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Concordia University-Saint Paul vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Higher NCLEX pass rate
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
100% vs 86.9%
Lower tuition
Concordia University-Saint Paul
$25,000 vs $43,160
Easier to get into
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
88.8% vs 74.9% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Concordia University-Saint Paul
RN to BSN
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationSt. Paul, MNWinona, MN
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate86.9%100%BEST
Acceptance rate74.9%88.8%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$25,000BEST$43,160
In-state tuition$25,000BEST$43,160
Out-of-state tuition$25,000BEST$43,160
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Concordia University-Saint Paul or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's RN to BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 100%, compared to 86.9% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Saint Paul or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Concordia University-Saint Paul is the more affordable option at roughly $25,000, compared to $43,160. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Concordia University-Saint Paul and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota the same type of program?

Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Concordia University-Saint Paul and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.