnesota roots. While the practical nursing program is based at the St. Cloud campus, students benefit from a statewide network that includes a physical location in Eagan, easing access to local advising and employer connections. Eight start dates, no prerequisite coursework, and an LPN Care Grant make it a compelling choice for those who need to begin quickly.
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| #2 | Northwest Technical College | Bemidji, MN | $11,000/yr | Budget-conscious students seeking a hybrid pathway | |
Northwest Technical College in Bemidji offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited hybrid diploma that pairs online lectures with on-site labs and simulation training. The program is designed for students who want to later ladder into an associate degree in nursing, with transfer agreements in place. Small class sizes and experienced faculty create a supportive learning environment, and the net price is among the lowest in the state.
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| #3 | Pine Technical & Community College | Pine City, MN | $13,000/yr (net price) | Career changers prioritizing strong job placement | |
Pine Technical & Community College runs a campus-based diploma that routinely posts a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100% job placement. Admission is competitive and requires a TEAS exam along with current CNA certification, which helps ensure a cohort ready for rigorous clinical work. Full-time and part-time tracks are available, and ranked 4th in the state, the program explicitly feeds into an AD-Mobility RN pathway.
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| #4 | Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Alexandria Technical & Community College delivers a compact, campus-based diploma in two to three semesters. The program boasts a 92% NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 100% job placement rate, with graduates entering west-central Minnesota healthcare facilities. Applicants need a TEAS score of at least 50, CNA certification, and CPR/First Aid training, ensuring readiness for the intensive hands-on curriculum.
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| #5 | Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College | Cloquet, MN | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet provides a unique, campus-based LPN diploma with a mission to serve Indigenous and tribal communities. The short program length and foundational nursing focus make it a practical entry point for students who want to move directly into licensure. Financial aid is available, and the college's net price remains competitive for Minnesota residents.
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| #6 | Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | $11,000/yr | ||
Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers a hybrid ACEN-accredited diploma that graduates report NCLEX pass rates above the Minnesota average. The three-semester, 39-credit curriculum ladders directly into an Associate Nursing degree, and a partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University creates a seamless path to a BSN. Clinicals are placed in southwest Minnesota facilities, and multiple scholarship opportunities exist.
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| #7 | Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Riverland Community College in Austin provides a flexible, ACEN-accredited hybrid diploma with both full-time day and part-time evening tracks. The 39-credit program can be finished in two semesters full-time and uses clinical sites across southern Minnesota. Transfer agreements open doors to A.S. Nursing programs statewide, and strong advising plus scholarships support a quick, affordable launch into a growing LPN job market.
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LPN program costs near Eagan vary significantly. Tuition at public colleges ranges from about $4,700 to $6,500, while the private option is higher. After financial aid, net prices and typical graduate debt also differ, with earnings potential remaining fairly consistent across schools.
| School | Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | 10-Year Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Technical & Community College | $4,738 | $12,798 | $14,392 | $41,232 |
| Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College | $6,006 | $12,677 | $14,181 | $45,665 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | $6,236 | $13,691 | $12,000 | $49,393 |
| Northwest Technical College | $6,254 | $10,996 | $15,000 | $42,930 |
| Riverland Community College | $6,297 | $7,427 | $12,000 | $45,247 |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | $6,491 | $11,191 | $10,987 | $45,285 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $12,199 | $17,962 | $20,899 | $39,080 |
Most practical nursing programs in Minnesota take between 12 and 18 months to complete for a full-time student, leading to a diploma or certificate. The timeframe depends on each school's structure, clinical hour requirements, and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Rasmussen University in Eagan offers a full-time Practical Nursing Diploma that can be finished in as few as 12 months.1 The program runs year-round with eight start dates annually and uses a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals.2
Nearby community and technical colleges often provide part-time tracks for students who need to balance work or family obligations. While specific lengths are not published for every school, part-time LPN programs typically extend to 18-24 months. Evening and weekend classes are sometimes available. Contact admissions at Century College, Hennepin Technical College, or Minneapolis Community & Technical College to ask about current scheduling options.
Before you start the nursing core, you may need to complete prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. If you haven't already taken these, plan on an additional semester, extending your total time to 18-24 months even in a full-time program. Check each school's admission requirements: some incorporate prereqs into the program while others expect them to be done first.
Because program structures and clinical placements change, always confirm the most up-to-date duration on a school's official website. The data used in rankings on this page does not include program length, so we've pulled duration information directly from current catalogs and program pages where available. For the most accurate picture, ask about full-time, part-time, and accelerated pathways when you speak with an admissions advisor.
Minnesota’s practical nursing programs must maintain NCLEX-PN pass rates above the Board of Nursing’s benchmark. The most recent annual report shows that several schools in the Twin Cities south metro deliver strong first-time results, with one program achieving a 97% pass rate in 2025-2026. Always check a program’s multi-year trend when comparing options.
Several LPN programs near Eagan offer hybrid delivery, including Rasmussen University-Minnesota, Northwest Technical College, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and Riverland Community College. Campus-only programs are available at Pine Technical & Community College, Alexandria Technical & Community College, and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. No program can be completed entirely online because of mandatory clinical hours.
An LPN license near Eagan unlocks access to steady earning potential within Minnesota’s robust healthcare market.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area, the median annual wage for Licensed Practical Nurses is roughly $56,000 according to recent occupational data. This figure trails the national median of $59,730 only slightly. The earnings range, however, is broad. Entry-level positions aligned with the 10th percentile offer around $45,000, while experienced nurses at the 90th percentile earn nearly $71,000 annually. These benchmarks confirm that LPNs in the region can grow their income substantially as they build clinical expertise.
Program-level outcomes data provides a practical view of earnings a decade after enrollment. Graduates of the ranked practical nursing programs report median salaries that align with regional expectations once experience is factored in. - Alexandria Technical & Community College: $49,393 - Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College: $45,665 - Minnesota West Community and Technical College: $45,285 - Riverland Community College: $45,247 - Northwest Technical College: $42,930 - Pine Technical & Community College: $41,232 - Rasmussen University-Minnesota: $39,080
LPNs in Minnesota find the strongest earning potential in hospital systems, home healthcare agencies, and skilled nursing facilities. Demand for practical nurses continues to rise, supporting a positive long-term employment outlook for new graduates entering the field.
Deciding on a practical nursing program means balancing time, cost, and career goals. Below are straightforward answers to questions that many Eagan-area students ask before enrolling.
Public community colleges near Eagan keep tuition in the $4,700 to $6,500 range, while private options charge more for a similar license. NCLEX-PN pass rates also vary, and several programs now offer hybrid schedules that blend online coursework with in-person clinicals. Comparing LPN programs side by side is worth the effort.
To take the next step, request information from a few schools, verify their latest pass rates, and schedule a campus visit. Seeing the lab facilities and talking with instructors can confirm whether a program fits your goals before you commit.
