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Explore Minnesota College and Career Schools

From urban to rural, big to small, public to private, Minnesota's postsecondary schools offer you a variety of choices after high school:
Whether you want to complete a program leading to a specific career in less than one year or want to complete a four-year bachelor's degree there are many different options for you to choose.
 

Public Two-Year Colleges

Minnesota's public two-year colleges (technical/community colleges) accept all students with a high school diploma or GED. Some programs are more selective with waiting lists and high preparation standards so students are strongly encouraged to prepare for college-level work by taking recommended classes in high school.
Public two-year colleges offer a variety of educational options. You can earn a credential focusing on a specific occupation. Or you can take up to the first two-years of courses to complete a bachelor's degree upon transfer to another four-year college.
Some colleges offer opportunities to participate in athletics, clubs and activities in theater, music or the arts.
 

What You Can Earn

  • Certificate (1 year or less)
  • Diploma (2 years or less)
  • Associate in Applied Science
  • Associate in Arts

Tribal Colleges (those not affiliated with the state college system)

 

Public Four-Year Universities

Minnesota's four-year state universities and the University of Minnesota offer a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Most offer a wide range of athletics and intramural sports as well as programs in theater, music and the arts. Undergraduate on-campus housing is also available on most campuses.
 

State Universities

Minnesota's seven state universities offer programs leading to a bachelor's or master's degree. Programs are offered in liberal arts, sciences and professional fields. To apply, students should be in the top half of their high school class and must have taken four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, three years of social studies, two years of a single world language, and one year in either world culture or the arts. Students are encouraged to take one additional year of math and science.

What You Can Earn

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree

Learn More

 

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a state land-grant university and the state's primary research university. The five university campuses offer hundreds of undergraduate programs along with a wide range of graduate and professional degree programs. Campuses are located in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Duluth, Morris, Crookston and Rochester. Degree offerings and admissions requirements vary by campus. All students are strongly encouraged to take a minimum of four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, three years of social studies (including one year each of U.S. history and geography), two years of a single world language and one year in the visual or performing arts.

What You Can Earn

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree
  • Professional degree
 

Learn More

University of Minnesota

Private Two-Year Colleges

Private for-profit career colleges offer programs focusing on specific careers. Some colleges focus on one specific career, such as cosmetology schools, while others offer several career programs. Programs generally range from a few months to two years; although some offer other career-specific degrees. Program offerings and admissions requirements vary by campus. Students can prepare for college-level coursework by taking the recommended classes in high school.

What You Can Earn

  • Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Associate degrees (some schools)
  • Bachelor's degrees (some schools)

Learn More

 

Private Four-Year Colleges & Universities

Most of Minnesota's four-year private colleges are liberal arts colleges, emphasizing broad knowledge in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities. Many are affiliated with a religious denomination. Some colleges only focus on students wishing to receive a bachelor's degree. Others only offer graduate training or a combination of both. Degree offerings and admissions requirements vary by campus. Students can prepare for college-level coursework by taking the recommended courses in high school.

What You Can Earn

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree (some colleges)
  • Doctorate degree (some colleges)
 

Learn More

Top Publications

  1. 1

    Choosing a College

  2. 2

    Financial Aid Basics

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