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.

Sort by:

View as:

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 – 1,540	28047	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 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $28,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,989
2	Macalester College	2138	28.52	1,360 – 1,510	40225	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 Research and Experimental Psychology, Other....Read more Undergraduates 2,138 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	3124	48.32	1,310 – 1,450	26756	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 47 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 $26,756 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	17209	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 $17,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,984
5	University of St Thomas	6270	85.36	1,220 – 1,380	31250	62412	#5 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 6,270 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
6	Martin Luther College	770	87.17	1,080 – 1,310	18974	40760	#6 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 770 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
7	Gustavus Adolphus College	1905	60.99	1,180 – 1,370	26094	51546	#7 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 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 1,905 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
8	College of Saint Benedict	1391	91.52	1,050 – 1,280	28400	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 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	1413	90.62	1,070 – 1,280	28504	59843	#9 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 86% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 1,413 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	Bethel University	2755	87.8	1,120 – 1,310	31738	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 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 86% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 2,755 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
11	Concordia College at Moorhead	1864	62.65	1,080 – 1,240	25190	48225	#11 2026 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
12	University of Northwestern-St Paul	3163	93.47	1,030 – 1,310	29117	47544	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,163 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	Hamline University	1806	87.63	1,020 – 1,320	22390	47139	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,806 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
14	The College of Saint Scholastica	1810	92.96	1,010 – 1,210	26083	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 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
15	University of Minnesota Rochester	578	71	1,070 – 1,350	14953	62585	#15 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 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 Undergraduates 578 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
16	St Catherine University	2498	91.85	1,040 – 1,240	20918	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 100% of students attending St Catherine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,498 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
17	University of Minnesota Duluth	8426	88.75	1,150 – 1,320	20128	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 $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 Undergraduates 8,426 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
18	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	1932	92.78	1,080 – 1,310	22032	54549	#18 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 1,932 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
19	North Central University	759	98.98	970 – 1,180	26363	37688	#19 2026 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
20	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	720	48.48	1,090 – 1,340	30305	35198	#20 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 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
21	Winona State University	5317	75.49	1,010 – 1,220	18289	51288	#21 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 5,317 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
22	University of Minnesota-Morris	981	74.93	1,040 – 1,240	9677	43163	#22 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 94% 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 $9,677 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
23	Bethany Lutheran College	856	38.97	1,080 – 1,240	21127	40652	#23 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. 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. Undergraduates 856 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
24	University of Minnesota-Crookston	2612	87.86	1,010 – 1,180	13490	51905	#24 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 92% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,612 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
25	Augsburg University	2527	81.98	940 – 1,190	24561	48616	#25 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 48% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 2,527 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
26	Minnesota State University Moorhead	3375	58.76	970 – 1,210	18221	45873	#26 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,375 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
27	Minnesota State University, Mankato	13433	88.44	1,080 – 1,210	18861	50098	#27 2026 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
28	Crown College	1523	22.78	970 – 1,150	27332	39003	#28 2026 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
29	Bemidji State University	3751	55.98	970 – 1,180	14859	47469	#29 2026 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	Dunwoody College of Technology	1537	98.87	970 – 1,240	26192	59069	#30 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,537 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
31	Concordia University-Saint Paul	3424	78.87	1,110 – 1,310	18028	50646	#31 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 3,424 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
32	Southwest Minnesota State University	7735	62.18	890 – 1,140	15547	43282	#32 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,735 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
33	Saint Cloud State University	8738	94.8	940 – 1,220	14735	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 78% of students at Saint Cloud State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,738 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	Herzing University-Minneapolis	740	93.75	--	16741	35295	#34 2026 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 740 Acceptance Rate 93.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,741 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
35	Metropolitan State University	5904	98.71	890 – 1,080	16615	54828	#35 2026 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 98.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $16,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,828