St. Scholastica Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The College of St. Scholastica (Duluth, Minnesota; accelerated cohorts also in St. Cloud) offers a Traditional BSN, a 12-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) through Post-Baccalaureate Nursing, RN-to-BSN online, Veteran-to-BSN, and DNP pathways. This guide cites 2026–27 css.edu tuition and the Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN statistical PDF (2022–2025)—confirm every figure with St. Scholastica and the Board.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
St. Scholastica’s School of Health Professions anchors nursing on the Duluth campus with simulation and skills labs, an interprofessional simulation sequence with UMD medical and pharmacy students, and accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Nursing sites in Duluth and St. Cloud. The college emphasizes Benedictine values and rural/urban clinical exposure across northeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Pre-licensure students choose Traditional BSN or the 12-month ABSN; working RNs use RN-to-BSN online; doctoral students pursue BSN-to-DNP and post-graduate DNP with APRN concentrations described in the catalog.
Overview & Why Students Choose St. Scholastica
The College of St. Scholastica is a private Catholic college in Duluth, where the Department of Nursing (within the School of Health Professions) runs a Traditional BSN for undergraduates, caps pre-licensure nursing cohorts at 60 students per semester per the program page, and offers Direct Entry and Transfer Direct Entry tracks for students who meet published GPA benchmarks. Second-degree students can enter the Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—St. Scholastica’s Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program—with Duluth or St. Cloud labs and clinicals.
Licensed RNs can complete the RN-to-BSN online; the catalog also describes BSN-to-DNP and post-graduate DNP options with APRN concentrations. Use catalog.css.edu nursing and the Traditional BSN / Post-Baccalaureate Nursing pages for pathway-specific checklists.
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing Number and First-time Success Rate of NCLEX-RN Candidates Educated in Minnesota Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs 2022–2025 (PDF), College of St. Scholastica had a 76.47% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 (187 first-time candidates). In the same table, aggregate first-time pass for all Minnesota baccalaureate-and-higher RN candidates was 85.12% in 2025. Confirm the latest cohort with the Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Data and the college.
Reasons students choose St. Scholastica
Duluth & regional clinical depth
The Traditional BSN page notes three Duluth hospitals, major clinics, long-term care, and community agencies serving northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin, and upper Michigan—a strong regional placement footprint.
CCNE-accredited nursing stack
St. Scholastica states its baccalaureate nursing, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by CCNE—confirm effective dates with CCNE and the college.
Simulation & interprofessional practice
Students practice in skills and simulation labs and participate in interdisciplinary simulations with University of Minnesota Duluth medical and pharmacy learners plus St. Scholastica OT, PT, and social work students.
12-month ABSN in two Minnesota cities
Post-Baccalaureate Nursing compresses the nursing major into three semesters with synchronous online coursework and in-person labs/clinicals in Duluth or St. Cloud.
Clear pre-licensure pathways
Direct Entry and Transfer Direct Entry offer structured progression for students who maintain a 3.5 GPA and prerequisite grades; general applicants need a 3.0 GPA and C or better in prerequisites per the BSN page.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects The College of St. Scholastica School of Health Professions, the 2025–2026 catalog — Nursing, and program pages on css.edu. Programs are grouped as pre-licensure, post-licensure (RN completion), and graduate/doctoral nursing.
Pre-licensure
Traditional BSN
Four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the Duluth campus with skills/simulation labs and regional clinical rotations. Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at St. Scholastica the accelerated pre-licensure pathway is Post-Baccalaureate Nursing, not a separate acronym on marketing pages.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) — Post-Baccalaureate Nursing
12-month, three-semester program for graduates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree; synchronous webinars, online nursing courses, and in-person labs/clinicals in Duluth or St. Cloud. 45 nursing credits per program materials. Apply through NursingCAS.
Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dedicated undergraduate pathway listed under the School of Health Professions for military-affiliated applicants—confirm eligibility and prerequisites with admissions.
Post-licensure
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online BSN completion for licensed RNs per St. Scholastica’s RN-to-BSN program page.
Graduate & certificate
Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
Catalog: DNP with a major in Healthcare Leadership and APRN concentrations including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Minnesota Board of Nursing approval is stated for the BSN-to-DNP APRN track on the Traditional BSN page.
Post-Graduate Doctor of Nursing Practice
For nurses who already hold graduate nursing preparation; listed on css.edu doctorate pages alongside other DNP options.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
Certificate pathway for APRN specialization listed in the School of Health Professions; CCNE accreditation is cited together with BSN and DNP on program pages.
The college also offers Nursing Assistant Training (CNA) as a non-degree program—useful for meeting CNA requirements for pre-licensure pathways but not an RN degree.
This guide does not list a Minnesota ADN at St. Scholastica or a standalone MSN nursing degree on the catalog overview reviewed. If the college adds tracks, confirm in the official catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX-RN success rates for graduates of Minnesota baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing programs in a single table that includes College of St. Scholastica. The table combines traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and other baccalaureate-or-higher pathways that feed the same institution row—it does not split testers by track.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 — first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (College of St. Scholastica) | 76.47% (187 first-time candidates), per Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF |
| 2024 | 85.80% (176 candidates) |
| 2023 | 82.83% (198 candidates) |
| 2022 | 73.99% (223 candidates) |
| 2025 — Minnesota aggregate (all baccalaureate & higher degree RN programs, same PDF) | 85.12% first-time pass (1,721 candidates) |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Baccalaureate & Higher Degree Programs 2022–2025 (PDF); Education Statistical Data. Confirm current data with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and St. Scholastica. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and class size. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and The College of St. Scholastica.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
St. Scholastica publishes international admissions resources. Nursing applicants must also satisfy clinical compliance, immunization, and Minnesota Board of Nursing steps beyond general university admission. Use the checklist below as a starting point only—this is not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm minimum TOEFL/IELTS or other scores with St. Scholastica and the Department of Nursing.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow the international admissions office guidance for prerequisites and any required evaluations.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing: For RN licensure and NCLEX eligibility, review Minnesota Board licensure-by-examination and internationally educated nurse resources.
- Visa & clinical compliance: F-1 students must confirm that required clinical hours can be completed within visa and program rules.
Policies change frequently. Verify with St. Scholastica’s international office, the Department of Nursing, and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
The Traditional BSN page describes Direct Entry (incoming freshmen, nursing intended major, 3.5 high school GPA, priority deadline February 10), Transfer Direct Entry (3.5 transfer GPA), and General Entry (3.0 cumulative GPA, prerequisites C or better). All students must complete CNA, CPR, immunizations, and apply to the nursing major in the final prerequisite semester; the college accepts 60 students per semester into the Traditional BSN per the program page. Post-baccalaureate applicants use NursingCAS with priority deadlines (March 15 September start; July 15 January start; November 15 May St. Cloud start) and a 3.0 GPA minimum.
Application timeline
| Program | Where to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Apply to St. Scholastica | Direct Entry / Transfer Direct Entry vs. General Entry per BSN page; nursing major application in final prerequisite semester. |
| Accelerated BSN (post-baccalaureate) | NursingCAS | CNA required; science prerequisites; pathopharmacology or pathophysiology+pharmacology (B if taken outside CSS). Rolling after priority dates. |
| RN-to-BSN / DNP | Admissions & Aid hub | Confirm RN license status for RN-to-BSN; graduate nursing requirements on DNP program pages. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| GPA benchmarks (published) | Direct Entry: 3.5 high school GPA; General Entry: 3.0 college GPA; Post-Baccalaureate: 3.0 cumulative. |
| ATI TEAS / HESI | Not stated on the Traditional BSN or Post-Baccalaureate pages summarized here—confirm with nursing@css.edu. |
| CNA requirement | Required before nursing sequence (Traditional) and for Post-Baccalaureate admission per css.edu. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from St. Scholastica’s Tuition and Fees page (2026–27 traditional undergraduate band) and the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing page (2025–26 semester rate). Private colleges typically use the same undergraduate tuition whether you are from Minnesota or another state—confirm your category on css.edu.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate full-time tuition (12–18 credits) | $44,040 for 2026–27 per Tuition and Fees page |
| Per-credit tuition (undergraduate) | $1,390 per credit (2026–27) |
| Fees example (16 credits) | $1,172 fees plus housing/meal plan sample total $58,180 on the same page—your COA will vary |
| Traditional BSN program fees (separate line) | BSN page lists $1,330 total program fees—confirm what this covers |
| Post-Baccalaureate Nursing tuition | $14,784 per semester (2025–26) plus approximately $4,200 additional estimated costs (NCLEX prep, compliance software, lab supplies) per program page |
| Source | St. Scholastica — Tuition and Fees; Post-Baccalaureate Nursing; Traditional BSN. Confirm current amounts with the college. |
Submit the FAFSA and review financial aid and scholarships. The Traditional BSN page states St. Scholastica awards a Benedictine Scholarship or Access Award to new first-year applicants and notes high aid levels—confirm methodology and year on the aid pages (the BSN page’s aggregate aid figure should be verified on the official financial aid disclosure you use for decisions).
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The table centers on Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX data. For employment or salary claims, use St. Scholastica’s consumer information or outcomes pages and note the survey year—this guide does not restate unaudited percentages without a clear cohort label.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (first-time, baccalaureate & higher table) | 76.47% in 2025 (187 first-time candidates), per Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF cited above |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here in a single attributable percentage—see St. Scholastica career services or consumer information and confirm cohort year. |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF; St. Scholastica — Traditional BSN. Confirm current rates with the Board and the college. |
Is The College of St. Scholastica the Right Fit for You?
St. Scholastica pairs a private liberal-arts college experience in Duluth with high-volume clinical education, optional St. Cloud accelerated cohorts, and online RN-to-BSN flexibility. Use the checklist below to weigh fit.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Benedictine-values framing, smaller classes, and a Lake Superior regional hub for healthcare.
- Target Traditional BSN with Direct Entry options or a 12-month ABSN after another bachelor’s degree.
- Value interprofessional simulation with UMD medical and pharmacy learners.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest net price without aid—compare St. Scholastica packages to Minnesota State universities and community colleges.
- Want a fully online pre-licensure RN program (labs and clinicals are in person for BSN pathways).
- Prefer a large urban campus in the Twin Cities metro—main pre-licensure BSN is Duluth-centered.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Duluth functions as a regional referral center for northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. St. Scholastica’s BSN materials highlight multiple hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and public health partners. Post-Baccalaureate Nursing names Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, CentraCare—St. Cloud Hospital, and Twin Cities agencies for St. Cloud cohorts—confirm current contracts with the Office of Educational Experiences.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health / St. Mary’s (Duluth) | Major acute care system cited for Duluth-area clinical rotations. |
| St. Luke’s (Duluth) | Regional hospital named alongside Essentia for Duluth ABSN and BSN experiences. |
| CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital | Anchor site for St. Cloud Post-Baccalaureate cohorts plus Twin Cities placements as described on css.edu. |
| Community & rural health | Traditional BSN references North Shore, Iron Range, and community agencies—useful for students interested in rural practice. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
St. Scholastica emphasizes simulation and skills laboratories on the Duluth campus and at St. Cloud for accelerated students, including HRSA-supported equipment upgrades noted on program pages. Student life blends residential Duluth experiences with outdoor access to Lake Superior and regional recreation. Confirm active student organizations with the Department of Nursing and Student Life office.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Address
- 1200 Kenwood Ave, Duluth, MN 55811, US
- Telephone
- (218) 723-6000 (main) · (800) 447-5444 (toll-free per css.edu)
- Nursing department email
- nursing@css.edu
- Website
- css.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Traditional BSN and catalog degree requirements.
- If you are second-degree, open Post-Baccalaureate Nursing and draft your NursingCAS timeline.
- Complete or schedule a CNA course if you still need certification for your pathway.
- Bookmark the Minnesota Board of Nursing Education Statistical Data page for updated NCLEX PDFs.
- Estimate costs using the 2026–27 tuition page and the ABSN semester rate for your start year.
- Plan a visit to Duluth or attend a virtual session through admissions.
- Email nursing@css.edu with pathway-specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does The College of St. Scholastica offer in 2026?
St. Scholastica lists Traditional BSN, Post-Baccalaureate Nursing (ABSN) in Duluth/St. Cloud, RN-to-BSN online, Veteran-to-BSN, BSN-to-DNP, Post-Graduate DNP, and a post-graduate APRN certificate on css.edu. It does not list an ADN. Confirm details on the School of Health Professions page.
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for St. Scholastica nursing graduates?
Per the Minnesota Board of Nursing 2022–2025 baccalaureate-and-higher PDF, College of St. Scholastica reported 76.47% first-time in 2025 (187 candidates). The statewide aggregate for that table was 85.12% in 2025. Confirm newer cohorts with the Board and the college.
What tuition does St. Scholastica publish for traditional undergraduates?
The 2026–27 Tuition and Fees page lists $44,040 full-time tuition (12–18 credits) and $1,390 per credit, with additional fees and housing/meal estimates. Post-Baccalaureate Nursing lists $14,784 per semester for 2025–26 plus additional estimated costs. Confirm on css.edu tuition.
Does St. Scholastica require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The Traditional BSN and Post-Baccalaureate pages reviewed for this guide do not list TEAS. Confirm whether any pathway or cohort requires TEAS, HESI, or another exam with nursing@css.edu.
How competitive is the Traditional BSN at St. Scholastica?
The BSN page states 60 students are accepted into the Traditional BSN each semester. Direct Entry guarantees a seat only if students meet published GPA and prerequisite rules—others compete through the general application. Nursing-specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.
How long is St. Scholastica’s Accelerated BSN (Post-Baccalaureate Nursing)?
St. Scholastica describes a 12-month, three-semester accelerated curriculum with 45 nursing credits after prerequisites. Working during the program is discouraged.
Where do St. Scholastica nursing students complete clinical rotations?
Traditional BSN students use Duluth-area hospitals and regional sites. Post-Baccalaureate materials name Essentia St. Mary’s, St. Luke’s, CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, and Twin Cities agencies depending on cohort—placements are assigned by the college.
What nursing accreditation does St. Scholastica hold?
The BSN program page states CCNE accredits the baccalaureate program, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate. Pre-licensure and BSN-to-DNP APRN programs are also described as Minnesota Board of Nursing–approved. Confirm current status with CCNE, the Board, and css.edu.
Does St. Scholastica offer RN-to-BSN online?
Yes—the School of Health Professions lists RN to BS in Nursing as an online completion pathway for licensed RNs.
How do I contact St. Scholastica nursing?
Use nursing@css.edu (catalog contact) or call (218) 723-6000 / (800) 447-5444 for general admissions questions.
References
- The College of St. Scholastica — School of Health Professionscss.edu/academics/schools-of-study/school-of-nursing
- St. Scholastica — Catalog: Nursingcatalog.css.edu/programs-az/healthprofessions/nursing
- St. Scholastica — Traditional BSNcss.edu/…/bachelor-of-science-nursing
- St. Scholastica — Post-Baccalaureate Nursing (ABSN)css.edu/…/post-baccalaureate-nursing
- St. Scholastica — Tuition and Feescss.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-fees
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Datamn.gov/boards/nursing/education/education-statistical-data
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Baccalaureate & Higher (2022–2025 PDF)2022-2025_RN_NCLEX PDF
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses
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 between St. Scholastica’s published program list (School of Health Professions and catalog), 2026–27 tuition figures on css.edu, Post-Baccalaureate Nursing tuition notes, and NCLEX percentages from the Minnesota Board of Nursing 2022–2025 baccalaureate-and-higher PDF.
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