Compare NCLEX pass rates, costs, and outcomes for every accredited nursing program in the St. Cloud area.
St. Cloud’s concentration of health systems, anchored by CentraCare, positions the city as a hub for nursing education in central Minnesota. A handful of nursing schools in Minnesota serve the metro, from the public University of Minnesota, Twin Cities to private colleges like the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, plus the career-focused Rasmussen University campus in St. Cloud itself. That mix gives students real choice, but it also creates sharp differences in sticker price and in the clinical networks each school can offer. For many, the decision comes down to whether a lower net cost with a community college ADN-to-BSN pathway or the direct-entry prestige of a four-year program makes more sense given local hiring patterns.
We evaluated nursing programs in the St. Cloud area based on factors like graduation rates, net price, and program-level outcomes. The following schools stand out for offering quality nursing education with strong ties to central Minnesota healthcare employers.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | $18,000/yr | Adult learners needing flexible program start dates | |
Rasmussen University's St. Cloud campus offers a hybrid BSN designed for both new students and career changers. The CCNE-accredited program features rolling admissions with eight start dates per year and no prerequisite courses. An accelerated second-degree track lets those with a prior bachelor's complete in as few as 18 months. Graduates benefit from strong local employer ties and hands-on simulation training.
| |||||
| #2 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | $26,000/yr | Men seeking nursing in Catholic liberal arts | |
Saint John's University, a men's college in Collegeville, partners with the College of Saint Benedict to deliver a traditional campus-based BSN grounded in the Benedictine liberal arts. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and cultural competence through immersive clinical experiences and international study opportunities. Students can engage with Sigma Theta Tau honor society and take advantage of a 4+1 accelerated path to graduate nursing programs.
| |||||
| #3 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | $27,000/yr (net price) | Women pursuing nursing at a Benedictine college | |
The College of Saint Benedict, a women's college in Saint Joseph, shares its nursing program with Saint John's University, offering a rigorous campus-based BSN. The curriculum integrates direct admission for freshmen, cultural immersion trips, and a nursing leadership capstone. Students have access to the Sigma nursing honor society and a 4+1 option for accelerated graduate education, all within a supportive liberal arts environment.
| |||||
| #4 | St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
St. Cloud Technical and Community College provides an accredited ADN program with a proven track record of high NCLEX pass rates and 100% job placement. The campus-based program includes state-of-the-art simulation labs and extensive clinical partnerships with regional providers like CentraCare. An LPN-to-ADN mobility option is available for licensed practical nurses, and graduates can seamlessly transfer to BSN programs at Minnesota State universities.
| |||||
| #5 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | $14,000/yr | ||
St. Cloud State University offers a public, campus-based BSN with small class sizes and hands-on learning through required internships and a capstone. The CCNE-accredited program prepares students for licensure and offers unique pathways to school nurse licensure or public health certification. Study abroad opportunities and a robust simulation lab enrich the educational experience.
| |||||
To identify the best nursing schools in St. Cloud, MN, we focused on accredited institutions offering BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN programs within a 75-mile radius of the city. When fewer than three programs met this initial criteria, we expanded the geographic scope to ensure a robust comparison. Each school was assessed using a weighted, multi-factor model that emphasizes NCLEX-RN pass rates, accreditation status (CCNE or ACEN), program diversity, tuition and financial aid availability, acceptance rate, and student support resources. Data was collected from official state nursing boards, school websites, and the U.S. Department of Education. This methodology mirrors our comprehensive state and national rankings but is tailored to highlight the unique strengths of the St. Cloud area nursing programs. The result is a transparent list that helps prospective students make informed decisions about their nursing education.
A nursing degree in the St. Cloud area can look startlingly expensive on paper, but financial aid dramatically reshapes the picture. While private four-year universities publish tuition many times higher than public two-year colleges, the average net price paid by students is remarkably similar across sectors after grants and scholarships are factored in.
Understanding St. Cloud BSN admission requirements is key to identifying programs that fit your academic profile, as local options vary significantly in selectivity. While some programs use a minimum GPA and standardized test to vet applicants, others have open-admission pathways that shift the focus to prerequisite completion.
St. Cloud State University sets a clear floor: a 2.75 overall GPA and a 2.75 prerequisite GPA.1 The TEAS exam is decisive, contributing 60 of the 110 points used to rank applicants.1 In contrast, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University admit more than 90% of all students, though program-specific nursing criteria may be higher. Rasmussen University’s open admissions policy removes competitive barriers; its BSN program emphasizes successful completion of prerequisite coursework rather than a rigid GPA cutoff.
Most BSN programs in the St. Cloud area share a core set of science and math prerequisites. Courses in anatomy and physiology (often two semesters), microbiology, and statistics appear on nearly every admissions checklist. Some programs also require developmental psychology, nutrition, or chemistry. Because these courses often have their own grade minimums, reviewing each program's admissions page before registering is essential.
St. Cloud State University uses a firm deadline (September 10, 2025, for the Spring 2026 cohort)1 and requires university admission first.1 Applicants must submit two reference forms1 and are limited to two attempts.1 CNA certification and prior healthcare experience are not mandated2, though they may strengthen an application elsewhere. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University follow their own calendars, often with earlier priority dates, while Rasmussen offers multiple starts per year. A few programs also require background checks or CPR certification, so early review of each program’s applicant portal helps avoid last-minute surprises.
How long does it take to earn a BSN in St. Cloud? The timeline depends on your starting point. For students without a prior degree, a traditional BSN takes four years of full-time study. At St. Cloud State University, the program spans eight semesters with core sciences, nursing theory, and clinical rotations. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University follows a similar schedule, integrating clinical experiences in the junior and senior years. Credit requirements range from 120 to 130.
If you already hold a bachelor’s in another field, an accelerated BSN can be completed in 12 to 18 months of intensive study. While not every St. Cloud-area school offers this track, Rasmussen University and other regional programs may provide accelerated pathways. Licensed registered nurses with an associate degree can pursue the RN-BSN pathway, typically finishing in one to two years. St. Cloud State’s RN-to-BSN program caters to working nurses with online or hybrid options.
Several factors influence your total time: missing prerequisites, part-time versus full-time study, and the program format’s cohort schedule. Because curricula and admissions cycles change, check official school websites for current degree plans.
Nurses in the St. Cloud metro earn noticeably more than their peers across much of the state, but wage growth depends heavily on degree level and specialty. This section breaks down what local RNs can expect in pay and long-term earnings, along with the regional forces fueling demand.
According to Compensation Pulse's 2025 Q1 data, registered nurses in the St. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area earn a median annual wage of $105,363, which translates to about $50.66 per hour.1 Pay varies with experience and role: nationally, the bottom 10% of RNs earn roughly $32.20 per hour, while the top 10% can reach $65.98 per hour.1 While local percentile data isn't published, St. Cloud's strong median signals that many area nurses land in the upper half of that national spread.
At $105,363, the St. Cloud metro median sits above the Minnesota statewide median of $102,3001 and well beyond the national median of $93,600 (May 2024).2 That's a premium of more than $11,000 over the U.S. figure. For nurses considering relocation or staying close to home, these numbers show the St. Cloud region offers a competitive edge, especially for those holding a BSN or specialty certifications that command higher reimbursement.
Long-term earnings data reinforces the value of a BSN from area institutions. Federal College Scorecard figures show that graduates of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University joint nursing program earn a median of $63,260 and $76,786, respectively, ten years after entering college. These figures reflect the real earnings of alumni working across healthcare settings. While early-career earnings (one or two years out) are not yet reported for these programs, the decade-out numbers suggest a strong return on tuition investment.
Several factors keep demand for nurses elevated in central Minnesota. The region's aging population is increasing the need for chronic disease management and long-term care. At the same time, rural healthcare shortages push more patients into St. Cloud's hospitals and clinics. CentraCare, the area's largest health system, continues to expand its footprint with new facilities and specialty services, creating a steady pipeline of nursing openings. Together, these trends point to a resilient job market where BSN-prepared nurses can expect not only solid starting pay but also upward mobility and stability.
Prospective nursing students in central Minnesota often have questions about programs, admissions, and career outcomes. Here are straightforward answers to common queries about nursing education in the St. Cloud area.
