Compare accredited BSN programs by cost, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Fargo-Moorhead is a growing healthcare corridor, anchored by the Sanford and Essentia systems, and the metro area's two BSN programs, North Dakota State University and Rasmussen University, along with other Moorhead nursing schools, reflect that demand. NDSU offers a traditional on-campus BSN with selective admission and high state exam pass rates, while Rasmussen provides a hybrid pathway designed for working students with no prerequisite courses required. Prospective nurses must weigh program format, cost, and clinical placement access against a local job market that consistently rewards a bachelor's degree.
Fargo and the surrounding region offer a range of accredited nursing programs, from associate to bachelor's and direct-entry master's pathways. The programs listed below are ranked based on a combination of affordability, student outcomes, and program quality to help you find the right fit for your nursing career goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | Accelerated nursing candidates | |
With a tuition-free Nursing Academy for top students and an accelerated 2.6-year BSN option, the University of Mary combines affordability and speed. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes critical thinking and communication, offering flexible pathways including LPN to BSN and RN to BSN. High NCLEX pass rates and guaranteed employment for Academy graduates strengthen its appeal.
| |||||
| #2 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | $19,000/yr | Rural health-focused aspiring RNs | |
The University of North Dakota's BSN program stands out for a 97% NCLEX pass rate and a high return on investment, with alumni earning a median of $63,552 ten years after graduation. Its on-campus curriculum focuses on rural and diverse populations, supported by a state-of-the-art simulation center and extensive clinical experiences. The program also offers direct admission for qualified applicants.
| |||||
| #3 | North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | $16,000/yr | Fargo-area aspiring nurse leaders | |
Located in Fargo, North Dakota State University's BSN program integrates leadership development and a commitment to underserved communities. Students benefit from pre-nursing advising, active student organizations, and selective admissions that foster a focused learning environment. Clinical placements in the Fargo-Moorhead healthcare hub provide hands-on experience in local hospitals and clinics.
| |||||
| #4 | Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Lake Region State College offers a hybrid Associate Degree Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN with a blend of online coursework and local clinical practice. The program requires prior LPN certification or paramedic experience and emphasizes community health and professional development. With a low median debt of $10,293, it's an affordable entry point into nursing.
| |||||
| #5 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Bismarck State College's Associate Degree Nursing program, part of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium, uses a 1+1 pathway from practical nurse to RN. The hybrid format includes regional clinical placements, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Alumni see solid earnings potential with median debt well below national averages.
| |||||
| #6 | Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau, ND | $10,000/yr | ||
Dakota College at Bottineau offers a campus-based Associate Degree Nursing program with a strong science foundation and a 2.75 GPA prerequisite. The program covers acute care, long-term, and community settings, and its small cohort and low student-faculty ratio support personalized learning. Graduates emerge with modest debt and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN.
| |||||
| #7 | Williston State College | Williston, ND | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Williston State College's hybrid ADN program is NLN CNEA-accredited and combines online theory with hands-on clinicals. Admission requires CPR certification and prerequisite courses, and financial aid is available. The program's very low net price of $5,932 makes it one of the most affordable options in the state.
| |||||
| #8 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Minot State University's BSN program delivers over 1,000 clinical hours and high-fidelity simulations on its campus, with no out-of-state tuition surcharge. The CCNE-accredited curriculum guarantees admission for students meeting GPA or ACT thresholds. Its affordable net price and multiple scholarships attract cost-conscious students seeking a comprehensive education.
| |||||
| #9 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Dickinson State University's ACEN-accredited BSN program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and a supportive learning environment. With a selective admission rate of 37%, the program fosters a focused cohort, and alumni report solid earnings. The campus-based format includes hands-on training for the NCLEX-RN.
| |||||
| #10 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | $14,000/yr | ||
Rasmussen's Fargo campus delivers a CCNE-accredited BSN with a flexible hybrid model, offering eight start dates per year and no prerequisite courses for admission. Standard (33 months) and accelerated (18 months) tracks cater to both new and second-degree students. Small class sizes and local clinicals make it a convenient choice for Fargo-Moorhead residents.
| |||||
| #11 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
The University of Jamestown provides multiple nursing pathways: a traditional BSN, an online/hybrid ASN, and a Direct Entry MSN for career changers. The BSN reports a 99% employment rate, supported by a state-of-the-art simulation lab and small classes. The MSN program condenses a bachelor's in another field into a 20-month path to RN licensure.
| |||||
The most affordable net price among these programs is Minot State University at $12,703, while the highest median graduate debt is at University of Jamestown at $27,000. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average after aid and may not reflect your specific BSN costs.
Statewide high marks versus national bellwether, North Dakota’s NCLEX first-time pass rates consistently outperform the national average, but individual Fargo programs have their own track records worth examining.
The table below summarizes the most recent available pass rates for Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in the Fargo area, as reported by the North Dakota Board of Nursing’s FY 2023-2024 annual report. All figures represent first-time test-takers.
Both NDSU and Rasmussen University consistently exceed the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates. NDSU graduates perform in lockstep with, or slightly above, the North Dakota average, reflecting the program’s rigorous clinical curriculum and strong NCLEX preparation resources. Rasmussen’s Fargo campus, while still handily surpassing the national figure, often lands a few percentage points below the statewide norm, a gap that tends to fluctuate year to year with smaller cohort sizes.
NCLEX pass rates are a key quality indicator for nursing schools, but they are a snapshot of each cohort’s readiness, not a guarantee of individual success. A program that hovers near or above the state average is providing strong foundational preparation. Prospective students should review the most recent Board of Nursing filings directly, as annual rates can swing with curriculum updates, faculty changes, or shifts in the student body. Both schools offer robust test-prep support, and graduates from Fargo BSN programs enjoy solid first-time pass histories that align with North Dakota’s longstanding tradition of strong nursing education outcomes.
Choosing a BSN program often means balancing academic standards against application logistics: each school sets its own GPA, testing, and timeline hurdles. In the Fargo-Moorhead area, three institutions offer pre-licensure BSN tracks, and their admission requirements vary in ways that can shape your application strategy.
Both NDSU and MSUM list extensive science and general education prerequisites. Plan to complete most, if not all, before applying.
All Fargo-Moorhead BSN programs are competitive, with limited space. NDSU requires a background check as part of the enrollment process.1 Transfer students and second-degree seekers are generally welcome but should verify how previously completed courses align with prerequisite lists. Contact each program's admissions office if you have substantial transfer credit or a prior bachelor's degree.
Traditional campus-based BSN at NDSU versus Rasmussen’s hybrid, career-friendly model – the right fit depends on your schedule, prior education, and learning style.
North Dakota State University’s BSN is a fully on-campus program based in Fargo, designed for first-time nursing students and transfer students who can commit to in-person classes and clinicals. It offers a traditional, structured pathway over three years of professional coursework after prerequisites.
Rasmussen University’s Fargo campus operates on a hybrid model, blending online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. This format gives working adults more control over their time. Rasmussen also provides an accelerated BSN track for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, compressing the timeline significantly – though NDSU’s own Accelerated BSN is located in Bismarck, not Fargo. For Fargo students seeking an accelerated route, Rasmussen is the local choice. Additionally, Rasmussen’s multiple start dates allow you to begin the program in January, March, May, July, September, or November rather than waiting for a single fall intake.
While neither Fargo institution currently advertises a standalone RN-to-BSN program, licensed RNs with an associate degree may find bridge options through partner institutions or online completion programs elsewhere in the North Dakota University System.
Both Fargo-based BSN programs carry accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). NDSU’s BSN is fully accredited by CCNE, as is the nursing program at Rasmussen University. This accreditation signals that the curriculum, faculty, and clinical training meet rigorous national standards and that graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN and graduate education.
Real-world experience is built into every BSN curriculum. Fargo students access a network of exceptional clinical sites. NDSU and Rasmussen both arrange rotations at major healthcare systems in the Fargo-Moorhead area, including:
Additional sites may include long-term care facilities, community clinics, and schools. The proximity of these partners ensures minimal travel time and rich, varied patient populations.
Public universities in North Dakota, including NDSU, participate in the Minnesota-North Dakota tuition reciprocity agreement. Eligible Minnesota residents can attend NDSU at a reduced tuition rate closer to in-state pricing. For the 2025-2026 academic year, NDSU’s standard in-state tuition and fees for nursing are around $10,910, while out-of-state students normally pay about $15,564. Reciprocity brings the cost for Minnesotans closer to the resident level. Rasmussen, a private institution, offers a consistent tuition rate regardless of state residency, but its flexible schedule may appeal to students balancing work and family. Always confirm the most current rates and eligibility with the school’s financial aid office.
Graduates of Fargo BSN programs step into a nursing job market that offers steady pay and growing opportunities. According to the Minnesota DEED OEWS Detailed Occupation Data, registered nurses in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area earned a median annual salary of $80,100 in 2024. Total RN employment in the region stood at nearly 5,000, indicating a sizable workforce base. As nurses gain experience and specialty certifications, earning potential usually climbs above the median.
While Fargo’s median RN wage sits slightly below the national median of $86,070, it is in line with North Dakota’s overall nursing pay, which tends to be lower than national benchmarks but is offset by the state’s affordable cost of living. For many new BSN graduates, the lower living expenses here mean that take-home pay goes further than comparable salaries in larger metro areas.
Several factors are fueling steady demand for nurses in the region. Sanford Health’s ongoing expansion in Fargo continues to create clinical roles, while an aging population across rural North Dakota and western Minnesota drives the need for both acute and long-term care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, RN jobs are projected to grow 5% nationally from 2024 to 2034, roughly as fast as average. Local hiring trends often outpace the national figure due to the region’s healthcare infrastructure needs. Although program-specific earnings data for Fargo BSN programs is not yet reported through federal sources, the metro area’s robust job market signals strong near-term employment outcomes for newly licensed nurses.
Choosing a BSN program in Fargo means weighing factors like school reputation, program length, and online availability. Below, we answer the questions most frequently asked by prospective nursing students in the region.
