2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Minnesota

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Carleton College	2128	20.41	1,450 – 1,560	29434	53989	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 2,128 Acceptance Rate 20.4% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $29,434 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,989
2	Macalester College	2144	28.52	1,350 – 1,500	38571	46244	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 Econometrics and Quantitative Economics....Read more Undergraduates 2,144 Acceptance Rate 28.5% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $38,571 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,244
3	St Olaf College	3124	48.32	1,310 – 1,450	27282	48373	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 45 majors offered, the most popular area of study is Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 3,124 Acceptance Rate 48.3% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $27,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,373
4	University of Minnesota Twin Cities	41303	79.75	1,260 – 1,420	16730	57984	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 41,303 Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $16,730 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,984
5	Martin Luther College	772	87.17	1,080 – 1,310	21072	40760	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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). Undergraduates 772 Acceptance Rate 87.2% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,072 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,760
6	University of St Thomas	6044	91.25	1,190 – 1,350	32637	62412	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 6,044 Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $32,637 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,412
7	Saint Johns University	1413	77.43	1,080 – 1,280	29473	59843	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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 85% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 1,413 Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $29,473 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,843
8	College of Saint Benedict	1391	88.87	1,040 – 1,280	29720	54567	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,391 Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $29,720 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,567
9	Gustavus Adolphus College	1952	61.8	1,210 – 1,400	28805	51546	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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 4,450 applications during the last admissions cycle and accepted 2,750 of them. The college has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 84% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 1,952 Acceptance Rate 61.8% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $28,805 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,546
10	Bethel University	2556	87.8	1,110 – 1,310	30375	55145	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 85% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 2,556 Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $30,375 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,145
11	Bethlehem College & Seminary	117	97.33	1,130 – 1,270	0	50472	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Bethlehem College & Seminary Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, Bethlehem College & Seminary accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $40 to apply. About 0% of students at Bethlehem College & Seminary will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 117 Acceptance Rate 97.3% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,472
12	Concordia College at Moorhead	1799	63.06	1,080 – 1,280	25488	48225	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, MN Concordia College at Moorhead has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 80% 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. Undergraduates 1,799 Acceptance Rate 63.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,488 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,225
13	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	714	48.36	1,170 – 1,380	27031	35198	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 714 Acceptance Rate 48.4% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $27,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,198
14	The College of Saint Scholastica	1755	93.89	1,080 – 1,280	23913	62332	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 23% of those accepted during the last admissions cycle enrolled....Read more Undergraduates 1,755 Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $23,913 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,332
15	University of Northwestern-St Paul	3163	93.47	1,030 – 1,310	26779	47544	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MN Out of 1 available programs and majors, andLiberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies 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 Undergraduates 3,163 Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $26,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,544
16	St Catherine University	2505	91.85	1,040 – 1,230	22357	52795	#16 2026 Best Colleges 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 99% of students attending St Catherine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,505 Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $22,357 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,795
17	University of Minnesota Duluth	8426	88.76	1,150 – 1,320	19542	52840	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Minnesota Duluth Duluth, MN Found in Duluth, the University of Minnesota Duluth accepts 89% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 89% 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......Read more Undergraduates 8,426 Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $19,542 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
18	Hamline University	1716	89.83	1,040 – 1,250	22759	47139	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Hamline University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, Hamline University accepts 90% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Hamline University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,716 Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $22,759 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,139
19	Bethany Lutheran College	856	38.97	1,080 – 1,240	19456	40652	#19 2026 Best Colleges 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. 53% of students will graduate within 4 years. The school offers generous aid packages. In fact, 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $20,192 on average. Undergraduates 856 Acceptance Rate 39.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,456 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,652
20	University of Minnesota-Morris	981	74.93	1,040 – 1,240	9539	43163	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 95% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 981 Acceptance Rate 74.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,539 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
21	University of Minnesota Rochester	572	71.01	1,070 – 1,350	13840	62585	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 71% 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 43% of students will graduate in......Read more Undergraduates 572 Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $13,840 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,585
22	Winona State University	5277	68.48	1,010 – 1,220	18919	51288	#22 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 5,277 Acceptance Rate 68.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,919 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,288
23	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	1083	92.78	1,080 – 1,340	22518	54549	#23 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,083 Acceptance Rate 92.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,518 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,549
24	North Central University	865	90.82	970 – 1,180	23694	37688	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota North Central University Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, North Central University’s acceptance rate is 91%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 92% of students attending North Central University currently receive grant aid from the school. At North Central University, there is a 76% first......Read more Undergraduates 865 Acceptance Rate 90.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,694 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,688
25	University of Minnesota-Crookston	2510	87.81	1,010 – 1,180	13442	51905	#25 2026 Best Colleges 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 87% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,510 Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,442 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,905
26	Crown College	1379	62.81	1,010 – 1,210	27196	39003	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MN Located in Saint Bonifacius, Crown College’s acceptance rate is 63%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 96% of students attending Crown College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,379 Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,196 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,003
27	Augsburg University	2527	81.98	940 – 1,190	24807	48616	#27 2026 Best Colleges 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 45% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 2,527 Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $24,807 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,616
28	Minnesota State University Moorhead	3413	52.95	980 – 1,190	18231	45873	#28 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN Based in Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead accepted 53% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 84% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is......Read more Undergraduates 3,413 Acceptance Rate 53.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $18,231 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,873
29	Concordia University-Saint Paul	3361	78.87	1,080 – 1,240	17989	50646	#29 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,361 Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $17,989 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,646
30	Dunwoody College of Technology	1534	55.4	930 – 1,210	24789	59069	#30 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, MN Based in Minneapolis, Dunwoody College of Technology accepts 55% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 54% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,534 Acceptance Rate 55.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,789 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,069
31	Minnesota State University, Mankato	12897	91.33	1,010 – 1,210	17227	50098	#31 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN Based in Mankato, Minnesota State University- Mankato accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 43% of students attending Minnesota State University- Mankato currently receive institutional grant......Read more Undergraduates 12,897 Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,227 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,098
32	Southwest Minnesota State University	7290	64.09	930 – 1,140	14839	43282	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MN Based in Marshall, Southwest Minnesota State University’s acceptance rate is 64%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 82% of students at Southwest Minnesota State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 73%......Read more Undergraduates 7,290 Acceptance Rate 64.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $14,839 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,282
33	Saint Cloud State University	8013	94.95	970 – 1,220	14648	47215	#33 2026 Best Colleges 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 52% of students at Saint Cloud State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,013 Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,648 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,215
34	Bemidji State University	3610	91.31	1,040 – 1,180	16349	47469	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN Located in Bemidji, Bemidji State University accepts 91% of applicants. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications and $20 for graduate applications. About 70% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 3,610 Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,349 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,469
35	Metropolitan State University	5271	96.46	--	18233	54828	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN Located in Saint Paul, Metropolitan State University accepts 96% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 5% of students at Metropolitan State University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Metropolitan State University, there is a 60% first year......Read more Undergraduates 5,271 Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,233 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,828
36	Herzing University-Minneapolis	748	93.82	--	15275	35295	#36 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Herzing University-Minneapolis St. Louis Park, MN Undergraduates 748 Acceptance Rate 93.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,275 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
37	Oak Hills Christian College	117	91.88	890 – 1,080	24674	31108	#37 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, MN Located in Bemidji, Oak Hills Christian College accepts 92% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and . About 96% of students attending Oak Hills Christian College will receive grant aid from the school. 55% of students continued studying at Oak Hills Christian College after completing their first......Read more Undergraduates 117 Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $24,674 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,108
38	Capella University	16177	94.83	--	16975	48500	#38 2026 Best Colleges in Minnesota Capella University Minneapolis, MN Undergraduates 16,177 Acceptance Rate 94.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,975 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,500