2027 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	1974	21.78	1,450 – 1,550	28047	53989	#1 2027 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 1,974 Acceptance Rate 21.8% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $28,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,989
2	Macalester College	2068	28.13	1,350 – 1,490	40225	46244	#2 2027 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 Research and Experimental Psychology, Other....Read more Undergraduates 2,068 Acceptance Rate 28.1% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $40,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,244
3	University of Minnesota Twin Cities	42565	78.87	1,250 – 1,440	17209	57984	#3 2027 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 42,565 Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $17,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,984
4	St Olaf College	3114	43.38	1,310 – 1,440	26756	48373	#4 2027 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 44 majors offered, the most popular area of study is Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 3,114 Acceptance Rate 43.4% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $26,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,373
5	Bethlehem College & Seminary	122	97.33	1,130 – 1,270	14681	63721	#5 2027 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 89% of students at Bethlehem College & Seminary will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 122 Acceptance Rate 97.3% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $14,681 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
6	University of St Thomas	6270	85.48	1,220 – 1,380	31250	62412	#6 2027 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 6,270 Acceptance Rate 85.5% 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	College of Saint Benedict	1356	91.9	1,100 – 1,300	28400	54567	#7 2027 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, 83% first year retention rate, and 80% four year graduation rate. Undergraduates 1,356 Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,567
8	Gustavus Adolphus College	1906	60.99	1,180 – 1,370	26094	51546	#8 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, MN Biology/Biological Sciences, 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. Undergraduates 1,906 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
9	Bethel University	2883	88.68	1,120 – 1,310	31738	55145	#9 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Bethel University St. 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 83% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 2,883 Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $31,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,145
10	Saint Johns University	1338	89.76	1,080 – 1,320	28504	59843	#10 2027 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 81% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 1,338 Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $28,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,843
11	Martin Luther College	850	89.45	1,080 – 1,310	18974	40760	#11 2027 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 850 Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $18,974 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,760
12	University of Northwestern-St Paul	3120	39.92	1,080 – 1,310	29117	47544	#12 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MN University of Northwestern, St. Paul awards up to Master's degrees. The school got its start as the Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School in 1902, becoming a university in 2013. Students are known as the Eagles, and they participate in Football, Basketball, and Soccer, among others. Undergraduates 3,120 Acceptance Rate 39.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $29,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,544
13	The College of Saint Scholastica	1810	92.98	1,010 – 1,210	26083	62332	#13 2027 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 17% of those accepted during the last admissions cycle enrolled....Read more Undergraduates 1,810 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
14	St Catherine University	2602	90.47	1,020 – 1,280	20918	52795	#14 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota St Catherine University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, St Catherine University’s acceptance rate is 90%. 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 Undergraduates 2,602 Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,918 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,795
15	University of Minnesota Duluth	8706	89.06	1,140 – 1,320	20128	52840	#15 2027 Best Colleges 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 79% first year retention rate and a 48%......Read more Undergraduates 8,706 Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $20,128 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
16	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	1109	90.88	1,110 – 1,240	22032	54549	#16 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MN Found in Winona, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota accepted 91% 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 1,109 Acceptance Rate 90.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,032 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,549
17	Concordia College at Moorhead	1864	62.65	1,080 – 1,240	25190	48225	#17 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,864 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
18	North Central University	759	98.98	970 – 1,180	26363	37688	#18 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 759 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
19	University of Minnesota-Morris	982	74.1	1,050 – 1,290	9677	43163	#19 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, MN Based in Morris, the University of Minnesota-Morris’s acceptance rate is 74% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 982 Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $9,677 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
20	Winona State University	5317	75.49	1,010 – 1,220	18289	51288	#20 2027 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 5,317 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
21	Hamline University	1852	90.13	1,080 – 1,270	22390	47139	#21 2027 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 1,852 Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $22,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,139
22	Minnesota State University, Mankato	13433	88.44	1,080 – 1,210	18861	50098	#22 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 13,433 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
23	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	720	48.48	1,090 – 1,340	30305	35198	#23 2027 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 720 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
24	Minnesota State University Moorhead	3375	58.85	970 – 1,210	18221	45873	#24 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN Minnesota State University Moorhead, or MSUM, is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 59%. Student-athletes, called the Dragons, wear red, white, and gray as they represent the school in the NCAA Division II with football Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Undergraduates 3,375 Acceptance Rate 58.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,221 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,873
25	Bethany Lutheran College	889	64.06	1,020 – 1,220	21127	40652	#25 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MN Bethany Lutheran College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 73% first-year retention rate. 47% 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. Undergraduates 889 Acceptance Rate 64.1% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $21,127 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,652
26	University of Minnesota Rochester	747	75.52	1,120 – 1,310	14953	57984	#26 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Minnesota Rochester Rochester, MN Based in Rochester, the University of Minnesota Rochester accepts 76% 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 58% and around 57% of students will graduate in......Read more Undergraduates 747 Acceptance Rate 75.5% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $14,953 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,984
27	University of Minnesota-Crookston	2873	87.47	1,010 – 1,180	13490	51905	#27 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, MN Based in Crookston, the University of Minnesota-Crookston’s acceptance rate is 87%. They request $30 for undergraduate applications and . About 92% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,873 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,490 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,905
28	Augsburg University	2706	95	940 – 1,190	24561	48616	#28 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN Based in Minneapolis, Augsburg University’s acceptance rate is 95% 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 69% first year retention rate and around 41% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 2,706 Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $24,561 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,616
29	Bemidji State University	3751	55.98	970 – 1,180	14859	47469	#29 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,751 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
30	Southwest Minnesota State University	7290	64.09	890 – 1,140	15547	43282	#30 2027 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 92% 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 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,547 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,282
31	Crown College	1523	22.78	970 – 1,150	27332	39003	#31 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,523 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	741	93.75	--	16741	35295	#32 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 741 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	Saint Cloud State University	8209	94.8	940 – 1,220	14735	47215	#33 2027 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 78% of students at Saint Cloud State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,209 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
34	Concordia University-Saint Paul	3604	97.61	930 – 1,210	18028	50646	#34 2027 Best Colleges in Minnesota Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN Found in Saint Paul, Concordia University-Saint Paul accepted 98% 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 3,604 Acceptance Rate 97.6% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,646
35	Metropolitan State University	5904	98.84	890 – 1,080	16615	54828	#35 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,904 Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $16,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,828