University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Minnesota.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
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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.
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.
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. - Business Specialists
- Business Administrators
- Entrepreneurs
- Economist
- Human Resources Manager
- Hospitality Manager
- International Business
- Marketing Manager
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Manager
- Operations Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
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. - Homeland Security and Crisis Management
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 Administrators:
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. - Healthcare Manager
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.
Additional Careers in Minnesota
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% |
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Minnesota
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Score: 78.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,213
- Out-of-State: $6,213
- Net Price: $13,655
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 2,865
- Undergrad Students: 2,865
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $43,400
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Dakota County Technical College
Score: 78.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,419
- Out-of-State: $6,419
- Net Price: $11,339
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 2,717
- Undergrad Students: 2,717
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,300
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Score: 76.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,899
- Out-of-State: $10,899
- Net Price: $17,858
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,058
- Undergrad Students: 2,649
- Graduate Students: 409
- Grads Salary: $45,700
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Dunwoody College of Technology
Score: 76.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,659
- Out-of-State: $25,659
- Net Price: $24,172
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,359
- Undergrad Students: 1,359
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $51,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Minnesota North College
Score: 73.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,004
- Out-of-State: $7,302
- Net Price: $9,537
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 3,044
- Undergrad Students: 3,044
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Anoka Technical College
Score: 73.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,267
- Out-of-State: $6,267
- Net Price: $12,135
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,580
- Undergrad Students: 1,580
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,600
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Riverland Community College
Score: 72.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,250
- Out-of-State: $6,250
- Net Price: $9,847
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,175
- Undergrad Students: 3,175
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,700
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Score: 71.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,900
- Out-of-State: $5,900
- Net Price: $10,596
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,282
- Undergrad Students: 5,282
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,100
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Northland Community and Technical College
Score: 71.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,262
- Out-of-State: $6,262
- Net Price: $13,100
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,495
- Undergrad Students: 2,495
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,300
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Hennepin Technical College
Score: 71.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,881
- Out-of-State: $5,881
- Net Price: $11,400
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 3,974
- Undergrad Students: 3,974
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Central Lakes College-Brainerd
Score: 69.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,209
- Out-of-State: $6,209
- Net Price: $12,326
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 4,633
- Undergrad Students: 4,633
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Ridgewater College
Score: 69.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,109
- Out-of-State: $6,109
- Net Price: $10,225
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,904
- Undergrad Students: 2,904
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,800
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
Score: 68.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,957
- Out-of-State: $4,957
- Net Price: $10,730
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 3,466
- Undergrad Students: 3,466
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,700
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Northwest Technical College
Score: 67.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,246
- Out-of-State: $6,246
- Net Price: $13,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 721
- Undergrad Students: 721
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,800
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
South Central College
Score: 65.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,146
- Out-of-State: $6,146
- Net Price: $10,514
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 2,602
- Undergrad Students: 2,602
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,500
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Score: 64.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,484
- Out-of-State: $12,332
- Net Price: $11,577
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,352
- Undergrad Students: 3,352
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Lake Superior College
Score: 63.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,786
- Out-of-State: $5,786
- Net Price: $14,978
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 3,849
- Undergrad Students: 3,849
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,500
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Saint Paul College
Score: 62.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,318
- Out-of-State: $6,318
- Net Price: $11,797
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 5,365
- Undergrad Students: 5,365
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Minnesota State College Southeast
Score: 62.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,820
- Out-of-State: $7,820
- Net Price: $16,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,923
- Undergrad Students: 1,923
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,200
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Rochester Community and Technical College
Score: 62.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,359
- Out-of-State: $6,359
- Net Price: $12,971
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 4,482
- Undergrad Students: 4,482
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,100
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Century College
Score: 60.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,182
- Out-of-State: $6,182
- Net Price: $10,403
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 7,646
- Undergrad Students: 7,646
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Pine Technical & Community College
Score: 59.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,681
- Out-of-State: $4,681
- Net Price: $12,865
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 1,873
- Undergrad Students: 1,873
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,200
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
North Hennepin Community College
Score: 59.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,050
- Out-of-State: $5,050
- Net Price: $10,016
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 13%
- Total Enrollment: 4,896
- Undergrad Students: 4,896
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,500
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Inver Hills Community College
Score: 59.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,007
- Out-of-State: $6,007
- Net Price: $10,496
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 18%
- Total Enrollment: 3,459
- Undergrad Students: 3,459
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,600
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Normandale Community College
Score: 57.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,321
- Out-of-State: $6,321
- Net Price: $11,396
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 9,346
- Undergrad Students: 9,346
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,100
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Score: 88.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,488
- Out-of-State: $36,402
- Net Price: $16,018
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 54,955
- Undergrad Students: 39,248
- Graduate Students: 15,707
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Carleton College
Score: 85.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,457
- Out-of-State: $65,457
- Net Price: $31,494
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 2,059
- Undergrad Students: 2,059
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
St. Olaf College
Score: 84.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,970
- Out-of-State: $56,970
- Net Price: $26,171
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 3,046
- Undergrad Students: 3,046
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Minnesota-Morris
Score: 81.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,288
- Out-of-State: $16,438
- Net Price: $11,169
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 1,068
- Undergrad Students: 1,068
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
St. Catherine University
Score: 80.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,758
- Out-of-State: $49,758
- Net Price: $19,976
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,577
- Undergrad Students: 2,404
- Graduate Students: 1,173
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Macalester College
Score: 80.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,908
- Out-of-State: $64,908
- Net Price: $36,095
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 2,175
- Undergrad Students: 2,175
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Saint John's University
Score: 79.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $53,942
- Out-of-State: $53,942
- Net Price: $27,982
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 1,645
- Undergrad Students: 1,528
- Graduate Students: 117
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of St. Thomas-St. Paul
Score: 78.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,284
- Out-of-State: $52,284
- Net Price: $30,137
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Total Enrollment: 9,025
- Undergrad Students: 5,906
- Graduate Students: 3,119
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Minnesota-Crookston
Score: 77.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,120
- Out-of-State: $13,120
- Net Price: $12,894
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 2,303
- Undergrad Students: 2,303
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
The College of St. Scholastica
Score: 76.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,454
- Out-of-State: $40,454
- Net Price: $24,578
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,207
- Undergrad Students: 1,938
- Graduate Students: 1,269
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Bethel University-Saint Paul
Score: 76.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,930
- Out-of-State: $42,930
- Net Price: $29,915
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 3,546
- Undergrad Students: 2,592
- Graduate Students: 954
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Hamline University
Score: 76.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,311
- Out-of-State: $48,311
- Net Price: $23,021
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 2,638
- Undergrad Students: 1,765
- Graduate Students: 873
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Score: 75.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,318
- Out-of-State: $19,762
- Net Price: $18,031
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 9,675
- Undergrad Students: 8,810
- Graduate Students: 865
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Score: 75.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,160
- Out-of-State: $43,160
- Net Price: $22,843
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 4,133
- Undergrad Students: 1,100
- Graduate Students: 3,033
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Concordia College at Moorhead
Score: 75.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,020
- Out-of-State: $30,020
- Net Price: $23,087
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,903
- Undergrad Students: 1,827
- Graduate Students: 76
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Score: 75.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,000
- Out-of-State: $25,000
- Net Price: $17,776
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 5,544
- Undergrad Students: 3,071
- Graduate Students: 2,473
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Gustavus Adolphus College
Score: 74.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,310
- Out-of-State: $54,310
- Net Price: $30,297
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 2,072
- Undergrad Students: 2,072
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Martin Luther College
Score: 73.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,770
- Out-of-State: $17,770
- Net Price: $22,293
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 880
- Undergrad Students: 755
- Graduate Students: 125
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Score: 73.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,490
- Out-of-State: $18,860
- Net Price: $16,809
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 14,590
- Undergrad Students: 12,676
- Graduate Students: 1,914
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Winona State University
Score: 73.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,498
- Out-of-State: $17,230
- Net Price: $18,187
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 6,154
- Undergrad Students: 5,403
- Graduate Students: 751
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Augsburg University
Score: 73.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,942
- Out-of-State: $43,942
- Net Price: $25,409
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,088
- Undergrad Students: 2,358
- Graduate Students: 730
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
College of Saint Benedict
Score: 73.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $53,884
- Out-of-State: $53,884
- Net Price: $28,746
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 1,470
- Undergrad Students: 1,443
- Graduate Students: 27
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bemidji State University
Score: 72.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,164
- Out-of-State: $10,164
- Net Price: $15,561
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 4,023
- Undergrad Students: 3,677
- Graduate Students: 346
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
St. Cloud State University
Score: 72.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,117
- Out-of-State: $10,117
- Net Price: $14,065
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 10,420
- Undergrad Students: 8,569
- Graduate Students: 1,851
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Score: 72.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,899
- Out-of-State: $10,899
- Net Price: $17,858
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,058
- Undergrad Students: 2,649
- Graduate Students: 409
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Score: 92.76
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,116
- Out-of-State: $29,580
- Net Price: $16,018
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 54,955
- Undergrad Students: 39,248
- Graduate Students: 15,707
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
St. Catherine University-St. Paul
Score: 82.45
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,910
- Out-of-State: $17,910
- Net Price: $19,976
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,577
- Undergrad Students: 2,404
- Graduate Students: 1,173
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Saint John's University
Score: 78.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,730
- Out-of-State: $17,730
- Net Price: $27,982
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 1,645
- Undergrad Students: 1,528
- Graduate Students: 117
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Score: 78.92
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,116
- Out-of-State: $29,580
- Net Price: $18,031
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 9,675
- Undergrad Students: 8,810
- Graduate Students: 865
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Score: 78.7
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,550
- Out-of-State: $8,550
- Net Price: $17,776
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 5,544
- Undergrad Students: 3,071
- Graduate Students: 2,473
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of St. Thomas-St. Paul
Score: 77.85
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,611
- Out-of-State: $21,611
- Net Price: $30,137
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Total Enrollment: 9,025
- Undergrad Students: 5,906
- Graduate Students: 3,119
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Hamline University
Score: 77.7
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,003
- Out-of-State: $10,003
- Net Price: $23,021
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 2,638
- Undergrad Students: 1,765
- Graduate Students: 873
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Concordia College at Moorhead
Score: 77.55
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,659
- Out-of-State: $10,659
- Net Price: $23,087
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,903
- Undergrad Students: 1,827
- Graduate Students: 76
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Score: 77.49
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,182
- Out-of-State: $18,364
- Net Price: $16,809
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 14,590
- Undergrad Students: 12,676
- Graduate Students: 1,914
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Winona State University
Score: 76.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,612
- Out-of-State: $14,507
- Net Price: $18,187
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 6,154
- Undergrad Students: 5,403
- Graduate Students: 751
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
The College of St. Scholastica
Score: 76.72
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,024
- Out-of-State: $15,024
- Net Price: $24,578
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,207
- Undergrad Students: 1,938
- Graduate Students: 1,269
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Bemidji State University
Score: 76.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,221
- Out-of-State: $9,221
- Net Price: $15,561
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 4,023
- Undergrad Students: 3,677
- Graduate Students: 346
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Score: 76.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,222
- Out-of-State: $12,222
- Net Price: $22,843
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 4,133
- Undergrad Students: 1,100
- Graduate Students: 3,033
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Score: 76.1
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,479
- Out-of-State: $10,479
- Net Price: $17,939
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 4,682
- Undergrad Students: 3,729
- Graduate Students: 953
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Bethel University-Saint Paul
Score: 76.07
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,566
- Out-of-State: $10,566
- Net Price: $29,915
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 3,546
- Undergrad Students: 2,592
- Graduate Students: 954
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
St. Cloud State University
Score: 75.82
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,300
- Out-of-State: $14,130
- Net Price: $14,065
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 10,420
- Undergrad Students: 8,569
- Graduate Students: 1,851
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Martin Luther College
Score: 75.54
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,940
- Out-of-State: $5,940
- Net Price: $22,293
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 880
- Undergrad Students: 755
- Graduate Students: 125
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Augsburg University
Score: 74.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,950
- Out-of-State: $13,950
- Net Price: $25,409
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,088
- Undergrad Students: 2,358
- Graduate Students: 730
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Score: 74.12
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,554
- Out-of-State: $4,554
- Net Price: $17,858
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,058
- Undergrad Students: 2,649
- Graduate Students: 409
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Herzing University-Minneapolis
Score: 72.64
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,100
- Out-of-State: $8,100
- Net Price: $19,527
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 815
- Undergrad Students: 808
- Graduate Students: 7
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Southwest Minnesota State University
Score: 70.49
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,054
- Out-of-State: $9,054
- Net Price: $15,004
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 6,930
- Undergrad Students: 6,518
- Graduate Students: 412
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Metropolitan State University
Score: 70.47
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,171
- Out-of-State: $10,171
- Net Price: $19,347
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 6,294
- Undergrad Students: 5,488
- Graduate Students: 806
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Northwestern-St. Paul
Score: 68.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,720
- Out-of-State: $9,720
- Net Price: $25,704
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,253
- Undergrad Students: 3,161
- Graduate Students: 92
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
North Central University
Score: 66.4
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,800
- Out-of-State: $10,800
- Net Price: $23,374
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 992
- Undergrad Students: 893
- Graduate Students: 99
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Crown College
Score: 62.68
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,980
- Out-of-State: $10,980
- Net Price: $25,504
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,583
- Undergrad Students: 1,251
- Graduate Students: 332
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
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.
Search Programs Offering Minnesota Majors
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.
Scholarships for Minnesota College Students
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/our-scholarships/allen-butler-minority-law-enforcement-scholarship-temporary-fund/
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
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
Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers
https://mses.org/page/ScholarshipRequirements
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
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
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.