University of North Dakota Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) at UND offers pre-licensure and graduate nursing pathways with a rural and underserved focus, simulation-based learning at the Clinical Resource & Simulation Center, and clinical experiences in the Grand Forks region. Use this guide alongside UND’s official pages and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UND emphasizes rural and underserved populations, offers hands-on learning in the Clinical Resource & Simulation Center, and publishes a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 BSN graduates on its program page—confirm newer cohorts directly with UND and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose UND Nursing
The University of North Dakota College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines sits in Grand Forks and anchors one of the state’s largest pre-licensure and graduate nursing portfolios. UND’s mission highlights rural and underserved communities—aligned with workforce needs across North Dakota and the upper Midwest.
Undergraduate students typically enter as pre-nursing majors, complete science prerequisites, then apply to the competitive on-campus BSN; working RNs can complete the RN-to-BSN online. Graduate students choose APRN and doctoral pathways, with many courses delivered online aside from nurse anesthesia and required intensives.
UND’s BSN program page reports a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 graduates (with a 92% national comparison cited on the same page). Confirm newer cohorts on UND’s site and through the North Dakota Board of Nursing data and education reports.
Reasons students choose UND nursing
Rural & community focus
CNPD’s mission emphasizes rural and underserved populations—relevant if you plan to practice in community, public health, or critical-access settings.
Clinical Resource & Simulation Center
UND highlights high-fidelity simulation and skills practice before students enter clinical sites—supporting safety and clinical judgment.
Published NCLEX outcomes
UND publicly advertises a strong first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for recent BSN graduates; always verify the latest figures with UND and NDBON.
Full graduate stack
From FNP and PMHNP at the M.S. and D.N.P. levels to nurse anesthesia, post-master’s DNP, certificates, and a Nursing Ph.D., UND supports advanced practice and research careers.
Student support & community
UND names Sigma Theta Tau, student councils, the Nursing Living & Learning Community, and the RAIN program for American Indian students—confirm current offerings with CNPD.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects UND’s graduate nursing and BSN pages as of this review. Confirm titles, tracks, and delivery with CNPD and the academic catalog.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate completion
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Four-year, on-campus pre-licensure BSN (UND lists 121 credits). Clinical experiences occur in the Grand Forks region; includes a transition-to-practice practicum with a preceptor.
RN to BSN
Online BSN completion for licensed RNs who hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing.
Graduate degrees & certificates
Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
FNP at the master’s level; UND offers many graduate courses online with limited intensives.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
PMHNP master’s track for advanced practice in mental health settings.
Nurse Anesthesia (D.N.P.)
DNP nurse anesthesia—UND notes anesthesia coursework is not fully online; expect in-person requirements.
Family Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)
DNP pathway for family nurse practitioner preparation.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)
DNP pathway for PMHNP preparation.
Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Online post-master’s DNP option for leaders advancing doctoral-level nursing practice.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificates
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP post-graduate certificates per UND listings.
Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
Graduate certificate focused on nursing education roles.
Nursing Ph.D.
Research doctorate for nurse scientists and academic careers.
Admission pathways, specialty availability, and online vs. on-campus requirements vary by track. If you are comparing APRN roles, verify that the program meets your state’s educational requirements for licensure.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the University of North Dakota BSN program page, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 UND graduates was 97%; the same page cites a 92% national comparison figure for that context. The North Dakota Board of Nursing publishes education data and annual reports; use the Board’s Data Dashboard and main site for board-level reporting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN) | 97% (2023 graduates, UND program page) |
| Source | UND BSN program page; North Dakota Board of Nursing — Data. Confirm current cohorts with UND and NDBON. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the North Dakota Board of Nursing and UND.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UND’s BSN overview links to the international undergraduate application process. Use the checklist below as a starting point; policies change, and clinical placement rules may affect visa holders.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo minimums and exemptions with UND International Admissions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow UND’s requirements for international credential review (WES or other evaluators as specified).
- North Dakota Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility, background checks, and documentation with NDBON.
- Immigration & visa: Confirm F-1 eligibility for nursing coursework and any restrictions on clinical placements or employment.
This is guidance only, not legal advice. Verify with UND’s International Center, CNPD, and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UND’s on-campus BSN is limited enrollment: students apply to UND as pre-nursing majors, complete prerequisites, then submit a separate professional nursing program application. Admission is competitive; a subset of high-achieving first-year students may qualify for direct admission (approximately 20 seats per UND’s published requirements).
Pre-licensure BSN prerequisites
UND’s BSN requirements list prerequisite chemistry, microbiology, anatomy & physiology, psychology, sociology or anthropology, math, nutrition, and composition courses—many with a minimum grade of C. A subset of courses is used in a “core” GPA for admission.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University admission (fall) | Aug. 15 (UND BSN page) | General application deadlines for UND admission. |
| University admission (spring) | Dec. 15 | Per UND BSN overview. |
| Professional nursing program (fall) | Feb. 1 | On-campus BSN professional application (UND requirements page). |
| Professional nursing program (spring) | Jul. 1 | On-campus BSN professional application. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Core GPA / prerequisite grades | Prerequisite courses must be C or better; core GPA used for admission per UND catalog language. |
| Progression GPA (in program) | Minimum overall GPA 2.75 at end of each semester for progression (UND requirements page). |
| TEAS / HESI for admission | Not listed as an entry exam on UND’s BSN requirements page; students complete standardized testing (ATI) within the curriculum. Confirm if policies change. |
| Direct admission (high school) | Option A: unweighted GPA 3.5 and ACT 27+ or SAT 1280+ (prior two years); Option B: GPA 3.75+ and invitation to complete application—per UND. |
Honest tips: Finish science prerequisites early, protect your core GPA, and plan for the Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 professional deadlines. If you are not selected for direct admission, you can still compete through standard admission—review the undergraduate nursing application materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UND’s Tuition Model and Student Fees explains that:
- On-campus tuition is typically capped at 12 credits per semester (you pay the same tuition whether you take 12 or more credits in that band).
- Pre-nursing students pay UND’s base undergraduate tuition until admitted to the nursing major.
- Admitted BSN students pay program-specific nursing tuition that is higher than the base rate to cover additional clinical and simulation resources (UND cost details).
- Mandatory student fees are capped at a maximum per semester (UND lists a maximum fee structure on the cost-details page).
Per UND’s Cost of Attendance tables, undergraduate students in nursing should budget $3,000 per academic year for books and supplies (Fall + Spring combined estimate in the COA tables). The BSN cost page also lists semester-by-semester book estimates for nursing.
Because exact per-credit and academic-year totals depend on residency (North Dakota, Minnesota reciprocity, non-resident), aid year (2025/26 vs. 2026/27), and interactive tuition widgets, use UND’s Tuition Calculator and the BSN Degree Cost page for the numbers that will appear on your bill.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition structure (BSN) | Base rate pre-nursing; program-specific nursing tuition after admission; per UND Tuition Model and BSN cost page. |
| Books & supplies (COA estimate) | $3,000/year (undergraduate nursing, UND COA table) |
| Source | UND Tuition Model and Student Fees; BSN Degree Cost; Tuition Calculator. Confirm current amounts with UND One-Stop. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
UND’s BSN page cites employer examples for recent graduates (e.g., regional hospitals and health systems in North Dakota and Minnesota). For aggregate salary and employment outlook, the BLS Registered Nurses profile provides national occupational data—not UND-specific placement rates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 97% first-time for 2023 BSN graduates (UND program page) |
| Job Placement / Employment | Not publicly disclosed as a single audited rate on the pages reviewed; confirm with CNPD career outcomes. |
Is UND Nursing the Right Fit for You?
UND fits a wide range of nursing students, but the on-campus BSN’s competitive admission and North Dakota location deserve an honest look before you apply.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a public university BSN with strong regional clinical ties and rural/community emphasis.
- Prefer a campus-based pre-licensure program with simulation and a structured four-semester nursing sequence.
- Plan to pursue graduate APRN or doctoral study at the same institution later.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed seat in nursing without competitive admission after prerequisites.
- Cannot relocate to or travel within the Grand Forks region for clinicals.
- Expect a large urban clinical market exclusively within the campus city—many experiences are regional.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Grand Forks anchors the Red River Valley region. UND’s BSN materials describe clinical experiences in the Grand Forks region and reference employers such as Altru Health System. UND also notes that students may complete a senior practicum at a distant site at their own expense.
| Facility / System | Details |
|---|---|
| Altru Health System | Large regional provider in Grand Forks; cited in UND nursing graduate examples. |
| Additional regional sites | UND emphasizes community, public health, and hospital-based experiences across the lifespan; exact sites rotate by semester. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and faculty offices are centered in the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines building on Oxford Street. UND highlights the Clinical Resource & Simulation Center for simulation-based learning.
Student organizations referenced in UND materials include Sigma Theta Tau, the UND Nursing Student Council, and the Nursing Student Association. Housing options include the Nursing Living & Learning Community. American Indian students may explore support through the RAIN program.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Grand Forks, ND
- Address
- 430 Oxford Street, Grand Forks, ND 58202, US
- Telephone
- 701-777-4174 (CNPD main; confirm department-specific lines on UND’s directory)
- General UND
- 701-777-3000 · UND.info@UND.edu
- Website
- College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
Official links
Your next-steps checklist
- Bookmark the BSN requirements page and map prerequisites to your transcript.
- Open the undergraduate nursing application instructions and confirm Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 professional deadlines.
- Run UND’s Tuition Calculator with your residency and intended start term.
- List questions for CNPD Office of Student Services about core GPA calculation and transfer equivalencies.
- If applying as a direct-admission candidate from high school, verify ACT/SAT and GPA thresholds on UND’s direct-admission criteria.
- For graduate tracks, download the relevant DNP/MS program page and note any on-campus intensive dates.
- Review the NDBON Data resources for statewide nursing education context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCLEX-RN outcome does UND publish for its BSN graduates?
UND’s BSN program page states a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 graduates, with a 92% national comparison figure cited on the same page. Confirm the latest cohorts on UND’s BSN program page and with the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
What is the tuition model for UND’s on-campus BSN?
UND charges base tuition for pre-nursing students; after admission to the nursing major, students pay program-specific nursing tuition that is higher than regular university tuition. Per-credit and academic-year amounts vary by residency and aid year—use UND’s published Tuition Model, BSN cost page, and Tuition Calculator.
When are UND’s professional nursing program application deadlines?
UND lists professional BSN application deadlines of February 1 for fall and July 1 for spring, with separate university admission deadlines (for example, fall Aug. 15) on the BSN overview page.
Does UND require the TEAS for nursing admission?
UND’s published BSN requirements emphasize prerequisite coursework, core GPA, and ATI progression testing within the curriculum rather than listing TEAS for admission. Confirm any updates with CNPD Office of Student Services.
What graduate nursing degrees does UND offer?
UND’s Department of Nursing lists Family NP and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP at the M.S. and D.N.P. levels, Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P., Post-Master’s D.N.P., post-graduate APRN certificates, a Nurse Educator graduate certificate, and a Nursing Ph.D., with many courses online except anesthesia coursework.
Is UND’s nursing program accredited?
UND states that its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Confirm program-specific accreditation scope on UND’s site and with CCNE.
Where can I verify North Dakota RN licensure and program information?
Use the North Dakota Board of Nursing (ndbon.org) for licensure rules, approved programs, and published education reports when available. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
What clinical partners might UND BSN students encounter in Grand Forks?
UND emphasizes clinical experiences in the Grand Forks region; examples referenced in UND materials include Altru Health System and other regional partners. Sites vary by semester—confirm placements with CNPD.
What minimum GPA does UND use for nursing progression?
UND’s BSN requirements page lists a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 for progression in the nursing program at the end of each semester, with a grade of C or better in required courses. Confirm current policies in the undergraduate student handbook.
References
- University of North Dakota — BSN program (programs, NCLEX statement, deadlines)und.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/
- University of North Dakota — BSN requirements & admission criteriaund.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/requirements.html
- University of North Dakota — BSN cost & tuition widgetund.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/cost.html
- University of North Dakota — Tuition Model and Student Fees | Cost of Attendanceund.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/cost-details.html
- University of North Dakota — Graduate nursing programscnpd.und.edu/nursing/graduate.html
- North Dakota Board of Nursing — Datandbon.org/data
- 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 UND’s published BSN and graduate nursing pages, tuition disclosures, and school-reported NCLEX figures.
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 North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy