University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: 74.9% Acceptance Rate

74.9%Acceptance

$16,488Tuition

30,469Students

85%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,020Earnings

#4 in MinnesotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The Golden Gophers campus draws 30,469 students to Minneapolis for strong research and Bob Dylan's alma mater experience. This powerhouse produces Nobel laureates like Norman Borlaug while maintaining strong programs in engineering, medicine, and agriculture. The university accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT of 1395. Students find themselves in a Big Ten atmosphere where serious academics meet major college sports.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $17,139 after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,262. Graduates earn a median of $69,020 ten years out with typical debt of $19,500. Monthly loan payments average $207, making this education affordable given the earning potential. The 85% graduation rate suggests most students finish what they start.

Campus life centers around Division I athletics with 19 varsity sports and Big Ten Conference rivalries against Wisconsin and Iowa. The student body splits 54% women to 46% men, with 70% coming from Minnesota. The 91% retention rate indicates students stick around after freshman year. With 615 student athletes and over $17 million in athletic scholarships, sports culture runs deep at this research university.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Minnesota operates as a major research powerhouse with particularly strong programs in engineering, agricultural sciences, and medicine. Students benefit from access to modern research opportunities across multiple disciplines. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates can connect with professors despite the large scale. An 84.8% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support systems. The university's medical school and engineering programs consistently rank among the nation's best. Students also gain from the school's reputation in public policy and journalism. The research focus means ambitious students can work alongside faculty on groundbreaking projects from their first year.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 82.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 84.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 84.8%
Retention Rate: 90.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,020
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$140,032
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$121,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$112,319
Public Health.	Master	$76,460
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$75,204
Veterinary Medicine.	Doctoral	$74,477
Computer Systems Analysis.	Bachelor	$73,446
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$72,286
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,022
Chemical Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,176

View all 436 programs →

Campus Life

Minneapolis and St. Paul create a bustling metropolitan backdrop for this campus sprawling across both sides of the Mississippi River. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so students invest in serious parkas and snow boots for the long Minnesota freeze. Only about 25% of the 30,469 students live in campus housing, meaning most upperclassmen scatter across nearby neighborhoods like Dinkytown and Como.

The Golden Gophers draw massive crowds to Big Ten football games at Huntington Bank Stadium. Students embrace the cold with winter traditions like broomball on frozen ponds and ice skating between classes. The campus buzzes with research activity year-round, from the medical school labs to the agricultural research facilities that helped feed the world. Weekend options range from exploring the Walker Art Center downtown to hitting the extensive trail system along the river. With 70% of students from Minnesota, the culture stays rooted in Midwest friendliness and outdoor recreation, even when the thermometer hits negative double digits.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 7,558 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	67	1	19	26
Stalking	52	10	2	0
Rape	26	19	2	0
Burglary	34	8	2	0
Fondling	25	13	5	0
Domestic Violence	10	1	7	1
Aggravated Assault	12	1	1	4
Dating Violence	11	5	0	0
Robbery	4	0	1	4
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–21°F
July Avg: 64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.4"
Annual Snowfall: 40.4"

Student Demographics

Students at this Midwestern research giant come primarily from Minnesota, with 70% choosing to stay in-state for their education. The student body reflects the Twin Cities' diverse population, with significant Asian American representation at 13% alongside other minority communities. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, drawn to the university's strong programs in fields like medicine, public health, and liberal arts. With relatively low Pell Grant recipients at 17%, the university attracts middle-class families who value accessible, high-quality research education without the premium price of top private institutions.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 59.2%
Black: 8.9%
Hispanic: 6.0%
Asian: 13.1%
In-State Students: 70.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.9%

Location

The University of Minnesota sits in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota with over 400,000 residents. The Twin Cities metro area houses 3.7 million people, making this one of the most urban college experiences in the Midwest. Minneapolis anchors a major metropolitan region known for Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and a active arts scene that produced notable alumni like Bob Dylan. The campus spans both Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul across the Mississippi River. Winter temperatures average 24 degrees, but an extensive skyway system connects campus buildings. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with similar schools in the region.

Address: Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0213

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,020
Median Earnings (5 years): $68,455
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $46,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 74.91% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major research university. Students typically need SAT scores around 1395 or ACT scores around 30 to be competitive. This Big Ten powerhouse balances accessibility with academic rigor across its comprehensive program offerings.

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

Students pay an average net price of $17,139 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,262 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $26,623. The university keeps costs manageable for a major research institution, especially for Minnesota residents who pay $16,488 in tuition.

What academic programs is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities known for?

The university excels as a major research institution with particularly strong programs in engineering, medicine, and agriculture. With 30,469 students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, it offers the resources of a large university while maintaining quality instruction. The school has produced notable graduates including Nobel Prize winner Norman Borlaug and journalist Thomas Friedman.

What do graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $69,020 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes from this research university. The employment rate reaches 96.0%, demonstrating the value of a Golden Gophers degree in the job market. Graduates typically carry $19,500 in debt with monthly loan payments of $207, reasonable for the earning potential.

Where do students live at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

The campus houses 7,558 students in residence halls, serving about 25% of the total enrollment of 30,469. Most students are Minnesota residents, making up 70.05% of the student body, while the rest come from across the country and internationally. The large city setting of Minneapolis provides countless off-campus housing and internship opportunities.

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities competitive in athletics?

The Golden Gophers compete in NCAA Division I as members of the strong Big Ten Conference with 19 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 615 student-athletes with $17,703,130 in athletic scholarships distributed annually. The university maintains traditional rivalries with University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Iowa, adding excitement to the collegiate sports experience.