Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024

Badge for BEST IN MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. St. Olaf College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Biology, and Religious Studies
  2. Macalester College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Anthropology, Political Science, and Literature
  3. Gustavus Adolphus College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Economics, Literature, and Sociology
  4. Hamline University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Anthropology, Law, and Political Science
  5. University of St. Thomas
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Economics
  6. Augsburg University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Literature, and Social Work
  7. St. Catherine University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Social Work, and Sociology
  8. Bethel University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Chemistry
  9. Concordia College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Physics, and Sociology
  10. 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

  1. #1

    St. Olaf College

    Northfield , MN
    #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $54,650
    Expenses: $14,350
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    St. 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,500
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $55,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Macalester 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Saint Peter , MN
    #25 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #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: $53,030
    Expenses: $13,090
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Located 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.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Hamline University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
    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: $46,616
    Expenses: $13,133
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Located 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.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of St. Thomas

    Saint Paul , MN
    #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: $50,366
    Expenses: $16,787
    Starting Salary: $62,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Those 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Augsburg University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #5 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #7 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University

    Cost of Degree: $42,064
    Expenses: $15,809
    Starting Salary: $53,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Augsburg 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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    St. Catherine University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #3 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #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: $37,494
    Expenses: $13,580
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    St. 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.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Bethel University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #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: $41,270
    Expenses: $15,600
    Starting Salary: $52,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bethel 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.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Concordia College

    Moorhead , MN
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College

    Cost of Degree: $28,916
    Expenses: $14,480
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Concordia 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.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    College of St. Scholastica

    Duluth , MN
    #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: $39,410
    Expenses: $14,646
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    North Central University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #16 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central University

    Cost of Degree: $28,000
    Expenses: $14,215
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    North 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.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Bethany Lutheran College

    Mankato , MN

    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: $29,010
    Expenses: $10,920
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bethany 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.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Crown College

    Saint Bonifacius , MN
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crown College

    Cost of Degree: $29,230
    Expenses: $16,036
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Crown 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.

    Compare school
  16. #14

    College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

    Saint Joseph , MN
    #9 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Small 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: $52,108
    Expenses: $14,822
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Winona , MN
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $41,150
    Expenses: $13,720
    Starting Salary: $50,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Saint 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.

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Saint Paul , MN

    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: $35,340
    Expenses: $13,704
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Concordia University, St. Paul

    Saint Paul , MN
    #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: $24,400
    Expenses: $14,200
    Starting Salary: $57,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Concordia 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.

    Compare school
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Minnesota’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

  1. Macalester College
  2. St. Olaf College
  3. Hamline University
  4. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  5. Gustavus Adolphus College
  6. University of St. Thomas
  7. Augsburg University
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  9. Concordia College
  10. Bethel University
  11. St. Catherine University
  12. Concordia University, St. Paul
  13. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  14. College of St. Scholastica
  15. Bethany Lutheran College
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