# Best Colleges in Minnesota

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-minnesota

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Minnesota

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

When considering higher education options in Minnesota, prospective students and their families often look toward institutions that promise strong outcomes. With 50 colleges in the state, it's essential to examine what makes the top schools stand out, especially when it comes to factors like graduation rates, earnings, and debt levels. 

The best colleges in Minnesota exemplify high graduation rates and promising post-graduation earnings, while also considering the cost of attendance. For example, the average earnings across the top five schools reach over $55,000, with graduation rates averaging 55%. This information is crucial for anyone weighing their options. 

Take the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Carleton College, for instance. While both schools offer solid earnings potential with graduates making around $69,020 and $75,525 respectively, Carleton has a notably higher graduation rate at 90% compared to Twin Cities' 85%. This difference may reflect the unique support systems and campus culture each institution offers, shaping the college experience in distinct ways.

## Key Findings

- Carleton College has the highest average earnings at $75,525, outpacing the average of $55,211.
- The University of Minnesota-Rochester offers the lowest net price at $13,744, which may appeal to budget-conscious students.
- Graduation rates vary significantly, with Carleton College achieving 90% compared to the average of 55% across schools.
- Debt levels also differ, with the University of Minnesota-Morris having the lowest average debt at $18,995.

## 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 | [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 |
| 7 | [Hamline University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hamline-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 59% | $61,106 | $20,744 | $23,770 | 0.39x |
| 8 | [St Catherine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-catherine-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 63% | $59,282 | $19,764 | $24,181 | 0.41x |
| 9 | [Dunwoody College of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dunwoody-college-of-technology) | Minneapolis, MN | 65% | $61,511 | $26,939 | $16,000 | 0.26x |
| 10 | [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 |
| 11 | [Concordia College at Moorhead](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-college-at-moorhead) | Moorhead, MN | 66% | $59,317 | $24,902 | $26,847 | 0.45x |
| 12 | [Augsburg University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augsburg-university) | Minneapolis, MN | 52% | $58,829 | $23,873 | $25,347 | 0.43x |
| 13 | [University of Minnesota-Morris](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-morris) | Morris, MN | 62% | $50,919 | $8,837 | $18,995 | 0.37x |
| 14 | [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 |
| 15 | [Bethany Lutheran College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethany-lutheran-college) | Mankato, MN | 57% | $46,110 | $20,148 | $23,000 | 0.5x |
| 16 | [North Central University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-central-university) | Minneapolis, MN | 65% | $45,064 | $25,817 | $23,200 | 0.51x |
| 17 | [St Olaf College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-olaf-college) | Northfield, MN | 84% | $65,543 | $23,874 | $26,000 | 0.4x |
| 18 | [Crown College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/crown-college) | Saint Bonifacius, MN | 54% | $48,057 | $26,672 | $22,500 | 0.47x |
| 19 | [University of Minnesota-Duluth](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-duluth) | Duluth, MN | 65% | $62,616 | $18,743 | $22,024 | 0.35x |
| 20 | [University of Minnesota-Crookston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-crookston) | Crookston, MN | 50% | $58,056 | $12,212 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 21 | [Winona State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/winona-state-university) | Winona, MN | 59% | $58,532 | $17,503 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 22 | [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 |
| 23 | [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 |
| 24 | [Minnesota State University-Mankato](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-state-university-mankato) | Mankato, MN | 54% | $56,922 | $19,139 | $21,106 | 0.37x |
| 25 | [Minnesota State University Moorhead](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-state-university-moorhead) | Moorhead, MN | 56% | $50,527 | $17,997 | $20,000 | 0.4x |
| 26 | [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 |
| 27 | [Minnesota North College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-north-college) | Hibbing, MN | 42% | $45,570 | $10,432 | $12,000 | 0.26x |
| 28 | [Northwest Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-technical-college) | Bemidji, MN | 50% | $42,930 | $10,996 | $15,000 | 0.35x |
| 29 | [Bemidji State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bemidji-state-university) | Bemidji, MN | 51% | $53,755 | $15,261 | $19,750 | 0.37x |
| 30 | [Red Lake Nation College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/red-lake-nation-college) | Red Lake, MN | 47% | N/A | $5,672 | N/A | N/A |
| 31 | [Bethel University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethel-university-mn) | Saint Paul, MN | 73% | $63,764 | $28,556 | $21,500 | 0.34x |
| 32 | [Alexandria Technical & Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alexandria-technical-community-college) | Alexandria, MN | 60% | $49,393 | $13,691 | $12,000 | 0.24x |
| 33 | [Metropolitan State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/metropolitan-state-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 42% | $64,705 | $16,863 | $17,100 | 0.26x |
| 34 | [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 |
| 35 | [Century College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/century-college) | White Bear Lake, MN | 27% | $46,424 | $10,906 | $14,250 | 0.31x |
| 36 | [St Cloud Technical and Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-cloud-technical-and-community-college) | Saint Cloud, MN | 44% | $46,874 | $9,635 | $12,000 | 0.26x |
| 37 | [Dakota County Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dakota-county-technical-college) | Rosemount, MN | 52% | $51,938 | $13,548 | $11,000 | 0.21x |
| 38 | [Southwest Minnesota State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwest-minnesota-state-university) | Marshall, MN | 45% | $51,342 | $15,291 | $20,500 | 0.4x |
| 39 | [Ridgewater College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ridgewater-college) | Willmar, MN | 48% | $43,827 | $10,046 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 40 | [Riverland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/riverland-community-college) | Austin, MN | 53% | $45,247 | $7,427 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 41 | [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 |
| 42 | [Martin Luther College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/martin-luther-college) | New Ulm, MN | 71% | $47,491 | $18,463 | $20,177 | 0.42x |
| 43 | [Normandale Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/normandale-community-college) | Bloomington, MN | 23% | $50,207 | $12,972 | $12,000 | 0.24x |
| 44 | [South Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-central-college) | North Mankato, MN | 34% | $45,068 | $9,082 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 45 | [Inver Hills Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/inver-hills-community-college) | Inver Grove Heights, MN | 22% | $49,898 | $11,636 | $13,965 | 0.28x |
| 46 | [University of Minnesota-Rochester](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-rochester) | Rochester, MN | 57% | $69,020 | $13,744 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 47 | [Northland Community and Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northland-community-and-technical-college) | Thief River Falls, MN | 52% | $44,425 | $13,975 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 48 | [Minnesota State Community and Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minnesota-state-community-and-technical-college) | Fergus Falls, MN | 47% | $45,591 | $12,556 | $12,000 | 0.26x |
| 49 | [Anoka-Ramsey Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/anoka-ramsey-community-college) | Coon Rapids, MN | 27% | $48,342 | $16,434 | $13,500 | 0.28x |
| 50 | [Rochester Community and Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rochester-community-and-technical-college) | Rochester, MN | 27% | $45,287 | $14,435 | $14,743 | 0.33x |

## 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 Colleges in Minnesota." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-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/.