Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
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Considering pursuing higher education in Minnesota? You’re in luck — from prestigious universities to a continuously evolving job market, Minnesota has something to offer for everyone.
Beyond academics, the state offers a vibrant cultural scene and a rich tapestry of arts and entertainment in the Twin Cities. It also boasts over 12,000 lakes, numerous outdoor activities, and a friendly community known for being “Minnesota Nice.”
While physical campuses offer numerous opportunities, online colleges in Minnesota provide flexibility and quality education, making it easier for you to work or balance other responsibilities while studying.
Read on to learn about the best online colleges in Minnesota and the cost of education and job outlook in the state.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,496
- Out-of-state$34,410
- In-State$18,468
- Out-of-state$28,578
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled54,890
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$38,750
- Out-of-state$38,750
- In-State$13,551
- Out-of-state$13,551
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled3,207
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$36,600
- Out-of-state$36,600
- In-State$17,550
- Out-of-state$17,550
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,539
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,520
- Out-of-state$40,520
- In-State$11,835
- Out-of-state$11,835
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled4,133
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Moorhead, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,539
- Out-of-state$17,078
- In-State$10,292
- Out-of-state$10,292
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled4,681
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Cost of College in Minnesota
In Minnesota, tuition costs can vary significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private school and if you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for in-state students at public four-year universities in Minnesota was $12,345 in 2021-22. While the average for out-of-state students was $25,238.
For private colleges, the average tuition cost jumped to $34,771. When you compare these numbers to the national average, you’ll find that Minnesota falls in line with the national average for the most part.
Remember, when you’re budgeting for your education, you’ll also need to consider expenses like books, housing, meals, transportation, and general cost of living.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $12,345 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $25,238 |
| Private Four-Year | $34,771 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $5,795 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $6,312 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota’s job market is diverse and expanding, with opportunities in the healthcare, tech, aerospace, finance, and counseling fields.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the fastest-growing careers in Minnesota are curators, medical and health services managers, information security analysts, and logisticians —all with a projected growth rate of 29% or higher in the next 10 years.
Each of these professions requires at least a bachelor’s degree. By enrolling in an online program in Minnesota, you can equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to enter these fast-growing fields.
| Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Curators | 35% | $58,921 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 29% | $104,596 |
| Information Security Analysts | 29% | $113,979 |
| Logisticians | 29% | $77,794 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 24% | $89,212 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 23% | $51,434 |
| Preschool Teachers | 19% | $37,674 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 19% | $78,855 |
| Financial Examiners | 18% | $87,493 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 16% | $134,031 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is widely recognized to be one of the top colleges in Minnesota. It is recognized for its strong academic programs, robust research opportunities, and commitment to community engagement.
The U of M offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs, including dozens of online options.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 27, 2024.
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