Best colleges in Minnesota

College is a critical stepping stone between high school and adulthood. It's a place where you master crucial knowledge and skills needed for working in the real world. College also offers countless opportunities to explore and find new interests, talents, and lifelong friendships.

Many careers require a college degree, and that will continue to be the case in the future. A study from Georgetown University estimates that in 2031, over half of all jobs will require an associate's degree or higher. Furthermore, 6 in 10 Americans believe a college education is vital to getting a good-paying job upon graduation.

Selecting a school can be difficult, and many choose a highly rated college for the doors that it will open upon graduation. What constitutes a "best" school can be highly personal. Some only want an Ivy League school. Others prefer a large state school with good academic and sports programs. A small, out-of-state private college may be the best fit.

Stacker compiled a list of the best four-year colleges in Minnesota using 2026 rankings from Niche. Tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, and graduation rate are considered in deciding these rankings. Location is also often a key factor in a school's appeal, whether it be a beachside location, one full of New England foliage, or proximity to tech hubs and companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Online and unspecified location schools were excluded from the rankings.

While great schools have a reputation for being difficult to get into, overall college acceptance rates are higher than in 2012, as the number of college students has shrunk. The average acceptance rate is close to 73%. Of course, some schools still are highly selective, but getting into a good school is once again a highly achievable proposition.