Best Minnesota Colleges & Universities

Ranking Minnesota's Best Colleges

Not all institutions of higher learning are created equal. From cost of attendance to class size to the number of programs available for study, each school has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the student's perspective and academic goals. Our ranking of the best Minnesota colleges takes some guesswork out of the process of choosing by looking at hard statistics such as student-to-teacher ratio, tuition and graduation rate.

Methodology +

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Minnesota
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 5 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Minnesota
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 10 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• 6-year graduation rate
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Hennepin Technical College	99.8	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 3%		29%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	Hibbing Community College	99.74	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%		32%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	North Hennepin Community College	99.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 2%		16%	N/A	9	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	Rochester Community and Technical College	99.15	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%		19%	N/A	5	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	Minnesota State Community and Technical College	99.1	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%		32%	N/A	16	N/A	Yes	Yes
6	Dakota County Technical College	98.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%		38%	N/A	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
7	Anoka-Ramsey Community College	98.74	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 4%		13%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
8	Alexandria Technical & Community College	98.66	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%		55%	N/A	9	N/A	Yes	Yes
9	South Central College	98.64	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 8%		22%	N/A	6	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	St Cloud Technical and Community College	98.61	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%		28%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
11	Minneapolis Community and Technical College	97.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		14%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
12	Inver Hills Community College	97.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%		14%	N/A	2	N/A	Yes	Yes
13	Itasca Community College	97.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%		31%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
14	Normandale Community College	97.12	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 4%		16%	N/A	2	N/A	No	Yes
15	Lake Superior College	97.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		29%	N/A	6	N/A	Yes	Yes
16	Riverland Community College	97.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 15%		31%	N/A	5	N/A	Yes	No
17	Central Lakes College	96.89	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%		35%	N/A	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
18	Vermilion Community College	96.35	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 21%		32%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
19	Northwest Technical College	95.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%		29%	N/A	11	N/A	Yes	Yes
20	Century College	95.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		13%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
21	Pine Technical Community College	95.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		22%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
22	Anoka Technical College	95.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		25%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
23	Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical	95.44	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		29%	N/A	12	N/A	Yes	Yes
24	Ridgewater College	95.3	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		43%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
25	Northland Community and Technical College	95.11	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		28%	N/A	5	N/A	No	Yes
26	Saint Paul College	95.02	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%		20%	N/A	2	N/A	Yes	Yes
27	White Earth Tribal and Community College	94.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		4%	N/A	0	N/A	No	No
28	Mesabi Range College	94.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		38%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
29	Rainy River Community College	93.6	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		30%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
30	Minnesota West Community and Technical College	88.66	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%		47%	N/A	11	N/A	Yes	Yes
31	Leech Lake Tribal College	87.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%		10%	N/A	1	N/A	No	No
32	Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 4%		20%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Gustavus Adolphus College	99.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%		83%	61%	0	N/A	Yes	No
2	St Catherine University	99.51	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		59%	67%	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Saint Johns University	99.02	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		77%	79%	3	N/A	Yes	No
4	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	98.5	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 54%		73%	45%	17	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	The College of St Scholastica	98.5	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		65%	66%	6	N/A	Yes	Yes
6	Bethel University	98.25	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		71%	95%	8	N/A	Yes	Yes
7	Augsburg College	98.24	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		60%	68%	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
8	Carleton College	98.13	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 63%		94%	23%	0	N/A	Yes	No
9	Hamline University	97.95	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		63%	70%	5	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	University of St Thomas	97.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%		74%	87%	1	N/A	No	No
11	College of Saint Benedict	97.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		81%	82%	0	N/A	Yes	No
12	Macalester College	97.11	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 74%		90%	36%	0	N/A	Yes	No
13	St Olaf College	96.07	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 87%		86%	51%	0	N/A	Yes	No
14	Concordia College at Moorhead	95.97	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		68%	64%	1	N/A	Yes	No
15	Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota	94.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		62%	74%	6	N/A	No	Yes
16	Concordia University-Saint Paul	93.61	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 85%		47%	53%	29	N/A	Yes	Yes
17	University of Minnesota-Duluth	92.97	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 56%		54%	77%	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
18	Minnesota State University-Mankato	92.13	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%		52%	67%	6	N/A	Yes	No
19	University of Minnesota-Morris	92.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 89%		60%	64%	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
20	Saint Cloud State University	91.68	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 39%		49%	82%	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
21	Martin Luther College	91.63	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 87%		73%	97%	1	N/A	Yes	No
22	Winona State University	91.55	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 43%		53%	63%	5	N/A	Yes	Yes
23	University of Northwestern-St Paul	91.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		66%	70%	6	N/A	Yes	No
24	Bethany Lutheran College	91.34	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		51%	78%	0	N/A	No	No
25	Metropolitan State University	89.76	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		35%	100%	11	N/A	No	Yes
26	Minnesota State University-Moorhead	88.58	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 38%		46%	84%	6	N/A	Yes	No
27	University of Minnesota-Crookston	88.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 84%		47%	72%	9	N/A	Yes	Yes
28	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	88.02	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%		61%	64%	1	N/A	Yes	No
29	North Central University	87.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%		46%	91%	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
30	Bemidji State University	87.46	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 43%		44%	94%	12	N/A	Yes	Yes
31	Southwest Minnesota State University	86.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 76%		41%	67%	0	N/A	Yes	No
32	Crown College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 89%		47%	28%	15	N/A	No	Yes

Search & Compare Colleges in Minnesota

What if the goal is to search through specific criteria and compare the results? That's what students get with this search tool, which allows them to drill down on certain criteria, such as tuition rates or student population, and then compare the schools that meet those guidelines. The result is a nice way to help students narrow down their short list of potential colleges in Minnesota.

Cost Analysis of Attending College in Minnesota

Most students who attend college in Minnesota will not have the benefit of free tuition or a scholarship that pays for everything. As a result, the cost of a particular school will be one of the most important considerations. How do the colleges in Minnesota stack up to each other and the rest of the colleges across the United States? We did the research to help aspiring students make informed decisions.

Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota

Tuition is not the only number prospective students should research; some schools will offer more scholarships and financial aid options than others do. Therefore, the actual cost of attendance can be substantially different between schools, even if they have similar base tuitions. The following is a list of the most affordable colleges in Minnesota based on the actual cost of attendance, calculated by subtracting the typical financial aid package from the tuition rate.

• 1
  
  University of Minnesota-Crookston$11,894
• 2
  
  Metropolitan State University$12,314
• 3
  
  Bemidji State University$13,893

• 4
  
  Saint Cloud State University$14,130
• 5
  
  Minnesota State University-Mankato$14,161
• 6
  
  Minnesota State University Moorhead$14,430

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Minnesota College Net Price vs. National Average

$19,461

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Minnesota Colleges with Highest-Paid Alumni

If college is an investment, an individual needs to know what the return on the investment is before deciding to take it on. This section looks at what graduates from the top six schools in Minnesota are actually making. Earning figures spanning 10 years after graduating, as well as comparisons between Minnesota and national averages, are all included here.

• 1
  
  Mitchell Hamline School of Law$68,200
• 2
  
  Saint John's University$55,900
• 3
  
  University of St Thomas$54,300

• 4
  
  Gustavus Adolphus College$50,100
• 5
  
  University of Minnesota (All campuses)$47,800
• 6
  
  College of Saint Benedict$47,600

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Minnesota Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$42,420

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Minnesota with Least Alumni Debt

A high salary after graduating college is great, but must be put into perspective-and few things will do that faster than student loan debt. The following ranking shows what students who graduate from Minnesota colleges might expect from student debt.

• 1
  
  Dunwoody College of Technology$16,733
• 2
  
  Carleton College$17,500
• 3
  
  Metropolitan State University$18,750

• 4
  
  University of Minnesota (All campuses)$20,000
• 5
  
  Martin Luther College$20,250
• 6
  
  University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$21,500

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Minnesota College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$22,297

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

What Does it Cost Students to Live in Minnesota?

In addition to worrying about tuition and financial aid, students must also consider the costs in the area where they might live for two years, four years or longer. The cost of living in Minnesota tends to be a bit higher than the national average in every category, which is why it is so important for students to do serious research into what to expect financially. The following table compares the cost of living in metro areas of the state, as well as the national average.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Minnesota Colleges Accreditation

College isn't easy or cheap, so when choosing which one to attend, prospective students want to know their degree will pay off. While many things can affect whether a college degree from a particular school is worth it, accreditation should always be at the top of a student's wish list. Accreditation ensures a school has been evaluated by an independent body and proven to have consistent, high-quality programs.

Minnesota colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is the regional accrediting institution for the North Central Region. In addition to school accreditation, the college or university can pursue accreditation for individual programs as well. Here are a few examples:

• University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• Bethel University's nursing school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Popular College Cities in Minnesota

Mankato

Mankato is known for its excellent parks, trails and opportunities for outdoor activities. It's also known as a great college town with multiple colleges and universities. Plenty of students have recognized the perks offered by the city, such as a shorter commute, a revitalized downtown and a quite young population, with a growing number of residents under the age of 34. Here are some of the colleges students might choose to attend in Mankato.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Minnesota State University - Mankato	Public	$14,161	$42,700
Minnesota State University-Mankato was founded in 1868 and boasts a student body of over 15,000. Students have the opportunity to study in over 130 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs in fields such as business, humanities, allied health and behavioral sciences. The university is well-known for its research, including partnerships with the Center on Aging, Water Resources Center and Space Image Processing Center.
Bethany Lutheran College	Private not-for-profit	$16,598	$34,000
Started in 1927, Bethany Lutheran College has worked to provide a high quality college education that is in line with the Bible and Lutheran Confessions. Operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the college provides students the opportunity to study in 20 majors, including American studies, media arts and business administration. The professors at this small school are readily available for additional help and instruction, both inside and outside the classroom.
South Central College	Public	$11,410	$32,300
South Central College is a two-year college serving over 5,000 students. The academic offerings vary widely, with over 50 technical and professional programs to go along with many associate degree curriculums. Many associate degree programs are designed to allow graduates to move seamlessly into a four-year degree. Some areas of study offered include accounting, culinary arts, carpentry and small business management.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is made up of two cities, but due to their proximity to each other, the cities are considered one metropolitan area. With such a large metropolitan area, it's no surprise that there are more than 30 colleges and universities in the area. In addition to enjoying the vast number of schools that might fit their needs, students will be happy to know they will graduate into an area with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Here are just a few of the institutions of higher learning students should consider.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities	Public	$17,208	$47,800
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is Minnesota's keystone public university. Established in 1851, the school also has campuses in other locations, such as Duluth, Rochester and Morris. Over 46,000 students attend the university and take advantage of the diverse academic offerings. There are over 200 graduate and undergraduate degree programs available in almost any subject, including law, horticulture, urban regional planning and interior design.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design	Private not-for-profit	$24,619	$31,400
Founded in 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design provides elite art and design instruction and formal degrees to students in the Twin Cities region. Attention paid to students is top-notch, with a faculty to student ratio of 10 to 1 and a student body comprised of only 700 to 800 students from all over the world. The bulk of the curriculum covers art and design subjects; however, students will still get a well-rounded education, with approximately a third of the curriculum covering liberal arts topics.
Minneapolis Community and Technical College	Public	$14,467	$32,800
The student body of Minneapolis Community and Technical College consists of about 13,000, who surely appreciate the school's convenient location in downtown Minneapolis. In addition to a vibrant on campus experience, students have many academic options available to them, including associate degrees, certificate and diploma programs in over 120 areas. In fact, Minneapolis Community and Technical College is the most comprehensive two-year college in Minnesota.

Source: College Scorecard

Minnesota College Resources for Further Research

Prospective students interested in attending Minnesota colleges will want to learn how to apply, how to pay for school, and what transfer options may be available. The following list of resources is a great place to begin.