Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Minnesota offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota
- Carleton College
- Macalester College
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Hamline University
- St. Olaf College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
- Concordia College
- Carleton College
- St. Olaf College
- Macalester College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Hamline University
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Dunwoody College of Technology 98%
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
- St. Cloud State University 95%
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
- Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
- North Central University 91%
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
- University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
- Hamline University 81%
- University of Minnesota Morris 78%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
- Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
- University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
- Crown College 17 to 1
- University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
- St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
- Winona State University 16 to 1
- Bemidji State University 16 to 1
- Southwest Minnesota State University 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
- Hamline University $46,616
- Augsburg University $42,074
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul $35,340
- Crown College $29,230
- University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $14,910
- Augsburg University $13,732
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
- Crown College $10,620
- Hamline University $10,321
- Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
- North Central University $10,260
- Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
- Concordia College $9,638
- Crown College
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Bethany Lutheran College
- North Central University
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Bemidji State University
- Crown College
- Bethany Lutheran College
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- North Central University
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Concordia College
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Carleton College 17%
- Macalester College 28%
- St. Olaf College 56%
- Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
- University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
- Bethany Lutheran College 58%
- Concordia College 66%
- Crown College 67%
- Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
- Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
- Carleton College 8 to 1
- University of Minnesota Morris 9 to 1
- Macalester College 10 to 1
- Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
- North Central University 11 to 1
- St. Olaf College 12 to 1
- Concordia College 12 to 1
- Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
- Dunwoody College of Technology 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
- 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
- Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
- Winona State University $8,320
- Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
- 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
- Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
- North Central University $10,260
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
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 24 liberal arts colleges in Minnesota. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Minnesota, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2023
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
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: $62,634Expenses: $18,716Starting 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
- #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
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: $62,500Expenses: $16,400Starting 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 Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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
- #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024
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: $54,650Expenses: $14,350Starting 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
- #25 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College
Cost of Degree: $53,030Expenses: $13,090Starting 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 2024 #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 #6 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #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 #7 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #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
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
69%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College
Cost of Degree: $28,916Expenses: $14,480Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 #6 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University
Cost of Degree: $42,064Expenses: $15,809Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Small 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: $14,120Expenses: $12,172Starting 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:
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: $52,108Expenses: $14,822Starting 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
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #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: $10,492Expenses: $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
- #8 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
50%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University
Cost of Degree: $10,130Expenses: $13,462Starting 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
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 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
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota #10 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
53%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston
Cost of Degree: $13,010Expenses: $12,930Starting 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: $10,122Expenses: $13,072Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
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: $35,340Expenses: $13,704Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 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:
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
59%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at North Central University
Cost of Degree: $28,000Expenses: $14,215Starting Salary: $35,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Central University known for?
North Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Literature
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
57%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at Bethany Lutheran College
Cost of Degree: $29,010Expenses: $10,920Starting Salary: $37,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethany Lutheran College known for?
Bethany Lutheran College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Dunwoody College of Technology
Cost of Degree: $24,611Expenses: $18,286Starting Salary: $53,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dunwoody College of Technology known for?
Dunwoody College of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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:
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Crown College
Cost of Degree: $29,230Expenses: $16,036Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Crown College known for?
Crown College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Minnesota’s Best Liberal Arts 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
- Macalester College
- University of Minnesota Morris
- St. Olaf College
- North Central University
- Hamline University
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Augsburg University
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Concordia College
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Bemidji State University
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- Crown College
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Winona State University
- University of Minnesota Crookston
- Bethany Lutheran College
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.