Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands apart with a $9,110 net price that costs less than half of the next cheapest option. This 13-school market reveals a stark divide between public universities averaging under $19,000 and private colleges climbing toward $30,525. Social sciences graduates in Minnesota enter a job market anchored by major employers like Target headquarters and UnitedHealth Group, where analytical and research skills translate into median earnings around $36,668. The state's Minnesota State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly benefiting students at public institutions where in-state tuition ranges from $9,490 to $14,288.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$35,117

Avg. Program Earnings

65.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Social Sciences, 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	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
3	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
4	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
5	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
6	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
7	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
8	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
9	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
10	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
11	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
12	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
13	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 programs?

Morris combines public funding with a $14,288 in-state tuition rate and generous financial aid to achieve a $9,110 net price. This represents savings of nearly $8,000 compared to Bemidji State University, the second most affordable option at $17,050.

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

The pattern defies expectations, with affordable University of Minnesota-Morris posting a solid 61.90% graduation rate. Meanwhile, expensive private colleges like College of Saint Benedict achieve 83.00% graduation rates, though students pay $28,065 annually for that outcome.

Is Metropolitan State University worth considering despite low graduation rates?

Metropolitan State's 38.40% graduation rate reflects its working adult student population rather than program quality. The $19,181 net price and $33,565 median earnings create a reasonable return, especially with manageable $16,125 debt levels.

Where do private college costs become prohibitive compared to outcomes?

Private colleges averaging $25,000-$30,000 annually require careful evaluation of their 67% to 83% graduation rates. Saint Mary's University charges $21,034 with 96.83% acceptance rates, while University of St Thomas costs $30,525 but graduates 75.20% of students.

More Social Sciences, General Rankings

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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.