Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
Discover the best online colleges in Minnesota, how much tuition costs, and fast-growing jobs. Start your college journey in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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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.
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
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.
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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$14,496
$34,410
77%
37%
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.
$18,468
$28,578
91%
54,890
Public
Yes
$14,496
$34,410
Minneapolis, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$14,496
$34,410
77%
37%
$18,468
$28,578
91%
54,890
Public
Yes
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.
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$38,750
$38,750
97%
40%
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.
$13,551
$13,551
79%
3,207
Private
Yes
$38,750
$38,750
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$38,750
$38,750
97%
40%
$13,551
$13,551
79%
3,207
Private
Yes
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.
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$36,600
$36,600
94%
61%
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.
$17,550
$17,550
78%
3,539
Private
Yes
$36,600
$36,600
Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$36,600
$36,600
94%
61%
$17,550
$17,550
78%
3,539
Private
Yes
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.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
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.
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
$40,520
$40,520
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
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.
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$8,539
$17,078
57%
73%
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.
$10,292
$10,292
72%
4,681
Public
Yes
$8,539
$17,078
Moorhead, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$8,539
$17,078
57%
73%
$10,292
$10,292
72%
4,681
Public
Yes
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.
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
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.
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.
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