Top Nursing Schools in North Dakota
This page lists 14 schools in North Dakota that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 8 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 6 associate degree (ADN), 8 bachelor's (BSN), 3 master's and 2 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 11 public, 2 private nonprofit and 1 private for-profit. 10 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Bismarck (2) and Fargo (2).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (14)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, BSN | ACEN |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Mayville State University | Mayville, ND | Public | BSN, MSN | CCNE, ACEN |
| Minot State University | Minot, ND | Public | BSN | CCNE |
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo, ND | Public | BSN, PhD-FNP | CCNE |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN | — |
| Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND | Public | LPN/LVN | — |
| University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN, MSN-Leadership, DNP, DNP-FNP | CCNE |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| Williston State College | Williston, ND | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
Before you apply in North Dakota
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of North Dakota. See online coursework and clinical requirements.