Minnesota is known for its high-quality education system, and its colleges are no exception. With a diverse range of institutions to choose from, Minnesota offers students a unique college experience. The state boasts several top-ranked colleges, including the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Carleton College, and Macalester College.
Higher education is a top priority in Minnesota, with many colleges and universities receiving national recognition for their academic programs, research, and student life. The state’s colleges offer a wide range of majors, from liberal arts and sciences to engineering and business. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students can expect a personalized education that prepares them for success in their chosen field.
Choosing the right college is an important decision, and Minnesota has many options. From the bustling city life of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the quiet college towns of Northfield and Collegeville, there is a college experience to suit every student. With so many top-ranked colleges to choose from, Minnesota is a great place to pursue higher education.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research university in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the University of Minnesota system’s flagship campus and one of the largest universities in the United States.
Annual Cost
The annual net price for in-state students at the University of Minnesota is $17,064, while the net price for out-of-state students is $33,325. These numbers include tuition, fees, and room and board.
Enrollment and SAT Range
The University of Minnesota has an enrollment of approximately 51,000 students. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1270-1480, while the middle 50% ACT range is 26-32. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.8.
Majors
The University of Minnesota offers over 150 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional programs. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Engineering.
Campus and Resources
The University of Minnesota has a sprawling campus that spans over 2,700 acres. It is home to numerous research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Advanced Study, the Institute on the Environment, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. The university also has a number of student organizations, fraternities, and sororities.
Niche Users
Niche users rate the University of Minnesota highly for its value on education, friendly campus community, and big city amenities. However, some users note that the university can be difficult to navigate and that the academics can be rigorous.
Admission
Admission to the University of Minnesota is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 50%. In addition to SAT or ACT scores and high school GPA, the university considers factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Size
The University of Minnesota is one of the largest public research universities in the country, with a total enrollment of over 51,000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, and the average class size is 27 students.
Carleton College
Carleton College is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, about 40 miles south of Minneapolis. It has an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students and an acceptance rate of 19%. Carleton College is a highly selective institution that offers rigorous academics and a close-knit campus community.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Carleton College is $62,634. However, the college is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This means that many students receive financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition, room, and board.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Carleton College has an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students. The middle 50% of admitted students have a SAT score range 1430 to 1550. The average ACT score for admitted students is 33.
Majors
Carleton College offers over 30 majors in fields such as the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The most popular majors include Computer Science, Economics, Psychology, Biology, and Political Science.
Carleton College is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, and the college strongly emphasizes undergraduate research and independent study.
Student Organizations
Carleton College has over 200 student organizations, including clubs for sports, music, theater, and community service. The college also has a strong student activism and social justice advocacy tradition.
Niche Users
Carleton College has an overall Niche grade of A+ and is ranked as the #1 Best Small Liberal Arts College in America. It is also ranked #2 for Best Value on Education and #3 for Best College for International Students in America.
Conclusion
Carleton College is a highly selective institution that offers rigorous academics, a close-knit campus community, and excellent resources for undergraduate research and independent study. It is a great choice for students who are looking for a small liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.
University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic institution in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is a 4-year university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university has a reputation for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and friendly campus community.
Annual Cost
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the annual tuition and fees for the University of St. Thomas is $50,366. However, the university also offers financial aid and scholarships to help students with the cost of attendance.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of Fall 2022, the University of St. Thomas has an enrollment of 6,126 undergraduate students. The university has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1150-1370.
Majors
The University of St. Thomas offers over 90 majors for undergraduate students, ranging from business and economics to engineering and science. The university also has a number of graduate programs in various fields, including law, education, and social work.
Student Organizations
The University of St. Thomas has over 140 student organizations catering to various interests, including academic, cultural, service, and recreational organizations. These organizations allow students to develop leadership skills, network with peers, and engage with the campus community.
Value on Education
The University of St. Thomas is known for its value on education, focusing on providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their careers and life. The university has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top value in Minnesota and one of the best values in the nation.
Small Liberal Arts Colleges and Research Universities
The University of St. Thomas is a unique institution that combines the best of both worlds – the personalized attention and small class sizes of a liberal arts college with the resources and opportunities of a research university. This allows students to receive a high-quality education while also engaging in research and other scholarly activities.
SAT and ACT Scores
The University of St. Thomas considers both SAT and ACT scores in its admissions process. The average ACT score range for admitted students is 25-30. The university also offers test-optional admissions for students who choose not to submit standardized test scores.
Macalester College
Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1874 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,107 students.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Macalester College is $62,270, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the net price for students after financial aid is $26,846.
Enrollment and SAT Range
The student-to-faculty ratio at Macalester College is 10:1, and the average class size is 16 students. The middle 50% of enrolled students have SAT scores between 1360-1530.
Majors
Macalester College offers over 40 majors and minors, including popular majors such as Economics, Political Science, and Psychology. Additionally, the college strongly emphasizes international studies, with over 60% of students studying abroad at some point during their undergraduate career.
Student Organizations
Macalester College has over 100 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams. The college also strongly emphasizes social justice and activism, with organizations such as the Macalester College Democrats and the Macalester College Republicans.
Niche Users
According to Niche users, Macalester College is ranked as the 24th best liberal arts college in America and the 3rd best college in Minnesota. Additionally, the college is ranked as the 7th best college with no application fee in America.
Value on Education
Macalester College is known for its rigorous academics and close-knit campus community. The college offers excellent student resources, including a writing center, tutoring services, and a career development center. The overall niche grade for Macalester College is an A+.
Type
Macalester College is a private, not-for-profit, four-year liberal arts college.
Macalester College is a small liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on international studies, rigorous academics, and a close-knit campus community. The college offers excellent resources for students and has a strong reputation among Niche users.
Saint John’s University
Saint John’s University is a private, Catholic university in Collegeville Township, Minnesota. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,546 undergraduate students. The Saint John’s acceptance rate is 81%. The university is known for its friendly campus community, rigorous academics, and small liberal arts colleges.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Saint John’s University is $52,164. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses. The university offers financial aid to students who qualify, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Enrollment and SAT Range
The enrollment at Saint John’s University is 1,546 undergraduate students. The SAT range for admitted students is 1170-1370. The university also considers ACT scores in the admission process.
Majors
Saint John’s University offers a wide range of majors, including Business, Accounting, Economics, Computer Science, Psychology, Biology, and more. The university also offers interdisciplinary programs, including Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, and Asian Studies.
The university strongly commits to research and encourages students to participate in research projects. It also has a variety of student organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural groups.
Saint John’s University has been ranked as one of the best colleges in Minnesota by Niche users. It is also known for its value on education and is considered one of the best research universities in the state. Overall, Saint John’s University is a great choice for students looking for a small, friendly, and rigorous liberal arts college in Minnesota.
- Olaf College
St. Olaf College is a private, Christian liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. With an undergraduate enrollment of 2,988 in fall 2021, the campus is on 300 acres of land.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending St. Olaf College for the 2022-2023 academic year is $72,710. This includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses. However, the net price for attending St. Olaf College is $29,738, which is the average amount students pay after financial aid is considered.
Enrollment and SAT Range
St. Olaf College has a competitive admission process with an acceptance rate of 51%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1280-1460 and an ACT score range of 28-33. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, which allows for personalized attention and a close-knit campus community.
Majors
St. Olaf College offers over 45 majors and concentrations, including Biology, Economics, and Mathematics majors. The college also offers several pre-professional programs, including pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Student Organizations
St. Olaf College has over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams. The college also has a strong music and performing arts tradition, with several choirs and ensembles that perform regularly on campus and worldwide.
Niche Users
St. Olaf College has an overall Niche grade of A+, with high marks for value on education, small liberal arts colleges, rigorous academics, and a close-knit campus community. Students praise the excellent resources and support available to them and the opportunities for research and internships.
International Students
St. Olaf College has a diverse student body, with students from over 70 countries. The college offers several programs and resources to support international students, including English language classes, cultural events, and international student services.
Location
St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, a small town located about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis. The campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Cannon River Valley, with easy access to hiking and biking trails, parks, and other outdoor activities.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato, is a public research university in Mankato, MN. It is the second-largest university in the state, with a total student enrollment of over 15,000. The university comprises six colleges and offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Minnesota State University, Mankato, is affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state tuition and fees are $10,001, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,058. The university offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover their education costs.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Minnesota State University, Mankato, has an acceptance rate of 62%, with an average SAT score range of 960-1180. The university has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
Majors
Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers a wide range of majors in various fields, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more. The university’s rigorous academic programs prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Resources and Student Organizations
Minnesota State University, Mankato, provides students with various resources and opportunities to enhance their education and personal growth. The university has a friendly campus community that offers a supportive environment for students to thrive. The university also has over 250 student organizations that cater to students’ diverse interests and passions.
Niche Users and Value on Education
According to Niche users, Minnesota State University, Mankato, is ranked #17 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota. The university’s commitment to providing quality education at an affordable cost makes it an excellent choice for students seeking value on education.
Rigorous Academics and SAT/ACT Scores
Minnesota State University, Mankato, is known for its rigorous academic programs and high SAT/ACT scores. The university’s faculty members are experts in their fields and provide students with challenging coursework that prepares them for successful careers. The university’s average ACT score range is 20-25.
Affordable Public Research University
Minnesota State University, Mankato, is an affordable public research university that offers students a high-quality education and excellent career prospects. The university’s commitment to providing affordable education makes it an excellent choice for students seeking to pursue their academic and career goals without breaking the bank.
Augsburg University
Augsburg University is a private institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study, including business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Augsburg University is $42,064, which includes tuition and fees. The net price for attending Augsburg is $26,956, the average amount students pay after receiving financial aid.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Augsburg University has an enrollment of approximately 3,400 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1000-1230.
Majors
Augsburg University offers a variety of majors for undergraduate students, including accounting, biology, communication studies, computer science, English, music, psychology, sociology, and more.
Student Organizations
Augsburg University has over 60 student organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, cultural groups, and more. These organizations provide students with opportunities to get involved on campus, develop leadership skills, and connect with other students who share similar interests.
Niche Users
According to Niche users, Augsburg University is ranked #18 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota, #23 in Best Small Colleges in Minnesota, and #29 in Most Diverse Colleges in Minnesota. It has an overall Niche grade of B-.
Rigorous Academics
Augsburg University is known for its rigorous academic programs and close-knit campus community. It provides students with excellent resources, including research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
Type of Institution
Augsburg University is a small liberal arts college that provides students with a personalized education and a supportive learning environment. It is committed to providing students with a value on education that will prepare them for success in their chosen careers.
Concordia College
Concordia College is a private liberal arts college located in Moorhead, Minnesota. It is a small college with an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students. The college has a reputation for rigorous academics and a friendly campus community.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Concordia College is around $49,000. However, the college offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. The college has a strong commitment to providing value on education, which is reflected in its low student debt and high job placement rates.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Concordia College has an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students. The college has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 60%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is between 1080-1320.
Majors
Concordia College offers over 70 majors and programs across a variety of disciplines, including business, education, and the sciences. The college has a strong commitment to research and encourages students to engage in undergraduate research opportunities.
Student Organizations
Concordia College has over 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural groups. The college is strongly committed to providing a friendly campus community and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Niche Users
According to Niche, Concordia College is ranked #9 in Best Small Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota. The college is also ranked #14 in Best Research Universities in Minnesota. Niche users rate the college highly for its friendly campus community, rigorous academics, and value on education.
Resources
Concordia College has a variety of resources available to students, including a career center, academic support services, and a health center. The college also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a variety of green initiatives on campus.
SAT Score and ACT Score
The average SAT score range for admitted students at Concordia College is between 1080-1320. The average ACT score range for admitted students is between 22-28. The college has a holistic admissions process and considers a variety of factors when making admissions decisions.
- Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is a public research university located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The university is known for its rigorous academics, affordable tuition, and friendly campus community. It is ranked #82 in the Regional Universities Midwest category by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-2023.
Annual Cost
St. Cloud State University offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. The annual cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is $20,418 for in-state students and $22,408 for out-of-state students.
Enrollment and SAT Range
St. Cloud State University has an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. The university accepts both SAT and ACT scores for admission. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 980-1180.
Majors
St. Cloud State University offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its seven colleges. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Business, Education, Psychology, and Criminal Justice.
Student Organizations
St. Cloud State University has over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural and diversity groups, and recreational and sports clubs. These organizations provide students with opportunities to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and pursue their interests outside of the classroom.
Niche Users
According to Niche.com, St. Cloud State University has an overall grade of B-. The university is ranked #22 in the Best College Athletics in Minnesota category and #26 in the Top Public Universities in Minnesota category. Students on Niche.com also rate the university’s value on education as a B+.
Resources
St. Cloud State University offers a variety of resources to support students’ academic and personal success. These resources include academic advising, tutoring, counseling services, and career services. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and offers a variety of eco-friendly initiatives and programs.
Public Research Universities
St. Cloud State University is one of the public research universities in Minnesota. As a research university, it is committed to advancing knowledge and finding solutions to real-world problems through research and innovation. The university’s faculty and students conduct research in a wide range of fields, from education and business to science and technology.
