Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats at every approved ND practical nursing school.
In North Dakota, rural hospitals and long-term care facilities rely heavily on licensed practical nurses to deliver frontline care. The state’s six ranked LPN programs prepare students for this role, but costs, pass rates, and post-licensure earnings vary sharply.
Among affordable LPN programs, net prices range from under $6,000 to nearly $12,000, while median graduate earnings span roughly $39,000 to $54,000. NCLEX-PN pass rates swing as well, separating programs that deliver efficient preparation from those that leave students to retest.
The interplay of cost, exam performance, and early-career earnings shapes which program offers the most reliable path to licensure and a steady paycheck.
The 2026 rankings for LPN programs in North Dakota prioritize affordability and financial aid outcomes, spotlighting schools where students tend to graduate with manageable debt and solid earning potential. Each entry includes net price, institution-wide graduation rates, and graduate earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education. The following profiles highlight what sets each program apart for aspiring practical nurses in the state.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau, ND | $10,000/yr | Students seeking small, supportive cohorts | |
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Dakota College at Bottineau combines an 11-month curriculum with evidence-based, patient-centered training and hands-on clinical rotations. Small class sizes and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio foster personalized support, while the college's pre-accreditation from the NLN CNEA underscores its commitment to quality. Part of the statewide Dakota Nursing Program consortium, DCB also maintains a career-ladder partnership with Trinity Health for current employees, offering a strong pathway into the regional workforce.
| |||||
| #2 | Williston State College | Williston, ND | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | West North Dakota students wanting fast pace | |
Williston State's Dakota Practical Nursing program is an 11-month, campus-based certificate that includes a required summer term and clinical placements at local facilities like CHI St. Alexius and Bethel Lutheran. Through the Dakota Nursing Program consortium, students benefit from a shared curriculum and a seamless 1+1 pathway to an Associate Degree in Nursing. The program's quick timeline and hands-on focus make it a practical choice for those ready to enter the workforce promptly.
| |||||
| #3 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | $6,000 – $7,000/yr | Learners prioritizing national ACEN accreditation | |
NDSCS offers a three-semester Practical Nursing diploma with full ACEN accreditation and approval from the North Dakota Board of Nursing, a distinction that sets it apart among state programs. The face-to-face curriculum is delivered at both Wahpeton and Fargo campuses, requiring students to meet essential functions standards and complete a CNA certification prerequisite. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN and have a clear transition into NDSCS's own Associate Degree in Nursing.
| |||||
| #4 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Bismarck State's hybrid Practical Nursing certificate leverages IVN technology to deliver theory instruction, allowing students outside major cities to participate without relocating. Based at West River Health Services in Hettinger, the 11-month program boasts a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and offers a fast 9-month bridge to the BSC Associate Degree in Nursing. This consortium model provides a supportive, cohort-based experience in a rural healthcare setting.
| |||||
| #5 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
As a private institution with a Fargo campus, Rasmussen University provides a flexible, hybrid LPN program with multiple start dates each year, a rarity in North Dakota. The 15-month curriculum requires no prerequisite courses and includes a dedicated LPN Care Grant of up to $2,000 to help reduce costs. With hands-on clinical experiences and a focus on compassionate, industry-aligned care, the program suits those needing scheduling flexibility and immediate entry.
| |||||
| #6 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Valley City State University delivers its Practical Nurse Certificate in partnership with Dakota College at Bottineau, allowing students to complete an 11-month program on VCSU's campus. Small cohorts and dedicated faculty provide a supportive environment, and admission requires a 2.5 GPA, TEAS exam, and current CPR certification. This arrangement offers a small-campus feel with the backing of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium, ideal for central North Dakota learners.
| |||||
A variety of state and private financial aid opportunities can help offset the cost of LPN programs in North Dakota. Eligibility and award amounts vary, so review each program carefully. For the most up-to-date information on grants, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance, contact your school's financial aid office or visit the North Dakota Board of Nursing website.
| Financial Aid Program | Award Amount | Key Eligibility & Details |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State Grant | $1,375 per semester | ND resident; FAFSA required; 2025-2026 |
| ND Native American Scholarship | $2,000 per year | Enrolled member of a recognized tribe; 2025-2026 |
| ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment | 1:1 employer match | Requires employer sponsor; 2025-2026 |
| ND Nursing Education Loan (NELP) | Loan forgiveness at $1 per hour worked | Targets associate degree nursing students; 2025-2026 |
| ND AHEC Stipend Program | $500 per year | For health professions students; 2025-2026 |
| ND AHEC Clinical Rotation Stipend | $250 | One-time stipend for rural clinical rotations; 2025-2026 |
| BCBSND Health Profession Scholarship | $2,500 | 2024 award; check for renewal |
| BCBSND Healthcare Leader Scholarship | $5,000 | 2024 award; check for renewal |
| Trinity Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship | $3,000 | 2025-2026; check residency/service requirements |
The chart below compares the average net price, what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, at each institution offering an LPN program. These figures are institution-wide averages, not program-specific tuition quotes, so your actual cost may vary.
Which North Dakota LPN programs deliver the highest NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates, and how do they measure up to the national standard? A program's pass rate is one of the most direct indicators of how well it prepares students for entry-level nursing practice. North Dakota's LPN programs consistently outperform national averages, a track record that reflects rigorous curricula and clinical training aligned with what the licensing exam demands.
Below are the most recent first-time pass rates reported for North Dakota LPN programs. Note that program-level pass rates for 2025 are not yet published, so 2024 data provides the clearest snapshot of current performance. All rates represent first-time test-takers within the same calendar year.
For context, the North Dakota state average first-time pass rate was 99.24% in 2024, while the national average stood at 89.65%. Every North Dakota program with published data exceeded the national benchmark by a comfortable margin.1
NCLEX-PN pass rates function as a real-world quality check. When a program's graduates consistently pass on their first attempt, it signals that the curriculum aligns with the national test plan, instructors effectively cover core nursing competencies, and clinical rotations build the hands-on judgment the exam assesses. A high pass rate also suggests strong student support systems, such as remediation resources and NCLEX-preparation courses woven into the final term.
Conversely, a program with pass rates repeatedly dipping below 80% may indicate gaps in content delivery, insufficient clinical hours, or weak admission standards. The North Dakota Board of Nursing monitors these figures closely, and programs that fall below the state's threshold must submit improvement plans. Because North Dakota LPN programs routinely post pass rates above 95%, students can feel confident that the state's practical nursing education pipeline is both effective and closely regulated.
North Dakota's 2024 state average of 99.24% towers over the national first-time pass rate of 89.65%. This gap is not a one-year anomaly; historical data from NCSBN indicates that North Dakota has remained in the top tier of all states for several years. One reason is the small, cohort-based structure of many North Dakota LPN programs, which allows for intensive faculty mentorship and rapid feedback loops. Additionally, the North Dakota Board of Nursing maintains clear, enforceable standards for program approval, including minimum pass rate benchmarks.
For anyone weighing LPN program options, these numbers mean that a North Dakota education stacks up extremely well against the rest of the country. Even the state's lowest-performing program still outperforms the typical U.S. program by a significant margin. As soon as 2025 data becomes available, comparing multi-year trends will offer an even more complete picture, but the 2024 results leave little doubt: North Dakota LPN programs deliver exam readiness at an elite level.
Earning your practical nursing license in North Dakota follows a clear path from classroom to career. The North Dakota Board of Nursing sets specific requirements for initial licensure and renewal.
Practical nursing programs in North Dakota blend classroom learning with supervised clinical practice, ensuring you develop both the knowledge and the hands-on skills required to pass the NCLEX-PN and work safely as an LPN. Most approved programs are structured as diploma or certificate options that prepare you for entry-level licensed practice.
The North Dakota Board of Nursing (ndbon.org) maintains the official list of approved LPN programs. The largest network is the Dakota Nursing Program consortium, a partnership among several community colleges that standardizes curriculum and clinical placements. Schools like Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, and others within the consortium offer practical nursing pathways with coordinated start dates, shared resources, and consistent quality.
Many programs now accommodate working adults or those with family obligations through varied scheduling. While not every campus provides the same flexibility, the Dakota Nursing Program schools have expanded offerings in recent years.
Clinical training is the backbone of any LPN program. The North Dakota Board of Nursing mandates a minimum number of supervised clinical hours, and consortium programs partner with healthcare facilities statewide to meet that requirement. Clinical sites can include hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Because placements depend on availability and instructor resources, your clinical location may not be at the same campus where you attend lectures.
Because courses, delivery formats, and clinical partnerships can change from year to year, the most reliable information comes directly from program coordinators. When researching programs:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that LPN programs across the country generally span 12 to 18 months of full-time study, but North Dakota’s consortium model often compresses that into an efficient 11-month diploma format while maintaining rigorous clinical standards.
For the 2026 admission cycle, the Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (DNP) accepts applications from December 1st through March 5th, while North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) offers a spring deadline of November 15th and a fall deadline of April 1st. Understanding the timelines and entry requirements for each program is the first step toward securing a seat in a North Dakota LPN program.
All LPN programs require a minimum cumulative GPA and a standardized entrance exam. The DNP consortium requires a 2.5 GPA and an overall composite score of at least 45% on the ATI TEAS. NDSCS sets its GPA floor at 2.0 and uses its own program assessment exam rather than the TEAS. Both programs also look closely at your academic record in any prerequisite courses, and meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission, as spaces fill quickly.
Clinical rotations demand that every student meets strict health and safety standards. Both DNP and NDSCS require a BLS for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. You will also need to submit proof of immunizations, which typically include tuberculosis (TB) screening, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B series, Tdap, and seasonal influenza. Some sites may require COVID-19 vaccination or additional titers. A criminal background check and drug screening are mandatory before starting clinical coursework.
Timing matters because nearly all North Dakota LPN programs admit only once per year. The DNP consortium runs a single application window from December 1 to March 5 for a fall start in August or September. NDSCS offers more flexibility: a November 15 deadline for a spring semester start (January) and an April 1 deadline for a fall semester start. Plan to submit your application well before the deadline, as documents like transcripts, test scores, and BLS cards can take weeks to process.
Preparation varies by program. The DNP consortium focuses on math readiness, you must complete Algebra for College Students (ASC 93) or place out through ACT, Accuplacer, or equivalent scores. Many of the consortium’s partner colleges do not require additional science prerequisites, but check individual campuses at Bottineau, Wahpeton, or Devils Lake. NDSCS requires Anatomy & Physiology with a lab (BIOL 220/220L) and a current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Both programs expect these prerequisites to be finished before you begin the nursing sequence, though some colleges may allow concurrent enrollment for one or two courses with advisor approval. Start early to avoid delays.
Licensed Practical Nurses in North Dakota earn a median annual wage of roughly $55,000 to $56,000, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Earnings vary across the range: the bottom 10% of LPNs take home about $42,000 to $43,000, while the top 10% earn $70,000 to $71,000. The 25th and 75th percentiles, representing the middle half of earners, are around $48,000 to $49,000 and $62,000 to $63,000, respectively. These figures, reflecting statewide employment of about 1,840 LPNs in 2023, give a realistic picture of what you can expect at different stages of your career.1
Metro area wages tend to be slightly higher than in rural settings, though the differences are modest. In the Fargo metro area, which includes some counties in Minnesota, the median annual wage is $56,000 to $57,000. Bismarck’s median is essentially the same as the state average, at $55,000 to $56,000, while Grand Forks comes in a little lower at $54,000 to $55,000. Rural and less populated parts of the state typically pay slightly less, but the cost of living is often lower as well. Because the state’s overall median already reflects a mix of metro and non-metro employment, these breakdowns help you compare offers within the region you intend to work.1
North Dakota’s projected job growth for LPNs through 2032 is modest, estimated at 0% to 5%.2 This range reflects a relatively stable workforce with limited expansion, but it does not signal shrinking demand. Nationally, the occupation is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations, but still yielding about 54,400 openings each year, mostly from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field.3 In North Dakota, an aging population and ongoing staffing shortages in long-term care and rural clinics are expected to keep demand steady, especially in areas outside the major metros. While the state’s growth rate may appear flat, active hiring persists in many facilities.
Program-specific earnings data for LPN graduates from North Dakota schools are not yet reported through the College Scorecard. This means we cannot compare early-career wages (one or two years after completion) across programs. However, broader institutional median earnings, which reflect all federal aid recipients 10 years after enrollment, can offer a rough sense of earning potential at the schools featured in this article. For instance, Bismarck State College reports median annual earnings of about $54,300 for its students, Valley City State University around $52,700, and North Dakota State College of Science near $50,500. Figures are lower for some other institutions, with Williston State College at $44,000, Dakota College at Bottineau at $40,600, and Rasmussen University, North Dakota at roughly $39,100. Keep in mind these numbers are not limited to LPN graduates and include all degree levels and programs at each school. They are best used as context alongside the BLS wage data rather than a direct return-on-investment metric for a specific LPN program. As dedicated LPN outcomes become available, they can provide a clearer picture of how quickly a graduate can recoup tuition costs and start building a career.
Newly licensed LPNs in North Dakota often start near the lower end of the range, while experienced nurses with specialized skills or supervisory roles can move into the upper percentiles.
The nursing workforce in North Dakota is shifting toward higher levels of education, making an LPN license a powerful stepping stone rather than a final destination.
Two community college options let you build your LPN credential into an associate-degree RN qualification without starting from scratch. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) offers a face-to-face AAS track with some online coursework that takes 12 to 18 months. Admission requires a current LPN license and a minimum GPA of 2.25. Working while enrolled is possible but limited to part-time hours due to the clinical schedule.
The Dakota Nursing Program delivers an accelerated ADN pathway that can be completed in as few as 9 to 12 months. This on-campus program includes clinical rotations and expects candidates to pass the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor. A GPA of at least 2.0 is recommended, and employment during the program is feasible only on a limited part-time basis.
North Dakota State University offers a blended online LPN-to-BSN track designed for working LPNs. The program spans 24 months and awards a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Applicants must hold an LPN license and pass NLN exams. The hybrid delivery model allows many students to continue part-time work while enrolled, making it a practical option for those who need to maintain income.
Advancing does not always require a new degree right away. LPNs can pursue certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology to deepen their expertise and qualify for higher pay. Many employers offer differentials for these specialties, and the additional credentials can make you a stronger candidate for bridge programs later.
Completing an LPN-to-RN bridge program typically amplifies earning power well beyond what an LPN diploma alone can deliver. Recent federal earnings data for North Dakota nursing programs confirm that graduates of RN-level programs report meaningfully higher earnings in the years after graduation than their LPN counterparts. Even a short ADN bridge can accelerate career growth, while a BSN opens pathways into leadership, public health, and magnet hospitals.
Below are answers to common questions about LPN education in North Dakota. The information here draws from the program data, cost tables, and salary figures detailed throughout this guide.
