#9 in Liberal Arts
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Acceptance
20%
Total Cost
$79,830
SAT
1450–1560
Carleton College hones quirky intellectuals into collaborative thinkers amid Minnesota's endless winters and vast prairies.
Explore Minnesota Colleges
Colleges in Minnesota
Explore 45 colleges and universities in Minnesota, including 13 public institutions and 32 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
45
Colleges
13
Public
32
Private
Minnesota at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
77%
Average acceptance rate for Minnesota colleges
Avg Net Price
$21,298
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$25,217
For public universities
Popular Comparisons
See how Minnesota colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Minnesota Colleges Directory
Browse 45 colleges in Minnesota, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#15 in Psychology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
Acceptance
80%
Total Cost
$28,012
SAT
1300–1500
You'll tunnel under a massive Big Ten campus bridged over the Mississippi, chasing top-ranked pharmacy breakthroughs amid Minneapolis winters that test your grit.
#31 in Liberal Arts
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Acceptance
29%
Total Cost
$78,030
SAT
1350–1510
Picture bagpipers piping you awake in a globally obsessed liberal arts haven amid the Twin Cities' snowy sophistication, where you'll debate world affairs over coffee on Grand Avenue.
#31 in Business
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN
Acceptance
85%
Total Cost
$63,899
SAT
1260–1423
Minnesota's largest private Catholic university integrating faith, ethics, and practical leadership.
#47 in Nursing
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
Acceptance
92%
Total Cost
$48,788
SAT
850–1140
A tight-knit women’s university in Saint Paul with a fierce focus on leadership and social justice.
#48 in Liberal Arts
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN
Acceptance
48%
Total Cost
$68,280
SAT
1300–1470
St. Olaf College fuses Norwegian choral legacy with rigorous liberal arts in a snowy Northfield enclave where earnest musicians and scientists harmonize.
#84 in Psychology
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, MN
Acceptance
89%
Total Cost
$23,094
SAT
1180–1350
University of Minnesota-Duluth is located in Duluth, MN.
#94 in Public Universities
University of Minnesota-Morris
Morris, MN
Acceptance
75%
Total Cost
$24,106
SAT
1060–1280
Quiet public liberal arts outpost of the University of Minnesota system, prioritizing undergraduate teaching in rural prairie Minnesota.
#98 in Liberal Arts
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MN
Acceptance
91%
Total Cost
$63,384
SAT
941–1228
All-male Benedictine liberal arts college nestled in Minnesota woods, where monks teach amid abbey bells and lake trails.
#115 in Liberal Arts
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN
Acceptance
92%
Total Cost
$63,500
SAT
1048–1233
Women's liberal arts college amid Minnesota woods, sharing classes and campus shuttles with neighboring Saint John's University.
FAQs about Minnesota Colleges
Carleton College is the highest-ranked university in Minnesota, ranked #66 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Minnesota colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $25,217 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $26,585. After financial aid, the average net price is $21,298.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Minnesota is 77%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Minnesota public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Minnesota driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Minnesota is located in the Midwest region of the United States. Known for strong public university systems and Big Ten athletics, the Midwest offers affordable education with tight-knit campus communities.
Minnesota offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $21,298. Public universities in Minnesota provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.