Anoka-Ramsey Community College Nursing: Programs, Costs & Outcomes (2026)
Minnesota State college on the Mississippi River in Coon Rapids (with a Cambridge campus). The AS Nursing program uses holistic admissions (HSRT, not TEAS), daytime cohorts, and board-reported NCLEX outcomes. Verify every requirement with Anoka-Ramsey and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Anoka-Ramsey publishes holistic nursing admissions weighted toward HSRT scores, course grades, and experience—and it is one of Minnesota’s largest community college nursing programs, with first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes reported in Minnesota Board of Nursing statistical tables.
Overview & Why Students Choose Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a public two-year Minnesota State institution with Coon Rapids and Cambridge campuses. Its nursing department promotes an Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing with Traditional (RN) and LPN-to-RN tracks, daytime spring/fall courses, and optional dual-application planning toward a BSN with partner universities.
Below we use ADN in the sense of a two-year professional nursing degree leading to NCLEX-RN; Anoka-Ramsey’s official credential name is the Associate of Science in Nursing.
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing table of first-time NCLEX-RN candidates from Minnesota associate degree nursing programs, Anoka-Ramsey’s first-time pass rate was 96.74% in 2025 (92 candidates). The college also publishes end-of-year pass rates on its program page—confirm the cohort year and methodology you need with the Board and the college.
Reasons students choose Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Board-published NCLEX outcomes
Minnesota Board of Nursing tables show strong recent first-time pass rates for ARCC’s associate program (for example 96.74% in 2025 and 98.98% in 2024, each with published candidate counts).
Transparent admissions scoring
Holistic review splits metrics (55%), experience (31%), and attributes (14%), with a required HSRT minimum of 74 and defined testing windows each cycle.
Minnesota State tuition
The college publishes itemized per-credit nursing rates for Coon Rapids and Cambridge through Summer 2026, with fees broken out on the Tuition & Fees page.
BSN pathway partners
Dual-application materials are posted for RN-to-BSN completion with Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead after the AS.
Scale and reputation
The department describes the program as one of the largest in the state; use that as context, not a guarantee of admission or placement.
Nursing Programs Offered
Anoka-Ramsey’s nursing department offers pre-licensure associate nursing pathways only (no MSN/DNP on this campus). Programs below are named as on the college website.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate of Science in Nursing — Traditional (RN) Track
For students completing prerequisites and entering the four-semester nursing sequence. Graduates earn an AS in Nursing and meet eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN. Nursing courses run daytime in spring and fall.
Associate of Science in Nursing — LPN to RN (Advanced Standing)
For applicants who hold an unencumbered LPN license. Advanced-standing entry terms differ by campus in official materials (e.g., fall at Coon Rapids, spring at Cambridge—confirm for your cycle).
After the AS (not awarded by ARCC)
The college describes dual-application options toward a bachelor’s in nursing with Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Partner universities may also offer BSN coursework on campus—confirm current agreements with an advisor.
The program page states ACEN continuing accreditation with conditions and a follow-up report due February 2027. Conditions are not the same as unconditional full accreditation; confirm the current public record on ACEN and with the nursing department.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing education statistical data (PDF: Number and First-time Success Rate of NCLEX-RN Candidates Educated in Minnesota Professional Nursing Programs 2022–2025), for Anoka-Ramsey Community College associate degree nursing graduates, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and candidate counts were:
- 2025: 96.74% (92 first-time candidates)
- 2024: 98.98% (98 candidates)
- 2023: 96.81% (94 candidates)
- 2022: 82.76% (145 candidates)
For Minnesota’s aggregate benchmark in the same table, Minnesota associate-degree RN candidates had an 81.74% first-time pass rate in 2025 (1,714 candidates)—use this only as a statewide context, not a prediction of individual results.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (most recent year in MN BON table) | 96.74% (2025; 92 first-time candidates; associate degree program) |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Data (2022–2025 RN NCLEX PDF). Confirm newer cohorts with the Board and the college. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses vary by institution, clinical site rules, and visa type. Use this list as a starting point and confirm every item with Anoka-Ramsey (admissions, financial aid, international office) and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Institutional minimums for admission (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo or equivalent) if applicable.
- Transcript evaluation: Any credential evaluation required by Minnesota State or the nursing department.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing: NCLEX eligibility, background study, and endorsement rules for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & clinical placement: Whether F-1 students can access required clinical rotations and any employer or facility restrictions.
This section is general guidance, not legal advice. Policies change—verify with the college and the Board.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Anoka-Ramsey uses holistic admissions: metrics (55%), experience (31%), and attributes (14%). Applicants must complete general education prerequisites with a grade of C or better where required, hold CNA certification (or proof of CNA training) except for licensed LPNs, and achieve a minimum HSRT total score of 74. TEAS is not accepted. HSRT must be taken at ARCC during the posted testing windows; scores are valid two years and limited to one attempt per application cycle for scoring purposes.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall cohort | February 1 (11:59 p.m.) | Application window January 1–February 1; decision emails around April 1. |
| Spring cohort | July 1 (11:59 p.m.) | Application window June 1–July 1; decision emails around September 1. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Entrance exam | HSRT required (min. 74); TEAS not accepted |
| CNA requirement | Required for most applicants; LPNs exempt per program page |
Download the current Nursing Holistic Admission Criteria and Admissions Guide for Nursing Program Applicants PDFs from the official nursing program page for course lists, essay prompts, and residency-credit details.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
For Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026, Anoka-Ramsey publishes total per-credit rates for nursing courses:
- Coon Rapids: $247.10 per credit (tuition + listed fees)
- Cambridge: $245.23 per credit (tuition + listed fees)
Non-nursing courses use different per-credit totals (in-house vs online). One-time fees (transcripts, etc.) and books are extra. Minnesota State sets rates and may change them—confirm before you register.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition / Cost | Nursing courses: $247.10/cr (Coon Rapids) or $245.23/cr (Cambridge), Fall 2025–Summer 2026, per official table |
| Source | Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Tuition & Fees. Confirm current amounts with the Business Office. |
Financial aid
Start with the scholarships, loans, and grants overview and FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Contact Financial Aid at 763-433-1500 or financialaid@anokaramsey.edu.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
First-time NCLEX-RN outcomes are published by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (see NCLEX-RN Pass Rate). The school also posts end-of-year pass percentages on its program page—confirm definitions (first-time vs. all testers) before comparing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 96.74% first-time (2025, 92 candidates) — Minnesota Board of Nursing associate-degree table |
| Job Placement / Employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page; see the college’s consumer information or career services. |
Minnesota’s major health systems (e.g., M Health Fairview, Allina Health, North Memorial) recruit throughout the Twin Cities; geography and employer demand vary by year.
Is Anoka-Ramsey Community College the Right Fit for You?
Choose ARCC if you want a public, Minnesota State ADN with clear exam rules (HSRT), documented tuition, and strong board-reported NCLEX trends. Look elsewhere if you need a fully online pre-licensure program or evening-only nursing courses—ARCC states daytime nursing courses in spring and fall.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Plan to live in the Twin Cities north metro or Cambridge area and attend daytime nursing courses.
- Will complete CNA, HSRT, and prerequisite coursework before the posted deadline.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online or weekend-only pre-licensure RN program.
- Cannot meet HSRT, CNA, or holistic admission requirements after reviewing the official PDFs.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Coon Rapids sits in the northern Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro, with Cambridge to the northeast. Students typically access clinical learning across the region’s hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Specific site lists change by semester—confirm assigned placements with the nursing department rather than assuming a single employer.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Twin Cities health systems | Large integrated systems (e.g., Allina Health, M Health Fairview) and community hospitals anchor regional RN demand. |
| Rural & community care | The Cambridge campus supports students connecting to care settings in northern Minnesota exurbs—exact contracts vary. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing is delivered on the Coon Rapids and Cambridge campuses with daytime scheduling. Nursing admissions advising is available at 763-433-1944 for application questions. Explore student life through the college’s main site and visit campus if you need to see labs, advising, or testing centers before you commit.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary campus
- Coon Rapids, MN
- Address
- 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433-3470, US
- General telephone
- 763-433-1100
- Admissions
- 763-433-1300 · admissions@anokaramsey.edu
- Nursing admissions
- 763-433-1944 (program materials & alternate formats)
- Website
- anokaramsey.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the official nursing program page and download the holistic admissions criteria PDF.
- Map prerequisites to your transcripts and plan HSRT registration during the open window for your target cycle.
- Confirm CNA registry or training documentation meets application rules (or LPN license for advanced standing).
- Budget using the Tuition & Fees nursing per-credit totals for your campus.
- Call nursing admissions at 763-433-1944 with questions on campus assignment for Traditional vs LPN-to-RN entry.
- Review the Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX statistical tables for context.
- Add the correct application window (Feb 1 or Jul 1 deadline) to your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Anoka-Ramsey Community College offer?
The college offers an Associate of Science in Nursing with a Traditional (RN) track and an LPN-to-RN advanced standing track. It does not award a BSN; partner universities handle RN-to-BSN completion after licensure.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Anoka-Ramsey?
Per the Minnesota Board of Nursing 2022–2025 associate-degree table, Anoka-Ramsey’s first-time pass rate was 96.74% in 2025 (92 testers). Confirm newer cohorts on the Board’s education statistical data page.
Does Anoka-Ramsey require the TEAS?
No. Applicants must take the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) at ARCC, achieve at least 74, and test within the posted windows. TEAS scores are not accepted.
How much is nursing tuition per credit at Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
For Fall 2025 through Summer 2026, the college lists total nursing per-credit rates of $247.10 in Coon Rapids and $245.23 in Cambridge (tuition plus listed fees). Verify updates on the Tuition & Fees page.
When are nursing applications due at Anoka-Ramsey?
Fall cohort applications close February 1 (window opens January 1). Spring cohort applications close July 1 (window opens June 1). Notifications follow in April or September, respectively, per the program page.
Is the Anoka-Ramsey nursing program accredited?
The associate program is accredited by ACEN. The college discloses continuing accreditation with conditions and a follow-up report—confirm the current public record with ACEN and the department.
Where do Anoka-Ramsey nursing students take classes?
Nursing courses are daytime during spring and fall at the Coon Rapids and Cambridge campuses. LPN-to-RN advanced standing entry may be campus-specific—confirm with nursing admissions.
Can LPNs enroll at Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
Yes. Licensed LPNs may apply for the LPN-to-RN track with an unencumbered license and follow the advanced-standing curriculum plan. LPNs are not required to provide CNA certification.
Can I finish a BSN at Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
Anoka-Ramsey awards the AS in Nursing. The college publishes dual-application RN-to-BSN planning with Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead; BSN completion is through those universities after RN licensure.
References
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Nursing (AS degree)anokaramsey.edu/…/nursing/
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Tuition & Feesanokaramsey.edu/cost-aid/tuition-fees/
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Data (NCLEX tables)mn.gov/boards/nursing/education/education-statistical-data/
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — 2022–2025 RN NCLEX PDF (associate table)mn.gov/boards/assets/2022-2025_RN_NCLEX_tcm21-280648.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Anoka-Ramsey Community College program disclosures, Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX tables, and published tuition rates.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy