Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Discover the best online colleges in Minnesota, how much tuition costs, and fast-growing jobs. Start your college journey in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Danika Miller
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Updated April 3, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.


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.

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Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

#1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$14,496

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,468

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,578

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

54,890

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,496

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,410

Minneapolis, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,496

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,410

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

37%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,468

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,578

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

54,890

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$38,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

97%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,551

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,551

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

3,207

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,750

Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,750

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,551

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,551

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

3,207

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$36,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

3,539

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,600

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,600

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

3,539

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

97%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,835

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,835

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

4,133

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,520

Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,520

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,835

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,835

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

4,133

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$8,539

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,078

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,292

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

4,681

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,539

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,078

Moorhead, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,539

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,078

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

73%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,292

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

4,681

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

Cost of College in Minnesota in 2021-2022
Institution TypeAverage 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
Source: NCES

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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Minnesota
JobJob Growth 2020-2030Average Annual Wage 2022
Curators35%$58,921
Medical and Health Services Managers29%$104,596
Information Security Analysts29%$113,979
Logisticians29%$77,794
Operations Research Analysts24%$89,212
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors23%$51,434
Preschool Teachers19%$37,674
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists19%$78,855
Financial Examiners18%$87,493
Aerospace Engineers16%$134,031
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

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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