Best Minnesota Colleges

Minnesota has 22 ranked four-year colleges, part of our national best colleges ranking. Rankings weigh admission scores, graduation rates, and selectivity using statistical data, not editorial picks.

Leading our 2027 rankings is Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, topping our list in Minnesota. The top rated public university is University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Also highly ranked: Macalester College, St Olaf College and University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment across the colleges below. See how rankings are calculated on our methodology page. Sort by tuition, acceptance rate, or enrollment to find the school that fits you.

22 Results
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Minnesota Public Private 4 Year
Bemidji State University Campus

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  • Public 4 Year
  • Bemidji, MN
  • | 0 reviews

Bemidji State is a public university known for undergraduate education, nursing, and business. The campus sits on the shore of Lake Bemidji in northern Minnesota.

#6 Best Public Universities in Minnesota 5/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range -
  • Avg GPA 3.26
  • Acceptance Rate 56%
  • Net Price $14,859
Details
Minnesota State University Mankato Campus

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  • Public 4 Year
  • Mankato, MN
  • 3.7 | 3 reviews

Minnesota State Mankato is a public university known for undergraduate nursing, education, and business. The campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River valley in southern Minnesota.

#7 Best Public Universities in Minnesota 4/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range -
  • Avg GPA 3.37
  • Acceptance Rate 88%
  • Net Price $18,861
Details
Crown College Campus

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  • Private 4 Year
  • Saint Bonifacius, MN
  • | 0 reviews

Crown College is a private Christian college known for undergraduate ministry, biblical studies, and nursing. The campus is in the small town of St. Bonifacius west of the Twin Cities.

#14 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 4/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 960-1150
  • Avg GPA 3.22
  • Acceptance Rate 23%
  • Net Price $27,332
Details
Southwest Minnesota State University Campus
 

  • Public 4 Year
  • Marshall, MN
  • | 0 reviews
  • Aug 18 application deadline

SMSU is a public university known for undergraduate culinology, education, and business. The campus sits in the small city of Marshall in rural southwestern Minnesota.

#8 Best Public Universities in Minnesota 4/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 935-1102
  • Predicted Avg GPA 3.21
  • Acceptance Rate 62%
  • Net Price $15,547
Details