Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
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Considering pursuing higher education in Minnesota? You're in luck — from prestigious universities to a continuously evolving job market, Minnesota has something to offer for everyone.
Beyond academics, the state offers a vibrant cultural scene and a rich tapestry of arts and entertainment in the Twin Cities. It also boasts over 12,000 lakes, numerous outdoor activities, and a friendly community known for being "Minnesota Nice."
While physical campuses offer numerous opportunities, online colleges in Minnesota provide flexibility and quality education, making it easier for you to work or balance other responsibilities while studying.
Read on to learn about the best online colleges in Minnesota and the cost of education and job outlook in the state.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $558-$1,593
Out-of-State | $1,324-$2,465
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Enrolling in an online program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities gives you access to the same quality and academic rigor as an on-campus option.
You can choose from online undergraduate degrees in construction management and health services management. These programs require applicants to have at least 30 college credits to qualify.
Online graduate options include master's degrees in areas like public health practice, scientific and technical communication, and sexual health, as well as online doctorates in nursing practice and occupational therapy. The school also offers many online certificate programs.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Northwestern-St. Paul
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $455
Out-of-State | $455
Credits to Graduate: 60-125
The University of Northwestern - St. Paul is a Christian institution that oversees an adult undergraduate program that targets distance learners. Students can earn an AAS or BS online by taking one class at a time, with many participants completing 6-8 credits per semester.
Students can pursue online associate degrees in computer science, general studies, or psychology, typically graduating in about 28-32 months. At the bachelor's level, online degree options include healthcare management and ministry. UNW also holds an articulation agreement with Southeast Technical College, offering an online BSBA degree-completion program.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465-$1,280
Out-of-State | $465-$1,280
Credits to Graduate: 128 (bachelor's)
If you want an education based on a Catholic foundation that promotes inclusivity, consider the College of St. Scholastica. This private school communicates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which could be ideal for students seeking a welcoming academic community.
You can pursue a variety of online degrees at St. Scholastica, including a BS in computer information systems, a BA in business management, and a master's in healthcare management. The school also offers a handful of hybrid degree options, degree-completion programs, and many online certificates.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450-$857
Out-of-State | $450-$857
Credits to Graduate: 60-122
Bethel University ranks as one of the top schools in the country for nontraditional students. Its adult undergraduate program welcomes all students but is designed for working individuals who need flexible course schedules and an accelerated path to graduation.
As an online student at Bethel University, you'll receive an education that focuses on Christian values and the application of real-world skills. Online options include an AA, an AS, a BS in business administration, and BA degrees in psychology, social work, and special education. Additionally, the school's bachelor of science in nursing program features a hybrid curriculum.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500-$1,200
Out-of-State | $500-$1,200
Credits to Graduate: 60-120 (undergraduate)
Although campus-based coursework at St. Catherine University is reserved for women, St. Kate's College for Adults is open to students and working professionals of all genders who want an online education.
Once enrolled, you can earn your degree entirely online. Undergraduate options include associate degrees in early childhood education and liberal studies and bachelor's degrees in business management, healthcare management, and marketing and digital strategy. The school also offers many online graduate options, including library science and nursing.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $430-$1,450
Out-of-State | $430-$1,450
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
St. Mary's University of Minnesota is a Catholic school that offers a variety of degree-completion programs for online learners. Students who have completed prerequisites can earn their bachelor's degree in:
- Accounting
- Applied psychology
- Business administration
- Criminal justice leadership
- Healthcare management
- Human resource management
- Information technology
The school also offers almost 20 online graduate degrees at the master's or doctoral level. Distance learners receive ample support, and roughly one-third of all students at Saint Mary's take at least one course online.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $354-$717
Out-of-State | $354-$717
Credits to Graduate: 120-128 (bachelor's)
Located in the northwest part of the state, Minnesota State University Moorhead offers online learning for busy students. The school's online programs are primarily geared toward distance learners seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees.
You can complete your BS in one of 13 majors, including construction technology, digital media management, health services administration, and special education. Additionally, if you're a traditional or first-year student, you can apply many online courses toward your on-campus degree.
Many of MSUM's graduate programs are also available through online or hybrid delivery, focusing on subjects like education, counseling, and business.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $530-$665
Out-of-State | $530-$665
Credits to Graduate: 125 (bachelor's)
Marketing itself as "a boldly Christian institution," Crown College offers students a variety of online degree options. The college provides scholarship aid to 100% of enrolled students, and the rates for online tuition are significantly less expensive than on-campus tuition rates.
Crown College's online undergraduate programs include:
- Business
- General or liberal studies
- Global and cultural studies
- Psychology and counseling
- Theology and ministry
You can also pursue an online MBA or a master of arts in organizational leadership, global leadership, or sports coaching and administration. Although all of Crown's online programs are fully remote, you'll still have opportunities for class participation and collaborative learning in virtual environments.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Minnesota
In Minnesota, tuition costs can vary significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private school and if you're an in-state or out-of-state student.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for in-state students at public four-year universities in Minnesota was $12,345 in 2021-22. While the average for out-of-state students was $25,238.
For private colleges, the average tuition cost jumped to $34,771. When you compare these numbers to the national average, you'll find that Minnesota falls in line with the national average for the most part.
Remember, when you're budgeting for your education, you'll also need to consider expenses like books, housing, meals, transportation, and general cost of living.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $12,345 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $25,238 |
| Private Four-Year | $34,771 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $5,795 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $6,312 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota's job market is diverse and expanding, with opportunities in the healthcare, tech, aerospace, finance, and counseling fields.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the fastest-growing careers in Minnesota are curators, medical and health services managers, information security analysts, and logisticians —all with a projected growth rate of 29% or higher in the next 10 years.
Each of these professions requires at least a bachelor's degree. By enrolling in an online program in Minnesota, you can equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to enter these fast-growing fields.
| Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Curators | 35% | $58,921 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 29% | $104,596 |
| Information Security Analysts | 29% | $113,979 |
| Logisticians | 29% | $77,794 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 24% | $89,212 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 23% | $51,434 |
| Preschool Teachers | 19% | $37,674 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 19% | $78,855 |
| Financial Examiners | 18% | $87,493 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 16% | $134,031 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Minnesota
What is the #1 college in Minnesota?
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is widely recognized to be one of the top colleges in Minnesota. It is recognized for its strong academic programs, robust research opportunities, and commitment to community engagement.
The U of M offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs, including dozens of online options.
How many online colleges are in Minnesota?
NCES reports that at least 30 universities in Minnesota offer online degree programs. Additionally, each of the 26 state colleges in Minnesota offers online courses.
According to the Distance Education State Almanac, nearly 43% of Minnesota's college students take at least one online course, indicating a high level of online education engagement in the state.
What is the cheapest online college in Minnesota?
One of the most affordable online colleges in Minnesota is Metropolitan State University, with a tuition cost of $9,780 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Other cheap online colleges in Minnesota include Minnesota State University Moorhead, Saint Cloud State University, and Southwest Minnesota State University — all with tuition rates of around $10,000.
Who qualifies for free college in Minnesota?
You can qualify for free college in Minnesota through the North Star Promise Scholarship program, which offers a pathway to free tuition and fees for eligible students. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be Minnesota resident
- Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000
- Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution
- Have never defaulted on a student loan
- Are taking at least one credit
- Have met Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
- Have not already earned a bachelor's degree.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Minnesota?
Each of the 26 state colleges in the Minnesota State system has an open admissions policy. You'll only need a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
Other universities in Minnesota with high acceptance rates include the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Northwestern at St. Paul.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 27, 2024.
