Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands apart in Minnesota's English Language and Literature market, offering the state's most affordable program at just $9,110 net price while maintaining a solid 61.90% graduation rate. This remarkable value proposition exists within a state system where costs range dramatically from $9,110 to $25,140 across 20 programs. Minnesota's literary graduates find opportunities in the state's corporate headquarters culture, particularly at Target and other major retailers that value strong communication skills for marketing and content development roles. The earnings data tells an interesting story, with graduates typically starting around $25,194 at most public institutions, though Metropolitan State University graduates command higher salaries at $33,565. Private institutions like Hamline University push earnings to $35,952 but require significantly higher investment. The state's Minnesota State Grant system helps bridge affordability gaps, making quality English education accessible across varied economic backgrounds. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state institutions, reflecting Minnesota's commitment to accessible higher education.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$27,977

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

29 English Language and Literature, General 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	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
6	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
7	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
8	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
9	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
10	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
11	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
12	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
13	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
14	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
15	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
16	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
17	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
18	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
19	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
20	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
21	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
22	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
23	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
24	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
25	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
26	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
27	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
28	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
29	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 much cheaper than other English programs?

Morris achieves its $9,110 net price through substantial state funding and financial aid packaging that reduces costs by over 36% compared to the published tuition. The campus serves as a public liberal arts college within the University of Minnesota system, allowing it to offer small college benefits at public university prices. With a 77.66% acceptance rate and 61.90% graduation rate, Morris provides accessible quality education without compromising academic standards.

How do Minnesota's public and private English programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes?

Public institutions dominate the affordable range, with eight of the ten cheapest programs being state schools averaging around $15,000 net cost. Private colleges like Hamline University cost $21,385 but produce graduates earning $35,952, compared to $25,194 at most public institutions. However, private school graduates typically carry higher debt loads, with Hamline students averaging $26,439 in debt versus $16,325 at Saint Cloud State.

Where do Minnesota English graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Minnesota's corporate headquarters economy creates demand for English graduates in communications, marketing, and content roles at companies like Target, UnitedHealth, and Mayo Clinic. Metropolitan State University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $33,565, likely reflecting the school's location in the Twin Cities job market. The state's strong healthcare and retail sectors particularly value the writing and analytical skills that English programs develop.

Does the Minnesota State Grant significantly impact affordability for English students?

The Minnesota State Grant system helps explain why public university net prices often fall below published in-state tuition rates. For example, Saint Cloud State's net price of $14,485 compares favorably to its $10,117 in-state tuition after aid packaging. This state-funded assistance particularly benefits English majors, who may not have access to the same level of private scholarships available in STEM fields.

What explains the wide range in graduation rates among Minnesota English programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly from Metropolitan State's 38.40% to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' 84.80%, often reflecting different student populations and institutional missions. Metro State serves many working adults and transfer students, contributing to lower completion rates, while the Twin Cities campus attracts traditional college-age students. Smaller colleges like Bethany Lutheran achieve 59.60% graduation rates through closer student support, despite higher costs.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

Best Value English Language and Literature, General in Minnesota English Language and Literature, General Under $20,000 in Minnesota

All English Language and Literature, General Programs Best Colleges in Minnesota Best English Language and Literature, General in Minnesota

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.