Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Minnesota offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Key Takeaways
- The best graduate programs in Minnesota often emphasize cross-disciplinary studies, allowing students to engage in collaborative research across fields such as healthcare, technology, and environmental science.
- Many of the institutions in our ranking have close connections with leading industries in the Twin Cities, offering internships, research opportunities, and networking events that prepare students for careers in growing sectors like medical devices, data analytics, and renewable energy.
- The best graduate schools in Minnesota frequently incorporate community engagement and social responsibility into their programs, offering initiatives that address local and global challenges, from public health disparities to climate change solutions.
Best Grad Schools in Minnesota in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Minnesota saw a fair amount of movement. Hamline University gained the second ranking position as the college is making notable changes to enhance its academic and campus experience. Starting in fall 2025, the university will introduce a revised academic calendar, including the elimination of the January Term, an extended four-week May Term, and adjusted start dates for the fall and spring semesters, designed to create a more balanced schedule.
Additionally, Hamline has expanded its holiday schedule for staff, adding extra paid leave days during winter break and other key dates. Recognized as Minnesota’s top regional university for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, Hamline continues to prioritize academic excellence and operational improvements that support its students and community.
There are 14 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Minnesota. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Minnesota is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Minnesota
- #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
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts 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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #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 #5 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota
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
$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
- #5 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2025 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota #9 Best Online MBA 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
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota #17 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 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: $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
- #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: $25,000Expenses: $16,800Starting 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:
Minnesota’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
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.