Rankings / By State
Best Business Colleges in Minnesota
- 42
- Schools
- $54,999
- Avg. Earnings
- 54%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,076
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,779
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 42 schools run from $42,162 to $76,786, a 1.8× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
University of Minnesota-Morris delivers the most for the money: roughly $50,919 in median earnings against $8,837 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
-
The most affordable option, University of Minnesota-Morris ($8,837 net price), still posts $50,919 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates 85% of its students, versus a 54% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
-
Dakota County Technical College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- University of Minnesota-Morris costs $8,837 a year and University of St Thomas costs $29,155. Yet their graduates earn $50,919 and $73,739, nowhere near the $20,318 price gap.
- On value, University of Minnesota-Morris beats Saint Johns University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities finishes 85% of students while North Hennepin Community College finishes 19%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Minnesota-Morris and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $54K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Saint Johns University #1 overall | $76,786 ▲ +40% vs avg | $25,672 | 76% | 87 |
| 2 Concordia College at Moorhead #2 overall | $59,317 ▲ +8% vs avg | $24,902 | 66% | 79 |
| 3 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota #3 overall | $58,170 ▲ +6% vs avg | $11,704 | 67% | 79 |
| $58,829 ▲ +7% vs avg | $23,873 | 52% | 78 | |
| $61,106 ▲ +11% vs avg | $20,744 | 59% | 77 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Business Colleges in Minnesota
This analysis ranks 42 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,999 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 54% and an average net price of $18,076.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Minnesota-Morris — Net Price: $8,837 | Graduation Rate: 62%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — 85% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Saint Johns University — Median alumni earnings: $76,786
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$52,847
Median earnings (10yr)
54%
Median graduation rate
$16,821
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Business and MBA programs sell acceleration: faster paths into management, bigger networks, and a salary step-change. The return is famously dispersed, though. A handful of programs deliver enormous ROI through placement and alumni networks, while many barely clear the cost of attendance. Management education is less a single product than a wide spectrum of outcomes.
Across the 42 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $52,847 ten years after they first enrolled, about $4,847 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 54%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $16,821 a year, with about $20,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 26% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: value concentrates where networks and employer pipelines are strongest, and ROI varies more here than in almost any other field. Median earnings reach $52,847 ten years after enrollment, with Saint Johns University at the top of the list. The spread between the best programs and the median is the real story of an MBA.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Saint Johns University lands at #1 with a 87/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $76,786 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Concordia College at Moorhead lands at #2 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $59,317 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #3 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Augsburg University lands at #4 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $58,829 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Hamline University lands at #5 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $61,106 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,744 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Gustavus Adolphus College lands at #6 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $65,607 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,900 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
College of Saint Benedict lands at #7 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $63,260 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,640 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
The College of Saint Scholastica lands at #8 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $65,934 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #9 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Dunwoody College of Technology lands at #10 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $61,511 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,939 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
North Central University lands at #11 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $45,064 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,817 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Bethany Lutheran College lands at #12 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $46,110 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,148 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of St Thomas lands at #13 with a 73/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $73,739 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,155 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
St Catherine University lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,282 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,764 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Minnesota State University-Mankato lands at #15 with a 70/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $56,922 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,139 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Metropolitan State University lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $64,705 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,863 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Minneapolis, MN · 80% accepted · $16,778 net
Why it ranks #17
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Minnesota-Morris lands at #18 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $50,919 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,837 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Minnesota-Duluth lands at #19 with a 69/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $62,616 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,743 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Bemidji State University lands at #20 with a 69/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $53,755 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Saint Cloud State University lands at #21 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $55,813 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,529 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Minnesota State University Moorhead lands at #22 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $50,527 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,997 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Crown College lands at #23 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Bethel University lands at #24 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $63,764 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,556 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Winona State University lands at #25 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,532 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,503 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
North Hennepin Community College lands at #26 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,142 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,186 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Dakota County Technical College lands at #27 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,938 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,548 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Normandale Community College lands at #28 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $50,207 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,972 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Southwest Minnesota State University lands at #29 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,342 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,291 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
University of Northwestern-St Paul lands at #30 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,755 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,705 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Concordia University-Saint Paul lands at #31 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,871 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,462 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Alexandria Technical & Community College lands at #32 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,393 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,691 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Minnesota State Community and Technical College lands at #33 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $45,591 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,556 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
South Central College lands at #34 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,068 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,082 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Anoka-Ramsey Community College lands at #35 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,342 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,434 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
St Cloud Technical and Community College lands at #36 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,874 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,635 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Ridgewater College lands at #37 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $43,827 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,046 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Northland Community and Technical College lands at #38 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $44,425 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,975 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Inver Hills Community College lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $49,898 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,636 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Rochester Community and Technical College lands at #40 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,287 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,435 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Central Lakes College-Brainerd lands at #41 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $42,162 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,869 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Lake Superior College lands at #42 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,449 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,492 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 42 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →When it comes to choosing a business college in Minnesota, prospective students have 46 institutions to consider, each with its own unique offerings and outcomes. The decision weighs heavily on factors like salary potential after graduation and the overall value of the education received. With an average earnings figure of $53,893 among these schools, it’s clear that many students are looking for programs that will help them succeed financially.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are their graduation rates, debt levels, and overall earnings. For instance, while the average graduation rate is 53%, some schools like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities boast an impressive 85% rate. This level of success can correlate with higher earnings, which is evident in the differences between institutions. The list below provides a clear view of how these schools stack up, allowing students to weigh their options based on meaningful data.
For example, the University of Minnesota-Crookston has an average earning potential of $58,056 but a lower graduation rate of 50%. In contrast, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers higher earnings at $69,020 with a much better graduation rate of 85%. These contrasting figures highlight the importance of not just financial outcomes, but also the educational experience that leads to those outcomes. This is why it’s crucial to dive deeper into what each program offers beyond the numbers.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 13 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Saint Johns University leads the group at 2.7%, with The College of Saint Scholastica (2.2%) and St Catherine University (2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4.8% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Crown College leads at 7.5%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 27% across this list. The College of Saint Scholastica posts the highest success rate at 48.1%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.71 against a national benchmark of 1.0. North Central University reaches 1.78, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When examining the data, a striking pattern emerges between Saint John’s University and Metropolitan State University. While both schools provide solid business programs, Saint John’s boasts a 76% graduation rate compared to Metropolitan State’s 42%. This difference in completion rates can impact not only the earning potential after graduation but also the overall student experience and support provided.
Now that you've reviewed the list, consider how these outcomes align with your personal goals. Are you prioritizing lower student debt, or is a higher earning potential more important? Think about your desired location and the specific areas of business you want to study. Figuring out what matters most to you can help narrow down your choices and lead to a more fulfilling college experience.
Ultimately, the data underscores a larger truth about the journey from college to stable employment. Choosing the right business college can significantly impact career trajectories. Families face a pivotal decision that can shape financial futures. By using this data thoughtfully, we can make informed choices that align with our aspirations for stability and success.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Business Colleges in Minnesota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Business Colleges in Minnesota ranking? +
Saint Johns University in Collegeville, MN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Business Colleges in Minnesota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $76,786 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 76% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Saint Johns University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $76,786 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,999 average across the 42 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Minnesota-Morris leads: graduates earn a median $50,919 against net price of about $8,837 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 85%, compared with a 54% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,076 a year across the 42 ranked schools with cost data. University of Minnesota-Morris is among the most affordable at roughly $8,837. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Business Colleges in Minnesota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 42 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
