Cheapest Economics Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands out with the state's lowest net price for economics education at just $9,110 annually. This small liberal arts campus delivers quality education at a fraction of typical costs, though its moderate 61.90% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. Minnesota's economics graduates find opportunities across the state's major employers, from Target's corporate headquarters to UnitedHealth Group's data analysis teams. The gap between affordable public options like Saint Cloud State University at $14,485 and private institutions reaches significant levels, with some schools charging over $20,000 in net costs. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with six institutions keeping net prices below $19,000. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the strongest earning potential at $52,584 median income, justifying its $17,139 net price for students seeking maximum return on investment.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$48,850

Avg. Program Earnings

67.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Economics 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	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
4	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
5	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
6	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
7	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
8	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
9	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
10	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
11	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
12	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
13	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
14	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
15	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
16	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
17	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
18	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
19	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
20	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
21	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
22	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
23	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable for economics students?

Morris achieves its $9,110 net price through substantial state funding and lower operational costs compared to larger campuses. The university maintains in-state tuition at $14,288, well below most public institutions. Its small size allows for efficient resource allocation while still providing quality economics education. The school's focus on liberal arts education creates a cost-effective model for undergraduate economics programs.

How do graduation rates compare across Minnesota's cheapest economics programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly among affordable options, ranging from Metropolitan State's 38.40% to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' impressive 84.80%. Saint Cloud State maintains a 46.90% graduation rate despite its $14,485 affordability. Several mid-priced schools like Bemidji State achieve 53.40% graduation rates. These variations reflect different student populations and institutional support systems across the state's public universities.

Does attending a more expensive economics program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily, as demonstrated by Minnesota State University-Mankato's $51,106 median earnings at just $18,609 net cost. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads earnings at $52,584 with moderate costs of $17,139. Some private schools like Hamline University charge $21,385 but produce similar earnings to less expensive public options. The relationship between cost and earnings varies considerably across Minnesota's economics programs.

Where do Minnesota economics graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Minnesota's strong corporate presence creates numerous entry points for economics graduates across Twin Cities headquarters. Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M regularly hire analysts and financial professionals from local programs. The Mayo Clinic system offers health economics positions throughout southeastern Minnesota. State government positions in Saint Paul provide additional public sector opportunities with competitive starting salaries averaging around $40,000-45,000 annually.

Is the Minnesota State Grant program significant for economics students?

The Minnesota State Grant substantially reduces costs for qualifying students, particularly at public universities where base tuition remains relatively low. Students from families earning under $50,000 often receive grants covering most tuition expenses. This program helps explain why schools like Saint Cloud State can achieve $14,485 net prices. The grant system makes economics education accessible across income levels, supporting the state's goal of developing local economic talent.

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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.