2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Carleton College	96	20.41	1,450 – 1,540	28047	53989	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Carleton College Northfield, MN Part of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the most popular sports at Carleton College are Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Football, and Swimming and Diving (combined). They’re known as the Knights and wear blue and maize. Computer Science is a commonly chosen undergraduate major. First Year Retention Rate 96 % Acceptance Rate 20.4% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $28,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,989
2	Macalester College	92	28.52	1,360 – 1,510	40225	46244	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Macalester College Saint Paul, MN Macalester College is a private liberal arts college that sits near the Mississippi River in the heart of the Twin Cities. Students can earn up to a bachelor’s degree and a commonly selected major is Research and Experimental Psychology, Other....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 3.2% Acceptance Rate 28.5% SAT Score 1,360 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $40,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,244
3	St Olaf College	92	48.32	1,310 – 1,450	26756	48373	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota St Olaf College Northfield, MN Founded by Norwegian-American immigrant pastors and farmers, St. Olaf has actually been visited by King Olav and King Harald V. Their mascot is St. Olaf Lion and the school’s athletes are known as the Oles. With 47 majors offered, the most popular area of study is Biology/Biological Sciences, General. First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 48.3% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $26,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,373
4	University of Minnesota Twin Cities	91	79.75	1,260 – 1,420	17209	57984	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Minnesota Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is made up of two locations, 3 miles apart: Minneapolis and Falcon Heights. Their motto is “Commune vinculum omnibus artibus” or “A common bond for all the arts.” Getting its start in 1851 before Minnesota was a state, it’s the largest and oldest school in the state university system. First Year Retention Rate 91 % Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $17,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,984
5	Gustavus Adolphus College	88	60.99	1,180 – 1,370	26094	51546	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, MN Psychology, General is the most popular major at Gustavus Adolphus College. A fairly selective school, it received 5,290 applications during the last admissions cycle and accepted 3,230 of them. The college has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% first year retention rate. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 61.0% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $26,094 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,546
6	University of St Thomas	88	85.36	1,220 – 1,380	31250	62412	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MN The University of St. Thomas was founded in 1885 as a Catholic Seminary. The school’s namesake, Thomas Aquinas, is the patron saint of all of the attending students. Other campuses and properties of the university can be found in Minneapolis, Owatonna, and Rome, Italy. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 85.4% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $31,250 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,412
7	Bethel University	86	87.8	1,120 – 1,310	31738	55145	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Bethel University Saint Paul, MN At Bethel University, 27% of accepted students will decide to attend. Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are two popular undergraduate majors. The school has an 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 86% first year retention rate. First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $31,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,145
8	College of Saint Benedict	86	91.52	1,050 – 1,280	28400	54567	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, MN Partnered with Saint John’s University for men, the College of Saint Benedict is exclusively for women. The school got its start in 1913 with only six students. Since 1955, the two campuses have shared resources. CSB has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 86% first year retention rate, and 74% four year graduation rate. First Year Retention Rate 86 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 91.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $28,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,567
9	Saint Johns University	86	90.62	1,070 – 1,280	28504	59843	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Saint Johns University Collegeville, MN Saint John’s University is an all-male school that has a partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, the women’s college. They share curriculum and access to resources. Saint John’s has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 86% first year retention rate. First Year Retention Rate 86 % 3.6% Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $28,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,843
10	Martin Luther College	85	87.17	1,080 – 1,310	18974	40760	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Martin Luther College New Ulm, MN Martin Luther College’s motto is “Via Veritas Vita,” or “The Way, the Truth, the Life.” Many students study Theology and Religious Vocations, and Other. The school was established in 1995 when Northwestern College (1865) merged with Dr. Martin Luther College (1884). First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 87.2% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $18,974 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,760
11	Concordia College at Moorhead	84	62.65	1,080 – 1,240	25190	48225	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, MN Concordia College at Moorhead has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 84% first year retention rate. It’s home to a robust music program with several choirs, bands, and orchestras. Students are known as the Cobbers and compete in the NCAA Division III with football Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. First Year Retention Rate 84 % 7.7% Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $25,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,225
12	University of Northwestern-St Paul	83	93.47	1,030 – 1,310	29117	47544	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MN Out of 4 available programs and majors, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Psychology, and General are the most popular at University of Northwestern, St. Paul. The school got its start as the Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School in 1902, becoming a university in 2013....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $29,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,544
13	North Central University	82	98.98	970 – 1,180	26363	37688	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota North Central University Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, North Central University’s acceptance rate is 99%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 96% of students attending North Central University currently receive grant aid from the school. At North Central University, there is a 82%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 99.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $26,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,688
14	The College of Saint Scholastica	82	92.96	1,010 – 1,210	26083	62332	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN A Roman Catholic school founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the College of St. Scholastica’s motto is “All her paths are peace” in Latin. It’s non selective, and 17% of those accepted during the last admissions cycle enrolled....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 93.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,083 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,332
15	University of Minnesota Duluth	81	88.75	1,150 – 1,320	20128	52840	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Minnesota Duluth Duluth, MN Found in Duluth, the University of Minnesota Duluth accepts 89% of applicants and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 94% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At the University of Minnesota Duluth, there is a 81% first year retention rate and a 43%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $20,128 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
16	Minnesota State University, Mankato	80	88.44	1,080 – 1,210	18861	50098	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN Based in Mankato, Minnesota State University- Mankato accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 64% of students attending Minnesota State University- Mankato currently receive institutional grant......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 88.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,861 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,098
17	St Catherine University	80	91.85	1,040 – 1,240	20918	52795	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota St Catherine University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, St Catherine University’s acceptance rate is 92%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending St Catherine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $20,918 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,795
18	University of Minnesota-Crookston	80	87.86	1,010 – 1,180	13490	51905	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, MN Based in Crookston, the University of Minnesota-Crookston’s acceptance rate is 88%. They request $30 for undergraduate applications and . About 92% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 87.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,490 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,905
19	Winona State University	79	75.49	1,010 – 1,220	18289	51288	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Winona State University Winona, MN Winona State University is a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Founded in 1858 as the First State Normal School of Minnesota, it would get its current moniker in 1975. Many undergraduates major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. First Year Retention Rate 79 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 75.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,288
20	Hamline University	78	87.63	1,020 – 1,320	22390	47139	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Hamline University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, Hamline University accepts 88% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Hamline University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 5.4% Acceptance Rate 87.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $22,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,139
21	Dunwoody College of Technology	76	98.87	970 – 1,240	26192	59069	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, MN Based in Minneapolis, Dunwoody College of Technology accepts 99% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 49% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 98.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,192 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,069
22	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	75	48.48	1,090 – 1,340	30305	35198	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, Minneapolis College of Art and Design accepts 48% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Minneapolis College of Art......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 8.5% Acceptance Rate 48.5% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,305 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,198
23	Minnesota State University Moorhead	75	58.76	970 – 1,210	18221	45873	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN Based in Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead accepted 59% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $20 to apply. About 84% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 4.2% Acceptance Rate 58.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,221 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,873
24	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	75	92.78	1,080 – 1,310	22032	54549	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MN Found in Winona, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Saint Mary's University of Minnesota currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 92.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,032 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,549
25	Southwest Minnesota State University	74	62.18	890 – 1,140	15547	43282	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MN Based in Marshall, Southwest Minnesota State University’s acceptance rate is 62%. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 92% of students at Southwest Minnesota State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 74% and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 62.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,547 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,282
26	University of Minnesota-Morris	74	74.93	1,040 – 1,240	9677	43163	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, MN Based in Morris, the University of Minnesota-Morris’s acceptance rate is 75% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 74.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,677 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
27	Bemidji State University	73	55.98	970 – 1,180	14859	47469	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN Located in Bemidji, Bemidji State University accepts 56% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 69% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 6.4% Acceptance Rate 56.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $14,859 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,469
28	Augsburg University	72	81.98	940 – 1,190	24561	48616	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN Based in Minneapolis, Augsburg University’s acceptance rate is 82% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Augsburg University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Augsburg University, there is a 72% first year retention rate and around 48% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $24,561 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,616
29	Bethany Lutheran College	72	38.97	1,080 – 1,240	21127	40652	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MN Bethany Lutheran College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 72% first-year retention rate. 49% of students will graduate within 4 years. The school offers generous aid packages. In fact, 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $19,865 on average. First Year Retention Rate 72 % 10.0% Acceptance Rate 39.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,127 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,652
30	Saint Cloud State University	71	94.8	940 – 1,220	14735	47215	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN Based in Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 78% of students at Saint Cloud State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 4.4% Acceptance Rate 94.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,735 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,215
31	Crown College	70	22.78	970 – 1,150	27332	39003	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MN Located in Saint Bonifacius, Crown College’s acceptance rate is 23%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 98% of students attending Crown College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 22.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $27,332 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,003
32	Herzing University-Minneapolis	70	93.75	--	16741	35295	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Herzing University-Minneapolis St. Louis Park, MN Located in St. Louis Park, Herzing University-Minneapolis’s acceptance rate is 94%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 67% of students attending Herzing University-Minneapolis will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 22.8% Acceptance Rate 93.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,741 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
33	University of Minnesota Rochester	70	71	1,070 – 1,350	14953	62585	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota University of Minnesota Rochester Rochester, MN Based in Rochester, the University of Minnesota Rochester accepts 71% of applicants and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. About 77% of students at the University of Minnesota Rochester will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and around 54% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $14,953 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,585
34	Metropolitan State University	68	98.71	890 – 1,080	16615	54828	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN Located in Saint Paul, Metropolitan State University accepts 99% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 4% of students at Metropolitan State University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Metropolitan State University, there is a 68% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $16,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,828
35	Concordia University-Saint Paul	67	78.87	1,110 – 1,310	18028	50646	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN Found in Saint Paul, Concordia University-Saint Paul accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Concordia University-Saint Paul currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $18,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,646
36	Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College	44	0	--	11723	37251	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Cloquet, MN First Year Retention Rate 44 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,723 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,251
37	Capella University	42	100	--	17199	48500	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Minnesota Capella University Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, Capella University accepts 100% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 0% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 42 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,199 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,500