Net prices for Minnesota's ranked LPN programs range from about $7,400 at Riverland Community College to $18,000 at Rasmussen University, a spread that can determine whether a practical nursing diploma becomes a springboard into LPN to RN bridge programs or a financial strain. That variation matters because Minnesota's long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and rural health systems continue to post LPN openings faster than local programs can fill seats.
Twenty programs earned spots in this year's ranking, sorted by NCLEX-PN pass rate performance. The sections that follow compare the least expensive schools, the one-year programs, and how licensure works in a state still waiting on Nurse Licensure Compact implementation. Geography, format, and clinical access vary widely, so the right program depends on more than a single metric.
Minnesota's Highest-Ranked LPN Programs by NCLEX-PN Performance
Minnesota's practical nursing programs are spread across the state, from Duluth and the Iron Range to Winona, Alexandria, and the Twin Cities suburbs, and many of the strongest run cohorts of only a few dozen students at a time. Statewide, first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates for Minnesota candidates have recently run in the low 80s, while the national rate sits a few points higher. The schools below pair accreditation and licensure preparation with clinical placements at Minnesota hospitals, clinics, and long-term care sites.
How we ranked these
- Graduation rates weighted most heavily
- Retention rates and class sizes
- NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates
- Accreditation and program length
- Net price and total cost
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College in Duluth offers a one-year, 40-credit practical nursing diploma accredited by ACEN, built on a 2.4 GPA minimum and a TEAS entrance exam. Students learn through simulation and clinical placements at Duluth-area hospitals, clinics, and long-term care sites, and the college runs a military medic-to-LPN bridge for veterans and active-duty medics. Graduates can ladder into BSN completion programs offered by Minnesota colleges.
- ACEN-accredited one-year practical nursing diploma
- 40 total credit hours, on-campus delivery in Duluth
- 2.4 GPA minimum plus prerequisite coursework
- TEAS entrance exam and program-specific application required
- 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical placements and simulation at regional sites
- Military medic-to-LPN bridge track for veterans
- Second-lowest tuition in the Minnesota State system
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Pine Technical & Community College
Pine Technical and Community College runs its practical nursing diploma in Pine City, north of the Twin Cities. The program is NLN CNEA accredited and admits both full-time and part-time students, with 30 full-time and 10 part-time seats each semester. Admissions are strict about testing: applicants must take the ATI TEAS or NLN NEX in person and be current on a nursing assistant registry. A formal AD-Mobility pathway gives graduates a route to the RN credential.
- NLN CNEA accredited, with continuing accreditation through 2034
- Full-time and part-time tracks; fall and spring starts
- 30 full-time and 10 part-time seats per semester
- ATI TEAS or NLN NEX exam, in person and proctored only
- Credit for prior learning accepted
- Pathway into the AD-Mobility RN program
- Current Minnesota or Wisconsin nursing assistant registry required
- Reported 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2025 graduates
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Minnesota West Community and Technical College delivers its three-semester practical nursing diploma in a hybrid format, pairing coursework with clinical placements across southwest Minnesota. The college works with Sanford Health and the city of Luverne on a clinical learning center housed in a former hospital. Students who want to keep going can ladder into the college's registered nursing program or into a BSN through Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Three-semester, 39-credit practical nursing diploma
- Hybrid format with clinicals across southwest Minnesota
- Fall start with on-campus orientation sessions
- Recent first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate reported at 97%
- Ladder into the college's registered nursing program
- BSN pathway through a partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University
- ACEN accredited, with the next evaluation visit in 2032
- Scholarships available
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
South Central College
South Central College teaches practical nursing on two southern Minnesota campuses, North Mankato and Faribault, in a two-semester diploma program. Class sizes are deliberately small, and the program's reported first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates have been strong across recent years. Licensed LPNs who return for the RN credential receive advanced standing credit through a structured transition plan, and the college awards more than $500,000 in scholarships annually.
- Two-semester diploma with fall and spring start dates
- Campuses in North Mankato and Faribault
- ACEN accredited with smaller class sizes
- 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate reported in 2023 and 2024
- LPN-to-RN transition plan with advanced standing credit
- Nursing role transition course replaces the first four RN courses
- Over $500,000 in scholarships awarded annually
- 82% job placement rate reported for graduates
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Minnesota North College
Minnesota North College is a multi-campus institution serving the Iron Range and northern Minnesota, with practical nursing taught at Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi Range, and Rainy River. The 45-credit diploma mixes classroom instruction with clinical rotations at community hospitals and clinics. Articulation agreements with Bemidji State University and Minnesota State Mankato let graduates continue toward a bachelor's degree.
- 45-credit practical nursing diploma
- Campuses in Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi Range, and Rainy River
- Clinical experiences in community hospitals and clinics
- Transfer partnerships with Bemidji State and Minnesota State Mankato
- About 6% projected job growth in the field over the next decade
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Dakota County Technical College
Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount runs a 43-credit, campus-based practical nursing diploma in the south Twin Cities metro. The curriculum spans adult health nursing across the lifespan and includes pharmacology, maternal-child, and behavioral health content, plus two clinical courses and a capstone that eases the shift into practice. Financial aid is available, and graduates are prepared for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings.
- 43-credit, campus-based diploma in Rosemount
- Two clinical courses plus a required capstone
- Capstone course eases the transition into the LPN role
- Coursework covers adult health nursing across the lifespan
- Includes pharmacology, maternal-child, and behavioral health concepts
- Financial aid available
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Northland Community and Technical College
Northland Community and Technical College offers its practical nursing diploma from Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, plus a distance and hybrid option that reaches students across rural Minnesota. The program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and pairs coursework with clinical groups of roughly ten students per instructor. Applicants need a TEAS score and nursing assistant competency, and starting in fall 2027 the college will stop accepting transfer credits from unaccredited online course providers.
- Distance and hybrid option available statewide
- Approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing; NLN CNEA accredited
- Small clinical groups of about 10 students per instructor
- ATI TEAS exam and nursing assistant competency required
- Campus locations in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks
- Scholarships available through the Northland Foundation
- Unaccredited online transfer credits not accepted starting fall 2027
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — Online
Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast teaches practical nursing on its Winona and Red Wing campuses, using a cohort model in which students move through the program together. The two-semester, 34-credit diploma is ACEN accredited and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and total program tuition is listed at $8,338. Clinical rotations can require travel of up to 100 miles, and graduates can continue into RN-to-BSN completion.
- Two-semester, 34-credit practical nursing diploma
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Campus locations in Winona and Red Wing with fall and spring starts
- Total program tuition listed at $8,338
- Cohort-based structure with simulated clinical events
- Clinical rotations can require travel up to 100 miles
- Reported 98% job placement rate for graduates
- Pathway to RN-to-BSN completion
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria Technical and Community College runs an NLN CNEA accredited practical nursing diploma in central Minnesota, with fall and spring start dates and flexible scheduling aimed at students who work. Admission requires CNA certification, CPR and First Aid credentials, prerequisite coursework, and a TEAS score of at least 50. The program posts high NCLEX-PN pass rates and reports that every 2024 graduate found placement.
- NLN CNEA accredited diploma with fall and spring starts
- TEAS score of 50 or higher required to apply
- CNA certification, CPR, and First Aid required for admission
- Reported 92% NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2025
- 100% job placement rate reported for 2024 graduates
- Starting wages reported at $19.81 to $21.60 per hour
- Flexible scheduling for students balancing work
- Prerequisite coursework required before program entry
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Anoka Technical College
Anoka Technical College offers a one-year, ACEN-accredited practical nursing diploma at its campus north of the Twin Cities. Admissions run on a rolling basis with fall and spring start dates, and each student is assigned a faculty advisor for the length of the program. Graduates move into hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, and the college reports a 90% job placement rate.
- ACEN accredited one-year practical nursing diploma
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring start dates
- TEAS entrance exam required for admission
- 90% job placement rate reported for graduates
- Faculty advisor assigned to each student
- Career listed among Minnesota's top 10 in demand
- Financial aid available
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
What It Actually Costs to Become an LPN in Minnesota
Tuition is the headline number, but it is not the whole bill. Between testing fees, clinical requirements, and licensing costs, the extras can add $3,000 or more to your bottom line. Here is a representative breakdown anchored to a mid-range Minnesota State system program. Across the programs ranked on practicalnursing.org, total program costs range from roughly $9,400 to nearly $14,800, so your actual total will shift depending on the school you choose.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Minnesota
The net prices below reflect institution-wide average costs after financial aid, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, 2024). They are not program-specific tuition figures. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on Pell Grant eligibility, Minnesota State Grant awards, employer tuition reimbursement, and other aid. Students who qualify for need-based grants often pay significantly less than the averages shown here.
| School | City | Average Net Price (After Aid) | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College | Austin | $7,427 | 52% |
| South Central College | North Mankato | $9,082 | 39% |
| St. Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud | $9,635 | 45% |
| Ridgewater College | Willmar | $10,046 | 50% |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | $10,272 | 42% |
Fastest LPN Programs in Minnesota, and What 'Accelerated' Really Means
Search results for "6 month LPN programs near me" or "12 week LPN program near me" pull up plenty of ads, but no accredited LPN program in Minnesota actually delivers a complete education in that timeframe. Once you factor in prerequisite coursework, clinical hours, and the structure required by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, even the most compressed paths , including the Fastest LPN/LVN Programs of 2026 , run considerably longer.
Why 6 Months or 12 Weeks Is Not Realistic
Minnesota LPN programs require roughly 37 to 41 credits of nursing coursework alone, and most mandate one to two semesters of prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, sometimes a certified nursing assistant credential) before you can even apply. The nursing core itself typically spans two to three semesters of full-time study. Stack those together and you are looking at 18 to 24 months from your first prerequisite class to NCLEX-PN exam day, not 6 months.
What "Fastest" Actually Looks Like
A handful of Minnesota schools structure their nursing coursework as a one-year, full-time program, which is about as compressed as accredited practical nursing gets. Among them:
- Lake Superior College (Duluth): A 40-credit, one-year practical nursing diploma with ACEN accreditation. On-campus delivery with clinical placements and simulation.
- Central Lakes College (Brainerd): A 37-credit, one-year practical nursing diploma with a single fall start date. Clinical placements begin midway through the first semester.
- Ridgewater College (Willmar or Hutchinson): A 41-credit, one-year program with ACEN accreditation, a competitive LPN/LVN Program Admissions process, and high-tech simulation centers.
Herzing University in Minneapolis offers a 12-month, 37-credit diploma as well. Hennepin Technical College runs its practical nursing program across two semesters and stands out for offering morning, evening, and weekend scheduling, which can help students who need to work while enrolled.
A Realistic Timeline
For most students, the honest start-to-finish path looks like this:
- Prerequisites: 1 to 2 semesters
- Nursing coursework: 2 to 3 semesters (12 to 18 months)
- NCLEX-PN prep and exam: 1 to 2 months
Total: roughly 18 to 24 months. Part-time students should expect the upper end of that range or longer. These five programs reflect structure rather than a guaranteed shorter calendar, so confirm prerequisite requirements and cohort start dates directly with each school.
Explore other Minnesota related topics
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LPN Admission Requirements: What Minnesota Programs Expect
Minnesota's community and technical colleges do not simply fill seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Most practical nursing programs use a competitive, points-based selection process that scores applicants on prerequisite GPA, standardized test results, and other criteria. Understanding how admissions committees weigh each element helps you build the strongest application possible.
Common Prerequisites Across Minnesota Programs
While exact requirements vary by school, you can expect most Minnesota LPN programs to require:
- High school diploma or GED: A non-negotiable baseline for every program.
- Prerequisite coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, English composition, and college-level math are standard. A minimum grade of C is typical in each course.
- Cumulative GPA: Most programs set a floor between 2.5 and 3.0, though the competitive nature of admissions means accepted students often exceed the minimum.
- ATI TEAS exam: This is the dominant entrance exam across Minnesota LPN programs. Hennepin Technical College, for example, also requires the TEAS. Minimum scores and recency windows differ by school.
- Background check and immunizations: Required before clinical placement, not just graduation.
- CPR certification: Current BLS or Healthcare Provider CPR is expected at or before program entry.
St. Paul College: A Closer Look
Because St. Paul College appears among the Best LPN Programs in Saint Paul, its requirements are worth spelling out. The St. Paul College Practical Nursing program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a grade of C or higher in every prerequisite,1 plus an ATI TEAS composite score of at least 65. TEAS scores must be within 24 months of the application window, and the exam cannot be taken remotely. Applicants also need current CNA certification1 and must meet ACCUPLACER entry benchmarks of 250 or above in reading, writing, and arithmetic2. An admissions committee then reviews overall academic performance, including prior college coursework and TEAS results, through a points-based rubric.3 Application deadlines shift by cohort, so check St. Paul College's nursing admissions page for the most current timeline.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Because selection is competitive, aim well above any published minimum. Retaking the TEAS to improve your score, earning A's in prerequisites rather than settling for C's, and completing CNA certification early all add tangible points to your application in most programs' scoring systems.
LPN Licensure in Minnesota: NCLEX-PN, Board Application, and Compact Status
Minnesota nurses are watching a compact question that still has no firm answer. Lawmakers have enacted Nurse Licensure Compact legislation, but implementation hasn't happened yet, so a multistate license from another compact state doesn't let you practice in Minnesota today. Every LPN, whether new grad or transplant, still needs a Minnesota-issued license before working as a licensed practical nurse.
The Path From Graduation to License
Once you finish a Board-approved practical nursing program, the sequence runs like this:
- Apply to the Board: Submit your application online or by paper, along with the $105 application fee (non-refundable).
- Clear a background check: Minnesota requires fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all nursing applicants. Wait for the Board to send your fingerprint card before completing this step, and budget roughly $32 for it.
- Register for NCLEX-PN: After the Board issues your Authorization to Test, you register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee separately.
- Pass and get licensed: Once you pass and your background check clears, the Board issues your initial LPN license.
Graduates who are five or more years removed from their program, or who haven't sat for NCLEX-PN within five years of finishing, typically need to complete a refresher or review course before testing.
Coming From Another State
Already licensed elsewhere? You'll apply by endorsement through LPN/LVN Reciprocity rather than examination, which means verifying your license from your original state (and your current state, if different) and, if you've worked as a nurse, having your most recent employer complete a Confirmation of Nursing Employment form.
Staying Licensed
Minnesota LPNs must renew their licenses every two years. Renewal runs $85 and requires 12 contact hours of continuing education completed within that 24-month cycle. Keep your CE documentation on hand for at least two years, since the Board can request records during an audit rather than reviewing them automatically at renewal.
Hybrid and Online LPN Options in Minnesota: What's Really Available
No Minnesota LPN program is fully online, and that is not a loophole waiting to be found. The Minnesota Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical hours for licensure, which means every program advertising "online" or "distance" options is actually one of many hybrid LPN programs: online coursework paired with scheduled labs and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.
What Hybrid Really Means
Hybrid programs deliver nursing theory through recorded lectures, discussion boards, or self-directed assessments you complete from home. You then attend in-person sessions for hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations at hospitals, long-term care facilities, or clinics. The ratio varies by school, but expect clinicals to consume a significant portion of your time on campus or at partner sites.
Minnesota Schools Offering Hybrid Formats
Several Minnesota programs currently advertise hybrid delivery:
- Northwest Technical College: A 12-month, 41-credit diploma with asynchronous online theory. In-person requirements run about three to four consecutive days twice per month, totaling roughly 21 days per semester. Fall start only.
- Rasmussen University (Eagan): Completes in 12 to 15 months with no prerequisites. Uses Flex Choice self-directed assessments for some coursework. Evening and weekend clinical options have been offered historically, though current schedules should be confirmed directly.
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College: A 39-credit, three-semester hybrid program.
- Riverland Community College (Austin): Hybrid format available.
- Northland Community and Technical College (Thief River Falls): Distance and hybrid options with some coursework delivered via Zoom.
- Herzing University (St. Louis Park): General education courses online, but core nursing theory and skills training occur on campus.
Schedule Flexibility for Working Students
Most clinical rotations default to daytime hours, mirroring typical healthcare shifts. Rasmussen has offered evening and weekend rotations, which is uncommon. If your work schedule is inflexible, contact programs directly to confirm 2026 clinical availability before committing.
Minnesota LPN Salary: Twin Cities vs. Greater Minnesota
Where you practice in Minnesota can shape your paycheck nearly as much as your experience level. The state's LPN wage landscape reflects a familiar pattern: metro areas with large health systems and higher living costs tend to pay more, while rural regions offer lower base wages but often come with incentives tied to workforce shortages.
Statewide Wage Snapshot
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, state-level wage data for Licensed Practical Nurses (SOC 29-2061) in Minnesota is published for the May 2025 reporting period. The BLS reports wages at five percentile levels (10th, 25th, median, 75th, and 90th), giving prospective LPNs a realistic view of the earning range from entry-level to veteran. Updated 2026 federal figures have not been released as of this writing, so the May 2025 estimates remain the most current official benchmark.
Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development also maintains an OEWS-based wage tool that breaks compensation down by region, making it possible to compare the Twin Cities corridor against outstate areas like Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato.
Twin Cities vs. Outstate Pay
Historically, the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, home to many best LPN programs in Minneapolis and best LPN programs in Saint Paul, posts some of the highest LPN wages in the state, driven by the concentration of major employers like Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and HealthPartners. Rochester, home to Mayo Clinic, also tends to push wages above the state median. In contrast, areas like Mankato and St. Cloud typically report lower median wages, though the gap has been narrowing as rural facilities compete harder for staff.
For students weighing location, cost of living matters just as much as the posted hourly rate. A slightly lower wage in a Duluth or Mankato market can go further when housing and commuting costs drop substantially compared to the Twin Cities.
What Drives Demand Across the State
Several forces keep LPN hiring strong statewide:
- Aging population: Minnesota's 65-and-older population continues to grow, expanding the need for skilled nursing facility and home health staff.
- Long-term care expansion: New assisted living and memory care facilities, particularly in suburban and exurban communities, are adding LPN positions.
- Rural access gaps: Smaller communities struggle to recruit and retain nurses, often resulting in sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, or premium shift differentials that effectively raise total compensation.
Before choosing a program based solely on proximity, students should compare Cost of LPN Programs & Schools, explore regional wage data through the Minnesota DEED tool, and weigh total compensation, not just base pay, against local living expenses.
More LPN Programs Across Minnesota
The programs below round out Minnesota's practical nursing landscape, spanning the Twin Cities metro, southern Minnesota, and the northern part of the state. Each entry lists the campus city, the delivery format, and a short note on what the program emphasizes, so you can compare options beyond the ranked list.
Twin Cities Metro
- Practical Nursing
- Practical Nursing Diploma
Southeast Minnesota
- Practical Nursing
- Practical Nursing Program
Central Minnesota
- Practical Nursing Diploma
- Practical Nursing Diploma
- Practical Nursing Diploma
Southwest Minnesota
- Nursing - Practical Program (LPN)
Northwest Minnesota
- Practical Nursing
- Practical Nursing
Northeast Minnesota
- Practical Nursing
