A DNP degree allows nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills, thus improving their career options. It also comes with better pay — according to ZipRecruiter, Minnesota DNP degree holders earn about $114,514 a year or about $55/hour. In contrast, MSN degree holders only earn around $31 an hour.
If you’re looking to expand your career horizons and enjoy higher wages, then you should consider enrolling in any of the DNP programs listed below.
Minnesota DNP Programs at a Glance (2026)
| Quick Fact | 2026 Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured Minnesota DNP Schools | 10 institutions (full directory below) |
| DNP Track Types Covered | BSN-to-DNP entry, MSN-to-DNP advancement, Post-Master’s DNP Certificate, Executive DNP |
| Practice Authority | Full — Minnesota NPs can practice autonomously after 2,080 supervised hours; full practice authority statewide |
| Licensing Board | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| Typical Program Length | 3–4 years BSN-to-DNP; 18–24 months MSN-to-DNP; 12–18 months Post-Master’s DNP Certificate |
| Required Clinical Hours | 1,000+ (AACN DNP Essentials) |
| Minnesota NP Mean Annual Wage | $135,000 (BLS OES, May 2024) |
| AACN 2025 Alignment | All DNP programs aligned with the AACN Essentials and 2025 DNP position statement |
| National NP Growth (2023–33) | +46% — BLS Occupational Outlook |
| Certifying Bodies | AANPCB, ANCC, PNCB |
2026 Updates — What Changed for Minnesota DNP Programs
- BLS wage refresh (May 2024 data) — Minnesota NP mean annual wage rose to $135,000. Twin Cities metro leads the state by employment and pay.
- AACN 2025 DNP Position Statement — The AACN reaffirmed its position that the DNP is the appropriate terminal degree for advanced practice nursing. CCNE-accredited programs continue to align curricula with the 2025 Essentials.
- Minnesota-specific update — Minnesota’s full practice authority makes DNP-prepared NPs ideal candidates for primary care expansion in rural Minnesota. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities anchors academic-medical-center DNP preparation.
- WHNP → WHGRNP rebrand — NCC has expanded the Women’s Health NP scope to include gender-related care; track currency varies by school.
- 10 Minnesota schools tracked — current Minnesota DNP-track institutions verified against CCNE and ACEN directories.
Educational Routes to Earning a DNP in Minnesota
There’s no single path to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Five route types appear across Minnesota schools listed on this page — each suits a different starting credential and timeline.
1. BSN-to-DNP (Direct Doctoral Entry)
For BSN-prepared RNs who want to enter the doctoral path directly without first earning a separate master’s degree. Typical length: 3 to 4 years full-time, 1,000+ clinical hours, and an APRN specialty (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, etc.). This is the fastest-growing entry path, aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement.
2. MSN-to-DNP (Post-Master’s Advancement)
For nurses who already hold an MSN-NP and want to add doctoral preparation without changing specialties. Typical length: 18 to 24 months part-time, focused on advanced systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and a doctoral capstone project. Many MSN-to-DNP programs accept clinical hours from the prior master’s, requiring fewer additional hours overall.
3. Post-Master’s DNP Certificate
For existing MSN-NP holders who want a credentialed doctoral certificate without a full DNP degree. Typical length: 12 to 18 months. Provides AACN Essentials coursework alignment without the full doctoral capstone. The NP Certifications hub covers credential combinations in depth.
4. Executive DNP (Leadership Track)
For nurses pursuing administrative, health-system, or population-health roles rather than direct clinical practice. Typical length: 24 to 36 months. Curriculum emphasizes nursing administration, quality improvement, informatics, and policy. Suited for current nurse managers, CNOs, and policy-track candidates.
5. Direct-Entry RN-to-DNP (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN (12 to 16 months), then enters the BSN-to-DNP track. Total time-to-DNP: typically 4.5 to 5.5 years from the start of accelerated BSN. Minnesota’s flagship direct-entry options include the University of Minnesota’s Master of Nursing for non-nurses pathway and St. Catherine’s Master’s Entry track.
DNP Programs in Minnesota
The following DNP Programs in Minnesota are open to residents and some non-residents who wish to elevate their careers by pursuing a terminal degree.
Minnesota BSN to DNP Programs
BSN-educated nurses, and in certain cases, those with entry-level Master’s degrees, may obtain their DNP degree through on-campus or hybrid programs. Here are 8 schools that offer such programs:
Augsburg University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 80
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,035 per credit for 80 credits — $82,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Augsburg’s full-time, 4-year BSN-DNP program provides students with diverse primary care clinical experience. Students also get the chance to encounter unique, short-term transcultural experiences at local and international destinations. Classes start every fall.
College of Saint Benedict — St. John’s University
- St. Joseph, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 70
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $950 per credit for 70 credits — $66,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
CSB’s flexible hybrid program provides BSN-educated nurses the chance to offer exceptional care to patients across their lifespan. The curriculum ensures students are taught the essentials of family nursing practice, such as performing health assessments, completing procedures, and managing conditions, to name a few. CSB also offers a DNP in Leadership track for nurses who wish to become excellent leaders.
College of Saint Scholastica
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75-78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $925 per credit for 75–78 credits — $69,375 to $72,150 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Saint Scholastica’s BSN-DNP is open to nurses who wish to become FNPs, AGACNPs, or PMHNPs. The hybrid program, which requires minimal campus visits, may be completed in 3 years (if taken on a full-time basis). Admission requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and related nursing experience.
Metro State University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 75-78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,153.88 per credit for 75–78 credits — $86,541 to $90,002.64 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Metro State’s FNP is open to BSN and entry-level MSN degree holders. Designed to be completed in 3–4 years, the FNP program provides students with rigorous coursework, four semesters of clinical rotations, and 1000 hours of clinical experience. MSU also offers a CRNA program, which is open to BSN and MSN holders alike. It may be completed in 4 years.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Mankato, Minnesota
- Online + Campus
Modality: On-campus and Online
Credit Hours: 79
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $14,985.28 per 12 credits
Non-resident Tuition: $22,173.88 per 12 credits
Program Overview:
MSU-Mankato offers a BSN-DNP for aspiring APRNs who wish to specialize in family nursing practice. The full-time program builds upon foundational nursing knowledge and focuses on evidence-based practice. The coursework and clinical hours may be completed in 3 years.
St. Catherine University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 68
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $81,600
Program Overview:
St. Catherine’s BSN-DNP program is designed for nurses who wish to become AGPCNPs, FNPs, NNPs, PMHNPs, and PNPs (Primary Care). The DNP program requires the completion of online coursework, in-person class intensives, and 810 clinical hours. It may be completed in 3 (full-time) to 4 (part-time) years.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 70-75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,100 per credit for 70–75 credits — $70,000 to $75,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UM-Twin Cities’ DNP program offers a wealth of options for BSN- and entry-level MSN-educated nurses. Qualified applicants may choose to specialize in any of the following tracks: AGPCNP, AGCNS, FNP, Health Innovation & Leadership, Integrative Health & Healing, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Informatics, PCNS, PNP-Primary, PMHNP, and WHNP.
Winona State University
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 72-74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $81,000-$84,000
Program Overview:
Winona State offers 6 specialization tracks to BSN-prepared nurses. These are AGACNP, AGCNS, FNP, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Practice & Leadership, and PMHNP. Clinical hour requirements range from 1,080 to 1,260. Part-time students may complete the program in 4 years, while full-time students may do so in three.
Minnesota MSN to DNP Programs
Nurses with Master’s degrees, meanwhile, may obtain a hybrid or on-campus DNP degree through any of these 5 schools:
Augsburg University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 30 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,035 per credit for 30 credits — $31,050 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Augsburg offers nurses with an MSN degree the opportunity to obtain a DNP in FNP or Transcultural Nursing Leadership (TNL). The FNP track is for those who wish to provide primary care to patients of all ages. The TNL track, on the other hand, is for those who wish to offer a holistic practice that improves human potential across care systems.
College of Saint Benedict – St. John’s University
- St. Joseph, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 39-42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $950 per credit for 39–42 credits — $37,050 to $39,900 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to BSN and MSN holders alike, CSB’s DNP program in Leadership is for nurses who wish to become more empowered leaders in their respective organizations. It equips students with five competencies, namely knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, business skills, communication, and professionalism.
College of Saint Scholastica
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 34
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $925 per credit for 34 credits — $31,450 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Saint Scholastica’s post-graduate DNP is open to nurses with various Masters backgrounds. On top of finishing courses in healthcare policy and healthcare finance, to name a few, students must complete 1000 clinical hours. The program is available in part-time and full-time tracks and may be completed in as short as four semesters.
Metro State University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 33-34
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,153.88 per credit for 33–34 credits — $38,078.04 to $39,231.92 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Metro State’s post-master DNP is open to APRNs and nurses with an advanced degree in informatics, nursing leadership, or public health nursing. The full-time program, which requires 33-34 coursework units, 1,000 clinical hours, and an evidence-based project, may be finished in 2 years.
Winona State University
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 31
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,156.10 per credit for 31 credits — $35,839.10 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Winona State offers the same 6 specialization tracks to MSN-educated nurses. However, the length of the program only ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the track and nursing status (APRN vs. non-APRN). Applicants must have taken courses in Statistics, Advanced Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, and others to meet the requirements of the program.
Online DNP Programs in Minnesota
Online DNP programs provide nurses with the flexibility to pursue their degrees at their own pace. Here are several schools that offer the said learning modality.
Minnesota Online BSN to DNP Programs
BSN degree holders who prefer online education, whether by choice or by circumstance, may benefit from enrolling in this MN-based school:
Rasmussen University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-63
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $738 per credit for 48–63 credits — $35,424 to $46,494 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Built for working nurses, Rasmussen’s DNP is an online program that may be completed in as short as 21 months. There are two tracks available, including Executive Leadership, which is made for nurses who wish to lead at the highest level. Another track is Public Health & Policy, which is open to nurses who want to improve policy design.
Minnesota Online MSN to DNP Programs
Nurses with Master’s degrees may expand their career options with the help of these online DNP programs:
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Mankato, Minnesota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 27
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $14,985.28 per 12 credits
Non-resident Tuition: $22,173.88 per 12 credits
Program Overview:
Open to masters-educated NPs, nurse-midwives, CRNAs, and clinical specialists, MSU-Mankato’s MSN-DNP program focuses on leadership development. Graduates of the program are expected to ably lead quality initiatives in their respective organizations. Available on a part-time basis, the fully online program may be completed in 2 years.
Rasmussen University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-63
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $738 per credit for 48–63 credits — $35,424 to $46,494 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rasmussen’s DNP is an online program that may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. Its empowered learning format features live/recorded sessions and access to online courses on-demand. The specialized program also features support from a dedicated graduate services advisor, project advisors, and mentors.
St. Catherine University
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $43,200
Program Overview:
In as short as 21 months, post-masters nurses can obtain their DNP from St. Catherine University. The online program is based on a cohort model and features small class sizes for the maximum learning experience. At the end of the program, graduates are expected to facilitate health policy changes and implement evidence-based practice as a means of improving health outcomes.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 37-38
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,100 per credit for 37–38 credits — $37,000 to $38,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UM-Twin Cities’ post-master DNP is open to APRNs and those who hold advanced degrees in Nursing Informatics, Nursing Leadership, and Public Health Nursing. The mostly online program, which requires a campus visit every semester, may be completed in a year.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Minnesota
If you’re looking to obtain your DNP at an accelerated pace, then here are some of the shortest programs in the state:
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
Rasmussen’s online BSN to DNP program, which is available in Executive Leadership and Public Health & Policy tracks, may be completed in 21 months.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
UM-Twin Cities offers the shortest MSN-DNP program for APRNs. Delivered mostly online, it may be completed in a year.
Best DNP Programs in Minnesota
According to the US News & World Report, UM-Twin Cities is the top-ranked DNP school in the state. It is placed 8th nationally, alongside the University of Maryland-Baltimore and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Ranked 141-156 in the nation, St. Catherine University is listed as the second-best DNP school in Minnesota.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Minnesota
Rasmussen’s online BSN-DNP is the most affordable in the state with its tuition of $35,424 to $46,494 plus other fees.
Meanwhile, the cheapest MSN-DNP program is offered by Augsburg University. Here, students only need to pay about $31,050 plus other fees.
Minnesota Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
There are no direct entry RN-DNP programs in Minnesota. However, nurses with an associate’s degree have the option to enroll in an RN-BSN or RN-MSN program, and then pursue a BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP afterward.