Best Colleges in Minnesota 2026

Badge for BEST IN MINNESOTA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Minnesota. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Minnesota in 2026

  1. University of Minnesota
  2. Carleton College
  3. Macalester College
  4. St. Olaf College
    +3
  5. Gustavus Adolphus College
    +3
  6. Hamline University
  7. University of Minnesota Duluth
    –3
  8. University of St. Thomas
    –3
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  10. Minnesota State University Moorhead

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?

Minnesota’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 32 colleges and universities in Minnesota that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Minnesota below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Minnesota.

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Best Colleges in Minnesota 2023

  1. #1

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $16,488
    Expenses: $16,378
    Starting Salary: $74,314
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota known for?

    University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1505/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $65,457
    Expenses: $19,436
    Starting Salary: $82,742
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carleton College known for?

    Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Macalester College

    Cost of Degree: $64,908
    Expenses: $18,083
    Starting Salary: $69,951
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Macalester College known for?

    Macalester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    St. Olaf College

    Northfield , MN
    #9 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Olaf College

    Cost of Degree: $56,970
    Expenses: $14,900
    Starting Salary: $68,656
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Olaf College known for?

    St. Olaf College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Saint Peter , MN
    #17 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College

    Cost of Degree: $54,310
    Expenses: $13,370
    Starting Salary: $67,649
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gustavus Adolphus College known for?

    Gustavus Adolphus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Hamline University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #2 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1262/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Hamline University

    Cost of Degree: $48,311
    Expenses: $13,950
    Starting Salary: $64,996
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hamline University known for?

    Hamline University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Minnesota Duluth

    Duluth , MN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Duluth

    Cost of Degree: $14,318
    Expenses: $13,654
    Starting Salary: $67,944
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota Duluth known for?

    University of Minnesota Duluth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of St. Thomas

    Saint Paul , MN
    #2 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1341/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Thomas

    Cost of Degree: $52,284
    Expenses: $16,528
    Starting Salary: $82,322
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of St. Thomas known for?

    University of St. Thomas ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Mankato , MN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Cost of Degree: $9,490
    Expenses: $14,938
    Starting Salary: $61,916
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Minnesota State University, Mankato known for?

    Minnesota State University, Mankato’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Minnesota State University Moorhead

    Moorhead , MN
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead

    Cost of Degree: $10,336
    Expenses: $15,364
    Starting Salary: $55,234
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Minnesota State University Moorhead known for?

    Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

    Saint Joseph , MN
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

    Cost of Degree: $53,884
    Expenses: $14,660
    Starting Salary: $66,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    St. Cloud State University

    Saint Cloud , MN
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1142/21

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Cloud State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,117
    Expenses: $13,630
    Starting Salary: $59,509
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Cloud State University known for?

    St. Cloud State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Augsburg University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #4 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #7 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University

    Cost of Degree: $43,942
    Expenses: $20,668
    Starting Salary: $63,332
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Augsburg University known for?

    Augsburg University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Winona State University

    Winona , MN
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Winona State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,498
    Expenses: $13,464
    Starting Salary: $63,354
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Winona State University known for?

    Winona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Bemidji State University

    Bemidji , MN
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,114
    Expenses: $13,931
    Starting Salary: $58,173
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bemidji State University known for?

    Bemidji State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Minnesota Morris

    Morris , MN
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris

    Cost of Degree: $14,287
    Expenses: $13,174
    Starting Salary: $55,010
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota Morris known for?

    University of Minnesota Morris’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  20. #17

    St. Catherine University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #3 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/23

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Catherine University

    Cost of Degree: $37,588
    Expenses: $14,986
    Starting Salary: $64,729
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Catherine University known for?

    St. Catherine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Bethel University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #4 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University

    Cost of Degree: $42,930
    Expenses: $16,460
    Starting Salary: $69,827
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bethel University known for?

    Bethel University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Winona , MN
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    6K

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

    Cost of Degree: $43,160
    Expenses: $14,220
    Starting Salary: $68,708
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota known for?

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Saint Paul , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1069/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Cost of Degree: $36,830
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $56,687
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Northwestern – St. Paul known for?

    University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Concordia College

    Moorhead , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College

    Cost of Degree: $30,020
    Expenses: $16,180
    Starting Salary: $62,622
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia College known for?

    Concordia College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Metropolitan State University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #5 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #9 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,780
    Starting Salary: $66,336
    What is Metropolitan State University known for?

    Metropolitan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Southwest Minnesota State University

    Marshall , MN
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,304
    Expenses: $15,408
    Starting Salary: $52,551
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southwest Minnesota State University known for?

    Southwest Minnesota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Minnesota Crookston

    Crookston , MN
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota #10 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston

    Cost of Degree: $13,120
    Expenses: $13,552
    Starting Salary: $64,132
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota Crookston known for?

    University of Minnesota Crookston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  30. #25

    College of St. Scholastica

    Duluth , MN
    #6 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #13 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of St. Scholastica

    Cost of Degree: $40,454
    Expenses: $15,276
    Starting Salary: $72,044
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of St. Scholastica known for?

    College of St. Scholastica’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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

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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. Carleton College
  2. University of Minnesota
  3. Macalester College
  4. University of Minnesota Morris
  5. St. Olaf College
  6. Hamline University
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  8. Gustavus Adolphus College
  9. University of St. Thomas
  10. Augsburg University
  11. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  12. Concordia College
  13. Bethel University
  14. University of Minnesota Duluth
  15. St. Catherine University
  16. Southwest Minnesota State University
  17. Concordia University, St. Paul
  18. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  19. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  20. College of St. Scholastica
  21. Dunwoody College of Technology
  22. Winona State University
  23. University of Minnesota Crookston
  24. Bethany Lutheran College
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