North Dakota is one of the few states with only a single in-state accelerated BSN option, so many prospective nurses compare nearby Midwestern programs alongside North Dakota State University. While NDSU remains the primary ABSN pathway inside the state, nearby options in Minnesota and South Dakota can provide additional flexibility in format, admissions, and start dates.
Some students prioritize lower tuition, while others look for hybrid delivery, multiple annual cohorts, or embedded graduate coursework. The good news is that several regional programs sit within driving distance of North Dakota and still serve career changers seeking a fast path into nursing.
Closest ABSN Programs for North Dakota Nurses
North Dakota State University
“NDSU’s Accelerated BSN combines a 14-month fast-track format with direct hospital partnerships that give students strong clinical access, scholarship support, and a clear path into the nursing workforce.”
NDSU currently offers the only true in-state ABSN pathway in North Dakota. The program runs across 14 consecutive months and blends online coursework with in-person nursing labs and clinical training. Students can complete the program in either Fargo or Bismarck, with the Bismarck site closely tied to Sanford Health.
The clinical network is one of the program’s strongest differentiators. Bismarck students receive priority clinical placements near Sanford Medical Center and may qualify for tuition assistance, scholarships, and hiring incentives. Fargo students rotate through several regional healthcare systems and specialty settings.
The curriculum focuses heavily on adult health, family nursing, leadership, mental health, evidence-based practice, and community nursing. A final practicum course helps students transition into RN practice while preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.
NDSU reports a 97% NCLEX pass rate, which places it among the stronger-performing ABSN pathways in the region. The hybrid structure also makes the program appealing to students balancing relocation, work, or family responsibilities.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 14 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Locations: Fargo and Bismarck
- Estimated Tuition: ~$28,000–$32,000
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
- Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions
More details available here: North Dakota State University ABSN
Because North Dakota has limited in-state ABSN availability, many applicants also compare nearby programs in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Herzing University – Minneapolis ABSN
Herzing’s Minneapolis ABSN is designed heavily around flexibility for career changers. Admissions use multiple GPA and TEAS pathways rather than one rigid cutoff, which can help applicants with uneven academic histories still qualify.
The program runs in as few as 20 months and includes hybrid coursework, simulation training, and 630 clinical hours. One of the more unique features is the inclusion of 12 graduate-level MSN credits embedded directly into the ABSN curriculum.
Why students compare it to NDSU
- Rolling admissions
- Flexible admissions structure
- Hybrid coursework
- Embedded MSN credits
- Minneapolis clinical market
Concordia University, St. Paul
Concordia’s ABSN uses a blended learning structure that separates online theory instruction from in-person labs and clinical experiences. The school offers three start dates annually, which can reduce wait times compared to once-a-year ABSN cohorts.
A major differentiator is that students do not necessarily need a completed bachelor’s degree to qualify. Applicants can enter with 54 non-nursing college credits, making the pathway more accessible to transfer students and associate degree holders.
The curriculum also includes a dedicated aging and palliative care course, which is relatively uncommon in accelerated BSN programs.
Quick Comparison
- Duration: 16 months
- Tuition: ~$64,000+
- Format: Hybrid/blended
- Start Dates: January, May, September
- Locations: St. Paul and Portland
University of Sioux Falls
The University of Sioux Falls offers one of the more affordable private ABSN options in the region. Tuition typically falls between $25,000 and $27,000, making it competitively priced even against some public university programs.
The 16-month curriculum emphasizes early clinical immersion, with students entering healthcare settings during the first semester. The program also reports a 97.37% NCLEX pass rate, one of the strongest outcomes among South Dakota BSN programs.
USF may appeal to students seeking:
- Lower tuition
- Smaller cohort environment
- Strong clinical focus
- Faith-based campus culture
Can You Complete an ABSN Online in North Dakota?
No fully online ABSN programs currently operate within North Dakota. Even hybrid pathways still require in-person labs, simulation training, and clinical rotations.
Programs like NDSU, Concordia, and Herzing all use hybrid structures that combine:
- Online didactic coursework
- On-campus nursing labs
- Clinical placements at healthcare facilities
For students living in rural areas of North Dakota, commuting and temporary relocation may become part of the planning process during clinical semesters.
ABSN Program Costs in North Dakota and Nearby States
Tuition varies significantly across Midwestern ABSN programs.
| School | Approximate Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
NDSU | $28K–$32K | 14 months |
University of Sioux Falls | $25K–$27K | 16 months |
Herzing Minneapolis | ~$40K | 20 months |
Concordia St. Paul | ~$64K+ | 16 months |
Public university ABSN programs like NDSU often provide stronger value for North Dakota residents, especially when combined with employer partnerships and scholarship support. Private ABSN programs may offer more flexible start dates and admissions pathways but often come at a higher price point.
How to Choose the Right ABSN Program
For many North Dakota students, the decision comes down to a few core factors:
- Start date flexibility
- Total cost
- Clinical placement support
- Hybrid versus campus-heavy delivery
- Relocation requirements
NDSU remains the strongest local option for students wanting an in-state pathway with strong hospital integration. Students needing additional admissions flexibility or multiple cohort starts may find better alignment with Minnesota-based ABSN programs.
Compare More ABSN Programs
You may also want to compare:
- Minnesota ABSN programs
- South Dakota ABSN programs
- Cheapest ABSN programs
- Hybrid ABSN programs
- 12-month accelerated BSN programs
Comparing nearby regional options can help you balance tuition, commute distance, clinical access, and program length before committing to an accelerated nursing pathway.