University of Minnesota-Morris: 77.7% Acceptance Rate

77.7%Acceptance

$14,288Tuition

980Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,919Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Minnesota-Morris

This prairie campus has carved out a unique identity as the University of Minnesota system's dedicated liberal arts college. With just 980 students, Morris operates more like a small private college than a typical state school. The campus has become nationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, generating much of its own renewable energy through wind and solar projects. Students here engage deeply with environmental issues while pursuing traditional liberal arts disciplines in an intimate academic setting.

The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly. The average net price of $9,110 represents strong value for a four-year degree. Students from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay just $753 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $50,919 ten years out, with typical debt loads of $18,995. Monthly loan payments average $201, making this education highly affordable relative to outcomes.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger universities cannot match. About 60% of students graduate within four years, and the 73% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction. The campus houses 936 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. Division III athletics field 15 varsity teams with 304 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over sports recruitment.

Academics & Faculty

This public liberal arts college operates within the University of Minnesota system but maintains its own distinct academic identity. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. Morris has built a national reputation for environmental sustainability programs and renewable energy research. Students can pursue traditional liberal arts majors alongside modern environmental studies. The 60% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding academic standards and rural location that some students find challenging. However, those who stay benefit from small seminar-style classes and extensive undergraduate research opportunities. The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to design their own academic pathways within the liberal arts framework.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 59.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.9%
Retention Rate: 72.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,919
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$63,997
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$44,170
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$41,193
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$39,729
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$36,995
Social Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$36,668
Economics.	Bachelor	$35,594
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$33,281
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$32,569
History.	Bachelor	$31,839

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Morris sits 150 miles west of Minneapolis in farming country where prairie winds sweep across open fields. You'll need a serious winter coat here as temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February. The campus houses 936 students in residence halls, meaning nearly every undergraduate lives on campus given the 980 total enrollment. This creates an intimate community where professors know your name and the 9:1 student-faculty ratio means small seminar-style classes.

Weekend life revolves around campus since Morris is genuinely remote from major cities. Students gather for Division III athletic events where 304 athletes compete across 15 sports. The school's commitment to sustainability shapes daily life through renewable energy initiatives and environmental programming. Study groups often form naturally since 76% of students come from Minnesota and many share similar Midwestern values. Prairie Student Center serves as the social center where students hang out between classes. The tight-knit community means campus traditions and student organizations play a bigger role in social life than at larger universities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 936 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	2	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–19°F
July Avg: 59°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 26.5"
Annual Snowfall: -731.5"

Student Demographics

This small liberal arts college draws primarily Minnesota residents who value sustainability and close faculty relationships. Three-quarters of the 980 students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts institutions that emphasize collaborative learning over competitive programs. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic representation. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable liberal arts education. Students here choose academic depth over big university amenities, attracted by the 9:1 student-faculty ratio and environmental focus.

Men: 46.1%
Women: 53.9%
White: 51.5%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 8.2%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 76.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.8%

Location

Morris sits in west-central Minnesota, about 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis. This town of roughly 5,000 people exemplifies rural Minnesota with its prairie landscape and agricultural surroundings. The campus enrolls 980 students in a community where the college serves as the primary economic and cultural center. With 76% of students coming from in-state, many arrive familiar with small-town Minnesota life. The remote setting means students drive significant distances to reach larger cities like St. Cloud or Fargo. Prairie winds and wide-open spaces define the geography here. The area's agricultural heritage connects naturally to the school's well-known sustainability programs and renewable energy focus. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare University of Minnesota-Morris with similar schools in the region.

Address: Morris, Minnesota 56267

Briggs Library, University of Minnesota-Morris

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,919
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,868
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 72.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,995

Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of Minnesota-Morris admits 77.66% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This public liberal arts college within the University of Minnesota system focuses on sustainability and renewable energy programs. With only 980 students enrolled, the admissions process emphasizes fit over pure academic competition.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,110 after financial aid at University of Minnesota-Morris. Families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay just $753 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $19,048. With median student debt of only $18,995, graduates face manageable monthly loan payments of $201.

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

University of Minnesota-Morris maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 980 students total. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships. The intimate academic setting supports the college's focus on undergraduate research and sustainability initiatives.

What do graduates of University of Minnesota-Morris earn after college?

University of Minnesota-Morris graduates earn a median of $50,919 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.8% for recent graduates, reflecting strong career preparation. However, the 4-year graduation rate of 59.94% suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees at this rural campus.

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

University of Minnesota-Morris sits in a remote town setting in Morris, Minnesota, with 76.21% of students coming from in-state. The campus houses 936 students in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community. With 304 student-athletes competing in 15 NCAA Division III sports, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris unique for sustainability education?

University of Minnesota-Morris is nationally recognized for its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability programs. The college operates one of the most environmentally progressive campuses in the Midwest, with extensive wind and solar energy initiatives. This focus on sustainability attracts students interested in environmental studies and green technology careers.