Best Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” actually has more than 11,000 bodies of water that are 10 acres or more. It’s also a place of extreme climates, experiencing hot summers and cold winters. With most of population residing in the Twin Cities (the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area), it’s not surprising that a number of colleges in Minnesota can be found clustered in this region. There are close to 200 higher education institutions in the State of Hockey, the majority being public or private not-for-profit. Hamline University is the oldest college in the state, while Carleton College is the most selective. Minnesota’s top industries include forestry, taconite mining, manufacturing, and agribusiness, primarily of sugar beets, sweet corn, green peas, and farm-raised turkeys. There’s also a notable high-technology sector, with many software companies calling this state home. The Mall of America, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and the Museum of Broadcasting are popular attractions.

How Were the Top Schools in Minnesota Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Universities in Minnesota with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

College placeholder image

Lake Superior College is a public, 2-year institution established in Duluth, Minnesota. LSC offers over 90 career technical and liberal arts degrees, with over 150 courses available to take through the college’s e-campus. Many of the college’s...

College placeholder image

As a public 2-year institution located in the heart of Minnesota’s largest city, Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Thanks to the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, students who...

“…

I consider to continue my education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College because it is affordable, great location, and good reputation. It offers what I want to pursue in. I will take generals there then transfer to University.

” – Tashi from Columbia Heights, MN
College placeholder image

Hibbing Community College is a 2-year institution in northern Minnesota. Hibbing is home to seven academic departments offering degree and certificate-granting programs. On top of courses available online, Hibbing also offers HCC Women EMPOWER, a...

College placeholder image

Itasca Community College is a 2-year institution in northern Minnesota. Itasca is home to 15 academic programs granting degrees and certificates. Situated in a rural and forested region of the state, Itasca offers several courses dedicated to the...

“…

The best place to start.

” – Morgan-lee from Bovey, MN
College placeholder image

Mesabi Range College is a 2-year community college in northern Minnesota. MRC hosts classes in over 50 degree and certificate-granting fields of study. Utilizing the college’s location in the upper midwest, MRC offers a Wind Energy Technology program...

College placeholder image

Formed by the merger of Fergus Falls Community College and Northwest Technical College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with four campuses. M State is home to over 70 degree and certificate-granting academic...

“…

Absolutely fantastic online student support system.
Lots of options for online degrees.
Very affordable.

” – Jennifer from Champlin, MN
Normandale Community College

The largest college in the state, Normandale Community College, was founded in 1968 and offers a variety of 2-year degrees and certificates. NCC offers the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), which is filled with a set of general education courses...

“…

Yes the teachers at Normandale are very helpful and friendly. Normandale is a good cheap alternative to traditional 4 year colleges. Some of my past teachers have been teachers at st. Thomas and the university of Minnesota as well.

” – Anthony from Richfield, MN
College placeholder image

Northland Community and Technical College is a technical and vocational school with three campuses and a satellite location in northern Minnesota. Northland is home to 12 academic divisions offering over 80 degree and certificate-granting programs...

College placeholder image

Northwest Technical College is a technical and vocational school in northern Minnesota. NTC is home to seven career paths offering degrees and certificates in technical fields of study. For students who wish to have a full college experience, NTC...

“…

Great school. Lots of innovative programs and scholarships! Small class sizes with knowledgeable faculty and staff. Campus is a good size, not too big or too small-- and is well kept, modern and clean.

” – Ashley from Moorhead, MN
College placeholder image

Established in 1941, Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private, medical education institution located on a scenic, 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minnesota. Northwestern offers over 10 academic programs in a variety of Health Science...

College placeholder image

Ridgewater College is a 2-year community and technical college in central Minnesota. Ridgewater ranks as the best community college in Minnesota for Career Preparedness according to the ACT and offers over 100 degrees and certificates. Students who...

“…

The kindness of the staff has simply blown my mind. Online information runs quick and you get quick answers back. Every one has been very helpful.

” – Theresa from Willmar, MN
College placeholder image

Rochester Community and Technical College is a public, 2-year institution established in Minnesota. RCTC offers associate’s degree, certificate, and diploma programs in over 90 fields of study, some of which can be completed fully online. The college...

“…

With how much I have been to this campus, I have learn so much and there are lots of great people there to help you along the way! The student to teacher ratio is low which is great because you get more time with your professors. It is defitanly a...

” – lauren from Rochester, MN
College placeholder image

Saint Paul College is a community and technical college with an open admissions policy. Qualifying students who have graduated from Minneapolis or St. Paul public schools may attend the college tuition-free through the Power of YOU program. Saint...

College placeholder image

With campus a short distance from the Minnesota River, South Central College is a 2-year community college and part of the Minnesota State system. SCC is home to 10 academic departments featuring over 40 degree and certificate programs. To prepare...

“…

The school was awesome.Always helpful!They understood me so well and me me feel like I was at home!

College placeholder image

With campus on the shores of Little Wolf Lake, Leech Lake Tribal College is a 2-year tribal community college in northern Minnesota. LLTC offers degrees and certificates in 11 academic programs with a foundation in Anishinaabe values. As a Native...

College placeholder image

Established in 1967, Rainy River Community College is a public, 2-year institution located on a wooded, 80-acre campus in International Falls, Minnesota. RRCC offers six certificate programs and nine associate’s degree programs, as well as a...

College placeholder image

Pine Technical and Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Pine City, Minnesota. PTCC offers nearly 30 academic programs throughout 11 fields of study, awarding certificates, diplomas, and degrees up to an associate’s level...

“…

i like it here! i love the people and the smaller homey feel that the college has. i feel comfortable here and i do well here.

” – Chrystyana from Roseville, MN
College placeholder image

Adler Graduate School is a graduate institution of counseling and psychotherapy in the Twin Cities metro area. Adler offers a master’s degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy program with six psychological concentrations. In order to enhance...

College placeholder image

Affiliated with America’s largest nonprofit substance abuse treatment provider, the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies is a graduate school that provides training for addiction counselors. Hazelden Betty Ford offers an on-campus...

College placeholder image