Most
Affordable Colleges in Minnesota in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Minnesota can combine practical business skills with access to the state's corporate, healthcare, and nonprofit employers. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, analytics, and operations. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, financial analyst, sales representative, or operations manager. Popular Minnesota options include University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and St. Cloud State University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Minnesota offers coursework in research methods, developmental psychology, social behavior, cognition, statistics, and mental health. Programs combine learning with labs, internships, or placements. Schools include University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and Macalester College. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, research assistant, human services specialist, or sales representative. Licensed counseling and clinical careers require graduate study and supervised experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Minnesota combines theory with projects. Students typically take courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Many programs offer internships with the state's technology, healthcare, and finance employers. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular options include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and the University of St. Thomas.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Minnesota combines coursework, supervised practice, and preparation for licensure. Typical courses include counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum. Graduates may work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, mental health therapists, or substance-use counselors, depending on their degree and credentials. Minnesota colleges include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and the University of St. Thomas.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Minnesota combines simulation and clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and adult, pediatric, and psychiatric care. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, or schools; advancement can lead to specialties. Minnesota colleges offering nursing programs include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Catherine University, and College of Saint Benedict.

Best Colleges in Minnesota Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,720.0, compared with 54,540.0 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 35,820.0.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 74.46% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 74.46%. Schools receive an average of 4,367.62 applicants, while the top 10% of schools average 8,980.4 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,331.0 men and 1,472.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,234.53 on the SAT and 25.05 on the ACT.
• Average enrollment is 6,535.95 students, including averages of 320.75 men and 404.86 women.
• The average graduation rate is 57.51%, compared with 77.0% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 54.0% for men and 63.0% for women.
• There are 22 institutions offering associate's degrees, 44 offering bachelor's degrees, 35 offering master's degrees, and 15 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 41 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and weigh acceptance rates and applicant numbers against your academic preferences. Also consider SAT and ACT averages, enrollment, graduation outcomes - including the differences by gender - and the degree options available. Top 10% schools have higher applicant averages and graduation rates, but also a substantially higher median cost and lower average financial-aid coverage than the overall figures.

How much does studying at a college in Minnesota cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Minnesota is $27,707.44. Average tuition and fees are $29,196.96, while room and board average $12,560.54 and books and supplies add about $1,065.14. These are reported averages, and the total-cost figure is lower than tuition alone, so don't add the amounts together as if they were one consistent budget. Use them as planning reference points and confirm current charges with your chosen campus.

Students comparing the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, or the University of St. Thomas will find different tuition, housing, and aid packages. Your degree cost depends on your program, residency, living arrangement, scholarships, and time to graduation. Staying close to home, applying for grants, and checking each school's net-price estimate can make costs more manageable. Minnesota's range of public campuses gives you a chance to compare and choose a path that suits your goals and your budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate's degree usually takes two. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, or St. Olaf College, your program and course load shape the timeline. Part-time study, changing majors, or needing prerequisite courses can extend it.

Finishing sooner is possible with planning. You may earn credit through Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams, high school dual enrollment, accepted transfer credits, summer classes, or accelerated and year-round schedules. Ask an adviser which credits fit your Minnesota college's degree requirements before enrolling; this can save tuition and keep you on track.

Graduation rates offer a reality check: the supplied average for Minnesota schools is 57.51%, while the top 10% average is 77.0%. The average is 52.05% for men and 61.95% for women. These rates show completion varies, so compare support services and timelines as well as programs.

Salary

After graduating from college in Minnesota, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $50,251. Graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary have a median of about $66,339, offering an encouraging indication of the earning potential a degree can bring.

Your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and where you work. Students at popular Minnesota institutions such as the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University, Mankato can use career services, internships, and local employer connections to prepare for opportunities across the state.

People also ask

What college in Minnesota has the lowest tuition?

There isn't a dependable single answer without specifying the academic year, residency status, and whether you mean a two-year or four-year college. Minnesota West Community & Technical College may be worth comparing for affordable in-state study, but I can't verify that it is currently the state's lowest. Check each college's published tuition and fees for your program.

What college in Minnesota has the lowest GPA requirement?

For general admission, open-admission community and technical colleges are a good place to look: they typically do not set a minimum high-school GPA for college entry. Minneapolis College is one option to check. Some programs may have separate GPA or prerequisite requirements, so confirm the rules for your intended course of study.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Minnesota Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the state's large public research campus, serving 57,879 enrolled students. Its 85% graduation rate and 80% acceptance rate make it a prominent Minnesota option for students seeking broad academic choices in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Total study cost is $36,296, while median alumni salary reaches $53,214. Students can weigh its metropolitan setting and extensive campus scale against affordability, especially when planning for Minnesota residency, housing, and transportation expenses alongside their degree goals and campus life.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in western Minnesota, close to Fargo across the Red River. Its 4,324 enrolled students, 57% graduation rate, and 59% acceptance rate may suit students seeking a campus community. Total study cost is $8,838, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $47,202. The university's setting offers access to a metro area while keeping study in Minnesota. Students should compare program offerings, housing, and expenses before choosing a degree.

Minnesota State University-Mankato is a public university in southern Minnesota, serving 15,367 students. Its 54% graduation rate and 88% acceptance rate provide useful context for applicants considering admission and completion. Annual total study cost is $17,725, and median alumni salary is $53,620, the highest figure among these five schools. Located in Mankato, the campus offers a regional-city alternative to the Twin Cities, with students able to compare program fit, living costs, and Minnesota-based career plans as they choose a degree.

Bemidji State University is a public university in northern Minnesota, with 4,072 enrolled students. Its 48% graduation rate and 56% acceptance rate help applicants assess the campus's admissions and completion profile. Total study cost is $8,994, second-lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $49,681. Set in Bemidji, the university offers a smaller-campus setting in Minnesota's north, appealing to students who value a community-oriented environment. Compare majors, aid, housing, and needs before deciding whether it fits plans.

Winona State University, a public university in southeastern Minnesota, enrolls 6,113 students. Its 57% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate give applicants measures when comparing college options in the state. Total study cost is $15,120, and median alumni salary is $50,477. Located in Winona, the campus provides a smaller-city setting along the Mississippi River region, distinct from Minnesota's metro. Students should explore degree programs, financial aid, housing, and transportation costs to judge how the university fits their and career priorities.