North Dakota LPN Program Costs (2026)
Here's what you'll actually pay at North Dakota's most affordable LPN programs—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and uniforms.
| School | Tuition & Fees | Books/Supplies | Total Cost | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Region State College | $4,680 | $1,200 | $5,880 | 11 months |
| ND State College of Science | $5,928 | $1,000 | $6,928 | 11 months |
| Bismarck State College | $7,000 | $1,200 | $8,200 | 11 months |
| Northland Community College | $6,800 | $1,300 | $8,100 | 12 months |
| Western Dakota Tech | $7,500 | $1,100 | $8,600 | 11 months |
💡 Pro Tip: All five schools are accredited by the North Dakota Board of Nursing and qualify for federal financial aid. With a Pell Grant ($7,395/year), you can attend Lake Region or ND State College for FREE—and pocket the difference!
How to Pay $0 Out-of-Pocket
North Dakota nursing students have access to generous federal and state aid that can completely cover tuition—plus living expenses.
Federal Pell Grant
- ✅ Covers 125% of Lake Region tuition
- ✅ Covers 106% of NDSCS tuition
- ✅ No repayment required
- ✅ Apply via FAFSA by March 15
ND Nursing Ed. Scholarship
- ✅ For ND residents enrolled in nursing
- ✅ Requires 1-year ND work commitment
- ✅ Covers remaining tuition after Pell
- ✅ Apply at ndbon.org/scholarship
Federal Subsidized Loans
- ✅ No interest accrues during program
- ✅ 6-month grace period after graduation
- ✅ Income-driven repayment options
- ✅ Apply via FAFSA
Build Dakota Scholarship
- ✅ Available at Western Dakota Tech
- ✅ Sponsored by local employers
- ✅ May include job placement
- ✅ Contact school financial aid office
🎯 Real Example: Attend Lake Region State College for FREE
Total Program Cost:
- Tuition & fees: $4,680
- Books & supplies: $1,200
- Total: $5,880
Financial Aid Package:
- Federal Pell Grant: $7,395
- ND Nursing Scholarship: $2,000
- Total Aid: $9,395
Calculate Your Financial Aid
See exactly how much federal and state aid you qualify for—most students are eligible for more than they think.
Top 5 Cheapest LPN Schools in North Dakota
All programs are Board-approved, offer clinical training, and prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Lake Region State College
Why Choose LRSC?
- ✅ Lowest tuition in North Dakota ($130/credit + $450 nursing fee/semester)
- ✅ Two convenient locations: Devils Lake campus & Grand Forks (Altru Clinic)
- ✅ High NCLEX-PN pass rate (above state average)
- ✅ Small class sizes with personalized instruction
- ✅ Clinical partnerships with Lake Region hospitals and long-term care facilities
- ✅ LPN-to-RN bridge option available after graduation
Program Highlights:
North Dakota State College of Science
Why Choose NDSCS?
- ✅ Award-winning program with 90%+ NCLEX pass rate
- ✅ State-of-the-art simulation labs with high-fidelity mannequins
- ✅ Flexible locations: Wahpeton campus & Fargo Nursing Center
- ✅ Excellent job placement: 95% of graduates employed within 6 months
- ✅ Articulation agreements with ND State University for RN degree
- ✅ Housing available on Wahpeton campus ($3,500/semester)
Program Details:
Bismarck State College
Why Choose BSC?
- ✅ Capital city location with access to largest hospitals in ND
- ✅ Fast-track to RN: seamless transition to ADN program (9 additional months)
- ✅ Cutting-edge facilities: $5M nursing lab expansion completed 2023
- ✅ Clinical excellence: rotations at CHI St. Alexius, Sanford Bismarck
- ✅ Strong alumni network throughout North Dakota healthcare
- ✅ Affordable housing: on-campus apartments $2,400/semester
Program Features:
Northland Community & Technical College
Why Choose Northland?
- ✅ Minnesota-North Dakota reciprocity: ND residents pay in-state MN tuition
- ✅ Excellent for eastern ND residents near Grand Forks area
- ✅ MN nursing license eligible (can endorse to ND via Nurse Licensure Compact)
- ✅ Clinical sites in ND and MN (Grand Forks, Thief River Falls)
- ✅ Small cohort sizes (15-20 students per class)
- ✅ Affordable living costs in Thief River Falls area
Program Info:
Western Dakota Technical College
Why Choose WDT?
- ✅ Build Dakota Scholarship available: up to $3,000/year with employer sponsorship
- ✅ Western ND students find Rapid City more accessible than eastern ND schools
- ✅ South Dakota license eligible (endorses to ND via Nurse Licensure Compact)
- ✅ Monument Health partnership: guaranteed clinical rotations at regional medical center
- ✅ 96% job placement rate within 90 days of graduation
- ✅ High-demand market: Rapid City Regional Hospital actively hiring LPNs
Program Highlights:
Talk to an Enrollment Advisor
Get personalized guidance on program selection, financial aid, and career planning from nursing education experts.
LPN Salaries in North Dakota
North Dakota LPNs earn above the national average—and the job market is growing fast.
| City | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | With Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $52,870 | $25.42 | $60,932 |
| Fargo | $48,100 | $23.13 | $56,162 |
| Grand Forks | $47,570 | $22.87 | $55,632 |
| Minot | $51,200 | $24.62 | $59,262 |
| Williston (oil region) | $58,400 | $28.08 | $66,462 |
💡 Career Outlook: North Dakota's aging population and rural healthcare needs are driving strong demand for LPNs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for LPNs nationwide through 2032—faster than average for all occupations.
North Dakota LPN Licensing Requirements
After completing your program, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for your North Dakota nursing license.
Step 1: NCLEX-PN Exam
-
📝
Register with Pearson VUE
Create account at pearsonvue.com/nclex -
💳
Exam Fee: $200
Payable to Pearson VUE at registration -
⏱️
Exam Format:
85-205 questions, up to 5 hours, adaptive testing -
📍
Testing Centers:
Available in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot
Step 2: ND State License
-
📄
Apply Online
Submit application at ndbon.org -
💵
License Fee: $135
Initial license valid for 2 years -
🔍
Background Check Required
Fingerprint-based criminal history check (~$50) -
⏳
Processing Time:
4-6 weeks after passing NCLEX-PN
📞 North Dakota Board of Nursing Contact
Address:
919 South 7th Street, Suite 504
Bismarck, ND 58504
Contact:
Phone: (701) 751-3000
Fax: (701) 751-2221
Email: [email protected]
🌟 Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Advantage: North Dakota is an NLC state! Once licensed in ND, you can practice in 41 other compact states without obtaining additional licenses—perfect if you want to travel or relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really attend an LPN program for free in North Dakota?
Yes! If you qualify for the maximum Federal Pell Grant ($7,395/year), it will cover 100% of tuition at Lake Region State College ($5,880 total program cost) or ND State College of Science ($6,928). You can use the surplus for books, supplies, and living expenses. Add the ND Nursing Education Scholarship (up to $4,000), and you'll have a substantial surplus to cover all program-related expenses.
How long does it take to become an LPN in North Dakota?
11-12 months for full-time programs at community colleges. Part-time options are rare but may extend the program to 18-24 months. After graduation, you'll take the NCLEX-PN exam (results in 2-3 days) and apply for your state license (4-6 weeks processing time). From start to finish: about 13-14 months until you're working as a licensed LPN.
Are there online LPN programs in North Dakota?
No legitimate fully-online LPN programs exist. North Dakota Board of Nursing regulations require hands-on clinical training in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Some schools offer hybrid programs with online lectures and in-person labs/clinicals (e.g., Lake Region State College), but you must attend in-person clinical rotations several days per week. Beware of "online-only" LPN ads—they're scams.
What's the difference between an LPN and RN in North Dakota?
Education: LPNs complete 11-12 month certificate programs; RNs need a 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN degree.
Scope of Practice: LPNs provide basic bedside care (vital signs, medication administration, wound care) under RN/MD supervision; RNs perform assessments, develop care plans, and supervise LPNs.
Salary: ND LPNs average $60,110/year; RNs average $78,490/year.
Bridge Options: Many ND LPNs use LPN-to-RN bridge programs to advance their careers (NDSCS, BSC, and NDSU offer bridges).
Will I find a job after graduating from an LPN program?
Yes—job prospects are excellent. North Dakota's rural healthcare system relies heavily on LPNs, especially in long-term care, home health, and rural clinics. Schools report 95%+ job placement rates within 6 months of graduation. Top employers include Sanford Health, Essentia Health, CHI St. Alexius, and numerous nursing homes across the state. Many students receive job offers before graduation.
Can I work while attending an LPN program?
Very difficult during full-time programs. LPN programs require 30-40 hours/week of classes, labs, and clinicals—often on unpredictable schedules (days, evenings, some weekends). Most students find full-time work impossible. However, part-time weekend work (10-15 hours) is manageable, especially as a CNA or healthcare aide. Many students work PRN (as-needed) shifts at hospitals or nursing homes to stay financially afloat. Financial aid (Pell Grants, loans) is designed to help you focus on school without working full-time.
Affordable LPN Programs in Neighboring States
Considering schools outside North Dakota? Check out these neighboring state guides:
Minnesota
Explore affordable MN programs with reciprocity benefits
South Dakota
Find cheap LPN schools in SD (NLC license state)
Montana
Compare tuition costs at Montana LPN programs
Wyoming
Discover low-cost Wyoming nursing schools
Wisconsin
Wisconsin LPN programs with financial aid options
Iowa
Affordable Iowa LPN schools near ND border
Your 14-Month Action Plan: HS Diploma to Licensed LPN
Here's your step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed LPN in North Dakota—and how to pay $0 out of pocket.
Months 1-2: Research & Prepare
- ✅ Complete FAFSA by March 15 (fafsa.gov)
- ✅ Request high school transcripts and any college credits
- ✅ Take TEAS test if required (most ND schools require it)
- ✅ Get CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS)
- ✅ Start immunization records (MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, TB test)
- ✅ Apply to 2-3 schools (Lake Region, NDSCS, BSC)
Months 3-4: Acceptance & Enrollment
- ✅ Receive acceptance letter (April-May for Fall start)
- ✅ Accept financial aid package (Pell Grant + ND scholarships)
- ✅ Pay enrollment deposit ($50-$100)
- ✅ Complete criminal background check (~$50)
- ✅ Attend orientation and register for classes
- ✅ Purchase textbooks and uniforms (~$800—covered by financial aid)
Months 5-15: LPN Program
- ✅ Fall Semester (Aug-Dec): Nursing fundamentals, anatomy, pharmacology, first clinical rotations
- ✅ Spring Semester (Jan-May): Med-surg, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, advanced clinicals
- ✅ Summer Term (Jun-Aug): Final clinical rotations, capstone project, NCLEX-PN review
- ✅ Graduate with Practical Nursing Diploma
Month 16: Licensing & Job Hunting
- ✅ Register for NCLEX-PN at pearsonvue.com ($200 exam fee)
- ✅ Take NCLEX-PN within 30 days of graduation
- ✅ Apply for ND nursing license at ndbon.org ($135 + $50 background check)
- ✅ Apply for jobs while waiting for license (4-6 weeks processing)
- ✅ Accept job offer—most students hired before license arrives!
Month 17: Start Your Nursing Career!
- 🎉 Receive your North Dakota LPN license
- 🎉 Start your first day as a Licensed Practical Nurse
- 🎉 Earn $60,110/year average salary ($28.90/hour)
- 🎉 Begin LPN-to-RN bridge program (optional—many employers pay tuition!)
- 🎉 Enjoy job stability, growth opportunities, and the satisfaction of helping patients
The Bottom Line
North Dakota offers some of the most affordable LPN programs in the United States—with total costs ranging from $5,880 to $8,600 for accredited, Board-approved programs.
With the Federal Pell Grant ($7,395/year) and ND Nursing Education Scholarship (up to $4,000), you can attend Lake Region State College or ND State College of Science for FREE—and have money left over for living expenses.
No legitimate "6-week LPN programs" or "cheap online certificates" exist. Real programs require 11-12 months of full-time study with hands-on clinical training. But the investment pays off: North Dakota LPNs earn an average of $60,110/year ($28.90/hour), ranking above the national median for the profession.
Your ROI is unbeatable: Invest $5,880 (or $0 with financial aid) and earn $60,000+ annually within 14 months. That's a 1,000%+ return on investment in just over a year—few careers offer this kind of rapid, debt-free entry into a stable, rewarding profession.
👉 Ready to start? Apply to Lake Region State College or ND State College of Science today—and begin your nursing career by next summer!