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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Minnesota

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Minnesota's liberal arts programs show a dramatic cost divide that reveals strategic opportunities for students. The University of Minnesota-Morris delivers the state's most affordable option at just $9,110 net cost while maintaining a solid 62% graduation rate. Meanwhile, private institutions like Hamline University charge $48,311 in tuition yet offer net costs of $21,385 through substantial financial aid packages. This academic field connects directly to Minnesota's corporate headquarters culture, where companies like Target and UnitedHealth value liberal arts graduates for their critical thinking and communication skills in management roles. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with seven of the ten cheapest programs offered through the Minnesota State system. The earnings potential varies significantly, from Martin Luther College graduates earning $18,771 to Metropolitan State University alumni commanding $54,713. Students can access the Minnesota State Grant program, which provides additional assistance for low-income families pursuing these foundational degrees that prepare graduates for varied career paths in the state's service-oriented economy.
28
Programs
$9,110 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$35,952
Avg. Program Earnings
65.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
2 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
3 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
4 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
5 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
6 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
7 $17,566 $25,000 58.8% 69.1%
8 $17,680 $30,010 59.6% 58.5%
9 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
10 $18,148 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
11 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
12 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
13 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
14 $20,483 $17,770 71.4% 83.7%
15 $21,385 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
16 $21,563 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
17 $22,752 $56,970 83.5% 56.4%
18 $23,875 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
19 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
20 $25,651 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
21 $26,895 $54,310 75.9% 73.9%
22 $27,018 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
23 $27,320 $65,457 91.2% 16.6%
24 $27,324 $30,200 64.3% 66.6%
25 $28,065 $53,884 83.0% 87.8%
26 $28,439 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
27 $29,980 $64,908 90.4% 28.4%
28 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable compared to other liberal arts programs?

Morris offers the lowest net cost at $9,110 despite charging $14,288 in-state tuition, indicating substantial financial aid packages. The school maintains a 62% graduation rate while accepting 78% of applicants. As a public institution, Morris benefits from state funding that keeps base tuition lower than private alternatives. The rural campus location also contributes to reduced operational costs passed on to students.

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

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves the highest graduation rate at 85% despite charging $17,139 net cost. Among the five cheapest programs, graduation rates range from 44% at Southwest Minnesota State to 62% at Morris. Private institutions like Martin Luther College show stronger completion rates at 71% but cost significantly more at $20,483 net. The correlation between cost and graduation success varies considerably across Minnesota programs.

Is Metropolitan State University worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Metropolitan State University graduates earn the highest salaries at $54,713, nearly triple the $18,771 earned by Martin Luther College alumni. The 38% graduation rate reflects the school's focus on working adults and non-traditional students who face different completion challenges. Students carry an average debt of $16,499, which is reasonable given the strong earning potential. The Saint Paul location provides access to corporate internships and entry-level positions.

Does attending a private college provide better value than public options in Minnesota?

Private colleges show mixed value propositions in Minnesota's liberal arts market. Bethany Lutheran College charges $30,010 tuition but reduces net cost to $17,680 through financial aid, while achieving a 60% graduation rate. Concordia University-Saint Paul offers similar net costs at $17,566 with a 59% completion rate. However, public institutions like University of Minnesota-Duluth provide comparable outcomes at $18,464 with a superior 65% graduation rate.

Where can students find the best combination of affordability and career outcomes?

The University of Minnesota system offers the strongest balance of cost and results across multiple campuses. Twin Cities provides the highest graduation rate at 85% for $17,139, while Morris delivers the lowest cost at $9,110 with reasonable 62% completion. Winona State University represents another strong option at $18,148 with 61% graduation rates and access to southeastern Minnesota's growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors. These public institutions benefit from state funding and established alumni networks.

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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.