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Urban Colleges in Minnesota

36 schools in Minnesota. See our methodology.

Two specialized institutions in Bloomington achieve perfect 100% graduation rates while charging net prices above $29,000, highlighting how focused programs can deliver strong outcomes in Minnesota's competitive urban education market. Northwestern Health Sciences University and Academy College represent the premium end of the state's 36 urban colleges, where costs range from $10,956 to $31,307. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities anchors the system with 30,469 students and strong connections to Minnesota's major employers like Mayo Clinic, Target, and UnitedHealth Group. These companies actively recruit from local programs, particularly benefiting graduates who earn between $36,909 and $79,652 annually. Rochester's specialized medical focus shines through Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where graduates average $79,652 in earnings, the highest among urban institutions. Minnesota's State Grant program supports low-income students across these urban campuses, making education accessible in cities where healthcare, retail, and technology sectors drive economic growth. Acceptance rates span from Macalester College's selective 28.4% to more accessible options approaching 98%, ensuring pathways for students with varying academic profiles.
36
Schools
$19,863
Avg. Net Price
$53,973
Avg. Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Minnesota

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 251 $29,794 100.0%
2 City-Small 112 $31,307 100.0%
3 City-Large 30,469 $17,139 84.8%
4 City-Large 2,131 $29,980 90.4%
5 City-Midsize 568 $12,785 56.9%
6 City-Small 7,475 $18,464 64.5%
7 City-Small 11,325 $18,609 54.1%
8 City-Small 2,808 $10,956 42.2%
9 City-Small 8,033 $19,071 53.2%
10 City-Small 2,456 $16,050 38.2%
11 City-Large 2,786 $17,566 58.8%
12 City-Large 6,014 $30,525 75.2%
13 City-Large 4,998 $19,181 38.4%
14 City-Midsize 296
15 City-Small 682 $17,680 59.6%
16 City-Small 747 $15,205 73.5%
17 City-Midsize 3,122 $13,148 26.1%
18 City-Large 1,417 $27,023 62.7%
19 City-Large 3,607 $12,040 32.2%
20 City-Small 6,040 $12,370 18.9%
21 City-Small 5,181 $14,485 46.9%
22 City-Large 16,173 $18,305 33.3%
23 City-Large 701 $25,935 69.2%
24 City-Small 1,725 $23,949 63.0%
25 City-Large 4,816 $13,235 16.8%
26 City-Large 802 $23,574 63.6%
27 City-Large 1,685 $21,385 57.7%
28 City-Large 2,429 $23,875 52.4%
29 City-Large 92 50.0%
30 City-Large 2,393 $21,563 65.1%
31 City-Large 7,337
32 City-Small 162 $20,833 61.2%
33 City-Large
34 City-Large
35 City-Large
36 City-Small

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northwestern Health Sciences University and Academy College stand out?

Both Bloomington institutions achieve 100% graduation rates, the highest among Minnesota's urban colleges. Northwestern Health Sciences University enrolls 251 students with graduates earning $48,666 annually, while Academy College serves 112 students whose graduates average $48,300. These specialized programs command higher net prices of $29,794 and $31,307 respectively.

How do University of Minnesota campuses compare across urban areas?

The Twin Cities campus enrolls 30,469 students with an 84.8% graduation rate and $69,020 average earnings. Rochester serves 568 students with a 56.9% graduation rate but matching $69,020 earnings. Duluth accommodates 7,475 students with a 64.5% graduation rate and $62,616 average earnings, showing consistent quality across locations.

Is Macalester College worth the high cost and selectivity?

Macalester College maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 28.4% among urban Minnesota colleges while achieving a 90.4% graduation rate. With 2,131 students paying a net price of $29,980, graduates earn an average of $63,878 annually. The Saint Paul location provides access to major Twin Cities employers and internship opportunities.

What career outcomes do Minnesota urban college graduates achieve?

Earnings range from $36,909 to $79,652 annually, with Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science graduates earning the highest at $79,652. University of St Thomas graduates average $73,739, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Rochester graduates both earn $69,020. These figures reflect strong connections to Minnesota's healthcare, retail, and technology sectors.

How affordable are community and technical colleges in Minnesota cities?

St Cloud Technical and Community College offers the lowest net price at $10,956 with a 42.2% graduation rate among 2,808 students. Lake Superior College in Duluth charges $16,050 net with a 38.2% graduation rate for 2,456 students. Both provide pathways to four-year programs and direct entry into Minnesota's workforce.

Does Minnesota's State Grant program help urban college students?

Minnesota's State Grant specifically supports low-income students attending the state's urban colleges, helping bridge affordability gaps. With net prices ranging from $10,956 to $31,307 across 36 urban institutions, this program makes higher education accessible in cities where living costs are higher but job opportunities with major employers like UnitedHealth Group and Target are abundant.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.