Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024
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.
Best Grad Schools in Minnesota
- University of Minnesota
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- University of St. Thomas
- Hamline University
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Metropolitan State University
- University of Minnesota
- Hamline University
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- University of St. Thomas
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
- Bethel University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
- St. Cloud State University 95%
- Metropolitan State University 82%
- University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
- Hamline University 81%
- University of St. Thomas 77%
- University of Minnesota 75%
- Winona State University 74%
- Bethel University 72%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 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
- Metropolitan State University 14 to 1
- Hamline University 13 to 1
- Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
- University of St. Thomas $50,366
- Hamline University $46,616
- Bethel University $41,270
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
- Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
- University of Minnesota $14,006
- University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
- Metropolitan State University $9,684
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
- St. Cloud State University $8,811
- University of St. Thomas $26,619
- University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
- University of Minnesota $18,468
- Bethel University $11,981
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
- Hamline University $10,321
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
- Metropolitan State University $9,828
- St. Cloud State University $9,127
- Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- Bethel University
- Metropolitan State University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Winona State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Hamline University
- University of St. Thomas
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- Metropolitan State University
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Bethel University
- Winona State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- University of St. Thomas
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
- Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
- Bethel University 72%
- Winona State University 74%
- University of Minnesota 75%
- University of St. Thomas 77%
- Hamline University 81%
- University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
- Metropolitan State University 82%
- Bethel University 12 to 1
- Hamline University 13 to 1
- Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
- University of St. Thomas 13 to 1
- Metropolitan State University 14 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
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 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
- University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
- University of Minnesota $14,006
- Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
- Bethel University $41,270
- Winona State University $8,320
- Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
- Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
- St. Cloud State University $9,127
- Metropolitan State University $9,828
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
- Hamline University $10,321
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
- Bethel University $11,981
- University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
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
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 2024
- #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #1 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota
- #3 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #5 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students 2025
- #14 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $15,859Expenses: $15,240Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
- #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
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: $14,126Expenses: $13,082Starting 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 Christian Colleges 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
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
- #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
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
53%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Cost of Degree: $9,444Expenses: $13,790Starting 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
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: $10,236Expenses: $14,828Starting 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 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
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: $13,950Starting 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: $10,492Expenses: $13,194Starting 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
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #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: $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
- #4 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
33%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University
Cost of Degree: $9,684Starting 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 #8 Best Christian Colleges 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
- #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: $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:
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.