Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Minnesota. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.
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.
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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.
Minnesota has a renowned quality of life, making the place very tempting for incoming college students, especially international enrollees. Dubbed the third happiest state in the US, the state is also noted as one of the healthiest.
Minnesota students can enjoy less stress and excellent healthcare. Because of the state’s laid-back and happy quality of life, it’s no wonder why the famous Mayo Clinic, one of the US’ best hospitals, was launched in this state.
Minnesota has 200 universities, most belonging to two major educational systems: the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State and Colleges and University System (MnSCU). MnSCU has 31 colleges on 54 different campuses, offering a range of four-year, community, and technical college options.
The University of Minnesota, on the other hand, has five campuses. UM is recognized as one of the best public universities in the US, specifically for business, education, medicine, and engineering.
For those who are interested in an education degree, the state also has numerous liberal arts colleges, including the well-known Carleton College.
Top-rated accredited online colleges in Minnesota also offer online programs for undergrads and graduate students, who enjoy the same financial aid options in on-campus graduate or undergraduate programs.
Half of Minnesota’s general and student population is based in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. But unlike other progressive cities, Minneapolis and St Paul are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Plus, universities like UM have smart initiatives to promote good relationships. For example, the student accommodation is matched with a student based on their goals, interests, and preferences. This is called the ”Learning Living Communities.”
Afraid of Minnesota’s long winters? Minneapolis has an amazing solution: enter the Minneapolis Skyway. This skyway is a network of indoor and climate-controlled bridges and paths, allowing the population to navigate the city without stepping outdoors for miles.
The skyway is suspended above streets and connects to Minneapolis’ entertainment and shopping districts. This is perfect, especially for those who are missing the warmer climates of their home.
To break the monotony of college life, go shopping! What better way to do this than shop around in the Mall of America, the state’s biggest indoor mall, packed with more than 400 stores from Victoria’s Secret to Abercrombie, a handful of restaurants, the Sea World Aquarium, and the Nickelodeon theme park.
You read it right—sharks, stingrays, and roller coasters inside a shopping mall. Knowing the cold weather of Minnesota, this makes perfect sense.
If you plan on working right after completing your college degree, Minnesota is home to many industry-leading companies. Cargill, Target, and the Radisson group of hotels are headquartered in this state.
There are 13 affordable colleges and universities in Minnesota with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Minnesota is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
84%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/28
University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
65%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/23
University of Minnesota Duluth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
39K
Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
52%
Student body
13K
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
57%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
50%
Student body
33K
Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
47%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/21
St. Cloud State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/24
University of Minnesota Morris’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
63%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/22
Winona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
48%
Student body
4K
Bemidji State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
38%
Student body
6K
Metropolitan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
56%
Student body
2K
University of Minnesota Crookston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
48%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1018/20
Southwest Minnesota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: