Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and admissions for Moorhead-area practical nursing schools
The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area houses two major health systems, a VA hospital, and a dense network of long-term care providers, employers that consistently draw from local practical nursing graduates. Programs in and near Moorhead can be completed in as little as 12 months, making an LPN license one of the fastest entries into a region where healthcare remains the dominant employment sector.
Across the Red River or within Minnesota’s border, students choose between public community college tracks and private university options, each with different price points and NCLEX track records. The real decision hinges on balancing upfront cost with long-term pass-rate data and job-placement patterns.
Moorhead’s location gives students access to clinical sites on both sides of the state line, a feature that can broaden a new LPN’s professional network before graduation.
The Moorhead area's practical nursing landscape is shaped by its position on the Minnesota–North Dakota border. While the city itself hosts one dedicated LPN program at Minnesota State Community and Technical College's Moorhead campus, nearby public institutions in North Dakota provide additional affordable, campus-based options within commuting distance. This mix gives students a choice of state systems and program structures without needing to relocate far.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls, MN | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Commuters seeking a local public option | |
Minnesota State Community and Technical College serves the Moorhead area directly with a campus in the city, making it the most accessible public option for local students. The college offers a streamlined 40-credit practical nursing diploma that can be completed in two semesters, with both fall and spring start terms. Small class sizes and supervised clinical rotations in area healthcare settings emphasize hands-on learning. The program holds NLN CNEA accreditation and is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
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| #2 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | $6,000 – $7,000/yr | Career changers with a CNA background | |
North Dakota State College of Science offers a practical nursing diploma with campuses in Wahpeton and Fargo, both within a reasonable commute of Moorhead. The three-semester program is competitively admitted using a point-based system, and it emphasizes clinical depth through partnerships with regional facilities. Students must hold CNA certification before applying and complete a rigorous 42-credit curriculum that includes an essential functions verification.
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| #3 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | $12,000/yr (net price) | Students who thrive in small cohort settings | |
Valley City State University, in partnership with Dakota College at Bottineau, offers an accelerated 11-month practical nurse certificate. The program operates on the Valley City campus, about an hour's drive from Moorhead, and admits students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have completed the TEAS exam. Small cohort sizes and faculty mentorship define the student experience, with graduates prepared for entry-level LPN positions across North Dakota and Minnesota.
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What should you look for when comparing Moorhead LPN programs? Our ranking distills the decision into three measures that reflect both program quality and value.
All programs were identified within a 75-mile radius of Moorhead to include the most relevant local options. Beyond these three factors, we also consider program-level earnings and median debt data from the College Scorecard wherever available, providing a longer-term return-on-investment perspective for your decision.
LPN program costs near Moorhead span a wide range. In-state tuition rates start as low as $4,738 at Pine Technical & Community College and can exceed $12,000 at private options. However, the net price, what students actually pay after grant aid, is often higher than tuition alone at many public schools, reflecting living expenses and other costs; this is an institution-wide average and individual circumstances vary.
Getting into a practical nursing program means meeting specific academic and administrative criteria set by each school. These LPN education requirements typically cover entrance exam scores, prior coursework, and health and safety clearances. While the end goal, sitting for the NCLEX-PN, is state-regulated, each institution handles admissions a bit differently.
At Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Moorhead, applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and achieve a score aligned with program guidelines. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses is common. Rasmussen University’s Moorhead campus requires the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment. Both schools look for a solid high school or college academic record, but exact cut scores can shift each admission cycle.
Before applying, candidates usually complete foundational courses like anatomy and physiology, English composition, and math. M State and Rasmussen both require proof of immunizations (MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, flu), a negative TB test, and a criminal background check. You'll also need a high school diploma or GED. The Minnesota Board of Nursing sets the state-level eligibility standards for eventual licensure, so schools align their admission steps with those requirements.
Start by visiting M State’s Practical Nursing program page and clicking on “Admissions” or “How to Apply.” For Rasmussen, go to the Moorhead/Fargo campus listing and find the Practical Nursing overview. If deadlines, forms, or exam score thresholds are unclear, call or email the admissions office directly. They can provide the most up-to-date program brochure or catalog. Don't rely solely on third-party summaries, since requirements can change between application windows.
Public community college or private university: both paths lead to the same licensing exam, but NCLEX-PN pass rates can reveal meaningful differences in program strength. Knowing where to find accurate, current data helps you weigh those differences without relying on marketing claims alone.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes annual pass-rate data for every approved practical nursing program in the state on its Education Statistical Data page. The most recent report covers 2022, 2025 and includes first-time NCLEX-PN rates for both Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) and the Rasmussen University Moorhead/Fargo campus. NCSBN also maintains a public dashboard with national and state-level averages; in 2025, the first-time pass rate for all U.S.-educated candidates was 83.4 percent.
Beyond individual school numbers, the statewide average for Minnesota provides a benchmark. While the Board does not calculate a single composite figure, you can compare each program’s performance against the national 83.4 percent rate or against peer institutions. For broader nursing workforce context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National League for Nursing offer additional outcomes data, such as employment trends and program accreditation standards.
LPNs in Moorhead earn less than the statewide median, but the lower cost of living in the Fargo-Moorhead area can stretch those dollars further. Understanding both the wage landscape and demand helps you decide whether a local program launches a practical, sustainable career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage of $43,850 for Licensed Practical Nurses in the Fargo-Moorhead-Fergus Falls metropolitan area.1 That sits well below the Minnesota statewide mean of $61,2702 and the national median of $62,3403. Lower local wages often reflect the region’s mix of rural and smaller-city employers, but the trade-off shows up in affordable housing and day-to-day expenses. When comparing offers, weigh the full compensation picture, not just the salary number.
Nationwide, LPN employment is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, adding about 54,400 openings each year when you factor in replacements.3 In the Moorhead area, an aging population and persistent rural healthcare needs keep demand steady. Long-term care facilities, home health services, and clinic support roles drive much of the local hiring, so graduates who pursue geriatric or chronic-care specializations tend to find opportunities quickly.
For Moorhead LPN program completers, detailed earnings data is not yet available from the Department of Education’s College Scorecard. This gap means you cannot see first-year earnings by institution, but state and regional wage figures still offer a realistic baseline. As the Scorecard releases updated information, comparison across local schools will become clearer.
Can I go from LPN to RN without starting over in the Moorhead area? Yes, several colleges in the Fargo–Moorhead region offer bridge pathways that let you use your practical nursing license as a foundation for an RN credential. Below are the nearby options.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) runs a campus-based LPN to Associate Degree Nursing bridge on its Moorhead campus. The program takes about 12 months to complete and awards an Associate of Science in Nursing. A background check is required, and some general education courses may be available online.
Just across the Red River in Wahpeton, North Dakota State College of Science offers a 9-month LPN-to-RN bridge leading to an Associate in Applied Science. Classes are primarily face-to-face with a few online components. Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25, and the priority deadline is April 15. A background screening is also part of the admission process.
If you want a BSN, North Dakota State University in Fargo has a three-year LPN-to-BSN track that is mostly online but includes a required summer session and in-person clinicals. Admission requires passing NLN advanced placement exams in four nursing content areas.
Further afield, the University of Mary’s LPN-to-BSN program blends online coursework with up to 26 days on campus and can be finished in about two years. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is needed.
For a complete list of LPN programs across the state, check the Minnesota LPN program directory. Bridge details can change, so always confirm the latest requirements directly with the school.
Here are answers to the most common questions about practical nursing training in Moorhead, Minnesota. Use these quick responses to help decide which program fits your goals.
