Best
Value Colleges in Minneapolis in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Minneapolis, MN, offers a strong business environment. Students typically study accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, operations, and organizational behavior. Programs may include internships with local companies and nonprofits. Popular colleges in Minneapolis include the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, Augsburg University, and Minneapolis College. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, sales representative, or project coordinator for major local firms.

Psychology

Psychology programs in Minneapolis combine study of behavior and mental processes with research. Typical courses include introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, developmental and social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students may explore counseling, neuroscience, or clinical topics through electives. Popular colleges include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Augsburg University, and Capella University. Graduates often become case managers, behavioral health technicians, research assistants, or human resources coordinators; clinical practice usually requires graduate training and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Minneapolis, Minnesota, combines programming foundations with practical problem-solving. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and computer networks. Students often build projects and collaborate with local employers through internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or web developer. Popular local options include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Augsburg University, both offering computer science study.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Minneapolis, Minnesota, combines learning with supervised practice in helping clients address concerns. Typical courses include counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group counseling, and techniques. Minneapolis options include Augsburg University, which offers clinical mental health counseling, and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus, with counseling programs. Graduates may work as licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or agency clinicians, depending on licensure requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Minneapolis, MN offers routes from practical nursing to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, ethics, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, public health nurses, or nurse educators, depending on their credential and licensure. Local options include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Nursing, Augsburg University, and Minneapolis College, offering varied nursing pathways locally.

Best Colleges in Minneapolis, MN Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 27,782.0, compared with 44,691.6 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 16,909.6.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students across the ranked schools, compared with 81.6% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 81.6%, and schools receive an average of 9,498.6 applicants; the average number of applicants at top-10% schools is considerably higher, at 26,544.8.
• The median number of applicants is 439.0 for men and 614.0 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,341.5 on the SAT and 25.5 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 20,243.38. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 820.8 and 908.0, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 58.57%, compared with 76.0% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 60.0% for men and 64.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees.
• There are eight coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial-aid availability alongside graduation rates, since these figures vary across the group and top-performing schools. Also consider admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, and the degree levels offered to find a school that fits your academic goals and circumstances.

How much does studying at a college in Minneapolis, MN cost?

The available average total cost of studying in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is $26,779.75, a helpful starting point as you plan for a degree. Your own costs can vary by school, program, housing choice, and financial aid, so compare personalized estimates before enrolling. Local choices include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Augsburg University, and Minneapolis College, giving you a range of campus experiences and academic pathways to explore.

The reported averages are:

• Total cost of studying: $26,779.75
• Tuition and fees: $25,605.75
• Room and board: $13,749.43
• Books and supplies: $1,377.71

Because the listed category averages may not sum to the overall average, treat them as planning benchmarks rather than a single itemized bill. Ask admissions and financial-aid offices about grants, scholarships, commuter options, and payment plans; those conversations can make your next step feel manageable and help you choose a Minneapolis campus that fits your goals and budget with confidence and optimism.

How long does it take to finish college in Minneapolis, MN?

At colleges in Minneapolis, MN, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Augsburg University, or Minneapolis College, your timeline depends on program requirements and whether you study full time. Work, caregiving, or changing majors can extend the journey, but steady progress is achievable.

Graduation figures offer a reality check: the average graduation rate is 58.57%, meaning about half of students in measured groups complete. Rates average 76% at the top 10% of schools; averages are 53.86% for men and 60.29% for women. These figures are not guarantees for an individual Minneapolis campus.

To finish sooner, explore options such as:

• Bring in AP, IB, or transfer credits toward your degree.
• Take summer courses, heavier course loads, or accelerated terms when available.
• Ask advisers about credit-by-exam and a clear graduation plan.

Salary

After graduating from college in Minneapolis, MN, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $53,214. Graduates of schools ranked in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $76,889, offering an encouraging example of the earning potential a degree may help unlock.

Minneapolis students can pursue degrees at institutions such as the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Augsburg University, and Minneapolis College. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path, but the city's range of colleges gives you options to explore programs that fit your goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Minneapolis?

There are five institutions formally named universities with a Minneapolis presence: Augsburg University, Capella University, North Central University, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and the University of St. Thomas, which has a Minneapolis campus. If you mean colleges and universities more broadly, the count is at least eight, including Minneapolis College and Dunwoody College. The total varies by definition.

What is the largest university in Minneapolis?

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is Minneapolis's largest university by enrollment. Its campuses span Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul, with roughly 55,000 students across both. That scale brings a lively student community, a wide range of academic programs, and abundant campus activities - appealing options for students who want a large, energetic university experience.

How many universities are there in Minneapolis?

The answer depends on what you count: five institutions use "University" in their name and have a Minneapolis base or campus. Include colleges and other degree-granting schools, and the number rises to at least eight. Some counts differ because they include nearby campuses or institutions that primarily offer online programs.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Minneapolis, MN Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a large public-university experience in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul. Its 57,879 enrolled students can choose from a broad range of academic fields and campus activities. The school reports an 85% graduation rate and an 80% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $36,296, while median alumni salary is $53,214. For a Minneapolis student, its scale, research environment, and Twin Cities location offer an expansive setting for earning a degree and building local connections and exploring career options locally.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a specialized art and design school in downtown Minneapolis. Its 820 students study in a smaller community centered on creative practice and portfolio-building. The college has a 51% graduation rate and 48% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $44,784, and median alumni salary is $31,299. For local students pursuing visual arts or design, the urban setting may connect coursework with Minneapolis's cultural scene and creative industries, while close-knit scale can encourage direct collaboration.

North Central University is a private Christian university located in downtown Minneapolis, offering an urban campus and faith-centered educational environment. Its 852 enrolled students create a comparatively small student community. The university reports a 66% graduation rate and a 99% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $30,350, while median alumni salary is $39,448. Minneapolis students considering this school can weigh its Christian perspective, city location, and smaller scale alongside their academic goals and budget. Nearby urban life adds access to resources.

Augsburg University, located in Minneapolis, is a private university with an urban campus and a liberal arts orientation. It enrolls 3,452 students and reports a 52% graduation rate plus an 82% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $44,652, and median alumni salary is $49,642. For students living in Minneapolis, studying here can mean engaging with a campus integrated into the city rather than a distant college setting. Consider its outcomes and cost in light of your intended field and priorities.

Dunwoody College of Technology is a Minneapolis-based technical college focused on career-oriented education in applied fields. With 1,534 enrolled students, it offers a smaller setting than a large research university. Its graduation rate is 66%, and its acceptance rate is 99%. Total study cost is $25,214, the lowest among these five schools; median alumni salary is $58,880, the highest listed. For Minneapolis-area students seeking hands-on technical training, its local campus and salary figure merit consideration alongside program fit and costs.