Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2026

Badge for BEST IN MINNESOTA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Small colleges in Minnesota are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree while pursuing a well-rounded education, working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota has 22 of the best fully accredited small colleges with student bodies of less than 5000 students.
  • Small colleges in Minnesota are the perfect solution for students seeking a bachelor’s degree who are looking for a more intimate campus experience with lots of personal interactions with their professors.

10 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota in 2026

  1. Carleton College
  2. Macalester College
  3. St. Olaf College
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College
  5. Hamline University
  6. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  7. Augsburg University
    +2
  8. Bemidji State University
  9. University of Minnesota Morris
    –2
  10. St. Catherine University

Choosing among the best small colleges in Minnesota means balancing academic quality, campus culture, costs, and post-graduate outcomes—especially when your options are schools with fewer than 5,000 students. This guide focuses on primarily four‑year, accredited institutions that award bachelor’s degrees (some also offer graduate programs) and that meet enrollment and accreditation thresholds; we identified 22 colleges that fit those criteria. For details about federal aid eligibility at accredited institutions, see the Federal Student Aid site.

Below you’ll find a ranked selection of Minnesota’s top small colleges with concise notes on strengths, affordability, and campus fit to help narrow your choices. For a complete set of search results and filters used to compile this list, see our custom rankings.

Best Small Colleges in Minnesota

  1. #1

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1505/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $65,457
    Expenses: $19,436
    Starting Salary: $82,742
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carleton College known for?

    Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Macalester College

    Cost of Degree: $64,908
    Expenses: $18,083
    Starting Salary: $69,951
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Macalester College known for?

    Macalester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    St. Olaf College

    Northfield , MN
    #9 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Olaf College

    Cost of Degree: $56,970
    Expenses: $14,900
    Starting Salary: $68,656
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Olaf College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Saint Peter , MN
    #17 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College

    Cost of Degree: $54,310
    Expenses: $13,370
    Starting Salary: $67,649
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gustavus Adolphus College known for?

    Gustavus Adolphus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Hamline University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #2 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1262/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Hamline University

    Cost of Degree: $48,311
    Expenses: $13,950
    Starting Salary: $64,996
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hamline University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

    Saint Joseph , MN
    #6 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

    Cost of Degree: $53,884
    Expenses: $14,660
    Starting Salary: $66,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Augsburg University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #4 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2026 #7 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University

    Cost of Degree: $43,942
    Expenses: $20,668
    Starting Salary: $63,332
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Bemidji State University

    Bemidji , MN
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota #6 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,114
    Expenses: $13,931
    Starting Salary: $58,173
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Minnesota Morris

    Morris , MN
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris

    Cost of Degree: $14,287
    Expenses: $13,174
    Starting Salary: $55,010
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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:

    Compare school
  12. #10

    St. Catherine University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #3 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #8 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/23

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Catherine University

    Cost of Degree: $37,588
    Expenses: $14,986
    Starting Salary: $64,729
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Bethel University

    Saint Paul , MN
    #4 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #9 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University

    Cost of Degree: $42,930
    Expenses: $16,460
    Starting Salary: $69,827
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bethel University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Winona , MN
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2026 #10 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #8 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $43,160
    Expenses: $14,220
    Starting Salary: $68,708
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Saint Paul , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1069/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Cost of Degree: $36,830
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $56,687
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Concordia College

    Moorhead , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College

    Cost of Degree: $30,020
    Expenses: $16,180
    Starting Salary: $62,622
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia College known for?

    Concordia College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Southwest Minnesota State University

    Marshall , MN
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,304
    Expenses: $15,408
    Starting Salary: $52,551
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Minnesota Crookston

    Crookston , MN
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota #10 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston

    Cost of Degree: $13,120
    Expenses: $13,552
    Starting Salary: $64,132
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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:

    Compare school
  20. #17

    College of St. Scholastica

    Duluth , MN
    #6 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2026 #13 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of St. Scholastica

    Cost of Degree: $40,454
    Expenses: $15,276
    Starting Salary: $72,044
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  21. #18

    North Central University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #16 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central University

    Cost of Degree: $29,460
    Expenses: $15,015
    Starting Salary: $45,958
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Central University known for?

    North Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Concordia University, St. Paul

    Saint Paul , MN
    #10 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science #20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University, St. Paul

    Cost of Degree: $25,000
    Expenses: $16,800
    Starting Salary: $65,009
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Bethany Lutheran College

    Mankato , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethany Lutheran College

    Cost of Degree: $30,010
    Expenses: $11,070
    Starting Salary: $50,975
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bethany Lutheran College known for?

    Bethany Lutheran College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Dunwoody College of Technology

    Minneapolis , MN
    #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dunwoody College of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $25,659
    Expenses: $18,891
    Starting Salary: $69,458
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dunwoody College of Technology known for?

    Dunwoody College of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Crown College

    Saint Bonifacius , MN
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crown College

    Cost of Degree: $30,200
    Expenses: $16,566
    Starting Salary: $50,003
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Crown College known for?

    Crown College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
Back to Top

Minnesota’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

  1. Carleton College
  2. Macalester College
  3. University of Minnesota Morris
  4. St. Olaf College
  5. Hamline University
  6. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  7. Gustavus Adolphus College
  8. Augsburg University
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. Concordia College
  11. Bethel University
  12. St. Catherine University
  13. Southwest Minnesota State University
  14. Concordia University, St. Paul
  15. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  16. College of St. Scholastica
  17. Dunwoody College of Technology
  18. University of Minnesota Crookston
  19. Bethany Lutheran College

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Michigan and Maryland.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here