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Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota

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2023 Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

23 Schools Ranked
$6,582 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$24,148 Avg Student Debt*

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota ranking. This report analyzed 23 schools in Minnesota to see which ones offered the best value associate degree programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

111 Total Awards
$5,372 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Rochester Community and Technical College the best value school in Minnesota for nursing students working on their associate degree. Rochester Community and Technical College is a small public school situated in Rochester, Minnesota. It awarded 111 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Rochester Community and Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,372 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,180 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Rochester Community and Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Rochester Community and Technical College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #3 on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list.

Read More…

#2

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, Minnesota
77 Total Awards
$6,380 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent associate degree programs at Northwest Technical College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in Minnesota. Northwest Technical College is a very small public school located in Bemidji, Minnesota that handed out 77 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

NTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,380 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,265 in student loans.

Online courses are available at NTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

NTC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list.

Read full report on Northwest Technical College

#3

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
72 Total Awards
$4,882 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent associate degree programs at North Hennepin Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in Minnesota. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 72 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at North Hennepin Community College are $4,882 a year. On average, associate degree students take out $24,520 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that North Hennepin Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on North Hennepin Community College

#4

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
151 Total Awards
$5,515 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 23 schools in Minnesota that were part of this year’s value ranking, Anoka-Ramsey Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and it awarded 151 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus are $5,515 per year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,645 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus also took the #5 spot in our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota rankings.

Full Anoka-Ramsey Community College Report

#5

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
89 Total Awards
$5,809 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Inver Hills Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. IHCC is a public institution located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 89 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

IHCC undergraduate students pay an average of $5,809 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,611 in student loans.

IHCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

IHCC also made our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list, coming in at #4.

Read full report on Inver Hills Community College

#6

Hibbing Community College

Hibbing, Minnesota
49 Total Awards
$7,071 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Hibbing Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Hibbing Community College is a public institution located in Hibbing, Minnesota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 49 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Hibbing Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,071 in tuition and fees each year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $18,202 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Hibbing Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Hibbing Community College

#7

Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota
93 Total Awards
$5,914 Average Tuition & Fees

Ridgewater College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Willmar, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 93 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Ridgewater College are $5,914 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,453 in student loans.

Ridgewater College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Ridgewater College Report

17 Total Awards
$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees

Alexandria Technical & Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. ATCC is a public institution located in Alexandria, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 17 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

ATCC undergraduate students pay an average of $5,910 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,116 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ATCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 48% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Alexandria Technical & Community College Report

#9

South Central College

North Mankato, Minnesota
55 Total Awards
$5,966 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, South Central College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in North Mankato, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 55 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at South Central College are $5,966 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $19,738 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at South Central College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 79% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full South Central College Report

#10

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
108 Total Awards
$5,907 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Century College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Century College is a public institution located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 108 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Century College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,907 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $22,559 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Century College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Century College Report

#10

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
21 Total Awards
$5,741 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Hennepin Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 21 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Hennepin Technical College are $5,741 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,067 in student loans.

Hennepin Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 64% took at least some of their classes online.

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45 Total Awards
$11,936 Average Tuition & Fees

Minnesota West Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota ranking. Minnesota West is a small public school situated in Granite Falls, Minnesota. It awarded 45 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Minnesota West are $11,936 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,016 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Minnesota West. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#13

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
50 Total Awards
$5,874 Average Tuition & Fees

St Cloud Technical and Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 50 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at St Cloud Technical and Community College are $5,874 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $20,104 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at St Cloud Technical and Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full St Cloud Technical and Community College Report

#14

Lake Superior College

Duluth, Minnesota
112 Total Awards
$5,616 Average Tuition & Fees

Lake Superior College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. This small public school is located in Duluth, Minnesota, and it awarded 112 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at LSC are $5,616 per year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,773 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LSC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lake Superior College

#15

Pine Technical & Community College

Pine City, Minnesota
27 Total Awards
$8,526 Average Tuition & Fees

Pine Technical & Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Pine City, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Pine Technical & Community College are $8,526 per year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,290 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pine Technical & Community College. In fact, around 22% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Pine Technical & Community College Report

#16

Central Lakes College - Brainerd

Brainerd, Minnesota
75 Total Awards
$5,954 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Lakes College - Brainerd ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. Central Lakes College - Brainerd is a small public school located in Brainerd, Minnesota that handed out 75 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Central Lakes College are $5,954 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,231 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Central Lakes College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 32% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Central Lakes College - Brainerd Report

#17

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
65 Total Awards
$6,052 Average Tuition & Fees

Northland Community and Technical College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. Northland Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota that handed out 65 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Northland Community and Technical College are $6,052 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $20,969 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Northland Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Northland Community and Technical College

76 Total Awards
$5,862 Average Tuition & Fees

Minnesota State Community and Technical College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. M State is a medium-sized public school situated in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It awarded 76 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at M State are $5,862 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $20,514 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since M State does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
79 Total Awards
$5,789 Average Tuition & Fees

Normandale Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 79 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Normandale Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,789 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,674 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Normandale Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 92% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Normandale Community College Report

90 Total Awards
$5,906 Average Tuition & Fees

Minneapolis Community and Technical College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 90 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Minneapolis Community and Technical College are $5,906 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $26,611 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Minneapolis Community and Technical College Report

#21

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1 Total Awards
$6,041 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, Saint Paul College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1 students in 2020-2021.

Saint Paul College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,041 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $23,862 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Saint Paul College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#22

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
674 Total Awards
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota list. Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a private for-profit institution located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 674 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota undergraduate students pay an average of $13,558 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,551 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Rasmussen University - Minnesota does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota also took the #1 spot in our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota rankings.

Full Rasmussen University - Minnesota Report

22 Total Awards
$5,815 Average Tuition & Fees

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Minnesota ranking. Cloquet, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 22 students in 2020-2021.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,815 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,197 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 16% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Report

Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 23 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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