2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Minnesota? This list ranks 95 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 48 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Minnesota
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Rochester Community And Technical College this year in Minnesota. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Rochester Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $20,291 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
You'll get strong value at Northwest Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,254. Northwest Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $31,053 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,930 ten years out. Set against $31,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwest Technical College profile
A rank of #3 makes Alexandria Technical And Community College one of the best values in Minnesota. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. The median Nursing program debt is $14,054. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
North Hennepin Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Minnesota. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Nursing students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
A rank of #5 makes Pine Technical College one of the best values in Minnesota. Located in Pine City, MN, Pine Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,738. Pine Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $22,454 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,232. Set against $22,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Pine Technical College report
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,408. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,408 median debt. More on Anoka Technical College
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public school based in Coon Rapids, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,682. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,342. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Inver Hills Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. Students borrow a median of $20,160 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,898 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,289. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,550. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $18,550 median debt. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Century College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. The median Nursing program debt is $21,332. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. More on Century College
Hennepin Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. The median Nursing program debt is $17,887. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Dakota County Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Set in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022. Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College Nursing students take on a median of $17,029 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,570 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,029 median debt. More on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Minnesota West Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,491. The median Nursing program debt is $13,946. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,285. Set against $13,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Minnesota West Community And Technical College report
Ridgewater College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. The median Nursing program debt is $15,556. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. Read more about Ridgewater College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $17,650 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
South Central College placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. South Central College is a public school based in North Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. South Central College Nursing students take on a median of $13,139 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,068 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,139 median debt. See the full South Central College profile
Lake Superior College landed the #19 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. Graduates carry a median of $17,156 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. More on Lake Superior College
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Located in Winona, MN, Minnesota State College Southeast Technical is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $22,522. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,613. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Minnesota State College Southeast Technical profile
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,908. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,197. Median earnings reach $45,591 ten years out. Set against $18,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public school based in Brainerd, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,249. Central Lakes College Brainerd Nursing students take on a median of $14,479 in debt. Central Lakes College Brainerd alumni report median earnings of $42,162 a decade after entry. Set against $14,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Bemidji State University landed the #23 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Bemidji State University
Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #24 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,016. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Students borrow a median of $24,036 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $40,086 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Minnesota
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Normandale Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Normandale Community College is a public school based in Bloomington, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,329. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,162. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Normandale Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #27 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Winona State University placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Winona State University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Nursing students take on a median of $24,447 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Saint Cloud State University landed the #30 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,076. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #31 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Walden University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. The median Nursing program debt is $49,361. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Rasmussen College Minnesota placed #33 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,199. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,723. Rasmussen College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $28,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Minnesota
Metropolitan State University landed the #34 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Students borrow a median of $30,822 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Capella University landed the #35 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. The median Nursing program debt is $35,998. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Based in Cloquet, MN, Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,773 in student loans. Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,665 a decade after entry. Set against $21,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #37 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Augsburg College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,452. The median Nursing program debt is $26,319. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,829. That is a strong return on a $26,319 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Augsburg College
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. The median Nursing program debt is $29,026. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #40 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Located in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,170. Concordia College At Moorhead Nursing students take on a median of $26,637 in debt. Concordia College At Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $59,317 a decade after entry. Set against $26,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia College At Moorhead report
St Catherine University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. Graduates carry a median of $29,883 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full St Catherine University profile
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
The College Of Saint Scholastica offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit school based in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. The median Nursing program debt is $26,755. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,934. Set against $26,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The College Of Saint Scholastica
College Of Saint Benedict offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Joseph, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,756. Students borrow a median of $26,619 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $63,260 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Saint Benedict admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of Saint Benedict
Northwestern College Minnesota placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in Minnesota. Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,920. Students borrow a median of $23,505 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,755. Set against $23,505 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern College Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Northwestern College Minnesota report
Gustavus Adolphus College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Peter, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,076. Gustavus Adolphus College Nursing students take on a median of $26,197 in debt. Gustavus Adolphus College alumni report median earnings of $65,607 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,197 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Gustavus Adolphus College report
Crown College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,410. Crown College Nursing students take on a median of $29,537 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,057 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Crown College has an acceptance rate of 23%. Read more about Crown College
St Olaf College landed the #48 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Olaf College admits about 48% of applicants. Read more about St Olaf College
Mayo Medical School offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. See the full Mayo Medical School profile
Academy College
Academy College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Academy College
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 48 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 95 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
NursingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© NursingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.