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.
The schools below offer accredited practical nursing programs within a reasonable commute of Eagan. They were compared on factors like program structure, accreditation, and student support to help you find the right launchpad for your nursing career.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount, MN | $14,000/yr (net price) | Commute-friendly South Metro students | |
Just a short drive from Eagan in Rosemount, Dakota County Technical College provides a campus-based Practical Nursing program spanning 43 credits. The curriculum integrates adult health, pharmacology, maternal-child health, and behavioral health concepts, with clinical rotations in long-term care and acute settings. The program's capstone course supports a seamless transition into professional LPN roles.
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| #2 | Saint Paul College | Saint Paul, MN | $11,000/yr | Hands-on learners valuing simulation labs | |
Saint Paul College in the heart of the capital city provides a three-semester Practical Nursing Diploma with a focus on hands-on simulation training in a state-of-the-art center. The program emphasizes small class sizes and has a notable job placement rate, with a median hourly wage for LPNs in Minnesota around $29. Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
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| #3 | Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park, MN | $10,000/yr | Cohort learners needing flexible clinicals | |
Hennepin Technical College, with campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, offers a two-semester Practical Nursing diploma designed for cohort-based learning. The ACEN-accredited program includes clinical rotations that may be scheduled during mornings, evenings, or weekends, accommodating diverse schedules. Graduates can seamlessly articulate into ADN or BSN programs through established pathways.
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| #4 | Anoka Technical College | Anoka, MN | $17,000/yr (net price) | ||
Anoka Technical College, located about 30 miles northwest of Eagan in Anoka, offers a one-year Practical Nursing Diploma accredited by ACEN. The program features rolling admissions with fall and spring start dates, and graduates benefit from a strong job placement rate in Minnesota's high-demand healthcare sector. Small class sizes and assigned faculty advisors provide personalized support throughout the curriculum.
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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.
