16 Area Studies Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Minnesota-Morris
Morris, Minnesota
|
$9,110 | $14,288 | 61.9% | 77.7% |
| 2 |
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
|
$14,485 | $10,117 | 46.9% | 95.3% |
| 3 |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$17,139 | $16,488 | 84.8% | 74.9% |
| 4 |
Bethany Lutheran College
Mankato, Minnesota
|
$17,680 | $30,010 | 59.6% | 58.5% |
| 5 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
|
$17,816 | $10,336 | 54.6% | 56.6% |
| 6 |
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota
|
$18,464 | $14,318 | 64.5% | 80.7% |
| 7 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
|
$18,609 | $9,490 | 54.1% | 70.7% |
| 8 |
Hamline University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$21,385 | $48,311 | 57.7% | 80.6% |
| 9 |
St Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota
|
$22,752 | $56,970 | 83.5% | 56.4% |
| 10 |
Augsburg University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$23,875 | $43,942 | 52.4% | 76.5% |
| 11 |
Concordia College at Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
|
$25,651 | $30,020 | 71.8% | 65.5% |
| 12 |
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota
|
$26,895 | $54,310 | 75.9% | 73.9% |
| 13 |
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, Minnesota
|
$27,018 | $53,942 | 75.7% | 86.2% |
| 14 |
Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota
|
$27,320 | $65,457 | 91.2% | 16.6% |
| 15 |
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, Minnesota
|
$28,065 | $53,884 | 83.0% | 87.8% |
| 16 |
Macalester College
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$29,980 | $64,908 | 90.4% | 28.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes University of Minnesota-Morris the cheapest option for Area Studies?
Morris charges just $9,110 net cost, significantly lower than other public universities in the system. The campus offers strong financial aid with in-state tuition at $14,288 before assistance. With a 77.66% acceptance rate and 61.90% graduation rate, Morris provides accessible education without compromising quality. The rural location helps keep costs low while maintaining University of Minnesota academic standards.
How do public university costs compare to private colleges for Area Studies?
Public universities average around $16,000 net cost, while private colleges range from $17,680 to $28,065. Saint Cloud State offers the most affordable in-state tuition at $10,117, compared to private schools like St Olaf at $56,970 before aid. However, private colleges often provide substantial financial aid packages, with some bringing net costs closer to public levels. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities combines public affordability with high graduation rates at 84.80%.
Is the earnings potential worth the investment for Area Studies graduates?
Area Studies graduates earn between $24,035 and $29,141, with debt levels typically around $21,000 at schools like St Olaf. The field connects to Minnesota's global companies including Target's international expansion and Mayo Clinic's worldwide operations. Graduates often work in international business, government, or nonprofit sectors. The relatively modest debt burden compared to earnings makes most programs financially viable.
Where do graduation rates differ most significantly among Minnesota Area Studies programs?
Graduation rates span from 46.90% at Saint Cloud State to 91.20% at Carleton College, showing a 44-point difference. Carleton's strong rate corresponds with its 16.63% acceptance rate, indicating high selectivity. Mid-tier options like University of Minnesota-Duluth achieve 64.50% graduation rates with 80.70% acceptance. The correlation between selectivity and completion suggests that admission standards significantly impact student success.
More Area Studies Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.