Nursing professionals in Minnesota looking to take their careers to the next level can benefit significantly from pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The healthcare industry in Minnesota is growing at a rapid pace, providing numerous opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees. However, with multiple MSN programs available, finding the right one can be challenging.
But don't fret! We're here to help. In this article, we'll investigate the top ten best MSN programs in Minnesota. From specialized tracks and accreditation to tuition costs, we'll provide you with all the crucial information you need to make an informed decision and achieve your nursing career goals.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The MSN program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is unique for its emphasis on interprofessional education, preparing nurses to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals in various settings. The program also offers students the opportunity to specialize in several areas, including clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and health innovation and leadership.
School Details:
Campus:
Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Founded:
1851
Retention Rate:
94%
Admission Rate:
52%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
50,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):
$18,776 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$31,440 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Health Innovation and Leadership
Bethel University
Bethel University's MSN program is distinctive for its faith-based approach to nursing education, integrating Christian principles into the curriculum to develop nurses who are equipped to provide compassionate and holistic care. The program also offers online and hybrid options for students who need flexibility in their learning.
School Details:
Campus:
Arden Hills, MN
Founded:
1871
Retention Rate:
85%
Admission Rate:
79%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
11:1
Students Enrolled:
4,000
Type of Institute:
Private, Christian
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:
$780 per credit
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership and Management
St Catherine University
St Catherine University's MSN program is distinctive for its focus on diversity and social justice, preparing nurses to address health disparities and advocate for underserved populations. The program also offers an array of specializations, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and health systems leadership.
School Details:
Campus:
St. Paul, MN
Founded:
1905
Retention Rate:
82%
Admission Rate:
76%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
10:1
Students Enrolled:
4,800
Type of Institute:
Private, Catholic
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:
$1,099 per credit
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Leadership
The College of Saint Scholastica
The MSN program at The College of Saint Scholastica is unique for its focus on rural health, preparing nurses to serve in rural communities and address the unique challenges and needs of these populations. The program also offers a variety of specializations, including nurse educator, nursing administration, and population health.
School Details:
Campus:
Duluth, MN
Founded:
1912
Retention Rate:
84%
Admission Rate:
85%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
14:1
Students Enrolled:
4,200
Type of Institute:
Private, Catholic
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:
$1,049 per credit
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Population Health
Winona State University
Winona State University's MSN program is notable for its hybrid format, allowing students to complete the majority of their coursework online while still providing opportunities for in-person interaction with faculty and peers. The program also offers a range of specializations, including nurse educator, nurse administrator, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
School Details:
Campus:
Winona, MN
Founded:
1858
Retention Rate:
80%
Admission Rate:
69%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
7,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 2.75
Tuition (in-state):
$7,118 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$13,825 per year
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Augsburg University
Augsburg University's MSN program is unique for its emphasis on social justice and equity, preparing nurses to work with diverse populations and address health disparities. The program also offers a variety of specializations, including nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, and nurse practitioner.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's MSN program is distinctive for its focus on ethical leadership, preparing nurses to lead with integrity and compassion. The program also offers a range of specializations, including nurse educator, nursing administration, and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
School Details:
Campus:
Winona, MN
Founded:
1912
Retention Rate:
74%
Admission Rate:
81%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
14:1
Students Enrolled:
5,500
Type of Institute:
Private, Catholic
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:
$890 per credit
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Minnesota State University-Mankato
The MSN program at Minnesota State University-Mankato is notable for its focus on interprofessional collaboration and its strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. The program also offers a range of specializations, including nurse educator, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
School Details:
Campus:
Mankato, MN
Founded:
1868
Retention Rate:
78%
Admission Rate:
63%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
21:1
Students Enrolled:
15,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, 1 year of clinical experience
Tuition (in-state):
$6,890 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$15,176 per year
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Minnesota State University Moorhead
The MSN program at Minnesota State University Moorhead is unique for its focus on rural health, preparing nurses to address the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. The program offers a variety of specializations, including nurse educator, family nurse practitioner, and nursing administration.
School Details:
Campus:
Moorhead, MN
Founded:
1887
Retention Rate:
75%
Admission Rate:
65%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
6,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition (in-state):
$7,350 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$10,674 per year
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner
Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University's MSN program is unique for its focus on community health, preparing nurses to work with underserved populations in urban areas. The program also offers a range of specializations, including nurse educator, nurse administrator, and family nurse practitioner.
School Details:
Campus:
St. Paul, MN
Founded:
1971
Retention Rate:
62%
Admission Rate:
100%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
16:1
Students Enrolled:
9,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 2.75
Tuition (in-state):
$8,800 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$12,864 per year
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner
