# Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 34 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-minnesota

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Minnesota ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a bachelor's program is a significant decision, especially in Minnesota, where a diverse range of schools offers various opportunities. These institutions are united by their commitment to student outcomes and mobility, making them strong contenders for anyone considering their future education. The average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $58,444, highlighting the potential return on investment for students.

The schools listed here are distinguished by their completion rates, average earnings, net price, and student debt levels. As you explore the rankings below, consider how each institution's performance aligns with your priorities. For example, while some programs may boast higher graduation rates, they might also come with higher debt or net costs.

Take the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Carleton College, for instance. Both schools have impressive earnings, with graduates from Carleton earning an average of $75,525 compared to $69,020 at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. However, the net price at Carleton is significantly higher at $25,407, which might steer students toward the larger university if financial considerations are primary. Understanding these trade-offs is essential as you weigh your options.

## Key Findings

- Carleton College graduates earn an average of $75,525, the highest among the top programs.
- The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a graduation rate of 85%, offering strong completion support.
- University of Minnesota-Morris has the lowest net price at $8,837, making it an affordable option.
- Overall, the average graduation rate across these programs is 64%, suggesting diverse support levels.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Carleton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carleton-college) | Northfield, MN | 90% | $75,525 | $25,407 | $16,750 | 0.22x |
| 2 | [Saint Johns University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-johns-university) | Collegeville, MN | 76% | $76,786 | $25,672 | $27,000 | 0.35x |
| 3 | [Macalester College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/macalester-college) | Saint Paul, MN | 89% | $63,878 | $32,149 | $23,000 | 0.36x |
| 4 | [Gustavus Adolphus College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gustavus-adolphus-college) | Saint Peter, MN | 76% | $65,607 | $22,900 | $26,774 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [College of Saint Benedict](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-saint-benedict) | Saint Joseph, MN | 80% | $63,260 | $26,640 | $26,944 | 0.43x |
| 6 | [University of Minnesota-Twin Cities](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities) | Minneapolis, MN | 85% | $69,020 | $16,778 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 7 | [University of Minnesota-Morris](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-morris) | Morris, MN | 62% | $50,919 | $8,837 | $18,995 | 0.37x |
| 8 | [The College of Saint Scholastica](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-saint-scholastica) | Duluth, MN | 66% | $65,934 | $27,846 | $20,000 | 0.3x |
| 9 | [Hamline University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hamline-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 59% | $61,106 | $20,744 | $23,770 | 0.39x |
| 10 | [St Catherine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-catherine-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 63% | $59,282 | $19,764 | $24,181 | 0.41x |
| 11 | [Saint Mary's University of Minnesota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-marys-university-of-minnesota) | Winona, MN | 67% | $58,170 | $11,704 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 12 | [Concordia College at Moorhead](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-college-at-moorhead) | Moorhead, MN | 66% | $59,317 | $24,902 | $26,847 | 0.45x |
| 13 | [St Olaf College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-olaf-college) | Northfield, MN | 84% | $65,543 | $23,874 | $26,000 | 0.4x |
| 14 | [Augsburg University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augsburg-university) | Minneapolis, MN | 52% | $58,829 | $23,873 | $25,347 | 0.43x |
| 15 | [University of Minnesota-Crookston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-crookston) | Crookston, MN | 50% | $58,056 | $12,212 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 16 | [University of Minnesota-Duluth](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-duluth) | Duluth, MN | 65% | $62,616 | $18,743 | $22,024 | 0.35x |
| 17 | [Bethany Lutheran College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethany-lutheran-college) | Mankato, MN | 57% | $46,110 | $20,148 | $23,000 | 0.5x |
| 18 | [Winona State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/winona-state-university) | Winona, MN | 59% | $58,532 | $17,503 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 19 | [Saint Cloud State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-cloud-state-university) | Saint Cloud, MN | 44% | $55,813 | $13,529 | $21,058 | 0.38x |
| 20 | [Minnesota State University-Mankato](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-state-university-mankato) | Mankato, MN | 54% | $56,922 | $19,139 | $21,106 | 0.37x |
| 21 | [Minnesota State University Moorhead](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-state-university-moorhead) | Moorhead, MN | 56% | $50,527 | $17,997 | $20,000 | 0.4x |
| 22 | [Bemidji State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bemidji-state-university) | Bemidji, MN | 51% | $53,755 | $15,261 | $19,750 | 0.37x |
| 23 | [North Central University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-central-university) | Minneapolis, MN | 65% | $45,064 | $25,817 | $23,200 | 0.51x |
| 24 | [University of Minnesota-Rochester](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-rochester) | Rochester, MN | 57% | $69,020 | $13,744 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 25 | [University of St Thomas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-st-thomas) | Saint Paul, MN | 76% | $73,739 | $29,155 | $23,250 | 0.32x |
| 26 | [Metropolitan State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/metropolitan-state-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 42% | $64,705 | $16,863 | $17,100 | 0.26x |
| 27 | [Southwest Minnesota State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwest-minnesota-state-university) | Marshall, MN | 45% | $51,342 | $15,291 | $20,500 | 0.4x |
| 28 | [Crown College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/crown-college) | Saint Bonifacius, MN | 54% | $48,057 | $26,672 | $22,500 | 0.47x |
| 29 | [Martin Luther College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/martin-luther-college) | New Ulm, MN | 71% | $47,491 | $18,463 | $20,177 | 0.42x |
| 30 | [Bethel University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethel-university-mn) | Saint Paul, MN | 73% | $63,764 | $28,556 | $21,500 | 0.34x |
| 31 | [University of Northwestern-St Paul](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northwestern-st-paul) | Saint Paul, MN | 68% | $50,755 | $27,705 | $21,325 | 0.42x |
| 32 | [Concordia University-Saint Paul](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-university-saint-paul) | Saint Paul, MN | 52% | $59,871 | $18,462 | $17,832 | 0.3x |
| 33 | [Minneapolis College of Art and Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minneapolis-college-of-art-and-design) | Minneapolis, MN | 59% | $40,873 | $29,926 | $27,000 | 0.66x |
| 34 | [Herzing University-Minneapolis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-minneapolis) | St. Louis Park, MN | 61% | $36,909 | $16,670 | $21,500 | 0.58x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-minnesota

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.