Cheapest Physics Colleges in Minnesota

Physics programs in Minnesota show a dramatic cost divide that can save students over $100,000 across four years. The University of Minnesota-Morris offers the state's most affordable physics education at just $9,110 net price, while private colleges like St Olaf charge $22,752 despite offering similar degree pathways. This price gap becomes even more striking when considering that Minnesota hosts major employers like 3M, Honeywell, and Medtronic that actively recruit physics graduates for research and engineering roles. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state schools. However, the earnings data reveals an interesting pattern: graduates from some mid-priced programs like St Olaf earn $39,009 annually compared to Gustavus Adolphus graduates who earn $20,140 despite paying significantly more. Minnesota State Grant funding helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students, making even the more expensive public options accessible to families earning under specific income thresholds.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$34,193

Avg. Program Earnings

68.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Physics 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	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
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	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
14	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
15	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
16	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
17	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
18	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
19	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
20	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
21	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris the cheapest physics option in the state?

UMN-Morris charges just $9,110 in net price while maintaining a solid 62% graduation rate and 78% acceptance rate. The school benefits from University of Minnesota system resources while operating in a lower-cost rural area. Morris also provides extensive need-based aid that brings costs well below the $14,288 sticker price for most students. The program connects students to research opportunities within the broader University of Minnesota network.

How do earnings compare between expensive and affordable Minnesota physics programs?

The data shows no clear correlation between program cost and graduate earnings in physics. St Olaf graduates earn $39,009 annually despite a $22,752 net price, while Gustavus Adolphus graduates earn only $20,140 with a higher $26,895 net cost. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $34,847 while paying just $17,139 net price. These variations likely reflect different career paths, geographic locations, and industry connections rather than program quality.

Does Saint Cloud State University offer good value for physics students?

Saint Cloud State provides excellent affordability at $14,485 net price with an exceptionally high 95% acceptance rate. However, the 47% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider their academic preparation and support needs. The program costs significantly less than comparable options while maintaining access to modern laboratory facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty interaction in upper-level physics courses.

Where do Minnesota physics graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Minnesota's strong technology and healthcare sectors provide numerous opportunities for physics graduates. Companies like 3M, Honeywell, and Medtronic regularly hire physics majors for research and development roles. The Mayo Clinic system offers positions in medical physics and imaging technology. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees, with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and other research institutions providing pathways to graduate study in physics, engineering, and related fields.

What financial aid options help Minnesota students afford physics programs?

The Minnesota State Grant provides up to $12,000 annually for qualifying students attending participating colleges. This aid significantly reduces costs at public universities where in-state tuition ranges from $9,490 to $16,488. Private colleges like St Mary's and Hamline offer substantial institutional aid that brings net prices closer to public school levels. Federal Pell Grants and work-study programs provide additional support for students from lower-income families.

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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.