North Dakota ranks Top 5 nationally for NCLEX-PN pass rates
Despite its modest population, North Dakota has built a reputation for exceptional nursing education quality. NCLEX-PN pass rates consistently rank among the top 5 nationally. Bismarck State College's accelerated 11-month program has reported a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in North Dakota
All programs below are approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing with strong NCLEX-PN track records.
- FormatHybrid — online theory + in-person clinicals
- Program length11 months (accelerated)
- NCLEX-PN pass rate100% reported
- FeatureIVN distance delivery to rural sites
- In-state tuition$184–$264/credit hr
- Program length3 semesters
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- LocationNortheast North Dakota
- AidPell Grant eligible
- BridgeRN pathway available
- LocationWestern ND — oil country
- Program length3 semesters
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- AidPell Grant eligible
- NoteHigh demand area — strong job placement
- Program3-semester practical nursing sequence
- IncludesGeneral ed + nursing courses
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- AidPell Grant eligible
- BridgeNCLEX-PN eligible on completion
- StatusRelaunching Spring 2026 — new curriculum
- BridgeLadders into BSN program
- FocusRural ND workforce needs
- LocationSouthwest North Dakota
- NoteVerify enrollment status before applying
- What is WUEReduced out-of-state tuition program
- BSC offersIn-state rates to MN, IA, SD, MT, ID, UT, CO, NE, KS, WY students
- Military studentsIn-state tuition regardless of state
- Best forStudents from qualifying WUE states
- NoteConfirm eligibility before applying
⚠️ Tuition figures based on 2024–2025 IPEDS data. Always contact schools directly for current costs before enrolling.
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LPN Salary in North Dakota — What You Can Expect to Earn
BLS data shows ND LPN salaries averaging approximately $48,060/year ($23.10/hour), while Salary.com 2025 data places North Dakota at $56,715/year. The state's low cost of living — significantly below the national average — makes these wages go further. With program costs of $9,000–$14,000, most ND LPN graduates recover tuition within 8–10 weeks of working.
| City / Metro Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Williston Basin | ~$57,480–$57,945 | ~$27.63–$27.86 | Oil country — highest wages in ND |
| 🥈 Fargo / West Fargo | ~$55,000–$57,887 | ~$26.44–$27.83 | Largest job market in ND |
| 🥉 Bismarck | ~$48,060–$55,000 | ~$23.10–$26.44 | State capital — strong healthcare system |
| Grand Forks | ~$48,000–$53,000 | ~$23.08–$25.48 | University town — growing market |
| Minot / Dickinson | ~$46,000–$50,000 | ~$22.12–$24.04 | Steady demand — Air Force base nearby |
| Rural ND | ~$44,000–$50,000 | ~$21.15–$24.04 | Critical shortage areas — incentive pay available |
💡 North Dakota Oil Country Premium: The Williston Basin area pays LPNs $57,480–$57,945/year — among the highest in the state. The energy industry drives up wages across all sectors in western North Dakota, including healthcare.
Financial Aid & Free Money for North Dakota LPN Students
You don't have to pay for your LPN program out of pocket. Here are the major sources of free money for North Dakota nursing students — especially moms returning to school.
The biggest source of free money. No repayment ever required. Apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov. For many North Dakota students, this covers the majority — or all — of program tuition.
Contact your school's financial aid office and your state higher education agency for North Dakota-specific nursing grants and scholarships. Many awards go unclaimed each year.
If you work in healthcare as a CNA, aide, or medical assistant, your employer may cover LPN tuition. Ask HR before enrolling — the most overlooked source of nursing school funding.
Major North Dakota healthcare employers sometimes sponsor LPN training in exchange for a 1–2 year employment commitment. Call nursing recruitment directly — rarely advertised publicly.
Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at state-approved programs plus a monthly housing allowance. Most North Dakota LPN programs are VA-certified.
WIOA provides funding for displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults entering high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local workforce center to apply.
State TANF programs can cover childcare costs while you attend your LPN program — one of the biggest barriers for single moms. Contact your county social services office.
If grants don't cover everything, federal Direct Loans offer lower interest than private loans. LPN salaries in North Dakota typically allow fast repayment. Complete FAFSA to access them.
Smart Tips for North Dakota Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced North Dakota nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 🏭 Western ND oil country pays LPN premiumsWilliston and the Bakken oil region pay LPNs $57,480–$57,945/year — well above the state average. The energy industry drives up wages for all workers in the region, including healthcare.
- 📋 North Dakota has the lowest college tuition in the U.S.ND holds the record for lowest average graduate-level college tuition nationally. LPN certificate programs run $9,000–$14,000 all-in — well below the national average.
- 🎓 BSC's 100% NCLEX pass rate + WUE rates for 10 statesBSC's accelerated hybrid program reported 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate AND offers in-state tuition to students from MN, IA, SD, MT, ID, UT, CO, NE, KS, and WY. Out-of-state students from those states pay ND in-state rates.
- 👶 FAFSA + ND state grants = minimal out-of-pocketFile FAFSA immediately. A Pell Grant of up to $7,395 combined with North Dakota state scholarship programs like the ND Academic Scholarship can cover the majority of your LPN program costs.
- 🌉 Fargo NLC license = access to Minnesota's larger job marketFargo sits on the Minnesota border. With an NLC license, you can work in Minnesota — a significantly larger healthcare market — while living in lower-cost North Dakota.
- 🏥 Rural ND healthcare shortage = guaranteed employmentNorth Dakota has persistent rural healthcare shortages. LPNs willing to work in rural communities often have guaranteed employment, housing assistance, and loan repayment incentives through state programs.
LPN to RN in North Dakota — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
One of the most important career decisions you'll make. Here's an honest breakdown for North Dakota students.
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
BLS data shows ND LPN salaries averaging approximately $48,060/year ($23.10/hour), while Salary.com 2025 data places North Dakota at $56,715/year. The state's low cost of living — significantly below the national average — makes these wages go further. With program costs of $9,000–$14,000, most ND LPN graduates recover tuition within 8–10 weeks of working.
North Dakota RNs earn between $77,250 and $82,390/year — a substantial jump from the LPN salary. North Dakota has one of the highest concentrations of RN jobs in the U.S. per capita. If time and money are not barriers, going directly to an ADN or BSN program gives you significantly higher lifetime earnings.
Our sister site lpn-rn.com covers every North Dakota LPN-to-RN bridge program in detail — including online and hybrid options for working nurses.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in North Dakota. Our sister site offers 50 free questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in North Dakota
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