Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024

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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

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  1. University of Minnesota
  2. University of Minnesota Duluth
  3. University of St. Thomas
  4. Hamline University
  5. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  6. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  7. St. Cloud State University
  8. Winona State University
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. Metropolitan State University
  1. University of Minnesota
  2. Hamline University
  3. University of Minnesota Duluth
  4. University of St. Thomas
  5. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  6. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  7. St. Cloud State University
  8. Winona State University
  9. Bethel University
  10. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  1. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
  2. St. Cloud State University 95%
  3. Metropolitan State University 82%
  4. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  5. Hamline University 81%
  6. University of St. Thomas 77%
  7. University of Minnesota 75%
  8. Winona State University 74%
  9. Bethel University 72%
  10. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
  2. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
  3. Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
  4. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  5. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  6. Winona State University 16 to 1
  7. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  8. Metropolitan State University 14 to 1
  9. Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
  10. Hamline University 13 to 1
  1. University of St. Thomas $50,366
  2. Hamline University $46,616
  3. Bethel University $41,270
  4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
  5. Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
  6. University of Minnesota $14,006
  7. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  8. Metropolitan State University $9,684
  9. Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
  10. St. Cloud State University $8,811
  1. University of St. Thomas $26,619
  2. University of Minnesota $18,468
  3. University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
  4. Bethel University $11,981
  5. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  6. Hamline University $10,321
  7. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  8. Metropolitan State University $9,828
  9. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  10. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  1. Concordia University, St. Paul
  2. Bethel University
  3. Metropolitan State University
  4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  5. Winona State University
  6. St. Cloud State University
  7. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  8. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  9. Hamline University
  10. University of St. Thomas
  1. Concordia University, St. Paul
  2. Metropolitan State University
  3. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  4. Bethel University
  5. Winona State University
  6. St. Cloud State University
  7. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  8. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  9. University of St. Thomas
  10. University of Minnesota Duluth
  1. Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
  2. Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  4. Bethel University 72%
  5. Winona State University 74%
  6. University of Minnesota 75%
  7. University of St. Thomas 77%
  8. Hamline University 81%
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  10. Metropolitan State University 82%
  1. Bethel University 12 to 1
  2. Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
  3. Hamline University 13 to 1
  4. University of St. Thomas 13 to 1
  5. Metropolitan State University 14 to 1
  6. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  7. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  8. Winona State University 16 to 1
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  10. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 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. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  7. University of Minnesota $14,006
  8. Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
  10. Bethel University $41,270
  1. Winona State University $8,320
  2. Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  4. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  5. Metropolitan State University $9,828
  6. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  7. Hamline University $10,321
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  9. Bethel University $11,981
  10. University of Minnesota $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?

Minnesota’s Best Overall


Minnesota's Best Grad Schools Badge
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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.

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Best Grad Schools 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. 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
  3. #3

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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

  6. #7

    St. Cloud State University

    Saint Cloud , MN

    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
  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. #11

    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
  11. Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University, St. Paul

    Cost of Degree: $24,400
    Expenses: $14,200
    Starting Salary: $57,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University, St. Paul known for?

    Concordia University, St. Paul’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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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 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. University of Minnesota
  2. University of St. Thomas
  3. Hamline University
  4. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  5. Bethel University
  6. St. Catherine University
  7. Winona State University
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  9. Concordia University, St. Paul
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