Best
Public Colleges in Minnesota in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Minnesota develops skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and analytics. Courses typically cover organizational behavior, operations, entrepreneurship, business law, and strategic planning. Internships can connect students with employers in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and retail. Popular colleges include the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Metropolitan State University. Graduates may work as business analysts, marketers, accountants, project coordinators, or managers.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Minnesota offers coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, social behavior, and mental health. Programs combine classroom learning with labs, internships, or community experience. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral technician, human resources specialist, research assistant, or youth program coordinator; clinical practice typically requires graduate study and licensure. Popular options include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and Macalester College.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Minnesota offers academic options and connections to technology employers. Students commonly study programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular colleges include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Minnesota Duluth, and Minnesota State University, Mankato. Graduates may become software developers, data analysts, systems administrators, cybersecurity specialists, or quality assurance engineers. Coursework often combines theory with team projects, internships, and practical problem-solving skills for diverse careers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Minnesota combines coursework with supervised clinical experience. Students typically study counseling theories, development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and crisis intervention, then complete practicum or internship requirements. Popular options include the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and St. Cloud State University. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, or student support professionals in agencies, schools, clinics, and hospitals.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Minnesota can lead to associate, bachelor's, or advanced degrees. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing fundamentals, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Popular colleges include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Catherine University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Augsburg University. Graduates often become registered nurses in medical-surgical, pediatric, emergency, or intensive care, or work in public health, outpatient clinics, and long-term care.

Best Colleges in Minnesota Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 11,648.0, compared with 18,332.2 at schools in the top 10%, so the top 10% figure is higher.
• An average of 98.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 78.08% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 78.08%. Schools receive an average of 7,422.75 applicants, while the average among top 10% schools is higher, at 9,088.1. The median number of applicants is 1,611.5 men and 2,148.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,212.5 on the SAT and 23.75 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,867.08. Average enrollment is 593.42 men and 741.92 women.
• The average graduation rate is 53.15%, compared with 64.6% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 49.0% for men and 57.0% for women.
• Seven institutions offer associate's degrees, 13 offer bachelor's degrees, nine offer master's degrees, and seven offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 13 coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should compare total cost and financial aid, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant and enrollment figures, test scores, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type align with their needs. The figures show that top 10% schools have higher median costs, more applicants on average, and higher graduation rates, while the overall average financial-aid rate is higher.

How much does studying at a college in Minnesota cost?

The average reported cost of studying in Minnesota is $13,685.62. For a Minnesota student planning a degree, that figure offers a useful starting point, but your actual bill will depend on the college, program, housing choice, and whether you attend full time. The reported average for tuition and fees is $11,975.62, while books and supplies average $1,025. Room and board are listed at $12,240.30; because these category averages do not add up to the reported total, treat them as separate reference figures rather than a combined budget.

At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities or Minnesota State University, Mankato, compare program tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans; costs vary by campus and degree. Check scholarships, aid, and Minnesota resident rates to make your plans feel more attainable. Living at home, commuting, or buying used textbooks may lower expenses. Treat $13,685.62 as a benchmark and request a current school-specific cost breakdown.

How long does it take to finish college in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes about two. Your timeline may stretch if you attend part time, change majors, or need prerequisite courses; at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, or a community college, an adviser can help map requirements early. The state's average graduation rate is 53.15%, so completing a degree is not automatic, but planning and support can make the goal feel achievable. The average rises to 64.6% among the top 10% of schools. Reported averages are 48.69% for men and 56.92% for women.

To finish sooner:

• Earn college credit through AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes while in high school, then confirm that your chosen Minnesota campus accepts them.
• Take summer courses, use eligible transfer credits, and follow a degree plan that avoids unnecessary classes.
• This can save time, money, and stress.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Minnesota have a median alumni salary of about $50,477. At schools in the top 10% by this measure, the median is about $56,243. These figures offer a promising benchmark, though your earnings will depend on your field, experience, location, and employer.

Whether you study at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, or another Minnesota institution, your degree can help you build skills for a wide range of careers. Your major matters: fields such as health care, engineering, business, and technology can have different pay prospects, so compare career outcomes for the specific programs you're considering.

• Median alumni salary across the reported Minnesota data: about $50,477
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: about $56,243

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in Minnesota?

There's no official measure of prestige, but Carleton College is often considered Minnesota's standout undergraduate college, particularly for its academic reputation and strong liberal arts education. If you're looking for a large research university instead, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the state's best-known option. The right fit depends on your goals and preferred campus experience.

Which city in Minnesota has the best public schools?

Minnetonka is a strong answer: its public schools are part of a district that frequently ranks among Minnesota's best. Rankings can change depending on how they weigh academics, activities, and other factors, and school quality varies by individual school. If you're choosing where to live, compare specific schools and attendance boundaries as well as district rankings.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in Minnesota Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the largest option in this group, with 57,879 enrolled students. Its 85% graduation rate and 80% acceptance rate offer a useful picture for applicants weighing selectivity and completion. The listed total study cost is $36,296, while median alumni salary is $53,214. Based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, it gives Minnesota students access to a major public research university, academic choices, and the resources of the state's largest metropolitan area. Compare the figures with budget and career goals.

Minnesota State University Moorhead enrolls 4,324 students, making it the smallest school in this five-campus comparison. Its 57% graduation rate and 59% acceptance rate may interest students looking at admission and completion outcomes alongside cost. The listed total study cost is $8,838, the lowest here, and median alumni salary is $47,202. Located in Moorhead in northwestern Minnesota, the university offers a smaller-city setting for students who want to study in the state while keeping listed expenses relatively modest compared with peers.

The University of Minnesota-Duluth enrolls 9,529 students and pairs a mid-sized campus community with a Lake Superior location in northern Minnesota. Its 65% graduation rate and 89% acceptance rate give applicants two useful measures when comparing admission and degree completion. The listed total study cost is $18,484, while median alumni salary is $50,311. For Minnesota students, Duluth offers a northern-city campus experience beside Lake Superior, with cost and outcome figures to compare against other in-state options before choosing a program.

Minnesota State University-Mankato serves 15,367 enrolled students, making it one of the larger public-campus choices in this group. Its 54% graduation rate and 88% acceptance rate provide context for students assessing access and persistence. The total study cost listed is $17,725, and median alumni salary is $53,620. Located in Mankato in southern Minnesota, it gives in-state students a university setting beyond the Twin Cities, with opportunities to build a campus community while pursuing a range of degree paths and goals.

Winona State University enrolls 6,113 students and offers a smaller public-university option in southeastern Minnesota. Its 57% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate help prospective students compare completion and admissions figures. The listed total study cost is $15,120, while median alumni salary is $50,477. In Winona, a Mississippi River city, it may suit Minnesota students seeking a degree in a smaller community. Compare cost, aid, major options, and long-term career plans, and review graduation and salary data for your goals.