University of Minnesota-Crookston: 57.2% Acceptance Rate

57.2%Acceptance

$13,120Tuition

1,650Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$58,056Earnings

#14 in MinnesotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Minnesota-Crookston

The University of Minnesota-Crookston serves 1,650 students in a small Minnesota farming town about 30 miles from Grand Forks. This polytechnic campus focuses heavily on applied learning and technology-driven programs. Students here dive into hands-on majors like precision agriculture, aviation, and natural resources. The 57% acceptance rate reflects the school's practical approach to admissions. Many Golden Eagles come for programs you won't find at bigger universities, like unmanned aircraft systems and equine science.

The financial picture looks promising for graduates willing to embrace rural Minnesota life. Students pay an average net price of $10,874, remarkably low for a four-year degree. Those from families earning under $48,000 pay less than $4,000 annually after aid. Graduates typically earn $58,056 within ten years, making the median debt load of $20,500 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $217. The employment rate hits 95.7%, suggesting strong job placement in specialized fields.

Women make up 59% of the student body, and two-thirds come from Minnesota. The 222 student-athletes compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports, creating a tight-knit campus atmosphere. The 77% retention rate indicates students generally stick around once they adjust to small-town college life.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Minnesota-Crookston operates as a specialized polytechnic campus focused on applied learning and career preparation. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in a more intimate setting than most public universities. Students can choose from programs emphasizing agriculture, aviation, business, and natural resources management. The school particularly excels in agricultural and aviation programs, reflecting rural Minnesota's economic priorities. With a 49.70% six-year graduation rate, many students take longer to complete degrees due to hands-on learning requirements and internship programs. The 76.54% retention rate suggests students generally find what they're looking for academically, though the polytechnic focus isn't for everyone.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.7%
Retention Rate: 76.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,056
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$56,776
Agricultural Business and Management.	Bachelor	$50,856
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$48,849
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$48,198
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$46,869
Plant Sciences.	Bachelor	$44,830
Marketing.	Bachelor	$42,682
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Bachelor	$42,682
Agricultural Mechanization.	Bachelor	$40,485
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$38,721

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

The 558-bed housing capacity means about one-third of the 1,650 students live on campus at this northern Minnesota outpost. Crookston sits in the Red River Valley, roughly three hours from Minneapolis and two hours from Fargo. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so a heavy coat is essential for navigating between classes from November through March.

The campus centers around a tight-knit agricultural community where the 222 Golden Eagles athletes make up more than 13% of the student body. Weekend activities often revolve around NCAA Division II sports in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The rural setting means students frequently travel to Grand Forks or Fargo for shopping and entertainment. Campus programming fills the gap with residence hall activities and agricultural events tied to the school's farming heritage. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates close relationships between professors and students. Many students find internships and jobs through the strong regional agricultural network, contributing to the impressive 95.7% employment rate after graduation.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 558 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -3°–15°F
July Avg: 57°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.1"
Annual Snowfall: 34.9"

Student Demographics

This agricultural and technology-focused campus draws students primarily from Minnesota and neighboring states, with 67% coming from in-state. The student body leans female at 59%, reflecting strong programs in education, health sciences, and business that traditionally attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families from rural communities. The demographic mix reflects UMN Crookston's mission as a regional institution preparing students for careers in agriculture, technology, and applied sciences that drive the Upper Midwest economy.

Men: 41.5%
Women: 58.6%
White: 70.6%
Black: 6.7%
Hispanic: 6.6%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 66.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.2%

Location

Crookston sits in northwestern Minnesota, about 75 miles from Grand Forks, North Dakota. The campus serves 1,650 students in a classic small college town surrounded by agricultural farmland. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, drawn to this rural setting where the Red River Valley stretches toward the horizon. The town of roughly 7,800 residents centers around the university and regional farming community. Students experience true small-town life with wide open spaces and a close-knit atmosphere. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, shaping campus culture around indoor activities and hardy outdoor enthusiasts. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare University of Minnesota-Crookston with similar schools in the region.

Address: Crookston, Minnesota 56716-5001

University of Minnesota Crookston, aerial view

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $58,056
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,840
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Minnesota-Crookston?

University of Minnesota-Crookston accepts 57.22% of applicants. The school takes a moderately selective approach while serving as a regional campus of the University of Minnesota system focused on applied learning and career preparation.

How much does University of Minnesota-Crookston cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Minnesota-Crookston is $10,874. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,746 on average, making this agricultural and technology-focused campus one of the more affordable options in the UMN system.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Minnesota-Crookston?

University of Minnesota-Crookston maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,650 total students. The small campus environment allows for hands-on learning in programs like agriculture, business, and natural resources that define this rural Minnesota institution.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Minnesota-Crookston?

University of Minnesota-Crookston has a 51.50% four-year graduation rate and 95.7% employment rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,056 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's emphasis on career-ready programs in agriculture and applied sciences.

Where is University of Minnesota-Crookston located and what is campus life like?

University of Minnesota-Crookston sits in rural northwestern Minnesota with housing for 558 students. The Golden Eagles compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports, and the small-town setting provides a close-knit community atmosphere for students studying agriculture and technology programs.

Does University of Minnesota-Crookston offer the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students?

University of Minnesota-Crookston charges $13,120 for both in-state and out-of-state students. This unique flat-rate tuition structure helps attract students from across the region to its specialized agricultural and natural resource programs that take advantage of the rural Minnesota location.