University of Minnesota-Duluth: 80.7% Acceptance Rate

80.7%Acceptance

$14,318Tuition

7,475Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,616Earnings

#11 in MinnesotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Minnesota-Duluth

The University of Minnesota-Duluth draws 7,475 students to the shores of Lake Superior for hands-on learning in engineering, education, and natural resources. This public research university has produced notable graduates including musician Bob Dylan and actress Jessica Lange. The campus sits in Duluth, a small city where students can study everything from freshwater ecology to mining engineering. With an 80.7% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1235, UMD welcomes motivated students ready to tackle real-world challenges in the Great Lakes region.

Students pay an average net price of $18,464 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,393. Graduates earn a median of $62,616 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,024 manageable with monthly payments of $233. The math works out favorably for most students, especially considering the strong job placement rate of 98.1%.

The student body is 85% Minnesotan, creating a tight-knit community feel among the 16:1 student-faculty ratio. NCAA Division II Bulldogs athletics field 12 varsity sports with 381 student-athletes competing. The 64.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping working-class students complete their degrees while balancing jobs and family responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

UMD operates as a public research university with deep ties to Lake Superior's natural environment and regional industries. The school excels in engineering, education, and natural resources programs that capitalize on its unique geographic setting. Students work closely with faculty in a 16:1 ratio that enables meaningful research collaboration. The 64.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the hands-on, career-focused approach that prepares graduates for regional employment. Engineering students often study environmental and civil specialties relevant to Great Lakes shipping and mining. Education majors benefit from extensive field placements in rural and urban Minnesota schools. Natural resources programs leverage proximity to forests, lakes, and wilderness areas for real-world learning experiences.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 64.5%
Retention Rate: 80.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,616
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$64,940
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$64,493
Chemical Engineering.	Bachelor	$62,012
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Bachelor	$61,218
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$61,020
Statistics.	Bachelor	$57,318
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$56,979
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$53,244
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$52,651
Marketing.	Bachelor	$50,231

View all 133 programs →

Campus Life

Students at UMD bundle up for long winters along Lake Superior's rocky shoreline. The campus sits 150 miles north of Minneapolis, where January temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow blankets the ground for months. About 40% of the 7,475 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community that embraces the harsh climate.

Weekend adventures often involve skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in the nearby Superior National Forest. The Bulldogs compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports, with hockey being a particular passion among the student body. Students frequently head to Canal Park downtown or take advantage of the extensive trail systems for outdoor recreation. The campus overlooks Lake Superior, providing dramatic views that make up for the brutal cold.

With 85% of students coming from Minnesota, most arrive prepared for the weather and outdoor lifestyle. Spring brings relief and renewed energy as students emerge from winter hibernation to enjoy the brief but spectacular warm months.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,970 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	17	7
Burglary	5	4
Rape	4	3
Fondling	2	2
Dating Violence	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 4°–20°F
July Avg: 57°–75°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.1"
Annual Snowfall: 90.2"

Student Demographics

The University of Minnesota-Duluth draws primarily Minnesota residents who value its strong regional reputation and outdoor lifestyle. With 85% in-state enrollment, the school serves as the North Shore's flagship university for students seeking careers in engineering, education, and natural resources. The nearly even gender split reflects balanced programs across traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and more female-leaning education majors. Most students come from middle-class backgrounds, with the low Pell Grant rate of 18% indicating families who can afford moderate tuition costs but still benefit from UMD's accessible public education mission.

Men: 51.1%
Women: 48.9%
White: 83.9%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 3.9%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 85.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.2%

Location

Duluth sits on the western shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota, about 150 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The city of 86,000 gives UMD students access to both urban amenities and pristine wilderness areas. Lake Superior's rocky coastline and the nearby Superior National Forest create an outdoor recreation paradise for hiking, skiing, and water sports. The campus overlooks the lake and Duluth's historic port district. With 85% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong Minnesota connections while drawing students interested in Great Lakes research and environmental studies. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare University of Minnesota-Duluth with similar schools in the region.

Address: Duluth, Minnesota 55812

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,616
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,734
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,024

Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of Minnesota-Duluth accepts 80.7% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1350 on the SAT. This regional campus focuses on serving Minnesota students, with 85% of enrollment coming from in-state.

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

Students pay an average net price of $18,464 after aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,393 on average. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,024, which translates to monthly payments of $233.

What academic programs is University of Minnesota-Duluth known for?

The university excels in engineering, education, and natural resources with research focused on the Lake Superior region. Students work with faculty in a 16:1 ratio across these specialized programs. The school's location gives students unique access to freshwater research and environmental studies.

How do University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates perform in the job market?

Graduates achieve a 98.1% employment rate, well above national averages for regional universities. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $62,616. The 64.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on practical, career-oriented education.

What is campus life like at University of Minnesota-Duluth?

The 7,475-student campus maintains a close-knit feel in Duluth's small city setting. Housing accommodates 2,970 students, creating a residential experience for many undergraduates. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II with 381 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports.

Does University of Minnesota-Duluth have any famous alumni?

Bob Dylan and Jessica Lange both attended the university, though Dylan famously dropped out after one year. The school's 80.83% retention rate suggests most current students are more committed to finishing their degrees. This regional campus has quietly produced notable figures in music and entertainment.