Best Colleges in Minnesota

Located in Northfield about 45 miles south of the Twin Cities, St. Olaf College ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, serving around 3,000 students annually. As a baccalaureate institution, St. Olaf serves undergraduates exclusively, offering bachelor of arts and bachelor of music degrees. Students choose from dozens of majors in the arts and sciences, including Latin American studies, music education, political science, race and ethnic studies, and women's and gender studies. St. Olaf ranks as one of the top colleges in the country in terms of the number of students who study abroad, with 73% of the 2017 graduating class participating in international programs. The school boasts more than 120 domestic and global study programs, and St. Olaf embeds global issues into much of its undergraduate curriculum. Many students participate in multiple study abroad trips, gaining cross-cultural perspectives in countries such as New Zealand, Cuba, and China.

A private Christian college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Concordia College offers liberal arts education to a student body of approximately 2,300 individuals. The school offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in the arts and sciences, including agribusiness, art and design, web design and development, and women's and gender studies. Concordia also offers a small selection of graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs, including nutrition, world language instruction, pre-medicine, and nursing. Concordia centers Christian education in a global context, and all undergraduates complete required courses in culture, religion, and communications. The school's global focus translates to a wide selection of study abroad opportunities in countries such as Greece, Spain, and South Africa. Students have many other opportunities for experiential learning, including research and professional internships. Students commonly assist faculty with research and other types of scholarship, sometimes receiving co-author credit for publications.

Based in Arden Hills, Bethel University provides a world-class education rooted in the Christian faith. Students can choose from 35 online undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor's degrees in accounting and Christian ministries. The AA and AS programs prepare degree-seekers to transfer to a bachelor's degree completion program. Additionally, many of the master's and doctoral degrees train practicing educators for a career in administration. The Academic Enrichment and Support Center at this top online Minnesota university features many academic support options. Online learners can attend a virtual online study skills workshop. Tutors can also help students over the phone or through videoconferencing. As learners near graduation, they can visit the Online Career Center to hone networking skills and receive a resume critique. Application requirements include a high school diploma, statement of faith, and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum C grade. Bethel awards $3,500-$20,300 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students with an excellent high school GPA.

A Roman Catholic liberal arts school based in the Twin Cities, the University of St. Thomas serves more than 10,000 students annually, making it the largest private school in Minnesota. Named for philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, the university embodies values of both faith and reason, stressing academic excellence and inquiry in a Christian moral framework. UST offers programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in fields including arts and sciences, business, education, social work, and law. UST hosts a variety of continuing, professional, and online education programs that serve the needs of working adults. Distance learners can select from several fully online and blended degrees and certificates, available primarily at the graduate level. The school offers a variety of business master's degrees, along with select programs in social work, education, and Catholic studies. Working professionals can also pursue several noncredit professional development courses, such as cultural competency for educators.

With dozens of online degrees, licenses, and certifications, Minnesota State University Moorhead attracts students with a broad range of academic interests and career goals. Undergraduate degrees at this top online Minnesota university include an RN-to-BSN track, operations management, and global supply chain management. Additionally, nearly all graduate programs prepare education administrators and specialists. Academic support at MSU Moorhead features both academic advisors and counselors. Advisors help learners create a graduate plan, while counselors provide students with academic success skills and tutoring resources through the university's Academic Assistant Program. MSU Moorhead's Writing Support Center offers both in-person and virtual 50-minute appointments. Freshmen applicants should have either a high school diploma or GED scores, and transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Incoming undergraduates may qualify for up to $2,000 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships. MSU Moorhead also awards other competitive scholarships, each of which requires a separate application.

The University of Northwestern - St. Paul offers nine online programs that include undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Many tracks -- such as the master's in divinity and the bachelor's in biblical and theological studies -- train aspiring lay and ordained ministers. Additionally, the university offers two online early college programs for high school students who live in and around St. Paul. Learners who need help with coursework can set up a virtual tutoring session through UNW's ALPHA Center. Career development services at this top online Minnesota university include career fairs, interview coaching, and an in-depth career planning guide available to all students. Online learners also benefit from 24/7 IT support. UNW admits new learners in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Freshmen applicants should possess a high school diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores. All degree-seekers pay a flat, per-semester tuition rate. Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree may qualify for a merit-based scholarship opportunity. Each scholarship requires a separate application.

Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Bethany Lutheran College serves a small student body of about 750 learners from its campus in Mankato. Offering undergraduate education exclusively, BLC emphasizes the liberal arts from a Christian perspective, with 27 majors available, including American studies, exercise science, legal studies, media arts, and special education. Students can also pursue seven pre-professional programs that prepare graduates for advanced study in fields such as law, medicine, dentistry, seminary, and pharmacy. BLC offers comprehensive support to all of its students, including academic advising and student mentoring. The school pairs each student with a faculty advisor, who assists with course selections and degree planning. Students also receive support within their own major from experienced faculty members. BLC offers free academic tutoring in math and writing through its academic resource center, and academic coordinators can also connect students to subject-specific tutors.

Crown College offers 10 online bachelor's degrees to prepare graduates for careers in fields such as ministry, business, and counseling. Degree-seekers can personalize their program by completing one of nine minors in areas such as marketing and psychology. This top online Minnesota college also delivers four undergraduate certificates. Additionally, graduate students at Crown can select from eight master's degrees and five certificates. Crown's in-depth student handbook provides learners with extensive information on how to access tutors, academic advisors, and other services. The college's Office of Career Services provides both one-on-one mentoring and FOCUS 2 CAREER software, which allows learners to research how different majors influence career prospects. Crown does not accept GED diplomas, and applicants with fewer than 24 transferable credits must submit high school transcripts. Ministry programs require a statement of faith. All incoming learners provide FAFSA results, and Crown provides a tuition discount for active-duty service members and veterans.

Another of the country's top liberal arts college, Carleton College also operates in Northfield, exclusively serving more than 2,000 undergraduate students. Carleton boasts one of the highest rates of graduates who go on to pursue doctorates, and the school's alumni include several Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars. Students choose from more than 60 academic majors and minors in the arts and sciences, including astronomy, creative writing, East Asian studies, public policy, studio art, and literary and cultural studies. Carleton ranks among the most selective colleges in the country, and students benefit from a highly rigorous curriculum. All first-year students complete an introductory argument and inquiry seminar, while all seniors complete a comprehensive project focused on their major; this project requires extensive work under close faculty supervision. These projects may take several forms, depending on a student's interests and aspirations. Past projects have required students to produce major research papers, design mobile apps, and direct short films.

Learners with an associate degree can complete an online bachelor's degree completion programs through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in four fields: business administration, human resource management, marketing, and nursing. This top online Minnesota university created each online degree with working professionals in mind, and all four programs use an asynchronous curriculum. Additionally, Saint Mary's delivers 15 online master's programs in areas such as cybersecurity and special education. Saint Mary's employs a student support team that works exclusively with online learners. This team includes professors, academic advisors, and career planning professionals. Distance students also benefit from 24/7 IT support. Prospective undergraduates can attend one of Saint Mary's monthly webinars and apply for one of six annual start dates. Credit must reflect a minimum C grade to transfer, and students can earn additional credit by completing a prior learning assessment. Degree-seekers who maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher can qualify for $2,000 in merit-based scholarships. This scholarship opportunity uses a June 15 deadline.

Online programs available through Metropolitan State University include nine bachelor's degrees, five master's degrees, and four graduate certificates. Bachelor's programs at this top online Minnesota university include organizational administration and human resources management. Undergraduates can also create a custom degree by selecting individualized studies, while graduate programs and certificates at Metropolitan State focus on management and computer science topics. Metropolitan State offers online learners extensive support services. Specialized service departments help Asian Americans, African Americans, and veterans succeed academically and find a fulfilling career. All students can also speak with a career advisor and explore local career opportunities through Handshake software. Prospective students should possess either a high school diploma or GED scores. However, Metropolitan State prefers applicants who graduated high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA. Foundation scholarships require a separate application by the fall deadline.

Learners at Concordia University - St. Paul can select from 43 online bachelor's programs, master's programs, and certificates. Special programs at this top online Minnesota university include a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's in differentiated instruction. Additionally, the university's online associate in general studies prepares degree-seekers to transfer to a four-year program at an in-state public college or university. Each academic department offers a suite of resources to help students choose the right program and succeed academically, such as career guides and links to professional organizations. CSP also runs a career blog where industry experts discuss topics such as burnout, teaching children with ADHD, and how to address conflict in the workplace. Freshmen applicants should possess a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Other application materials include an essay on an assigned topic. Learners who work for a partner organization receive a $2,000 tuition discount. Active-duty service members and veterans also qualify for a reduced tuition rate through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

A mid-sized public university and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Bemidji State University enrolls around 5,400 students annually. The school primarily serves undergraduates and offers 65 majors, including applied public policy, creative and professional writing, earth science, music education, and wildlife biology. BMU also hosts a small selection of graduate programs, including three fully online tracks in business administration, education and online instruction, and special education. BMU sits adjacent to several Indian reservations, including Red Lake, White Earth, and Leech Lake. Accordingly, BSU offers several undergraduate programs that reflect the region's Native heritage, including indigenous studies, indigenous nations marketing, and indigenous sustainability studies. The school also boasts the country's first collegiate-level Ojibwe language program, which was established in 1969. Focusing on Ojibwe culture, language, oral literature, and educational instruction, the program confers either an undergraduate minor or certificate.

Based in Marshall, the public Southwest Minnesota State University enrolls about 6,800 students annually, offering liberal arts and professional education primarily at the undergraduate level. The school offers dozens of bachelor's and associate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professional studies, including early childhood education, agriculture studies, indigenous nations and Dakota studies, public administration, and political science. SMSU also hosts multiple graduate programs in business administration and education. Students at all levels receive support from SMSU's student success and advising center, which offers academic counseling, degree planning, career connections, tutoring, and a variety of other services. Academic advisors support new students in their transition to college and assist with course and major selections. The school's advising center also hosts the Blue to Brown Connection Program, which supports transfer students from Minnesota West Community and Technical College on their path to a four-year degree.

Located in Saint Paul, Macalester College ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, providing undergraduate education to a student body of about 2,100 pupils. Though small in enrollment, the school offers more than 60 areas of study, including community and global health, critical theory, German studies, international development, and urban studies. Macalester offers several pre-professional programs, including pre-law and pre-medicine, and students can also design their own interdisciplinary major. As one of the country's most exclusive liberal arts colleges, Macalester offers many opportunities for learning outside the classroom, including internships, independent study projects, off-campus courses, and study abroad programs. Students can earn up to 10 credits each year through independent study and internships, completing approved programs during the winter and summer terms. Macalester also emphasizes international study, and many majors require study abroad experiences as part of their curriculum.

Formed in 1961 through a partnership between two liberal arts schools, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University offers students the resources and academic diversity of two complete institutions. Originally functioning as two separate schools -- Saint John's University for men and the College of Saint Benedict for women -- these schools now operate in tandem, with students taking courses and using facilities on both campuses. The colleges maintain gender separation only in housing; all other facilities are coeducational. CSBSJU functions primarily as an undergraduate institution, enrolling around 3,600 students in bachelor's programs. The school offers dozens of majors and minors in the liberal arts and sciences, including biochemistry, book arts, classical languages, Hispanic studies, and sociology. Undergraduates can also select from several pre-professional programs in fields including dentistry, veterinary, and optometry. The school offers a small selection of graduate programs that all focus on religious subjects, such as ministry and theology.

A private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gustavus Adolphus College serves around 2,400 students from its campus in St. Peter, which is located about 10 miles north of Mankato. The college enrolls undergraduate students exclusively, offering bachelor of arts programs in more than 70 major areas, including African studies, comparative literature, computer science, gender and sexuality studies, and physical therapy. Gustavus also offers several pre-professional programs, including pre-law, pre-medicine, and pre-engineering. The school's small size allows for personalized support for its students. All incoming first-year learners enroll in a first-term seminar that builds foundational skills in critical thinking and academic writing; this seminar is conducted under the guidance of a professional advisor. The college emphasizes writing skills throughout the undergraduate curriculum, and all students receive free tutoring from the school's writing center. Students also benefit from strong internship and career development programs focused on academic and professional growth.

The perfect choice for learners who already possess an associate degree, Minnesota State University - Mankato offers five online bachelor's degree completion programs in areas such as applied leadership and dental hygiene. Learners can supplement a degree by completing one of seven minors in areas such as aging studies, marketing, and urban studies. Additionally, this top online Minnesota university boasts over two dozen online master's degrees and certificates. Minnesota State Mankato offers 11 academic services available to online learners. The university's Career Development Center helps students explore internships, craft a resume, and apply to graduate school. Degree-seekers can also contact the Center for Academic Success to find a tutor or speak to an academic advisor. Minnesota State Mankato uses rolling admissions, and freshmen applicants submit ACT scores. All online learners pay the in-state tuition rate, and undergraduates may qualify for up to $6,000 per year in merit-based scholarships. Other competitive scholarships award $2,500-$4,000 per year.

A public school serving undergraduate and graduate students, Winona State University enrolls around 9,000 students annually. Based in the city of Winona -- about an hour west of Rochester -- the school broadly groups its academic offerings under five distinct colleges, including business, education, liberal arts, nursing and health sciences, and science and engineering. WSU hosts more than 80 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs, with a selection of hybrid and online degrees also available. WSU students of all levels receive support from the Warrior Success Center, which offers tutoring, access services, and academic advising. All enrolled students can use WSU's tutoring services for assistance with coursework and assignments, including generalized assistance with math and writing as well as help in specialized subjects such as economics, accounting, and statistics. Access services provide accommodations for students with physical and mental disabilities, while college advisors offer career and degree planning.

One of the University of Minnesota System's major regional outposts, the University of Minnesota Duluth enrolls around 11,000 students annually, offering more than 90 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates can pursue more than 150 majors and minors, including cultural entrepreneurship, deaf studies, jazz studies, marketing and graphic design, and professional writing. The school's graduate offerings include two options in tribal administration and governance and tribal resources and environmental stewardship. UMD provides comprehensive support for students through its Academic Writing and Learning Center, such as academic tutoring and supplemental instruction. This includes the UMD Seminar -- a one- or two-credit course that helps new students transition into higher education. The school's tutoring center offers tutoring for all undergraduate subjects and majors, with individual and group sessions available. The school's writer's workshop provides in-depth writing assistance for students of all levels and all writing assignments.