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.
10 Best Christian Colleges in Minnesota
- Macalester College
- University of St. Thomas
- Hamline University
- St. Olaf College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Concordia College
- Augsburg University
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- St. Catherine University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- St. Olaf College
- Macalester College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Hamline University
- University of St. Thomas
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Augsburg University
- St. Catherine University
- Bethel University
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- College of St. Scholastica 97%
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
- St. Catherine University 93%
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
- North Central University 91%
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
- Hamline University 81%
- University of St. Thomas 77%
- Augsburg University 77%
- Gustavus Adolphus College 74%
- Crown College 17 to 1
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul 15 to 1
- Augsburg University 14 to 1
- Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
- Hamline University 13 to 1
- University of St. Thomas 13 to 1
- Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
- St. Olaf College 12 to 1
- Bethel University 12 to 1
- Macalester College $62,500
- St. Olaf College $54,650
- Gustavus Adolphus College $53,030
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $52,108
- University of St. Thomas $50,366
- St. Catherine University $47,870
- Hamline University $46,616
- Augsburg University $42,074
- Bethel University $41,270
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
- University of St. Thomas $26,619
- St. Catherine University $17,550
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $14,910
- Augsburg University $13,732
- College of St. Scholastica $13,551
- Bethel University $11,981
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
- Crown College $10,620
- Hamline University $10,321
- North Central University $10,260
- Crown College
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- Bethany Lutheran College
- North Central University
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- College of St. Scholastica
- Bethel University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- St. Catherine University
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Crown College
- Bethany Lutheran College
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- North Central University
- College of St. Scholastica
- Concordia College
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Bethel University
- St. Catherine University
- Macalester College 28%
- St. Olaf College 56%
- Bethany Lutheran College 58%
- Concordia College 66%
- Crown College 67%
- Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
- Bethel University 72%
- Gustavus Adolphus College 74%
- Augsburg University 77%
- University of St. Thomas 77%
- College of St. Scholastica 10 to 1
- Macalester College 10 to 1
- St. Catherine University 10 to 1
- Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
- North Central University 11 to 1
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
- Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
- St. Olaf College 12 to 1
- Bethel University 12 to 1
- Concordia College 12 to 1
- Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
- North Central University $28,000
- Concordia College $28,916
- Bethany Lutheran College $29,010
- Crown College $29,230
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul $35,340
- College of St. Scholastica $39,410
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
- Bethel University $41,270
- Augsburg University $42,074
- Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul $9,360
- Concordia College $9,638
- Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
- North Central University $10,260
- Hamline University $10,321
- Crown College $10,620
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
- Bethel University $11,981
- College of St. Scholastica $13,551
Colleges and Universities in Minnesota
One of largest public higher education institutes in the country, the University of Minnesota has main campuses in both of the Twin Cities, Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This school costs about $15,000 in tuition, and provides its students with competitive programs in fields like nursing, education, economics, and psychology. And the options don’t stop there. There are more than 20 schools in the state with religious affiliations, including larger schools like the University of St. Thomas, which campuses in both Twin Cities, and smaller schools like Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
For students striving to keep costs low in a smaller school environment, Southwest Minnesota State University offers tuition below the national average and serves about 3,500 students. Additionally, those on track to become a teacher or health care provider may be eligible for one of Minnesota’s loan forgiveness programs after graduation. Minnesota also boasts a large network of private colleges, two of which, Walden University and Capella University, primarily cater to online students.
Ever heard the phrase, There’s an app for that?
Well, in Minnesota they say something similar, There’s a festival for that.
This fun state doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrating. With events like the Grumpy Old Men Festival, World Festival, and the Perham Turtle Fest, students earning their degrees at one of Minnesota’s more than 70 colleges won’t miss out on a good time.
Discover some of Minnesota’s top programs and learn how you can earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree while cashing in on some of this state’s unique experiences.
What are Minnesota’s Colleges & Universities?
- 6 Research Universities
- 24 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 12 Graduate Schools
- 11 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 17 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 22 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 30 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Minnesota’s Best Overall
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
- #3 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
- #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
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
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 salaryWhat is Macalester College known for?
Macalester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 salaryWhat is University of St. Thomas known for?
University of St. Thomas ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
- Business
- Sociology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $46,616Expenses: $13,133Starting Salary: $55,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hamline University known for?
Hamline University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 #5 Best Private 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: $54,650Expenses: $14,350Starting Salary: $57,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Olaf College known for?
St. Olaf College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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 salaryWhat is Gustavus Adolphus College known for?
Gustavus Adolphus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Sociology
- History
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Communications
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $28,916Expenses: $14,480Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia College known for?
Concordia College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Nursing
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $42,064Expenses: $15,809Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Augsburg University known for?
Augsburg University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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 salaryWhat is College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University known for?
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Education
- Communications
- Biology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $37,494Expenses: $13,580Starting Salary: $51,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Catherine University known for?
St. Catherine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 salaryWhat is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota known for?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Nursing
- Communications
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 salaryWhat is Bethel University known for?
Bethel University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Literature
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 salaryWhat is College of St. Scholastica known for?
College of St. Scholastica’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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 salaryWhat is University of Northwestern – St. Paul known for?
University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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 salaryWhat is North Central University known for?
North Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Literature
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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 salaryWhat is Bethany Lutheran College known for?
Bethany Lutheran College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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 salaryWhat is Concordia University, St. Paul known for?
Concordia University, St. Paul’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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: $29,230Expenses: $16,036Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Crown College known for?
Crown College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Minnesota’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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