Cheapest Biochemistry Colleges in Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University offers the state's most affordable Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology program at just $14,485 per year, though its 46.90% graduation rate trails significantly behind the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, which costs only $2,654 more but achieves an 84.80% graduation rate. This cost advantage matters in Minnesota, where biotechnology companies like Medtronic and the Mayo Clinic create substantial demand for molecular biology expertise. Private colleges in the state charge substantially more, with costs reaching $27,018 at Saint Johns University. The $16,040 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Minnesota's mix of accessible public universities and small liberal arts colleges. Graduates from Winona State and Minnesota State University-Mankato both earn $33,993 annually, the highest reported salaries among these programs. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as the flagship option, combining relatively low costs with strong job placement in Minnesota's growing life sciences sector.

Programs

$14,485 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$31,438

Avg. Program Earnings

64.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
2	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
3	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
4	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
5	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
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	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
9	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
10	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
11	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
12	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
13	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
14	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
15	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
16	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
17	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
18	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large graduation rate differences between Minnesota biochemistry programs?

Saint Cloud State University has a 46.90% graduation rate despite being the cheapest option at $14,485 annually. In contrast, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves an 84.80% graduation rate for just $17,139. Private colleges like Gustavus Adolphus College reach 75.90% graduation rates but cost $26,895. These differences often reflect student preparation levels, academic support services, and institutional resources rather than program quality alone.

How much do biochemistry graduates actually earn after completing Minnesota programs?

Reported earnings range from $25,525 to $33,993 annually among Minnesota biochemistry programs. Winona State University and Minnesota State University-Mankato graduates both earn $33,993, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates start at $25,525. The University of Minnesota-Duluth falls in the middle at $29,685. These figures represent early career salaries and typically increase significantly with experience in Minnesota's biotechnology and healthcare sectors.

Does attending a private college provide better value for biochemistry students in Minnesota?

Private colleges cost significantly more, with net prices ranging from $21,034 at Saint Mary's University to $27,018 at Saint Johns University. Public universities offer better financial value, with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities providing flagship-level education for $17,139. Private colleges do offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, but the cost difference of $10,000 or more annually makes public options more attractive for most biochemistry students.

Where should students focus their applications for the best admission chances?

Saint Cloud State University accepts 95.28% of applicants, making it the most accessible option. Saint Mary's University and The College of Saint Scholastica both accept over 96% of students while offering private college environments. More selective options include Bethany Lutheran College at 58.50% and Minnesota State University Moorhead at 56.62%. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 74.91% of applicants, providing a middle ground between selectivity and accessibility.

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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.