Compare costs, completion times, and formats across every accredited ND option
An RN to BSN program allows licensed registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to earn a bachelor's in nursing. In North Dakota, seven accredited programs operate entirely or mostly online, built around the schedules of working nurses.
Hospitals and health systems statewide are moving toward BSN-preferred hiring, matching national trends and magnet facility standards. This pressure is especially acute in rural areas, where a more educated nursing workforce can improve patient outcomes and leadership pipelines.
With full-time tracks that take as few as 12 months and in-state tuition often under $10,000, the question for most North Dakota RNs isn't whether to upskill: it's which program fits their budget and life.
The seven accredited RN to BSN programs in North Dakota offer online options designed for working nurses. We evaluated each school using data on net price, graduate earnings, debt, and flexible delivery to identify the strongest paths for North Dakota RNs.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mayville State University | Mayville, ND | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Self-paced online learners in rural ND | |
Mayville State University delivers a fully online, CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN with 5-week blocks and no required campus visits, making it accessible for nurses in rural and frontier areas. Two tracks let you finish in 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, with a single 40-hour clinical project completed locally. The average net price is $11,456, and graduates carry a median debt of $18,585 while seeing median earnings of $47,828 ten years after entry.
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| #2 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | $13,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious nurses pursuing accelerated pacing | |
Minot State University's CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN is one of the most affordable in the state, with a net price of $12,703 and median debt of $19,609. Courses run in 8-week sessions and the degree can be completed in two to four semesters, with rolling admissions and credit awarded for your NCLEX-RN license. Ten years out, graduates report median earnings of $51,759, and 1:1 faculty advising supports your progress.
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| #3 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | $14,000/yr | RNs leveraging extensive transfer credits | |
Rasmussen University's Fargo-based program combines online coursework with in-person clinicals and is designed to be completed in 12-18 months. Tuition is $345 per credit, and financial incentives such as grants, corporate alliances, and military benefits can reduce costs significantly. Median debt is $20,899, median earnings are $39,080 ten years after entry, and the CCNE-accredited curriculum accepts up to 134 transfer credits.
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| #4 | North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | $16,000/yr | ||
North Dakota State University offers a 100% online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN track that can be finished in five semesters of eight-week courses. The curriculum eliminates redundant coursework, building directly on your ADN. The net price averages $15,543, median debt is $23,199, and median earnings reach $62,203 ten years after entry, reflecting strong long-term ROI.
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| #5 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | $19,000/yr | ||
The University of North Dakota's R.N. to B.S.N. is a fully online, 30-credit program that starts each fall and emphasizes leadership, patient-care technology, and interprofessional practice. Priority scholarship deadline is April 1 for fall entry. A net price of $18,551 and median debt of $22,057 are balanced by strong median earnings of $63,552 ten years out.
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| #6 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
University of Mary's online RN to BSN, priced at $360 per credit, can be finished in as little as one year with fall, spring, and summer starts. The CCNE-accredited, servant-leadership-focused program accepts transfer, prior learning, and military credit. A net price of $17,770 and median debt of $24,000 correspond to median earnings of $60,909 after ten years.
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| #7 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
The University of Jamestown's asynchronous, CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN uses 8- and 16-week courses year-round and can be finished in one year. Students get a faculty advisor, can earn a Psychology for Health Care certificate, and complete clinicals locally. Net price is $19,567, median debt $27,000, and ten-year median earnings are $56,621.
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The total cost for an RN-to-BSN in North Dakota typically falls between $10,000 and $20,000, with one program available for under $10,000. Below, we compare program length, delivery, and available cost details for three schools with publicly accessible information.
| School | Total Credits | Per-Credit Tuition | Estimated Total Tuition | Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot State University | 30 | Same for all students; not publicly listed | Under $10,000 | Online | Most affordable in ND; additional nursing fees may apply. |
| University of Mary | 30-35 (typical) | $360 | Not specified; contact school | Online | Military benefits accepted; transfer credits possible. |
| University of North Dakota | 30 | Not publicly listed; single flat rate regardless of residency | Not specified; see tuition page | Online | Priority scholarship deadline April 1; starts each fall. |
Twelve months: that's the quickest timeline for earning an RN to BSN in North Dakota, achievable at three of the state's public and private universities. The exact length of an RN to BSN program hinges on your chosen pace, the academic calendar structure, and the number of credits you need after transferring your prior nursing coursework. Most programs require between 30 and 33 credits beyond the associate degree, which shapes how quickly you can finish.
Accelerated options let motivated students sprint to the finish. The University of North Dakota, University of Mary, Minot State University, and Mayville State University each offer formal accelerated plans that condense coursework into as few as 12 months. These tracks often use year-round schedules with back-to-back terms. North Dakota State University does not label a separate accelerated track but compresses learning into 8-week blocks, allowing degree completion in 4 to 5 semesters, even while working.
Every North Dakota program accommodates part-time study, recognizing that most RN to BSN students hold nursing jobs. UND and University of Mary stretch to two years, Minot State University finishes in 3 to 4 semesters, and Mayville State University reaches 24 months. NDSU's block schedule was built for working nurses, and its 4- to 5-semester part-time path mirrors the full-time length but with a lighter per-term load. Choosing part-time often means taking one or two courses per term, which fits around shift work but extends the timeline.
The core RN to BSN curriculum in North Dakota typically runs 30 to 33 credits. Because you enter with an ADN or diploma, general education and prerequisite requirements are usually satisfied, leaving only the upper-division nursing courses. A few programs may tack on a capstone or a few additional credits, but the consistency across schools means the biggest variable in completion time is simply how many courses you take at once.
In North Dakota, RN-to-BSN programs have largely moved online, with every school on topnursing.org's 2026 list offering a fully online or hybrid format. This flexibility is designed for working nurses, but the way each program delivers coursework and arranges clinical hours varies. Understanding the differences between asynchronous and synchronous classes, as well as on-campus and local practicum requirements, helps you pick a program that fits your schedule and location.
How you engage with course material can make or break your experience. Some North Dakota programs use a synchronous format, live virtual classes at set times, while others let you work through modules on your own schedule.
For most working nurses, asynchronous programs offer the greatest flexibility, but if you learn best through real-time dialogue, UND's synchronous model is worth considering.
Despite the online label, nearly every RN-to-BSN program includes a hands-on practicum or clinical component. The key difference: where those hours happen.
No North Dakota RN-to-BSN program currently requires regular campus attendance for classes. Even synchronous programs like UND's are virtual; only the clinical piece brings you into a healthcare setting, but that setting is chosen near your home.
Whether you live in Fargo or across the country, distance no longer limits access. Most ND programs accept out-of-state students, but cost differences matter. Public universities like UND, NDSU, Minot State, and Mayville State charge higher tuition for non-residents. For precise figures, check the cost comparison table elsewhere in this article. Private schools, University of Mary, University of Jamestown, and Rasmussen, typically charge the same rate regardless of residency, making them attractive if you're moving from another state.
North Dakota residents also have dozens of national online RN-to-BSN options, but in-state public programs tend to be the cheapest path, especially if you qualify for resident tuition. The lowest-cost programs on our list are Mayville State and Minot State, both with resident tuition under $9,000 per year, often half the cost of national for-profit alternatives.
Final note: Always confirm a program's state authorization status if you plan to complete clinicals in a different state. Most programs participate in NC-SARA or similar reciprocity agreements, but policies can change, so ask admissions directly before enrolling.
With North Dakota nursing schools increasingly competing for working RNs, admission requirements have become more flexible and transfer-friendly. While each program sets its own bar, you'll find that an active RN license and a minimum GPA are universal starting points. Nuances like prerequisite coursework and deadlines determine the best fit.
All RN-to-BSN programs in North Dakota require proof of a current, unencumbered registered nurse license.1 For new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, some schools offer provisional admission. A minimum cumulative GPA is almost always required, typically 2.75 for nursing courses,1 though a few programs may consider lower GPAs on appeal. Official transcripts from your associate degree or diploma nursing program are mandatory, along with completion of general education courses like English composition, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. Statistics is a nearly universal prerequisite,1 but many programs allow you to take it as a co-requisite during the BSN program, which can speed up your start date.
One of the biggest differentiators is how schools handle prerequisite courses. UND and Minot State let you fulfill statistics while already enrolled.1 University of Mary has more extensive prerequisites, including philosophy and theology,1 which might extend your timeline if not previously completed. Mayville State's integrated statistics model eliminates the need for an extra course entirely.1 Always check whether your prior associate degree coursework satisfies general education requirements, as a gap in a single course could push back your graduation.
Most North Dakota RN-to-BSN programs use a rolling admissions cycle, meaning you can apply any time and start during the next available term. UND and Minot State, for example, have multiple start dates per year. Private institutions like the University of Mary may require a brief essay or letters of recommendation. A background check is standard for clinical placement, though many programs now integrate this after acceptance. Confirm whether an interview is part of the process, though it is rare for fully online tracks.
Clinical and practicum requirements in North Dakota RN-to-BSN programs are built around real-world nursing practice, with a strong emphasis on community and public health, and most allow you to complete hours where you already work.
Even though you are already a licensed registered nurse, the BSN degree adds depth in population health, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Clinical or practicum hours in an RN-to-BSN program are structured to give you hands-on experience outside of direct inpatient care. They often total a modest number of hours, enough to complete a focused project without disrupting your work schedule. These experiences are guided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, which emphasize community-based and systems-level thinking.
Most nursing programs in North Dakota integrate a community health or public health nursing practicum. You can expect to design and implement a health promotion activity, conduct a community assessment, or collaborate with a local agency. Projects frequently involve partnerships with public health departments, schools, rural clinics, or nonprofit organizations. Some programs, such as those at the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, frame this as a capstone course that synthesizes your learning. Mayville State University and the University of Mary similarly embed a service-learning or population health project into the curriculum. Exact hour requirements vary by school, so reviewing each program’s curriculum guide is essential.
Yes, flexibility is a hallmark of RN-to-BSN programs in North Dakota. Most schools allow you to arrange your own preceptor and site, and many permit you to complete practicum hours at your current place of employment. For example, Minot State University and the University of Mary both emphasize that clinical requirements can often be met through your existing workplace, provided the experience aligns with course objectives and is approved by a faculty advisor. This approach reduces the logistical burden and lets you immediately apply new knowledge in a familiar setting. Still, confirm with your program advisor before assuming a specific worksite will qualify.
To get the most accurate, up-to-date clinical hour requirements, take these steps:
With a little research, you will find that the clinical component is a manageable extension of your current RN role, designed to strengthen your ability to think critically and serve your community.
The chart below compares median earnings of graduates from each North Dakota RN to BSN program, measured 10 years after they first enrolled. For context, the statewide median annual wage for registered nurses is around $73,250 (BLS 2022 data).
In North Dakota, BSN-prepared nurses typically earn several thousand dollars more per year than ADN nurses: data from the BLS and College Scorecard show the gap. With the most affordable online RN-to-BSN programs costing under $10,000, the salary increase can offset your tuition within a year or two.
For nurses balancing affordability and speed, two programs stand out. Mayville State University offers the lowest net price at $11,456 and a full-time track completed in just 12 months. Minot State University follows closely with a $12,703 net price and a flexible pace that can be as short as two semesters.
| Mayville State University | Minot State University | North Dakota State University |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Net Price | $11,456 | $12,703 |
| Fastest Completion (Full-Time) | 12 months | 2 semesters (~12 months) |
| Accelerated Option | Yes, full-time 12-month track | Yes, 2-semester option |
North Dakota does not require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for registered nurse (RN) licensure. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma remains fully sufficient to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain an RN license from the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON). No pending legislation aims to mandate a BSN as an entry-to-practice requirement, and the state's renewal process (12 contact hours of continuing education every two years plus 400 practice hours within the previous four years) applies equally to all RNs regardless of degree level.
The NDBON follows the national standard that RN candidates must complete an approved prelicensure nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. In 2026, that approved program can be an ADN, a diploma, or a BSN. This means new graduates from two-year community college programs can become fully licensed RNs and begin working immediately. While some states have explored or enacted "BSN in 10" laws requiring nurses to earn a BSN within ten years of initial licensure, North Dakota has not adopted such a policy.
Even without a legal mandate, North Dakota's largest health systems increasingly expect or incentivize BSN preparation. Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health both list a BSN as preferred for new hires, though they continue to hire ADN-prepared nurses for many roles. In practice, earning a BSN can affect hiring priority, unit placement, and eligibility for promotion. Many facilities offer tuition reimbursement or partnerships with RN-to-BSN programs, and some pay differentials reward nurses who hold the degree.
A growing number of North Dakota hospitals pursue or maintain Magnet designation, a credential that requires a majority of direct-care nurses to hold at least a BSN (or a documented plan to achieve that ratio). This standard pushes ADN nurses to finish their BSN if they want to work in Magnet-designated units or move into leadership, case management, and community health roles that often require the degree. For nurses planning a long-term career in North Dakota, the BSN is not a legal requirement but a practical one that widens opportunity and strengthens job security.
Navigating the transition from RN to BSN in North Dakota comes with common questions about cost, time, and flexibility. Below we answer the queries we hear most often from nurses exploring their options.
