Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Minnesota

Metropolitan State University graduates with Liberal Arts degrees earn $54,713 annually, the highest among Minnesota's 20 programs in this field. This public institution in Saint Paul charges just $19,181 net, creating an unusual scenario where a state school delivers the strongest financial returns. The gap between Metropolitan State and other public options like Bemidji State ($33,993 earnings) reveals how location matters in liberal arts careers. Minnesota's job market rewards these flexible degree holders particularly well in the Twin Cities area, where major employers like Target and UnitedHealth Group value critical thinking and communication skills that liberal arts programs develop. Private colleges dominate the higher cost brackets, with University of St Thomas reaching $30,525 net price, yet Metropolitan State's combination of affordability and earning potential stands out. The 38.4% graduation rate at Metropolitan State reflects its focus on working adults and non-traditional students, many of whom already have career experience that complements their liberal arts education.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$35,952

Avg. Program Earnings

65.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$54,713	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
2	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$33,993	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
3	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$33,993	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
4	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$38,289	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
5	Martin Luther College New Ulm, Minnesota	$20,483	$18,771	$17,770	71.4%	83.7%
6	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464		$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
7	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875		$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
8	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760		$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
9	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563		$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
10	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949		$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
11	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324		$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
12	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752		$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
13	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018		$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
14	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485		$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
15	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065		$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
16	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816		$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
17	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110		$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
18	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439		$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
19	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874		$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
20	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139		$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
21	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680		$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
22	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609		$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
23	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980		$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
24	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385		$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
25	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895		$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
26	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566		$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
27	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651		$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
28	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320		$65,457	91.2%	16.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Metropolitan State University's Liberal Arts program such strong value?

Metropolitan State graduates earn $54,713 annually while paying just $19,181 net cost, delivering the highest return on investment among Minnesota's liberal arts programs. The university serves many working professionals who complete degrees part-time, leading to a 38.4% graduation rate that reflects this non-traditional student body. The Saint Paul location provides access to state government, nonprofit organizations, and corporate headquarters that actively recruit liberal arts graduates.

How do public and private liberal arts costs compare in Minnesota?

Public universities average around $16,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $20,483 at Martin Luther College to $30,525 at University of St Thomas. The 81.7% acceptance rate at Metropolitan State contrasts sharply with competitive private schools like St Olaf College at 56.4% acceptance. Private colleges generally show higher graduation rates, with St Olaf achieving 83.5% compared to public averages in the 40-60% range.

Does location within Minnesota affect liberal arts career prospects?

Twin Cities area schools like Metropolitan State and University of St Thomas connect students to Minnesota's largest employers, including Target, 3M, and major healthcare systems. Rural campuses like Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State offer lower costs but graduates typically earn around $34,000 annually. The Twin Cities metropolitan area accounts for roughly 60% of Minnesota's jobs, creating more opportunities for liberal arts graduates in communications, management, and public service roles.

What graduation rates can students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 38.4% at Metropolitan State to 83.5% at St Olaf College. Public universities typically see rates between 44-65%, while private colleges often exceed 70%. Martin Luther College achieves a 71.4% rate despite serving primarily students preparing for religious vocations, while large state schools like Saint Cloud State manage 46.9% graduation rates.

Is the Minnesota State Grant helpful for liberal arts students?

The Minnesota State Grant reduces costs significantly at public universities, helping explain why schools like Southwest Minnesota State show net costs of just $14,760. This need-based aid applies to both public and private institutions, though private college costs often remain higher even after aid. Students at Bemidji State and Winona State benefit from both state grants and lower base tuition, creating net costs under $18,200.

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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.