Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024

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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

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  1. University of Minnesota
  2. Carleton College
  3. Macalester College
  4. University of Minnesota Duluth
  5. University of St. Thomas
  6. Hamline University
  7. St. Olaf College
  8. Gustavus Adolphus College
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  10. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  1. University of Minnesota
  2. Carleton College
  3. St. Olaf College
  4. Macalester College
  5. Gustavus Adolphus College
  6. Hamline University
  7. University of Minnesota Duluth
  8. University of St. Thomas
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  10. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  1. College of St. Scholastica 97%
  2. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
  3. St. Cloud State University 95%
  4. St. Catherine University 93%
  5. University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
  6. Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
  8. Metropolitan State University 82%
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  10. Hamline University 81%
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
  3. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
  5. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  6. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  7. Bemidji State University 16 to 1
  8. Winona State University 16 to 1
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  10. Southwest Minnesota State University 15 to 1
  1. Carleton College $62,634
  2. Macalester College $62,500
  3. St. Olaf College $54,650
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College $53,030
  5. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $52,108
  6. University of St. Thomas $50,366
  7. St. Catherine University $47,870
  8. Hamline University $46,616
  9. Augsburg University $42,074
  10. Bethel University $41,270
  1. University of St. Thomas $26,619
  2. University of Minnesota $18,468
  3. University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
  4. St. Catherine University $17,550
  5. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $14,910
  6. Augsburg University $13,732
  7. College of St. Scholastica $13,551
  8. Bethel University $11,981
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  10. Hamline University $10,321
  1. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  2. College of St. Scholastica
  3. Southwest Minnesota State University
  4. University of Minnesota Crookston
  5. Bethel University
  6. Metropolitan State University
  7. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  8. Bemidji State University
  9. Winona State University
  10. St. Catherine University
  1. College of St. Scholastica
  2. Southwest Minnesota State University
  3. University of Minnesota Crookston
  4. Metropolitan State University
  5. Concordia College
  6. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  7. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  8. Bethel University
  9. St. Catherine University
  10. Winona State University
  1. Carleton College 17%
  2. Macalester College 28%
  3. St. Olaf College 56%
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
  5. University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
  6. Concordia College 66%
  7. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  8. Bethel University 72%
  9. Gustavus Adolphus College 74%
  10. Winona State University 74%
  1. Carleton College 8 to 1
  2. University of Minnesota Morris 9 to 1
  3. College of St. Scholastica 10 to 1
  4. Macalester College 10 to 1
  5. St. Catherine University 10 to 1
  6. Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
  8. St. Olaf College 12 to 1
  9. Bethel University 12 to 1
  10. Concordia College 12 to 1
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,356
  2. Winona State University $8,388
  3. St. Cloud State University $8,811
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
  5. Metropolitan State University $9,684
  6. Southwest Minnesota State University $10,122
  7. Bemidji State University $10,130
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  9. University of Minnesota Morris $12,804
  10. University of Minnesota Crookston $13,010
  1. Winona State University $8,320
  2. Southwest Minnesota State University $8,748
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  4. Bemidji State University $8,909
  5. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  6. University of Northwestern – St. Paul $9,360
  7. Concordia College $9,638
  8. Metropolitan State University $9,828
  9. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  10. 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?

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
    Other Rankings

    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: $15,859
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $67,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    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
  4. Other Rankings

    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: $14,126
    Expenses: $13,082
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    University of St. Thomas

    Saint Paul , MN

    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
  6. #7

    St. Olaf College

    Northfield , MN
    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
  7. #8

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Saint Peter , MN

    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
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Cost of Degree: $9,444
    Expenses: $13,790
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Other Rankings

    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: $10,236
    Expenses: $14,828
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  10. #11

    St. Cloud State University

    Saint Cloud , MN
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,117
    Expenses: $13,950
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #12

    Concordia College

    Moorhead , MN

    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
  12. #13

    Augsburg University

    Minneapolis , MN

    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
    What is Augsburg University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris

    Cost of Degree: $14,120
    Expenses: $12,172
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

  14. 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
    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

  15. #16

    St. Catherine University

    Saint Paul , MN
    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
    What is St. Catherine University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. 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: $10,492
    Expenses: $13,194
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,130
    Expenses: $13,462
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  18. 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
    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

  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,684
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    What is Metropolitan State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #21

    Bethel University

    Saint Paul , MN

    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
  21. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston

    Cost of Degree: $13,010
    Expenses: $12,930
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

  22. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,122
    Expenses: $13,072
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  23. 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
    What is College of St. Scholastica known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  24. 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
    What is University of Northwestern – St. Paul known for?

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

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Minnesota’s Best 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.

  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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