Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris delivers the most affordable English program in the state at just $9,110 net price, though graduates earn $25,194 annually. This creates an interesting contrast with private options like Hamline University, where students pay $21,385 but earn $35,952 after graduation. Minnesota's strong publishing sector, including companies like Red Wing Shoe Company and 3M's technical writing divisions, provides solid career foundations for English graduates. The state's 20 programs span from $9,110 to $29,980 in net costs, with earnings ranging from $15,817 to $35,952. Public universities dominate the lower cost bracket, with most charging under $19,000 net price. Private colleges like St. Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus command higher tuition but often provide stronger alumni networks. The Minnesota State Grant system helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students. Graduate debt varies significantly, from $13,500 at Metropolitan State to $27,000 at several private institutions.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$27,977

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

29 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$25,194	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$30,719	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
3	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$33,565	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
4	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$25,194	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
5	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$35,952	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
6	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$27,439	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
7	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$28,960	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
8	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$28,598	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
9	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$28,753	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
10	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$26,585	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
11	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$31,314	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
12	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$33,993	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
13	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$29,685	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
14	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$31,127	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
15	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$23,166	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
16	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$25,194	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
17	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$22,329	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
18	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$15,817	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
19	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875		$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
20	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760		$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
21	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525		$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
22	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949		$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
23	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324		$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
24	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018		$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
25	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680		$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
26	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574		$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
27	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439		$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
28	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874		$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
29	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566		$25,000	58.8%	69.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $26,775 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like University of Minnesota-Morris charge $9,110 net price compared to private colleges such as College of Saint Benedict at $28,065. State funding allows public institutions to offer lower tuition rates. Private colleges typically provide more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. The earnings potential often justifies higher costs, with private school graduates earning $31,000-$36,000 annually.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Minnesota English programs?

Higher-cost private colleges show stronger completion rates, with St. Olaf at 83.5% and College of Saint Benedict at 83.0%. Public universities range widely, from Metropolitan State's 38.4% to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' 84.8%. The $22,752 net price at St. Olaf produces both high graduation rates and relatively modest debt loads. Mid-range public options like Winona State achieve 60.9% graduation rates at $18,148 net cost.

Is the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the additional cost over regional campuses?

Twin Cities charges $17,139 net price versus Morris at $9,110, but graduates earn $30,719 compared to $25,194. The $8,029 cost difference translates to $5,525 higher annual earnings. Twin Cities also boasts an 84.8% graduation rate and $18,746 median debt. The Minneapolis location provides internship opportunities with major employers like Target and UnitedHealth.

Does attending a private college justify the higher debt for English majors?

Private colleges show mixed results with debt ranging from $25,715 to $27,000 compared to public averages of $13,500-$23,964. Hamline graduates earn $35,952 annually despite $26,439 debt loads. St. Olaf produces lower earnings at $23,166 with $25,715 debt. Gustavus Adolphus offers the highest earnings at $33,993 but requires $27,000 in loans.

Where do English graduates find employment opportunities in Minnesota?

Minnesota's corporate headquarters including Target, 3M, and UnitedHealth Group hire English majors for communications and content roles. The state's publishing industry and nonprofit sector provide additional career paths. Technical writing positions flourish with medical device companies like Medtronic and Boston Scientific. Entry-level salaries range from $25,000-$36,000 depending on the employer and location.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.