Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024

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Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Minnesota provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota

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  1. University of Minnesota
  2. University of Minnesota Duluth
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  5. St. Cloud State University
  6. University of Minnesota Morris
  7. Winona State University
  8. Bemidji State University
  9. Metropolitan State University
  10. University of Minnesota Crookston
  1. University of Minnesota
  2. University of Minnesota Duluth
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  5. St. Cloud State University
  6. University of Minnesota Morris
  7. Bemidji State University
  8. Winona State University
  9. Metropolitan State University
  10. University of Minnesota Crookston
  1. St. Cloud State University 95%
  2. Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
  3. Metropolitan State University 82%
  4. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  5. University of Minnesota Morris 78%
  6. Bemidji State University 78%
  7. University of Minnesota 75%
  8. Winona State University 74%
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  10. University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato 21 to 1
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
  3. Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
  4. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  5. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  6. Bemidji State University 16 to 1
  7. Winona State University 16 to 1
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  9. Southwest Minnesota State University 15 to 1
  10. Metropolitan State University 14 to 1
  1. University of Minnesota $14,006
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston $13,010
  3. University of Minnesota Morris $12,804
  4. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  5. Bemidji State University $10,130
  6. Southwest Minnesota State University $10,122
  7. Metropolitan State University $9,684
  8. Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
  9. St. Cloud State University $8,811
  10. Winona State University $8,388
  1. University of Minnesota $18,468
  2. University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468
  3. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  4. Metropolitan State University $9,828
  5. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  6. Bemidji State University $8,909
  7. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  8. Southwest Minnesota State University $8,748
  9. Winona State University $8,320
  1. Southwest Minnesota State University
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston
  3. Metropolitan State University
  4. Bemidji State University
  5. Winona State University
  6. University of Minnesota Morris
  7. St. Cloud State University
  8. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  10. University of Minnesota Duluth
  1. Southwest Minnesota State University
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston
  3. Metropolitan State University
  4. Winona State University
  5. Bemidji State University
  6. University of Minnesota Morris
  7. St. Cloud State University
  8. Minnesota State University Moorhead
  9. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  10. University of Minnesota Duluth
  1. Minnesota State University Moorhead 57%
  2. University of Minnesota Crookston 57%
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato 71%
  4. Winona State University 74%
  5. University of Minnesota 75%
  6. Bemidji State University 78%
  7. University of Minnesota Morris 78%
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth 81%
  9. Metropolitan State University 82%
  10. Southwest Minnesota State University 92%
  1. University of Minnesota Morris 9 to 1
  2. Metropolitan State University 14 to 1
  3. Southwest Minnesota State University 15 to 1
  4. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  5. St. Cloud State University 16 to 1
  6. Bemidji State University 16 to 1
  7. Winona State University 16 to 1
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth 16 to 1
  9. University of Minnesota Crookston 17 to 1
  10. Minnesota State University Moorhead 17 to 1
  1. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,356
  2. Winona State University $8,388
  3. St. Cloud State University $8,811
  4. Minnesota State University Moorhead $8,838
  5. Metropolitan State University $9,684
  6. Southwest Minnesota State University $10,122
  7. Bemidji State University $10,130
  8. University of Minnesota Duluth $12,638
  9. University of Minnesota Morris $12,804
  10. University of Minnesota Crookston $13,010
  1. Winona State University $8,320
  2. Southwest Minnesota State University $8,748
  3. Minnesota State University, Mankato $8,836
  4. Bemidji State University $8,909
  5. St. Cloud State University $9,127
  6. Metropolitan State University $9,828
  7. Minnesota State University Moorhead $10,292
  8. University of Minnesota $18,468
  9. University of Minnesota Duluth $18,468

Colleges and Universities in Minnesota

One of largest public higher education institutes in the country, the University of Minnesota has main campuses in both of the Twin Cities, Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This school costs about $15,000 in tuition, and provides its students with competitive programs in fields like nursing, education, economics, and psychology. And the options don’t stop there. There are more than 20 schools in the state with religious affiliations, including larger schools like the University of St. Thomas, which campuses in both Twin Cities, and smaller schools like Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

For students striving to keep costs low in a smaller school environment, Southwest Minnesota State University offers tuition below the national average and serves about 3,500 students. Additionally, those on track to become a teacher or health care provider may be eligible for one of Minnesota’s loan forgiveness programs after graduation. Minnesota also boasts a large network of private colleges, two of which, Walden University and Capella University, primarily cater to online students.

Ever heard the phrase, There’s an app for that? Well, in Minnesota they say something similar, There’s a festival for that. This fun state doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrating. With events like the Grumpy Old Men Festival, World Festival, and the Perham Turtle Fest, students earning their degrees at one of Minnesota’s more than 70 colleges won’t miss out on a good time.

Discover some of Minnesota’s top programs and learn how you can earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree while cashing in on some of this state’s unique experiences.


What are Minnesota’s Colleges & Universities?

Minnesota’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Minnesota's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 11 public universities in Minnesota. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Minnesota, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2023

  1. #1

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $15,859
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Duluth

    Cost of Degree: $14,126
    Expenses: $13,082
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Cost of Degree: $9,444
    Expenses: $13,790
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead

    Cost of Degree: $10,236
    Expenses: $14,828
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Minnesota State University Moorhead known for?

    Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    St. Cloud State University

    Saint Cloud , MN

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1113/21

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Cloud State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,117
    Expenses: $13,950
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Morris

    Cost of Degree: $14,120
    Expenses: $12,172
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota Morris known for?

    University of Minnesota Morris’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  7. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Winona State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,492
    Expenses: $13,194
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Winona State University known for?

    Winona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bemidji State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,130
    Expenses: $13,462
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bemidji State University known for?

    Bemidji State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,684
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    What is Metropolitan State University known for?

    Metropolitan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota Crookston

    Cost of Degree: $13,010
    Expenses: $12,930
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota Crookston known for?

    University of Minnesota Crookston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Minnesota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,122
    Expenses: $13,072
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southwest Minnesota State University known for?

    Southwest Minnesota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Minnesota’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Minnesota
  2. University of Minnesota Morris
  3. University of Minnesota Duluth
  4. Southwest Minnesota State University
  5. Minnesota State University, Mankato
  6. Winona State University
  7. University of Minnesota Crookston

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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