Best Online Master’s Programs in Minnesota

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MINNESOTA

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Nov 12, 2024

Key Takeaways

There are numerous colleges in Minnesota that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
An online master’s program that is focused on one of the top industry sectors in Minnesota can open career opportunities.
An online master’s degree in Minnesota is a perfect option for busy working professionals.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Minnesota in 2025

University of Minnesota
Hamline University
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University Moorhead
St. Cloud State University
+4
Bemidji State University
–1
St. Catherine University
–1
Bethel University
+2
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
–2
Metropolitan State University
–2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online master’s programs in Minnesota saw a substantial amount of movement. St. Cloud State University gained the most ranking positions as the university has implemented several enhancements to enrich the student experience. Over the summer, nearly 60 classrooms were upgraded with advanced technology, improved lighting, and flexible seating arrangements to foster active learning environments.

Additionally, the university unveiled a comprehensive facilities plan aimed at creating a more vibrant and connected campus. This plan includes increasing green spaces, developing pedestrian-friendly walkways, and highlighting the natural beauty of the Mississippi River adjacent to the campus.

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.

If you’re looking for an online master’s degree in Minnesota, you’ve come to the right place!

Minnesota has ten accredited online colleges and universities offering flexible and high-quality master’s degree programs that can be completed 100% online or in a hybrid learning format. Whether you’re seeking an arts and science or business and technology degree, you will find something in Minnesota.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Minnesota

One of the largest public higher education institutes in the country, the University of Minnesota has main campuses in both 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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

There are also excellent choices for online master’s programs from private colleges. And for students striving to keep costs low in a smaller school environment, there are several public universities offering tuition below the national average.

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.

What are Minnesota’s Colleges & Universities?

Minnesota’s Best Overall

young business professional working on a tablet

Best Online Master’s Program in Minnesota

two young agricultural business owners standing in a field holding a laptop

What’s great about pursuing an online master’s degree in Minnesota?

Despite having higher college tuition and fees than the national average, Minnesota remains one of the top choices to pursue an advanced degree. There are several strong reasons for this. The excellent education that Minnesota’s schools provide is one noteworthy feature that makes the state a desirable option.

Prestigious schools and universities that routinely rank among the best in various academic subjects can be found in the state. These universities frequently offer possibilities for cutting-edge research, modern facilities, and a welcoming academic atmosphere that can improve the educational experience for students pursuing postgraduate degrees.

With a GDP of $350.31 billion, you can obtain the highest possible ROI in education through potential career opportunities in a robust and diverse economy. With significant industries, including Advanced Manufacturing, Leading Life Sciences, Technology and Innovation, and Finance and Insurance ecosystems, Minnesota has a robust economic base that presents thousands of opportunities for graduates looking for work or research opportunities after graduation.

Minnesota’s excellent quality of life can significantly increase the return on investment for students seeking postgraduate degrees and its economic opportunities. The state routinely scores highly on several quality-of-life indices, including easy access to healthcare, education, cultural attractions, and outdoor leisure. A satisfying life beyond academic endeavors might be particularly tempting to professionals and students in this conducive climate.

How to Increase the ROI on a Master’s Degree in Minnesota

To optimize the educational experience and maximum return on investment of an online master’s degree in Minnesota, strategic preparation and proactive actions are necessary. For students hoping to increase their master’s degree ROI in the state, it is important to keep the following points in mind:

#1: Align your online master’s degree with the state’s thriving economies

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the most prominent industries in the state are:

Advanced Manufacturing
Leading Life Sciences
Clean Tech & Renewable Energy
Food & Agriculture
Technology and Innovation
World Class Retail
Professional Business Services
Finance and Insurance

You’ll have a high chance of landing a high-paying job in the area if you match your online master’s degree with the state’s booming economies. Reevaluate industry needs regularly and modify your career and educational plans to remain competitive in this changing landscape.

#2: Location, location, location

The median annual salary of master’s degree holders in Minnesota is $40,442. To earn more than the median average wage for master’s degree holders in Minnesota, one must concentrate on the highest-paying cities in the state, where demand for particular professions and general economic conditions may increase earning potential. According to the same report, the highest-paying Minnesota cities include Maple Grove ($47,265), Brooklyn Park ($43,674), Rochester ($43,614), and St. Paul ($43,165).

#3: Continuing Education

Consider earning additional degrees or certifications to round out your master’s program and expand your skill set. For instance, you might be well-positioned for leadership positions in Minnesota’s healthcare sector if you combine a business administration degree with a certification in healthcare management.

Student Submitted Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Minnesota

How much does an online master’s degree in Minnesota cost?

An online master’s degree costs about $40,000 for the average grad student in the United States. However, the cost of your online master’s degree in Minnesota will depend on the type of grad school you attend.

In 2020-2021, the average cost for a year of in-state tuition in a public grad school was $12,394, but there are a number of online options in our ranking that are well below that average. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, non-profit grad school was $28,445.

An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction.

But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses.

What can I expect from an online college course?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.

You’ll be accountable for your time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Will employers in Minnesota respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about adjusting online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st-century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech-savvy.

What are the advantages of online classes?

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or a quiet conference room at work.

In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.

And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through online learning, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

What should I do if I can’t find an online master’s degree program in my state?

The best thing about online master’s degrees is their flexibility, which allows you to pursue an advanced degree without ever leaving your hometown. Prospective students who cannot find something in their state can explore out-of-state online colleges and universities.

An online master’s degree from an out-of-state school broadens your horizons academically. It introduces you to different viewpoints and approaches that might not be found in your community. This cross-cultural exchange is especially beneficial for developing a global perspective.

However, pursuing an out-of-state online school might cost you more money than pursuing an in-state school. Public schools indeed offer an affordable approach to education, and that is mostly true for college students who attend in-state. But, out-of-state students frequently pay two or three times as much as in-state students for a public college education, even for online degrees, and do not receive the same reduced tuition rates.

If you are considering an online college or university out-of-state, consider the following steps for a reduced tuition cost.

Establish State Residency
Look for State Reciprocity Agreements
Keep Your Grades Up
Find Scholarship
Consider private education

Private schools follow a flat-rate tuition policy, meaning that all online students pay the same tuition and fees regardless of residency. Moreover, private schools give all online students the same financial considerations.

Even while private schools are often known for charging more, their flat-rate approach can enable them to compete with public schools, particularly when considering the extra expenses related to moving or traveling for in-person instruction. For many students, the flexibility of online study and the possible savings on living expenditures may outweigh the allegedly increased tuition prices in public colleges.

Minnesota’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

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Best Online Master’s Programs in Minnesota

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Minnesota in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Minnesota

What are Minnesota’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Online Master’s Program in Minnesota

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Hamline University

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

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Career Outlook for degree at St. Cloud State University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at St. Catherine University

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University

Online Master's Degrees

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

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University

Online Master's Degrees

What’s great about pursuing an online master’s degree in Minnesota?

How to Increase the ROI on a Master’s Degree in Minnesota

#1: Align your online master’s degree with the state’s thriving economies

#2: Location, location, location

#3: Continuing Education

Student Submitted Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Minnesota

How much does an online master’s degree in Minnesota cost?

What can I expect from an online college course?

Will employers in Minnesota respect my online degree?

What are the advantages of online classes?

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

What should I do if I can’t find an online master’s degree program in my state?

Minnesota’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest