Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024

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Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Minnesota.

10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota

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  1. Carleton College
  2. Macalester College
  3. University of St. Thomas
  4. Hamline University
  5. St. Olaf College
  6. Gustavus Adolphus College
  7. Concordia College
  8. Augsburg University
  9. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  10. St. Catherine University
  1. Carleton College
  2. St. Olaf College
  3. Macalester College
  4. Gustavus Adolphus College
  5. Hamline University
  6. University of St. Thomas
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  8. Augsburg University
  9. St. Catherine University
  10. Bethel University
  1. Dunwoody College of Technology 98%
  2. College of St. Scholastica 97%
  3. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 97%
  4. St. Catherine University 93%
  5. University of Northwestern – St. Paul 93%
  6. North Central University 91%
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 88%
  8. Hamline University 81%
  9. University of St. Thomas 77%
  10. Augsburg University 77%
  1. Crown College 17 to 1
  2. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 17 to 1
  3. University of Northwestern – St. Paul 15 to 1
  4. Augsburg University 14 to 1
  5. Concordia University, St. Paul 13 to 1
  6. Hamline University 13 to 1
  7. University of St. Thomas 13 to 1
  8. Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
  9. St. Olaf College 12 to 1
  10. Dunwoody College of Technology 12 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. University of St. Thomas $50,366
  7. St. Catherine University $47,870
  8. Hamline University $46,616
  9. Augsburg University $42,074
  10. Bethel University $41,270
  1. University of St. Thomas $26,619
  2. St. Catherine University $17,550
  3. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University $14,910
  4. Augsburg University $13,732
  5. College of St. Scholastica $13,551
  6. Bethel University $11,981
  7. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  8. Crown College $10,620
  9. Hamline University $10,321
  10. North Central University $10,260
  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. College of St. Scholastica
  8. Bethel University
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. St. Catherine University
  1. Crown College
  2. Bethany Lutheran College
  3. Dunwoody College of Technology
  4. Concordia University, St. Paul
  5. North Central University
  6. College of St. Scholastica
  7. Concordia College
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  9. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  10. Bethel University
  1. Carleton College 17%
  2. Macalester College 28%
  3. St. Olaf College 56%
  4. Bethany Lutheran College 58%
  5. Concordia College 66%
  6. Crown College 67%
  7. Concordia University, St. Paul 69%
  8. Bethel University 72%
  9. Gustavus Adolphus College 74%
  10. Augsburg University 77%
  1. Carleton College 8 to 1
  2. College of St. Scholastica 10 to 1
  3. Macalester College 10 to 1
  4. St. Catherine University 10 to 1
  5. Gustavus Adolphus College 11 to 1
  6. North Central University 11 to 1
  7. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 11 to 1
  8. Bethany Lutheran College 12 to 1
  9. St. Olaf College 12 to 1
  10. Dunwoody College of Technology 12 to 1
  1. Concordia University, St. Paul $24,400
  2. Dunwoody College of Technology $24,611
  3. North Central University $28,000
  4. Concordia College $28,916
  5. Bethany Lutheran College $29,010
  6. Crown College $29,230
  7. University of Northwestern – St. Paul $35,340
  8. College of St. Scholastica $39,410
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $41,150
  10. Bethel University $41,270
  1. Concordia University, St. Paul $8,550
  2. University of Northwestern – St. Paul $9,360
  3. Concordia College $9,638
  4. Bethany Lutheran College $9,900
  5. North Central University $10,260
  6. Hamline University $10,321
  7. Crown College $10,620
  8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota $11,835
  9. Bethel University $11,981
  10. College of St. Scholastica $13,551

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Minnesota's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 19 private universities in Minnesota. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Minnesota, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Minnesota

  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. #2

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,500
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $55,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    University of St. Thomas

    Saint Paul , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Thomas

    Cost of Degree: $50,366
    Expenses: $16,787
    Starting Salary: $62,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #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
  5. #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
  6. #7

    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
  7. #8

    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

  8. 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

  9. #10

    St. Catherine University

    Saint Paul , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1302/22

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Catherine University

    Cost of Degree: $37,494
    Expenses: $13,580
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  10. 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

  11. #12

    Bethel University

    Saint Paul , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University

    Cost of Degree: $41,270
    Expenses: $15,600
    Starting Salary: $52,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of St. Scholastica

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $14,646
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  13. 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:

  14. #15

    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

  15. 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:

  16. 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:

  17. 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:

  18. #19

    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 Private Colleges in Your Area 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. St. Olaf College
  4. Hamline University
  5. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
  6. Gustavus Adolphus College
  7. University of St. Thomas
  8. Augsburg University
  9. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  10. Concordia College
  11. Bethel University
  12. St. Catherine University
  13. Concordia University, St. Paul
  14. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
  15. College of St. Scholastica
  16. Dunwoody College of Technology
  17. Bethany Lutheran College

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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