Best Colleges in Minnesota
Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” actually has more than 11,000 bodies of water that are 10 acres or more. It’s also a place of extreme climates, experiencing hot summers and cold winters. With most of population residing in the Twin Cities (the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area), it’s not surprising that a number of colleges in Minnesota can be found clustered in this region. There are close to 200 higher education institutions in the State of Hockey, the majority being public or private not-for-profit. Hamline University is the oldest college in the state, while Carleton College is the most selective. Minnesota’s top industries include forestry, taconite mining, manufacturing, and agribusiness, primarily of sugar beets, sweet corn, green peas, and farm-raised turkeys. There’s also a notable high-technology sector, with many software companies calling this state home. The Mall of America, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and the Museum of Broadcasting are popular attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Minnesota Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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With campus overlooking the Cannon River, Carleton College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Minnesota. Carleton offers bachelor’s degrees in 33 academic majors with a focus on developing skills that apply to all walks of life. For...
Carleton offers a comprehensive liberal arts education. Because it is based on a trimester schedule, students only take three courses per ten-week term. This allows them to focus more on the classes in which they are enrolled without becoming...
” – Sara from Buda, TX
Founded in 1874, Macalester College is a 4-year liberal arts college in St. Paul. Macalester confers undergraduate degrees in 39 majors from over 60 academic fields of study. For students who wish to learn in a different culture, Mac offers a Study...
Definitely visit! Macalester has a very definite atmosphere, and it's difficult to imagine yourself as a student there without having physically been there.
” – Rowan from Finlayson, MN
St. Olaf College is a 4-year institution founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran Immigrants. Today, St. Olaf maintains its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on its 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, often called “The...
Of course in the classroom I feel that I am learning from some of the brightest professors I will meet, but I am also learning a lot about myself through classes I take, interactions with others on campus, volunteer and abroad opportunities, and...
” – Kelsey from Portland, OR
Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college closely affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The school combines interdisciplinary and international programs into all areas of study. A majority of students...
The classes offered at Gustavus are well structured but also very fun and interesting. Most of the classes are based off of class participation which allows for students to give their opinions and ask questions even in the middle of a lecture....
” – Ashlie from Duluth, MN
With campuses three miles apart, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship campus with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 150 academic majors and minors. In addition, the U of M is...
If you are willing to spend the time, the professors are more than willing to help you out. Some of the classes are hard and require after class work, but in the end it's all worth it. They don't restrict you on what you can / can't take. It's up to...
” – Donald from Norwood, MN
Bethel University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts university in the Twin Cities metro area. Bethel confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 90 majors covering 106 academic areas of study featuring a general education curriculum that...
As Bethel is a small school there are many opportunities for students to have close interaction and communication with their professors. Teachers notice when a student is not in class and the classes, such as the Humanities program is very well...
” – Ashley from Lakeville, MN
Together, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), for women, and Saint John’s University (SJU), for men, form a one-of-a-kind partnership of two top colleges – combining the abundant opportunities of a larger university with the small class sizes and...
Classes here are challenging, certainly, but we're not paying private school tuition to take easy classes! Of course, the level of difficulty per class depends on the prof and the type of class (101 vs. Honors 311), but overall expect to have to work...
” – Trish from Mankato
Together, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), for women, and Saint John’s University (SJU), for men, form a one-of-a-kind partnership of two top colleges – combining the abundant opportunities of a larger university with the small class sizes and...
I expect to learn a lot in this environment where the faculty is very involved in the students progress.
” – Ryan from Texas
Named after the patron saint of students, the University of St. Thomas is 4-year Catholic school in the Twin Cities and the largest private non-profit university in Minnesota. St. Thomas hosts eight colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in...
The professors at this university really push you to your academic limits and help you to be the best student you can be. If you ask for help or extra tutoring, the professors are more than willing to set aside time for you.
” – Mirella from Burnsville, MN
Concordia College at Moorhead is a private and Christian liberal arts school that is associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Undergraduate research opportunities are available and culminate with a presentation at the Celebration of Student...
Learning at Concordia is different than the learning I did in high school. From my very first class I became aware that I would be thinking differently than ever before. That first class was my inquiry seminar, and in that class we were introduced to...
” – Current Student from MN
St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s) is a private 4-year Catholic university that is respected globally for educating women to lead and influence. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, St. Kate’s is the largest private women’s university in the nation and...
The things I learn in class, I can connect to my outside life. I took a history class last year and to help me study for the final, I watched Pearl Harbor at home and made connections! It was a fun way to help me study! Believe it or not, I also...
” – Kayla from South St Paul, MN
St. Scholastica's main campus is in Duluth, MN, on 186 acres of beautiful, forested land overlooking Lake Superior. In addition to our undergraduate and graduate programs for traditional and nontraditional students, the College offers international...
The classes here are challenging and stimulate thinking, but they are interesting as well. My classes right now all keep my interest and intrigue me. They also require me to put in a little effort outside of class, but it's worth it and it doesn't...
” – Krystal from Scandia, MN
Named for a Methodist bishop, Hamline University is a liberal arts school in St. Paul affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the first university founded in Minnesota. Hamline offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic fields of study...
The professors were amazing! Very helpful.
” – Brittany from South Saint Paul, MN
Surrounding the city’s oldest parks in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Augsburg University is a test-optional, 4-year institution comprised of 18 main buildings, 3 dining venues, and more than 50 liberal arts academic programs to choose from...
The professors are great! They go beyond what is taught in the textbook.
” – Nou from Coon Rapids, MNThe University of Minnesota Morris is a public, liberal arts institution established two and a half hours northwest of Minneapolis. While UMM offers a variety of majors and minors, the university also offers a number of pre-professional programs and...
The high academic quality and rigor this school has to offer supersedes any expectations I had. At Morris your professors will work with you one-on-one to make sure your are grasping the material and are doing well in the class. All classes, whether...
” – Robert from Browerville , MN
The University of Minnesota Duluth is a research institution located in Minnesota’s fourth largest city. Founded in 1895 as the Duluth Normal School, this medium-sized campus for a large university has grown since its humble beginnings as a teacher’s...
umd is a fantastic but underrated school. not many people know about it outside of minnesota and wisconsin, and even fewer consider it during their college search, but it is a wonderful school nonetheless. it has miles of trails, a great city down...
” – Jill from Grayslake, IL
With campus sharing a block with the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private 4-year art school. MCAD confers undergraduate degrees in 14 art and design-related majors and is one of the few art institutions...
MCAD is really great in its curriculum - freshmen have to take mostly foundation classes, but they all pertain to your major . . . meaning, there are no science or math courses you are required to take. Classes are small - usually less than 20...
” – Emily from Watertown, SD
Originally founded as a men’s college, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a coeducational Lasallian Catholic institution in southeast Minnesota. Saint Mary’s is home to a residential liberal arts college granting undergraduate degrees in 59...
My classes keep me engaged because of my professors' enthusiasm about their class topics.
” – Julianne from Mokena, IL
Originally founded as Mankato Normal School, Minnesota State University-Mankato is a 4-year public school overlooking the Blue Earth River valley in central Minnesota. MSU Mankato operates six colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 130 fields of...
You are able to learn the material in a matter of time and your time will not be wasted. The professors are willing to schedule days in which they can give you one on one help. There will be a lot of information that comes at once that you will need...
” – Antonio from Minneapolis, MNThe University of Minnesota Crookston is a 4-year public school and a northwest Minnesota campus in the U of M system. The University offers over 50 majors in four academic departments, most of which include management components and technology...
UMC is a fun and hands-on type of school. They really help students who needs it and they are always having events, programs, internships, free laptop, etc for students who want more out of life.
” – Michelle from Crookston, MNOriginally founded as a women’s college in 1911, Bethany Lutheran College is a coeducational Chrisitan liberal arts institution in southern Minnesota. Bethany grants undergraduate degrees in 24 academic majors and all classes are taught from a...
The professors are great. The classes are small so you really get a lot of one-on-one time.
” – Kyle from Lakeville, MN
Crown College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. Crown College holds all attending students to a biblical standard of principles, and students are all required to attend chapel three times weekly. The...
You end up with a mandatory major in biblical and theological studies, graduating after four years as a scholar in christian studies. You also are given the choice, which almost all students choose, to have another major. This is a missionary...
” – Nicole from Orange City, IADunwoody College of Technology is a private, technical institution established in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dunwoody’s campus features a wide variety of facilities for students to explore and utilize, such as the architecture studios, the Automotive...
Dunwoodys autobody program is one of the best! Very professional teachers and staff that are there to help make you successful! Lots of hands on lab work like you would do out in the field!!!
” – Jeffrey - Saint Francis, MN
Founded by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Martin Luther College is a Christian institution dedicated to public ministry training. Martin Luther is the designated WELS College of Ministry and the college’s three bachelor’s degrees provide...
mlc has a small campus and low student-teacher ratio. it is a family atmosphere in which everyone encourages and supports everyone else. because we all have the same goal - ministry - it makes school much easier to adapt to.
” – Shane from Westland, MI
With campus a short walk from the Mississippi River, Winona State University is a public institution in southeast Minnesota and the oldest school in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. WSU is home to five colleges conferring...
Winona is a great college! I am absolutely learning a lot of information in a variety of classes! I am a nursing major, and I brought a year's worth of credits in with me from taking PSEO classes during my junior and senior years of high school...
” – Krystal from Echo, MNWith campus a few blocks from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota Rochester is a regional campus of the UM system in southeast Minnesota with a focus on health sciences. UM Rochester offers bachelor’s degree programs in Nursing, Health...
The professors at UMR are very helpful and extremely accessible. At least one professor per department has office and/or Just Ask hours weekly. The courses are rigorous, but the professors genuinely want to help the students learn. They challenge...
” – Nicole from Necedah, WI
University of Northwestern - St. Paul is a Christian, liberal arts university established north of St. Paul in the town of Roseville. Along with traditional coursework, undergraduate students at UNW are also required to attend a daily chapel program...
Northwestern offers a myriad of opportunities to learn more about almost every topic if you take advantage of everything! From a wide variety of classes, to interesting clubs, the friendly people where who are always willing to talk about their...
” – L,. Wausau, WI
Bemidji State University is a public institution located on the shore of Lake Bemidji in the rural town of Bemidji, Minnesota. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a “selective” admissions process. The...
Im a second year freshman and the professors are nice and help the students that have questions. Some professors are confusing and drag on about 1 thing but studying with friends is helpful. friendly environment
” – Kayetoinette from Bemidji, MNWith a campus on the upper and lower shores of Lake Marquette, Oak Hills Christian College is a Christian academy in the Minnesota Northwoods. Oak Hills offers six Biblical Studies bachelor’s degrees with concentrations in subjects such as Worship...
It's a great college, with great professors, and a great heart for ministry! The community is very welcoming and it was a delight to attend there last semester.
” – A PSEO student from Oak HillsConcordia University in St. Paul is a private, Christ-centered institution located in the state of Minnesota. The college maintains a massive collection of academic program offerings, ranging from certificate-level to doctoral-level, with many...
Class size is 20 and under and there are no TA's.
” – Ashley from Dayton, MN
With campus located along the Mississippi River, St. Cloud State University is a 4-year public institution and one of the largest universities in Minnesota. St. Cloud State confers bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic programs and is the only...
Although the core classes can be quite a joke. I do remember bits and pieces that may for some odd reason help me later in life.
” – Karen from Spicer, MN
Southwest Minnesota State University is a 4-year public school and a campus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU hosts two colleges and three schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 55 academic majors. In addition to...
yes i have sat in on a few classes and they are a lot harder than high school! Don't listen to the Dustin guy right above my review!
” – AM from MN
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a 4-year public school in western Minnesota and a campus of the Minnesota State College and Universities system. MSUM is home to five colleges granting degrees in 82 academic majors. For sports fans, MSU...
I am a sophomore this year, last year I learned so much I actually drug my friends to a couple of my classes because I thought they were that interesting. Now in high school it was never that way, I wanted to get drug out of class. But college is a...
” – LeAnn from Mounds View, MN
Metropolitan State University is a public, 4-year institution located primarily in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Along with the school’s main campus, MSU also maintains centers in both Midway and Minneapolis. While the college offers an expansive catalog of...
Metropolitan state is a diverse school with supportive community. Been in my first I hard supportive instructors and peers who make my transition from high school to college in smooth way.
” – Adan from minneapolis, MN
North Central University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Students enrolled at NCU are required to attend weekly chapel. The college features a unique core curriculum plan, which involves both a...
The classes at North Central are great and well worth the money paid for them. Most of them cover subject matter that will relate to everyday life. Professors are caring and willing to help whenever a student needs it.
” – Maeve from Minneapolis, MNBethlehem College & Seminary is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, alongside the Bethlehem Baptist Church. The college offers a Master of Divinity program, an Associate and a Bachelor of Arts program, a Bachelor...
Minnesota State College Southeast is a 2-year technical and community college with two campuses. MSC Southeast is home to eight technical and vocational academic departments featuring over 30 degree and certificate-granting programs. Additionally...
It's a small school, So your teachers know who you are. It has a great feel to it.
” – robin from Prescott, WIA private 4-year Christian college, Bethany Global University is dedicated to training students for missionary work. Bethany Global’s Bachelor of Arts programs are based in Christian foundations and the university offers degrees ranging from...
The community among the students is very strong and welcoming. The professors are very invested into the lives of the students on campus, and share both their personal stories and knowledge of what God has taught them over the years to their class...
” – McKenna from Round Rock, TXBased out of Minneapolis, Walden University is an online for-profit college dedicated to adult learners. Walden confers undergrad and graduate degrees in over 80 academic programs. To accommodate working students’ schedules, Walden allows students to...
From its tree-lined campus in the midst of hills and wetlands, Inver Hills Community College is a 2-year institution in the Twin Cities area. Inver Hills confers degrees and certificates in 28 fields of study including Gender and Women Studies and...
Check out the Inver Hills website, and you might be surprised at what kind of programs and degrees are available! If you end up attending here, take advantage of your professor's office hours: they love it when students come in for clarification, or...
” – Karina from Eagan, MNWith campus a short walk from the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Cloud Technical and Community College is a 2-year institution and the second oldest technical college in central Minnesota. St. Cloud is home to six academic departments hosting...
Riverland Community College is a 2-year community college with three campuses in southern Minnesota. Richland is home to 17 academic career clusters featuring 97 degree and certificate-granting fields of study and 27 programs are available entirely...
Vermilion Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on an 80-acre campus nearby the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, Minnesota. Vermilion offers over 25 associate’s degree and certificate programs, including unique...
Century College is a public, two-year institution that focuses on both community and technical education. Century College’s 170-acre campus, which is located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, maintains a variety of facilities, including LGBTQ and...
i really want to go to this school, but I'm still researching it. i think its a great school and i will learn a lot from it.
” – Patience from New Brighton, MNMinnesota West Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with five campuses and two extension sites in southwest Minnesota. Minnesota West offers degrees and certificates in over 60 academic subjects. Of those, 46 degrees and...
Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Luther Seminary is a Christian grad school in St. Paul with a mission of training future Christian leaders. Luther offers master’s degree programs in Divinity, Theology, and Arts as well as Doctorates...
The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a research institution specializing in training doctors and medical scientists on three campuses in Phoenix, Jacksonville, and Rochester, Minnesota. US News & World Report ranks The Mayo Clinic Alix School...
The Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is a graduate-level medical school with three locations in Rochester, MN, Phoenix, and Jacksonville. The Mayo Clinic Graduate School offers PhD programs in seven areas of medicine as well as an...
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is a private, medical education institution with campuses located in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. Mayo Clinic offers over 100 academic programs throughout dozens of health sciences fields of study, awarding...
