Rankings / By State
Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota
- 42
- Schools
- $54,661
- Avg. Earnings
- 53%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,426
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,326
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 42 schools run from $36,909 to $76,786, a 2.1× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Minnesota-Rochester delivers the most for the money: roughly $69,020 in median earnings against $13,744 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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South Central College is the lowest-cost school here at $9,082 a year in net price.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates 85% of its students, versus a 53% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Dakota County Technical College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($58,170 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Saint Johns University ($76,786), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- South Central College costs $9,082 a year and Bethel University costs $28,556. Yet their graduates earn $45,068 and $63,764, nowhere near the $19,474 price gap.
- On value, University of Minnesota-Rochester beats Saint Johns University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Minnesota-Rochester and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Healthcare is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $54K within a decade, and registered nurse roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota #1 overall | $58,170 ▲ +6% vs avg | $11,704 | 67% | 83 |
| 2 The College of Saint Scholastica #2 overall | $65,934 ▲ +21% vs avg | $27,846 | 66% | 83 |
| 3 St Catherine University #3 overall | $59,282 ▲ +8% vs avg | $19,764 | 63% | 83 |
| $63,260 ▲ +16% vs avg | $26,640 | 80% | 76 | |
| $76,786 ▲ +40% vs avg | $25,672 | 76% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota
This analysis ranks 42 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,661 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 53% and an average net price of $17,426.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Minnesota-Rochester — Net Price: $13,744 | Graduation Rate: 57%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — 85% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Saint Johns University — Median alumni earnings: $76,786
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$52,847
Median earnings (10yr)
52%
Median graduation rate
$15,963
Median net price
1.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Few sectors of the economy depend more directly on what colleges produce than healthcare. Chronic shortages across nursing and allied health have made workforce training a bottleneck for the entire system. Schools rise on this list by combining rigorous instruction with clinical placements and high licensure pass rates, the bridge between enrolling and actually practicing.
Start with the medians across these 42 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,847 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,847 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 52%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $15,963 a year with about $19,625 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 26% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.5%.
What we’re seeing: demographic pressure keeps demand high, and programs with embedded clinical networks convert that demand into employment fastest. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota leads the list, and graduates across these programs earn a median of $52,847 ten years after enrollment. The constraint is not jobs. It is clinical capacity and licensure throughput, and that is where the strongest programs pull away.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
The College of Saint Scholastica lands at #2 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $65,934 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
St Catherine University lands at #3 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,282 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,764 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
College of Saint Benedict lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $63,260 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,640 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Saint Johns University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $76,786 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Concordia University-Saint Paul lands at #6 with a 72/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,871 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,462 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Gustavus Adolphus College lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $65,607 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,900 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Winona State University lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,532 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,503 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Concordia College at Moorhead lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $59,317 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
St Cloud Technical and Community College lands at #10 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,874 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,635 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Dunwoody College of Technology lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $61,511 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,939 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Minnesota North College lands at #12 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,570 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,432 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Minnesota-Rochester lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (36/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,744 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Augsburg University lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $58,829 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Minnesota State University-Mankato lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $56,922 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,139 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Minnesota State University Moorhead lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $50,527 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,997 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Inver Hills Community College lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $49,898 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,636 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Dakota County Technical College lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,938 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,548 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Bethel University lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $63,764 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,556 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Rochester Community and Technical College lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,287 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,435 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Minneapolis, MN · 80% accepted · $16,778 net
Why it ranks #21
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #21 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Northland Community and Technical College lands at #22 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $44,425 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,975 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Minnesota State Community and Technical College lands at #23 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $45,591 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,556 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Ridgewater College lands at #24 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $43,827 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,046 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Bemidji State University lands at #25 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $53,755 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #26 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Metropolitan State University lands at #27 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $64,705 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,863 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Saint Cloud State University lands at #28 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $55,813 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,529 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Crown College lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Alexandria Technical & Community College lands at #30 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,393 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,691 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Herzing University-Minneapolis lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (57/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,670 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
St Olaf College lands at #32 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $65,543 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,874 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of Minnesota-Duluth lands at #33 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $62,616 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,743 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Normandale Community College lands at #34 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $50,207 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,972 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
South Central College lands at #35 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,068 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,082 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Southwest Minnesota State University lands at #36 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,342 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,291 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Lake Superior College lands at #37 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,449 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,492 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
University of Northwestern-St Paul lands at #38 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,755 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,705 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Central Lakes College-Brainerd lands at #39 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $42,162 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,869 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Anoka-Ramsey Community College lands at #40 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,342 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,434 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College lands at #41 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $45,665 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,677 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
North Hennepin Community College lands at #42 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,142 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,186 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 42 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Registered Nurses and related roles — a field with $86,070 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the Registered Nurse career guide →Choosing the right nursing college can be a pivotal decision for aspiring nurses. With 44 programs in Minnesota, it’s important to know what distinguishes the best from the rest. Strong nursing programs can set students up for rewarding careers, and understanding their outcomes can help in making an informed choice.
The top nursing schools in this list focus on key outcomes: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, average debt, and opportunities for upward mobility. These factors not only reflect the quality of the education but also the real-world impact it has on students' lives. As you explore the rankings below, consider how each school performs across these metrics and what that means for your future.
For instance, the University of Minnesota-Rochester leads with an impressive earnings potential of $69,020 and a graduation rate of 57%. In contrast, St Cloud Technical and Community College has a lower earning average of $46,874 and a graduation rate of only 44%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students might face when selecting a program.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 10 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.5%. Saint Johns University leads the group at 2.7%, with The College of Saint Scholastica (2.2%) and St Catherine University (2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4.4% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Crown College leads at 7.5%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 29.3% across this list. The College of Saint Scholastica posts the highest success rate at 48.1%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.71 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Gustavus Adolphus College reaches 1.77, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The earnings and graduation rates among these nursing programs tell a compelling story. For example, while the University of Minnesota-Rochester boasts the highest average earnings at $69,020, St Cloud Technical and Community College trails with $46,874 in earnings. This difference highlights how program quality and student support can significantly influence career outcomes.
After reviewing the 44 nursing programs, consider your own priorities. Are you looking for a high earning potential, or is a lower cost of attendance more critical for you? For instance, although the College of Saint Scholastica has higher tuition at $27,846, it also has a strong graduation rate of 66%. Aligning your values with the data can help narrow down your options effectively.
The journey from college to a stable career often hinges on these early decisions. A family may choose the University of Minnesota-Rochester for its strong earning potential, while another might opt for a community college for financial reasons. Each choice impacts future opportunities, and understanding these metrics can guide families toward making a decision that best fits their circumstances.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota ranking? +
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, MN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $58,170 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 67% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Saint Johns University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $76,786 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,661 average across the 42 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Minnesota-Rochester leads: graduates earn a median $69,020 against net price of about $13,744 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 85%, compared with a 53% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,426 a year across the 42 ranked schools with cost data. South Central College is among the most affordable at roughly $9,082. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Nursing Colleges in Minnesota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 42 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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