Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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
- University of Minnesota
- Carleton College
- Macalester College
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- University of St. Thomas
- Hamline University
- St. Olaf College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- University of Minnesota
- Carleton College
- St. Olaf College
- Macalester College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Hamline University
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- University of St. Thomas
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- College of St. Scholastica 97%
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
- St. Cloud State University 95%
- St. Catherine University 93%
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
- Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
- Metropolitan State University 82%
- University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
- Hamline University 81%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
- University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
- Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
- University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
- University of Minnesota 16 to 1
- Winona State University 16 to 1
- St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
- Bemidji State University 16 to 1
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul 15 to 1
- Carleton College $62,634
- 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
- University of St. Thomas $26,619
- University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
- University of Minnesota $18,468
- 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
- Hamline University $10,321
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- College of St. Scholastica
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Bethel University
- Metropolitan State University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Bemidji State University
- Winona State University
- St. Catherine University
- College of St. Scholastica
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Metropolitan State University
- Concordia College
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Bethel University
- St. Catherine University
- Winona State University
- Carleton College 17%
- Macalester College 28%
- St. Olaf College 56%
- Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
- University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
- Concordia College 66%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
- Bethel University 72%
- Gustavus Adolphus College 74%
- Winona State University 74%
- Carleton College 8 to 1
- University of Minnesota Morris 9 to 1
- College of St. Scholastica 10 to 1
- Macalester College 10 to 1
- St. Catherine University 10 to 1
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
- Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
- St. Olaf College 12 to 1
- Bethel University 12 to 1
- Concordia College 12 to 1
- Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,356
- Winona State University $8,388
- St. Cloud State University $8,811
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
- Metropolitan State University $9,684
- Southwest Minnesota State University $10,122
- Bemidji State University $10,130
- University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
- University of Minnesota Morris $12,804
- University of Minnesota Crookston $13,010
- Winona State University $8,320
- Southwest Minnesota State University $8,748
- Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
- Bemidji State University $8,909
- St. Cloud State University $9,127
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul $9,360
- Concordia College $9,638
- Metropolitan State University $9,828
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
- Hamline University $10,321
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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
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.
Best Colleges in Minnesota 2023
- #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #21 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
84%
Student body
61K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota
Cost of Degree: $16,488Expenses: $16,378Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Minnesota known for?
University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/33
Career Outlook for degree at Carleton College
Cost of Degree: $65,457Expenses: $19,436Starting Salary: $67,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carleton College known for?
Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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: $64,908Expenses: $18,083Starting 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
62%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Duluth
Cost of Degree: $14,318Expenses: $13,654Starting Salary: $56,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Minnesota Duluth known for?
University of Minnesota Duluth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #5 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025
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: $52,284Expenses: $16,528Starting 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
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025
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: $48,311Expenses: $13,950Starting 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
- #9 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
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: $56,970Expenses: $14,900Starting 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
- #22 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College
Cost of Degree: $54,310Expenses: $13,370Starting 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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
53%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Cost of Degree: $9,490Expenses: $14,938Starting Salary: $48,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Minnesota State University, Mankato known for?
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
55%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/21
Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Cost of Degree: $10,336Expenses: $15,364Starting Salary: $44,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Minnesota State University Moorhead known for?
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
44%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1113/21
Career Outlook for degree at St. Cloud State University
Cost of Degree: $10,117Expenses: $13,630Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Cloud State University known for?
St. Cloud State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Communications
- Education
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
69%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College
Cost of Degree: $30,020Expenses: $16,180Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2025 #7 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #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: $43,942Expenses: $20,668Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris
Cost of Degree: $14,287Expenses: $13,174Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Minnesota Morris known for?
University of Minnesota Morris’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
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: $53,884Expenses: $14,660Starting 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 #8 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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: $37,588Expenses: $14,986Starting 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
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
60%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/22
Career Outlook for degree at Winona State University
Cost of Degree: $10,498Expenses: $13,464Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Winona State University known for?
Winona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
50%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University
Cost of Degree: $10,114Expenses: $13,931Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bemidji State University known for?
Bemidji State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Communications
- Literature
- Psychology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Physics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
65%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Cost of Degree: $43,160Expenses: $14,220Starting 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
- #4 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #9 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
33%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University
Cost of Degree: $9,780Starting Salary: $51,700What is Metropolitan State University known for?
Metropolitan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Communications
- Literature
- Medical
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
75%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $42,930Expenses: $16,460Starting 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
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota #10 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
53%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston
Cost of Degree: $13,120Expenses: $13,552Starting Salary: $49,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Minnesota Crookston known for?
University of Minnesota Crookston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
41%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University
Cost of Degree: $10,304Expenses: $15,408Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwest Minnesota State University known for?
Southwest Minnesota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $40,454Expenses: $15,276Starting 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: $36,830Expenses: $15,432Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 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:
Minnesota’s Best 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.
- Carleton College
- University of Minnesota
- Macalester College
- University of Minnesota Morris
- 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
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- St. Catherine University
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- College of St. Scholastica
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Winona State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Bethany Lutheran College