Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in Minnesota

University of Minnesota-Morris delivers the state's most affordable business education at just $9,110 net price, though graduates earn $36,995 annually compared to Capella University's $63,203 earners who pay $18,305. This $27,000 cost difference highlights Minnesota's split between ultra-affordable public options and higher-earning private alternatives. The state's business graduates enter a job market anchored by Fortune 500 companies like Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M, all headquartered in Minnesota. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools under $18,000 net cost, while private institutions like Herzing University command higher prices but deliver strong outcomes. Saint Cloud State University accepts 95% of applicants at $14,485 net cost, making business education accessible across Minnesota's varied geography from Crookston near the North Dakota border to the Twin Cities metro area.

Programs

$9,110 – $31,307

Net Price Range

$47,501

Avg. Program Earnings

61.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	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	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874	$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
3	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
4	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
5	Herzing University-Minneapolis St. Louis Park, Minnesota	$15,205	$13,420	73.5%	94.3%
6	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
7	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
8	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
9	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
10	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
11	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
12	Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$18,305	$14,436	33.3%
13	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
14	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
15	Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota	$19,071	$10,899	53.2%
16	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
17	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
18	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
19	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
20	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
21	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
22	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
23	Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, Minnesota	$24,674	$18,910	30.8%
24	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
25	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
26	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
27	Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, Minnesota	$27,023	$25,659	62.7%	98.0%
28	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
29	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
30	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
31	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
32	Academy College Bloomington, Minnesota	$31,307	$18,252	100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $27,000 earnings gap between the cheapest and most expensive business programs?

University of Minnesota-Morris graduates earn $36,995 despite the lowest $9,110 net cost, while Capella University graduates earn $63,203 at $18,305 net cost. Capella serves working adults through online programs, often in management roles with existing experience. Morris focuses on traditional undergraduates entering entry-level positions. The $26,208 earnings difference reflects career stage and program format rather than education quality.

How do Minnesota's public universities compare to private options for business costs?

Public universities average $15,500 net cost while private schools range from $15,205 to $19,071. However, in-state tuition tells a different story, with public schools charging $9,490 to $16,488 versus private schools at $10,899 to $30,010. The Minnesota State Grant reduces costs for residents, making public options particularly attractive. Private schools often provide more flexible scheduling and accelerated programs.

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the higher cost among public options?

At $17,139 net cost, Twin Cities costs $7,000 more than Morris but graduates earn $57,564 versus $36,995. The 84.8% graduation rate leads all Minnesota business programs, compared to the state average around 55%. Twin Cities proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters provides internship access and networking opportunities. The return on investment justifies the premium for many students.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program affordability in Minnesota business schools?

Saint Cloud State accepts 95% of applicants at $14,485 net cost, while Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 75% at $17,139. However, Bethany Lutheran accepts just 58% despite higher $17,680 costs. Small private colleges often maintain selectivity regardless of price, while large public universities vary widely. University of Minnesota-Crookston combines moderate selectivity at 57% acceptance with strong $56,776 graduate earnings.

Where should business students focus geographically within Minnesota for the best value?

The Twin Cities metro offers highest earning potential with Target, UnitedHealth, and 3M headquarters driving demand for business graduates. However, regional options like Crookston and Morris provide strong value at under $11,000 net cost. Saint Cloud bridges both worlds at $14,485 cost with reasonable $43,872 earnings. Rural campuses often have lower living costs, further improving the total educational investment.

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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.