Best Colleges in Minnesota for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Minnesota College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Colleges and Universities in Minnesota rank among the best in the United States of America. The state has a robust public university system that ensures a top-notch, affordable education, and there are some top private schools, as well.

In late 2018, economists were warning of a coming economic slowdown. They based their projection on the sense that there weren't enough workers to fill the state's jobs. However, there are still opportunities for those with a degree.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Minnesota?

When you head to college, one of the first things people will ask you is: what do you plan to study?

While you don't have to know immediately, it is good to at least have some general idea. That is, are you more attracted to hard sciences like Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or social sciences such as Economics, Psychology, or Sociology. You could also study a subject in the humanities, such as Philosophy, English Literature, Foreign Language, History, or Political Science.

The majority of popular bachelor's degrees offered in Minnesota happen to fall under the realm of business. Minnesotans also gravitate towards Health Sciences, and Criminal Justice. While you are sure to find excellent instruction and expertly-designed curriculum in the top degree programs, you will likely find the same in other departments. That is to say that when you go to college, consider the fields that appeal to you the most.

Here is a list of Minnesota's most popular bachelor's degrees:

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Minnesota

Since the economic downturn in 2008, Minnesota has experienced phenomenal growth. Economists see this growth as possibly ebbing in the future. One reason is that there aren't enough workers to fill the state's open positions. Another reason is due to the trade war with China, which is hitting Minnesota's agricultural sector very hard.

Nevertheless, Minnesota has strong fundamentals, including a well-educated workforce, and your education could help you solve some of these problems for your state.

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Top Accounting Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Tax Preparers 1,350 $45,200
IRS Agent 1,170 $78,000
Financial Adviser 3,900 $59,800
Financial Manager 15,750 $134,000
Consultant 14,050 $74,600
  • Tax Preparers:
    As a tax preparer, you will work with people's tax forms, which is a huge responsibility. While you might work under a CPA who ultimately signs off on the documents, you must be absolutely precise so that every figure is accurate and that every deduction is accounted for.
  • IRS Agent:
    You may be able to find work with the IRS and have your student loan debt forgiven – according to the stipulations of the federal forgiveness program. Your duties will involve checking tax return documents, auditing taxpayers, and generally upholding the tax code.
  • Financial Adviser:
    Financial advisers help people save for their kid's college, retirement, and more. You might even be called to help handle the assets in a divorce. You’ll seek out investment opportunities and find clever ways to structure acquisitions to avoid a huge tax burden.
  • Financial Manager:
    A Financial Manager works with a corporation in much the same way a Financial Adviser works with an individual or a family. You will help your employer make long-term decisions about assets that ensure the health of the company. You might work with equity salespeople and trade stocks to maximize the potential of small market fluctuations.
  • Consultant:
    CPAs often start their careers working for large consulting firms to help domestic and foreign companies achieve their maximum efficiency and profitability. You will find yourself auditing and streamlining companies in specific industries.
  • Accountant:
    Accountant responsibilities include auditing financial documents and procedures, reconciling bank statements, calculating tax payments and managing the companies revenue and expenses.

Best Minnesota Schools for Accounting

  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
  • University of Minnesota – Duluth
  • St. John's University

Top Business Administration - Management Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Cost Estimators 4,480 $56,800
Sales Managers 10,700 $61,600
Industrial and Production Managers 5,370 $72,400
Logistician 3,280 $66,700
Construction Managers 5,880 $78,000
  • Cost Estimators:
    Construction projects are major undertakings with a breathtaking number of variables. This is particularly true in large projects such as an apartment complex or a skyscraper. Thus, developers hire cost estimators who can assess the future costs of a project and help the company create a budget.
  • Sales Managers / Business Managers:
    If you have strong leadership abilities, love sales, and know what it takes to post strong sales numbers quarter after quarter, then you probably have a future as a sales manager. It's not usual for sales managers to start without any experience, so you will need to log approximately five years of experience prior to entering management.
  • Industrial Production Managers:
    Some say that manufacturing is on the wane in the United States. However, there are still factories and other manufacturing facilities all over Minnesota and the upper Midwest. You might consider taking some courses in Industrial Engineering, as you will need to have a strong sense of how industrial systems work from that granular, scientific viewpoint.
  • Logisticians:
    Logisticians figure out the difficult puzzle of their company's Supply Chain. They work to figure out how goods are best transported across the nation and globe, factoring in all the possible costs and expediting their packages.
  • Construction Managers:
    Every construction crew has a manager who oversees the entire project. In this position, you will oversee possibly hundreds of workers, countless subcontractors, and manage tons of building materials. Then, you will need to coordinate with the client/developer and the architects.
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Business Administrators
  • Business Specialists

Best Minnesota Schools for Business Administration

  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Augsburg College
  • Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
  • St. John's University

Top Criminal Justice Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 1,390 $61,800
Information Security Analyst 2,230 $72,800
Private Detective 35,000 $57,900
Forensic Science Technician 90 $57,600
Correctional Officers 4,860 $40,600
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators:
    In this work, you might be called to investigate violent crimes, vice crimes, or white collar crimes. Each area has its own unique attributes, and frequently the three areas overlap. If you love solving puzzles and have a passion for law and criminal justice, you will do well in this career path.
  • Cyber Security Analyst:
    These days crime isn't always done in the physical realm. People can steal millions of dollars and never touch a single bill. To catch these criminals, you will need to study both criminal justice and computer science, as this field overlaps both. Once credentialed with a degree and perhaps a certificate or two, you could work for the local police, federal investigators, or even consult with private firms who are concerned about cyber safety.
  • Private Detective:
    If you love investigating but don't want to work for the police or federal investigators, you can work for a private firm. Frequently, independent investigators work with attorneys as a way to maintain steady business. While Private Detectives in movies are depicted investigating marital infidelity, they also help families find long-lost relatives, adoptees find their natural parents, and even look into crimes so that victims can have one last chance at justice.
  • Crime Scene Investigators and Forensic Scientists:
    Forensic Science Technicians study fibers, blood samples, and other trace evidence at a crime scene as a means to determine who committed a crime. You will have to be meticulous with how you gather samples so that they aren't tainted, but you will be instrumental in bringing criminals to justice.
  • Correctional Officer:
    Correctional Officers work with incarcerated individuals either inside a prison or jail, but they also work with people on probation. As a probation officer, you can help former prisoners re-adjust to civilian life. You will probably have to send some back to prison, but victories in rehabilitation will always stand out as lifetime achievements – for you and them.

Best Minnesota Schools for Criminal Justice

  • Capella University
  • Concordia University – St Paul
  • Hamline University

Top Health Administration Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Medical and Health Services Managers 8,330 $70,400
Financial Analyst 9,460 $61,500
Healthcare Informatics 5,760 $68,400
Communications - -
Medical Equipment Sales 5,830 $63,500
  • Medical and Health Services Managers:
    Hospitals need CEOs and even small general practices need administration to help ensure that inventories are full and there's adequate, well-trained staff on hand.
  • Financial Analyst:
    A financial analyst will examine the financial state of a business and make decisions on investments.
  • Healthcare Informatics:
    Hospitals and other health systems have mountains of data to parse. This data informs not only how to treat an individual, but how to manage and run the entire organization. Consider informatics as the nexus of humanity and data, patient outcomes and the bottom line.
  • Communications:
    Every hospital these days has some sort of publication that it makes available to patients in waiting rooms. As a communications professional in healthcare, you will report, write, and layout these sorts of materials, and more. You may also send press releases to announce a new MRI machine, or the successes of your cardiac wing, for instance.
  • Medical Equipment Sales:
    Most sales jobs involve you selling consumer goods or some business-to-business items that are of value. However, when you enter medical equipment sales, you will sell items that literally change lives. Even selling wheelchairs or crutches will be a boon to someone's life.

Best Minnesota Schools for Health Administration

  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
  • University of Minnesota – Duluth
  • St. John's University

Top Health Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Occupational Therapist 3,020 $73,700
Physical Therapist 4,670 $71,500
Radiology Technician 4,690 $48,300
Registered Nurse 71,000 $65,500
Nurse Practitioner 3,970 $97,600

  • Occupational Therapist:
    If you love helping a wide range of patients, you might consider achieving your master's degree in Occupational Therapy. You might work with geriatric patients who suffer from dementia, practicing certain tasks with them in hopes that they might remain more independent. You could also work with teenagers who suffer with mental illness. They need help with staying on track with homework, managing a tumultuous and confusing social life, all while dealing with their specific mental issues.

  • Physical therapists:
    These professionals help those injured in accidents to recover full, or at least partial, use of their body. The goal is to get back the patient’s full mobility.

  • Radiology Technician:
    These technicians are responsible for working with MRI and X-ray machines to provide the full spectrum of available diagnostic tools, so that doctors can diagnose and treat patients.

  • Registered Nurse:
    These are the supervisory nurses in hospitals and clinical settings. They are the first line of care for patients in long-care facilities and perform a number of vital tasks to improve patient outcomes.

Best Minnesota Schools for Health Sciences

  • University of Minnesota – Rochester
  • St John’s University
  • University of St Thomas
  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Additional Careers in Minnesota

Want to See All the Minnesota Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Minnesota

Occupation Projected Growth
Statistician 39%
Personal Care Aides 33.5%
Physician Assistants 31%
Nurse Practitioners 28%
Phlebotomists 26%
Medical Assistants 25%
Software Developers 24%
Information Security Analysts 24%
Massage Therapists 23%

Best Associate Degrees in Minnesota

Best Associate Degrees in Minnesota
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The state of Minnesota offers a wide variety of diverse two-year associate degree programs that can meet the needs of students interested in any career field. With some of the best associate degrees to choose from, you can earn credits quickly and affordably. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce right away, as well as the credits needed to transfer to a four-year institution in the future.

Alexandria Technical & Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,591		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$12,976 		Grads Salary
$36,900
Dakota County Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,433		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$10,567 		Grads Salary
$45,700
Northland Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,220		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$10,243 		Grads Salary
$41,100
Anoka Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,838		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$13,362 		Grads Salary
$44,200
Hibbing Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,034		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$8,370 		Grads Salary
$40,800
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,134		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$8,680 		Grads Salary
$46,400
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,757		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$10,233 		Grads Salary
$41,500
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,421		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$10,849 		Grads Salary
$39,500
Inver Hills Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,192		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$10,699 		Grads Salary
$47,200
Lake Superior College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
5,230		 Graduation Rate
40%		 Net Price
$13,737 		Grads Salary
$42,900
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota
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Are you interested in a career that requires a four-year bachelor’s degree? Or maybe you need to meet certain academic requirements before enrolling in an advanced degree program or earning certification in your field? Consider applying for one of these great bachelor’s degree programs available in the state of Minnesota. These top institutions can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to achieve all your career goals, no matter what your preferred field of study is.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
51,327		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$17,729 		Grads Salary
$75,300
St. Olaf College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,072		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$27,838 		Grads Salary
$73,700
Carleton College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,115		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$30,843 		Grads Salary
$72,500
University of St. Thomas-St Paul
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,824		 Graduation Rate
80%		 Net Price
$31,799 		Grads Salary
$74,900
The College of Saint Scholastica
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,906		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$23,215 		Grads Salary
$70,600
Saint Johns University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,727		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$28,128 		Grads Salary
$73,000
University of Minnesota-Morris
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,499		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$11,147 		Grads Salary
$62,000
Gustavus Adolphus College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,237		 Graduation Rate
78%		 Net Price
$26,701 		Grads Salary
$69,000
St. Catherine University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,401		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$18,912 		Grads Salary
$67,000
Saint Cloud State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,841		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$13,697 		Grads Salary
$70,600
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Minnesota

Best Master's Degrees in Minnesota
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While not all fields require an advanced degree, many employers give preference to candidates who have one. Those who choose from the master’s degrees available in Minnesota are more likely to receive higher salaries, more promotional opportunities, and better job security. This is because graduate and doctoral degree programs help graduates gain highly developed skills in analysis and critical thinking, attributes that are extremely desirable in every career field. Another option is an MBA program in Minnesota, which is also an advanced degree that helps graduates develop additional needed skills.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
51,327		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$17,729 		Grads Salary
$75,300
Saint Cloud State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,841		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$13,697 		Grads Salary
$70,600
The College of Saint Scholastica
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,906		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$23,215 		Grads Salary
$70,600
St. Catherine University-St. Paul
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,401		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$18,912 		Grads Salary
$67,100
University of Minnesota-Duluth
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
10,858		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$18,211 		Grads Salary
$66,300
Minnesota State University-Mankato
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,325		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$15,201 		Grads Salary
$67,100
Saint Johns University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,727		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$28,128 		Grads Salary
$73,000
University of St. Thomas-St Paul
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,824		 Graduation Rate
80%		 Net Price
$31,799 		Grads Salary
$74,900
Concordia University-Saint Paul
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,585		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$16,521 		Grads Salary
$70,000
Concordia College at Moorhead
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,042		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$24,096 		Grads Salary
$69,000
Full Ranking Report

Cost of Minnesota College Education & Salaries

A bachelor's degree is not a cheap proposition. No matter which way you approach your post-secondary education, you will find that it comes with a hefty price tag. Before you get discouraged, consider that there are many ways to approach college costs. One way is to apply for as many scholarships as you can. This will be all the easier if you know what field you wish to pursue. For instance, engineering students can find many scholarships for their field, as can budding accountants and teachers.

Keep in mind that most scholarships will only cover a portion of your costs. Some will only cover your books. However, scholarships have a value that goes beyond the short-term ability to pay a bill. They are considered achievements and should be added to your resume. While they may only pay $500 today, and be helpful paying for that accounting textbook, they will pay off later when hiring executives are impressed with your tenacity in pursuing scholarships.

You can also cut costs by staying in state. In-state tuition is always far less than what non-residents pay. Since Minnesota has so many great schools, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Yet another way to cut in-state costs even further is to complete your first two years in a community college. Make sure your credits will transfer to your first-choice four-year university, however, as you don't want to have to re-take courses or make up any shortfalls.

Your cost analysis should also look at your potential salary after graduation. If you take loans, you will have to start paying those back approximately six months after graduation. Thus, you want to make sure that you're ready to start paying on them immediately. However, there are programs now that allow you to defer your loans altogether. If you apply your knowledge and skills to a non-profit or governmental position, and you work there for approximately ten years, you may be able to avoid all loan payments. While your paychecks might be lower, don't forget that you won't have to pay student loans from your salary. Further, you will emerge from this period with great experience.

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College Cost Analysis - Minnesota vs National

Average Minnesota Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $11,381

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $22,780

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Minnesota is slightly under the national averages for percentage of students receiving federal grants and the dollar amount loaned per student.

Financial Aid Minnesota Nationally
Received Federal Grants 36% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,689 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Minnesota

WEBSF

William E. Barto Scholarship Fund

https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/william-e-barto-scholarship-fund?tt=0
Amount: $500-$2,000
Deadline: March
High School seniors in Duluth and Superior, MN who intend to major in the arts are welcome to apply to this scholarship opportunity. To apply, you must be in the top 25% of your graduating class, submit transcripts, one recommendation, and provide proof of financial need. Awards range from $500 to $2000 and are given annually.

ANSF

Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund

https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/anderson-niskanen-scholarship-fund?tt=0#.UJfmPcXA-WY
Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Deadline: March 1
Duluth-area high school seniors are welcome to apply to this scholarship. This a scholarship for general studies, not a specific major, yet it is only open to students intending to study at the University of Minnesota-Duluth or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. To apply, submit complete transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a statement of financial need.

ABMLESTF

Allen Butler Minority Law Enforcement Scholarship Temporary Fund

https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/allen-butler-minority-law-enforcement-scholarship-temporary-fund?tt=0#.UJfoL8XA-WY
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: Varies
If you are a person of color and wish to study law enforcement at the post-secondary level, this is the fund for you. The scholarship states that the maximum award is $500, but some past winners have won $1000. Regardless, this scholarship will certainly ease the financial burden of college and will bring a level of prestige to your post-college resume.

UM_logo

UM

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Maroon and Gold Leadership Award

http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/spages/scholarshipsInfo.cfm?instID=416
Amount: $12,000 (for four years)
Deadline: December 15
This scholarship awards $12,000 per year for four years to Minnesota residents who show outstanding academic achievement, community service activities/awards, are first-generation college students, among other qualifying factors. Like many scholarship funds, the Maroon and Gold Leadership Award looks for high GPAs, top class ranks, and stellar ACT/SAT scores.

MSPE_logo

MSPE

Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers

https://www.mnspe.org/page/Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 26
If you are a full-time engineering student at the sophomore level, you should apply to this scholarship. Your program should be one of the many ABET-accredited programs in Minnesota, including, but not limited to: Twin Cities Engineering, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Winona State University, University of St. Thomas.

ACEC_logo

ACEC

American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota

https://www.acecmn.org/scholarships-2/
Amount: $28,000 (Split between 11 scholarships)
Deadline: October 26
If you are pursuing an engineering degree through an ABET-accredited institution in Minnesota and need help paying for your education, the ACEC-MN is there for you. In previous years, they have disbursed up to $28,000 to help students advance their education, and thus the engineering community. To qualify, you must be at least at the Junior year. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

AICPA_logo

AICPA

AICPA Accountemps Student Scholarship Award

https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/scholarship-minority-accounting-students/
Amount: $10,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: March 1
If you are a top accounting student in Minnesota, this scholarship can help pay up to $10,000 of your tuition bill. The funds will disburse directly to your student account to cover tuition and associated fees only. The selection committee is looking for students they feel will be outstanding CPAs. Given that that AICPA is the preeminent CPA association, this will be a very high-status scholarship. With this award on your resume, you will have your pick of accounting jobs.

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