Cheapest Education Colleges in Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University offers the state's most affordable education degree at just $14,760 net cost, making it nearly $15,000 cheaper than Macalester College's $29,980 program. This 13-school range spans from public universities charging around $14,000-18,000 to private colleges reaching nearly $30,000 annually. Minnesota's teaching job market benefits from the state's healthcare giants like Mayo Clinic, which creates demand for health education specialists, plus major employers like Target requiring corporate training professionals. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out with an 84.80% graduation rate despite maintaining relatively low costs at $17,139 net price.

Programs

$14,760 – $29,980

Net Price Range

$33,281

Avg. Program Earnings

67.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
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	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
5	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
6	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
7	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
8	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
9	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
10	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
11	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
12	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
13	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southwest Minnesota State University so much cheaper than other education programs?

As a public university, Southwest Minnesota State charges just $10,304 in-state tuition compared to private colleges that list prices from $29,460 to $64,908. The $14,760 net cost reflects significant state funding and financial aid that reduces the actual student payment.

How do graduation rates vary between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Southwest Minnesota State has a 44.10% graduation rate at $14,760, while Macalester College achieves 90.40% at $29,980. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a middle ground with 84.80% graduation rates at just $17,139 net cost.

Does the University of Minnesota system provide good value for education majors?

Both University of Minnesota campuses rank among the top 4 most affordable options, with Twin Cities at $17,139 and Duluth at $18,464 net cost. Twin Cities particularly excels with 84.80% graduation rates and accepts 74.91% of applicants.

Where do education graduates typically earn $33,281 annually in Minnesota?

This salary figure comes from Macalester College data, likely reflecting entry-level teaching positions in Minnesota public schools. The state's education sector also includes corporate training roles at companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group beyond traditional classroom teaching.

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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.