Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024
For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in Minnesota.
Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024
- St. Olaf College
- Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Biology, and Religious Studies
- Macalester College
- Most Popular Degrees: Anthropology, Political Science, and Literature
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Most Popular Degrees: Economics, Literature, and Sociology
- Hamline University
- Most Popular Degrees: Anthropology, Law, and Political Science
- University of St. Thomas
- Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Economics
- Augsburg University
- Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Literature, and Social Work
- St. Catherine University
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Social Work, and Sociology
- Bethel University
- Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Chemistry
- Concordia College
- Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Physics, and Sociology
- College of St. Scholastica
- Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Chemistry, and Mathematics
The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 17 Christian colleges in Minnesota. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
Best Christian Colleges in Minnesota 2023
- #9 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
85%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/30
Career Outlook for degree at St. Olaf College
Cost of Degree: $54,650Expenses: $14,350Starting Salary: $57,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. Olaf College was founded by Norwegian-American farmers and pastors. It is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota.
What We Love About St. Olaf College
The school challenges all of its students to stand out in the liberal arts and find purpose in a globally engaged and inclusive community nourished by Lutheran tradition.
St. Olaf College is ideal for students who:
Want a school with accessible professors.
St. Olaf College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for the “big campus” experience since St. Olaf is a small, tight-knit campus.
- #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
88%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1420/32
Career Outlook for degree at Macalester College
Cost of Degree: $62,500Expenses: $16,400Starting Salary: $55,800Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMacalester College is a private liberal college in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This exclusively undergraduate four-year college has Scottish roots and focuses on multiculturalism and internationalism.
What We Love About Macalester College
On top of its academic rigor, Macalester College is an active, open-minded college that offers plenty of opportunities for students to engage the Twin Cities community. Some students may also qualify for study abroad programs.
Macalester College is ideal for students who:
Want a college with small class sizes, great opportunities for community, and an overall small-college vibe.
Macalester College might not be a good fit for students who:
Want a school with lots of on-campus activities since the school only offers minimal ones.
- #22 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College
Cost of Degree: $53,030Expenses: $13,090Starting Salary: $58,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLocated in St. Peter, Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college founded by Swedish Americans. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What We Love About Gustavus Adolphus College
The school was recognized as one of the 33 top-producing baccalaureate institutions after it earned five of Fulbright’s US Student Fellowships.
Gustavus Adolphus College is ideal for students who:
Are prepared to work hard due to the rigorous coursework.
Gustavus Adolphus College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for a large student body in a more urban setting.
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
69%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1144/23
Career Outlook for degree at Hamline University
Cost of Degree: $46,616Expenses: $13,133Starting Salary: $55,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLocated in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Hamline University is the oldest university in the state. It is also the first coeducational university in Minnesota.
What We Love About Hamline University
Hamline University has a very diverse student body, thus allowing students to have a better understanding of different cultures.
Hamline University is ideal for students who:
Want a great learning environment with friendly and knowledgeable staff and students.
Hamline University might not be a good fit for students who:
Want a party atmosphere as academics are generally the top priority for a large portion of the undergraduate student population.
- #2 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
80%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1295/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Thomas
Cost of Degree: $50,366Expenses: $16,787Starting Salary: $62,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThose who are looking for a private Catholic university in Minnesota might find a great fit in the University of St. Thomas. This research school has campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
What We Love About the University of St. Thomas
All students can join in Study Abroad, Research, and Internship opportunities.
The University of St. Thomas is ideal for students who:
Want to get personal attention from their instructors, thanks to their small classes.
University of St. Thomas might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not willing to put time and effort into their studies, as the school is very diligent about its high success rates.
- #5 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #8 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University
Cost of Degree: $42,064Expenses: $15,809Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAugsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is known for its emphasis on service learning; and community service is a requirement for a student to graduate.
What We Love About Augsburg University
The school is nationally recognized for welcoming and supporting a diverse range of students, both locally and internationally.
Augsburg University is ideal for students who:
Want a city atmosphere and smaller class sizes.
Augsburg University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a bigger campus
- #3 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
64%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1302/22
Career Outlook for degree at St. Catherine University
Cost of Degree: $37,494Expenses: $13,580Starting Salary: $51,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a private Catholic school and was established originally as a higher learning institution for women in the Midwest.
What We Love About St. Catherine University
The school is known for its great reputation and for being the country’s biggest women’s school.
St. Catherine University is ideal for students who:
Like small classes and those who are motivated and willing to learn and adapt well to a new environment.
St. Catherine University might not be a good fit for students who:
Wanting a college with a bigger party culture.
- #5 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
75%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $41,270Expenses: $15,600Starting Salary: $52,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBethel University is a seminary and private Christian university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It offers several undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs.
What We Love About Bethel University
The school has over 50 areas of study, giving students the chance to explore, grow, and prepare for their future careers.
Bethel University is ideal for students who:
Want to grow their faith, learn in a community, and are committed to growing as believers.
Bethel University might not be a good fit for students who:
Don’t want to get exposed to biblical college courses.
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
69%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College
Cost of Degree: $28,916Expenses: $14,480Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryConcordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota offers more than 50 majors, 19 musical ensembles, and 22 NCAA varsity teams.
What We Love About Concordia College
Because of the small size of the school, one can feel a strong sense of community on campus. The college is also known for having kind and outgoing students.
Concordia College is ideal for students who:
Want to become a part of a close-knit community.
Concordia College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for a more affordable college since Concordia is relatively more expensive than most schools in the state.
- #6 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #13 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
67%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at College of St. Scholastica
Cost of Degree: $39,410Expenses: $14,646Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe College of St. Scholastica is a private Benedictine school in Duluth, Minnesota. This college lies on 186 wooded acres overlooking Lake Superior and offers a liberal arts education.
What We Love About College of St. Scholastica
This school is a community where everybody wants everyone to succeed. It is a very welcoming college where everyone has a place.
College of St. Scholastica is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a small private college away from a big city while still having a modern feel.
College of St. Scholastica might not be a good option for students who:
Are looking for a big school with large classes.
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
59%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at North Central University
Cost of Degree: $28,000Expenses: $14,215Starting Salary: $35,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryNorth Central University is associated with the Assemblies of God. This private Christian university in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts in the upper Midwest.
What We Love About North Central University
The school prepares students for global leadership and ministry through a spirit-empowered community, top-quality academic programs, and a unique downtown setting in downtown Minneapolis.
North Central University is ideal for students who:
Are planning to go into ministry
North Central University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are non-Bible-based believers.
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
57%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at Bethany Lutheran College
Cost of Degree: $29,010Expenses: $10,920Starting Salary: $37,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBethany Lutheran College is a liberal arts school located in Mankato, Minnesota. The Evangelical Lutheran Synod operates the college.
What We Love About Bethany Lutheran College
It is a small campus, and everyone knows each other.
Bethany Lutheran College is ideal for students who:
Are religious and want a small school experience and wonderful faculty and professors.
Bethany Lutheran College might not be a good fit for students who:
Want a large student body because BLC is extremely small, where everybody knows everyone else.
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Crown College
Cost of Degree: $29,230Expenses: $16,036Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCrown College is an Evangelical Christian college in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. It has ties to the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
What We Love About Crown College
It is a community-based school with many opportunities for engagement.
Crown College is good for students who:
Would like to participate in missions, as the college provides many opportunities for mission work.
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
Cost of Degree: $52,108Expenses: $14,822Starting Salary: $57,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are two closely related Benedictine liberal arts colleges in Minnesota: College of Saint Benedict (a women’s college) in St. Joseph and Saint John’s University (a men’s college) in Collegeville. Students in these private schools have a shared curriculum. They can also access the resources of both campuses.
What We Love About College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
The school offers world-class academics with renowned professors, outstanding resources, and a long tradition of service and excellence.
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University is ideal for students who:
Want a challenging but fun campus where students get to interact with each other, whether it is inside or outside the classroom.
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not open to meeting people since the school highly values community.
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
65%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Cost of Degree: $41,150Expenses: $13,720Starting Salary: $50,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySaint Mary’s University of Minnesota was founded in 1912 and is a private Catholic university affiliated with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (the De La Salle Brothers).
What We Love about Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota:
In all programs and majors at Saint Mary’s, professors try to teach character and virtuein their courses.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is ideal for students who:
Learn and grow personally and academically, as well as those who want the perks of living in a small town.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota might not be a good fit for students who:
Want to live in a big town or go to a big school.
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
70%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1163/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Cost of Degree: $35,340Expenses: $13,704Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Northwestern (UNW) St. Paul is located within St. Paul and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis.
What We Love About UNW-St. Paul
The school is an academically excellent university that develops curiosity and scholarship from a Christian worldview.
UNW-St. Paul is ideal for students who:
Want to grow in their faith and value it in relation to their life.
UNW-St. Paul might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not Christians because the school strongly practices Christian beliefs.
- #10 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science #20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
51%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University, St. Paul
Cost of Degree: $24,400Expenses: $14,200Starting Salary: $57,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryConcordia University, St. Paul is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is a member of the Concordia University System.
What We Love About Concordia University, St. Paul
The school is known for its flexible learning options, affordable tuition fees, and Christ-centered education.
Concordia University, St. Paul, is ideal for students who:
Would like a wide variety of programs to choose from.
Concordia University, St. Paul, might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for more affordable tuition costs.
Minnesota’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Macalester College
- St. Olaf College
- Hamline University
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- University of St. Thomas
- Augsburg University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Concordia College
- Bethel University
- St. Catherine University
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- College of St. Scholastica
- Bethany Lutheran College