Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2024

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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

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  1. Carleton College
  2. Macalester College
  3. University of Minnesota Duluth
  4. Hamline University
  5. St. Olaf College
  6. Gustavus Adolphus College
  7. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  8. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  9. St. Cloud State University
  10. Concordia College
  1. Carleton College
  2. St. Olaf College
  3. Macalester College
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College
  5. Hamline University
  6. University of Minnesota Duluth
  7. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  8. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  9. St. Cloud State University
  10. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  1. Dunwoody College of Technology 98%
  2. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
  3. St. Cloud State University 95%
  4. University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
  5. Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
  6. North Central University 91%
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  9. Hamline University 81%
  10. University of Minnesota Morris 78%
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
  2. Crown College 17 to 1
  3. University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
  4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
  5. Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
  6. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  7. Bemidji State University 16 to 1
  8. Winona State University 16 to 1
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  10. Southwest Minnesota State University 15 to 1
  1. Carleton College $62,634
  2. Macalester College $62,500
  3. St. Olaf College $54,650
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College $53,030
  5. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $52,108
  6. Hamline University $46,616
  7. Augsburg University $42,074
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
  9. University of Northwestern – St. Paul $35,340
  10. Crown College $29,230
  1. University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
  2. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $14,910
  3. Augsburg University $13,732
  4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  5. Crown College $10,620
  6. Hamline University $10,321
  7. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  8. North Central University $10,260
  9. Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
  10. Concordia College $9,638
  1. Crown College
  2. Concordia University, St. Paul
  3. Dunwoody College of Technology
  4. Bethany Lutheran College
  5. North Central University
  6. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  7. Southwest Minnesota State University
  8. University of Minnesota Crookston
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. Bemidji State University
  1. Crown College
  2. Bethany Lutheran College
  3. Dunwoody College of Technology
  4. Concordia University, St. Paul
  5. North Central University
  6. Southwest Minnesota State University
  7. University of Minnesota Crookston
  8. Concordia College
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  1. Carleton College 17%
  2. Macalester College 28%
  3. St. Olaf College 56%
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
  5. University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
  6. Bethany Lutheran College 58%
  7. Concordia College 66%
  8. Crown College 67%
  9. Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
  10. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  1. Carleton College 8 to 1
  2. University of Minnesota Morris 9 to 1
  3. Macalester College 10 to 1
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
  5. North Central University 11 to 1
  6. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
  7. Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
  8. St. Olaf College 12 to 1
  9. Dunwoody College of Technology 12 to 1
  10. Concordia College 12 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. Southwest Minnesota State University $10,122
  6. Bemidji State University $10,130
  7. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  8. University of Minnesota Morris $12,804
  9. University of Minnesota Crookston $13,010
  10. Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
  1. Winona State University $8,320
  2. Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
  3. Southwest Minnesota State University $8,748
  4. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  5. Bemidji State University $8,909
  6. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  7. University of Northwestern – St. Paul $9,360
  8. Concordia College $9,638
  9. Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
  10. 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?

Minnesota’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Minnesota's Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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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.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2023

  1. #1

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $67,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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. #5

    St. Olaf College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    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: $54,650
    Expenses: $14,350
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #6

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Saint Peter , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gustavus Adolphus College

    Cost of Degree: $53,030
    Expenses: $13,090
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. #9

    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
  8. #10

    Concordia College

    Moorhead , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia College

    Cost of Degree: $28,916
    Expenses: $14,480
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #11

    Augsburg University

    Minneapolis , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University

    Cost of Degree: $42,064
    Expenses: $15,809
    Starting Salary: $53,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  10. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris

    Cost of Degree: $14,120
    Expenses: $12,172
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

  11. 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: $52,108
    Expenses: $14,822
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  12. 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

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,130
    Expenses: $13,462
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  14. 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

  15. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston

    Cost of Degree: $13,010
    Expenses: $12,930
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,122
    Expenses: $13,072
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  17. 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: $35,340
    Expenses: $13,704
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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:

  18. #20

    North Central University

    Minneapolis , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central University

    Cost of Degree: $28,000
    Expenses: $14,215
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  19. 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: $29,010
    Expenses: $10,920
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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:

  20. Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dunwoody College of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $24,611
    Expenses: $18,286
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

  21. 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:

  22. #24

    Crown College

    Saint Bonifacius , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crown College

    Cost of Degree: $29,230
    Expenses: $16,036
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Crown College known for?

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

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Minnesota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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. Carleton College
  2. Macalester College
  3. University of Minnesota Morris
  4. St. Olaf College
  5. North Central University
  6. Hamline University
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  8. Gustavus Adolphus College
  9. Augsburg University
  10. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  11. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  12. Concordia College
  13. University of Minnesota Duluth
  14. Southwest Minnesota State University
  15. St. Cloud State University
  16. Bemidji State University
  17. Concordia University, St. Paul
  18. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  19. Crown College
  20. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  21. Dunwoody College of Technology
  22. Winona State University
  23. University of Minnesota Crookston
  24. 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.

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