DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

16 Min Read Published April 30, 2024

Top 10 Schools
Tuition Factors
Salary and Job Outlook
Next Steps
Comparison Considerations
Accreditation
Getting a License
Conclusion

To work as a nurse in North Dakota, you first need to become a registered nurse (RN). The only way to obtain an RN license is by completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Students have two options to become NCLEX eligible: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, career outcomes for each option differ. RNs tend to earn much higher wages if they complete a BSN, and some hospitals are moving toward only hiring BSN-holding RNs.

Fortunately, those who complete an ADN still have options. Plenty of ND schools offer RN-BSN programs, some of which are entirely online. No matter what level of education you plan on earning, North Dakota gives you plenty of nursing school options.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Methodology

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including:

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Nurse Panel

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 North Dakota nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in North Dakota

1. University of Mary

In-State Tuition

$18,710

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,710

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Based in Bismarck, the University of Mary is a private school founded on Christian beliefs, though students come from all types of backgrounds. Known for being an affordable private school, the University of Mary provides prospective nursing students with a quality nursing degree at a fraction of the cost of other programs.

The traditional BSN even allows some students to receive their senior year tuition-free. First-year, full-time freshmen are eligible to apply to the tuition-free Nursing Academy.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Percent Enrolled Online: 28%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $630
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $630

Contact Information:

Address: 7500 University Dr, Bismarck, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 80%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $56,641

2. North Dakota State University

In-State Tuition

$9,309 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$13,963 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

North Dakota State University ranks among the top 100 universities in the nation for various fields, and the public school offers affordable tuition rates to all students. NDSU is also home to the biggest nursing school in North Dakota but also offers significant discounts for students from Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota.

The BSN has a standard admission and direct admission option, and students can complete their clinical work at either the Bismarck or Fargo campus. Other degrees include an online RN-BSN and a BSN-Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Percent Enrolled Online: 6%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $383
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575

Contact Information:

Address: 1301 12th Avenue North, Fargo, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 75%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,397

3. University of North Dakota

In-State Tuition

$9,309 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$13,963 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Founded before North Dakota became a state, the University of North Dakota is a piece of local history. Today, the university enrolls over 13,800 students and has an exceptional student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. Students interested in nursing have several options. The main option is a traditional BSN that regularly sees almost every student pass the NCLEX.

Current RNs can enroll in the RN-BSN, and graduate students have plenty of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), DNP, and Ph.D. options. Nursing students also have many options outside the classroom, over 200 campus clubs including a very active Greek life.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Percent Enrolled Online: 6%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $383
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575

Contact Information:

Address: 1301 12th Avenue North, Fargo, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 75%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,397

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. University of Jamestown

In-State Tuition

$23,400 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$23,400 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Founded in 1883, the University of Jamestown is a private liberal arts university. The university doesn't have many areas of study, though nursing is one of its focuses. The BSN has two entry options: direct or sophomore. Direct entry allows recent high school grads to be admitted into the program before starting their freshman year, while sophomore entry gives students one more year to improve their applications.

The University of Jamestown offers a state-of-the-art simulation lab, including a birthing simulator with a high-fidelity newborn, a pediatric simulator, three adult simulators, and a mental health clinical simulation with live patients.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Percent Enrolled Online: 15%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $435
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $435

Contact Information:

Address: 608 6th St NE, Jamestown, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 68%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $61,859

5. Mayville State University

In-State Tuition

$6,517 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$9,775 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Created to give students an affordable and accessible education that leads to high-growth jobs, Mayville State University offers degrees that advance careers. As a result, students can't select a pre-nursing BSN. Instead, students enroll in either the RN-BSN or the pre-nursing LPN-RN program.

The RN-BSN is available entirely online and takes as little as one year to complete. MSU may not offer a traditional path to a BSN, but students can take steps toward one while working as nurses.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Percent Enrolled Online: 50%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $272
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $407

Contact Information:

Address: 330 Third Street NE, Mayville, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 58%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

6. Dickinson State University

In-State Tuition

$7,470 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$9,570 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Dickinson State University has found success as a primarily online school, extending education to students across the nation. DSU also offers low tuition rates that scale depending on the student's location.

Despite focusing heavily on online education, DSU does offer an on-campus traditional BSN. Designed for both new students and those with an RN, the BSN has great outcomes. Graduates also have a 100% job placement rate within 10 months of completing the program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Percent Enrolled Online: 26%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $249
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $319

Contact Information:

Address: 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 57%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $63,005

7. Minot State University

In-State Tuition

$7,168 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$7,168 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Minot State offers affordable tuition to North Dakota residents and nonresidents alike. The university offers top-tier nursing programs, including an online RN-BSN and a pre-licensure BSN. The pre-licensure BSN is a four-year program that routinely prepares students to take and pass the NCLEX.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Percent Enrolled Online: 22%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $299
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $299

Contact Information:

Address: 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 70%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $63,666

8. Bismarck State College

In-State Tuition

$4,167 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$6,251 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Spread across a 120-acre campus in the heart of the capital, Bismark State College is the third-largest school in the North Dakota University System. The school offers a 2-year ADN program, which includes a practical nursing certificate and RN licensure. Since students can become practical nurses after the first year, they can start working in the field before graduating as an RN.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 34%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $174
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $260

Contact Information:

Address: 1500 Edwards Ave., Bismarck, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

9. Lake Region State College

In-State Tuition

$4,250 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$4,250 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

The low in-state tuition charged by Lake Region State College is extended to all students, so this is already an incredibly affordable way to become an RN. Unfortunately, LSRC doesn't offer a BSN; however, there is an ADN program that leads to RN licensure. LRSC first has students complete an 11-month Licensed Practical Nurse program followed by a nine-month ADN. LSRC advises applicants waiting to get approved to complete several required courses before admission to speed up the degree.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 43%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $177
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $177

Contact Information:

Address: 1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 66%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

10. North Dakota State College of Science

In-State Tuition

$4,996 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$5,995 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

North Dakota State College of Science is one of the oldest two-year institutions in the nation. As a two-year school, NDSCS doesn't offer a BSN. Instead, nursing students would enroll in the ASN degree which leads to RN licensure. However, students must first become Licensed Practical Nurses, which is doable through NDSCS. While the Practical Nurse program and RN program are technically separate, they essentially work as a 1+1 ADN, similar to other options in North Dakota.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 13%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $156
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $187

Contact Information:

Address: 800 N 6th St, Wahpeton, ND
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 70%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition

Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors, including:

Transfer credits
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards

Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.

North Dakota Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

North Dakota nurses earn an annual mean wage of $71,200, which is below the national average.
North Dakota employs 11,810 RNs, a higher per-capita rate than most states.

The BLS reports that North Dakota nurses earn less than the national mean salary of $77,600. However, ND nurses do earn more than those in South Dakota, and North Dakota ranks among the most affordable states in the nation.

North Dakota is a high employer of RNs. The BLS reported that North Dakota employs 29.89 RNs for every 1,000 workers, well above the national average of less than 20.

Where you work in North Dakota also influences your pay and employability. For example, the Fargo area pays a mean salary of $72,650 and employs 37.25 nurses for every 1,000 workers, both higher than the state average.

Next Steps for Picking a Nursing Program in North Dakota

After you've reviewed some of the top nursing schools in North Dakota, you should create a shortlist of schools you'd like to attend. You don't have to commit to anything right now, so you should include multiple schools.

Here are the next steps broken down:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. You can learn more about a school and its admission requirements by contacting the admissions office. If your application isn't perfect yet, the admissions office might give you tips to improve your application.

Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing schools have their own set of admission requirements in addition to those set by the college or university. Get in touch early to see what you need to do to become nursing school eligible.

Submit your application(s). After you put the finishing touch on your applications, the final step is to send them out! Make sure you're sending in applications before the application deadline!

Common application requirements include:

High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

Once you begin receiving acceptance letters from colleges and universities, you have one final decision to make: which school you're going to attend. This is a big decision, and it's worth spending time making sure you're picking the best school for your situation.

Factors to consider include:

Annual tuition/nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Distance from home
Public vs Private (public schools offer in-state tuition)
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Length and type of program
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
School accreditation (regional and national)

Why You Should Care About a Nursing Program’s Accreditation

When a school or program is accredited, it means that the educational quality meets the rigorous standards set by a government-backed institution. In North Dakota, make sure any college you apply to is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Also, only apply to nursing programs that have programmatic accreditation.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. It is essential that the nursing program is fully accredited especially if you are interested in continuing your education.

Getting a License in North Dakota

As long as you complete an approved nursing program in North Dakota, you should be prepared to become an RN. Once you become an RN in North Dakota, you'll also be able to easily gain a multi-state license for most other states thanks to the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) -- just another reason why North Dakota is an excellent place to earn an RN license!

To get a license in North Dakota, you'll need to:

Study at a nursing school approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pay an application and criminal background check fee
Apply through the North Dakota Board of Nursing

Conclusion

North Dakota has a great selection of high-quality and affordable nursing schools. Whether students choose to get an ADN or BSN, they'll be prepared to take and pass the NCLEX and become RNs. Once they begin working, they can find a well-paying nursing job in an affordable area; or, they can take advantage of North Dakota's eNLC membership and gain a multi-state license to work in another eNLC member state.