1. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Overview
Location: Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMN) is the flagship public research university in the state. UMN is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, law, and health sciences. The university is home to the renowned Carlson School of Management and the highly regarded Medical School. UMN is also recognized for its extensive research output, particularly in the fields of agriculture, environmental sciences, and technology.
UMN is one of the largest universities in the United States and plays a vital role in the state’s economy and workforce development.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #62 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 50,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 1260-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Minnesota Golden Gophers Athletics
- Greek life
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
- Community service and leadership organizations
- Student Government and leadership programs
Famous Alumni
- Hubert H. Humphrey – Former U.S. Vice President
- Bob Dylan – Musician and Nobel Prize laureate
- Norman Borlaug – Nobel Peace Prize-winning agronomist
- Walter Mondale – Former U.S. Vice President
- Jessica Lange – Academy Award-winning actress
Top Employers
- 3M
- Medtronic
- Target Corporation
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
2. Carleton College
Overview
Location: Northfield, Minnesota
Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private liberal arts college consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Carleton is known for its strong emphasis on academic rigor, critical thinking, and student research. The college offers highly regarded programs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Carleton is also recognized for its vibrant campus culture, which includes student-run organizations and an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
Carleton’s close-knit community and focus on undergraduate teaching make it one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #6 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Average SAT Score: 1400-1560
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Intramural sports and outdoor clubs
- The Carletonian (student newspaper)
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Student-run radio station (KRLX)
- Performing arts and a cappella groups
Famous Alumni
- Thorstein Veblen – Economist and social theorist
- Paul Wellstone – Former U.S. Senator
- Lila Abu-Lughod – Anthropologist and professor
- Gao Hong – Internationally recognized pipa player
- Jonathan Capehart – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
Top Employers
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- Amazon
3. Macalester College
Overview
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Founded in 1874, Macalester College is a private liberal arts college known for its emphasis on global citizenship, diversity, and social responsibility. Macalester has strong programs in international studies, political science, economics, and environmental studies. The college’s urban location in St. Paul provides students with access to internships, cultural activities, and community engagement opportunities.
Macalester is committed to producing globally aware graduates who are engaged in solving the world’s most pressing issues.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #27 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Around 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Average SAT Score: 1350-1500
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- International and multicultural student organizations
- Environmental and sustainability clubs
- Political activism and social justice groups
- Performing arts and theatre programs
- Study abroad and international programs
Famous Alumni
- Kofi Annan – Former UN Secretary-General
- Walter Mondale – Former U.S. Vice President
- Tim O’Brien – Author
- DeWitt Wallace – Co-founder of Reader’s Digest
- Peter Berg – Filmmaker and actor
Top Employers
- Target Corporation
- U.S. State Department
- Wells Fargo
- Minnesota State Government
4. St. Olaf College
Overview
Location: Northfield, Minnesota
Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college with a strong focus on music, science, and the humanities. Known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life, St. Olaf emphasizes a holistic approach to education. The college is renowned for its St. Olaf Choir and its commitment to service, leadership, and global engagement. St. Olaf also excels in undergraduate research and study abroad programs.
The college’s Norwegian-American heritage and strong community spirit create a distinctive and welcoming environment for students.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #50 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Average SAT Score: 1250-1450
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- St. Olaf Choir and music ensembles
- Intramural and club sports
- Study abroad and global learning programs
- Student government and leadership development
- Volunteer and community service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Ole Evinrude – Inventor of the outboard motor
- Thorstein Veblen – Economist and social theorist
- Walter Mondale – Former U.S. Vice President
- Robert Bly – Poet and author
- Marisha Chamberlain – Playwright
Top Employers
- Mayo Clinic
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- U.S. Bank
- Target Corporation
5. University of St. Thomas
Overview
Location: St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas (UST) is Minnesota’s largest private university. Known for its business, engineering, law, and education programs, UST provides students with a well-rounded liberal arts education. The Opus College of Business is highly regarded, offering strong connections to the Twin Cities’ business community. The university also emphasizes ethical leadership and service to society.
With campuses in both St. Paul and Minneapolis, UST gives students access to numerous internship and professional development opportunities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #136 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 9,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1340
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Tommies Athletics
- Entrepreneurship and business clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Music and performing arts ensembles
Famous Alumni
- Dennis McGrath – Former CEO of Prime Therapeutics
- Andrew Zimmern – TV host and chef
- Tom Dooher – Former President of Education Minnesota
- John Schneider – General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks
- Patrick Ryan – Founder of First Trust Advisors
Top Employers
- U.S. Bank
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- 3M
- Target Corporation
6. Gustavus Adolphus College
Overview
Location: St. Peter, Minnesota
Founded in 1862, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Gustavus is known for its strong programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The college is committed to social justice, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship, with many students participating in community service and study abroad programs.
Gustavus is also famous for hosting the annual Nobel Conference, which brings leading scientists and scholars to campus.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #79 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1170-1380
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Gustavus Adolphus Golden Gusties Athletics
- Study abroad and international programs
- Student government and leadership clubs
- Performing arts and music groups
- Environmental and sustainability organizations
Famous Alumni
- Kurt Brown – Poet
- Tom Hagedorn – U.S. Congressman
- Ann Bancroft – Explorer and educator
- Steve Simon – Minnesota Secretary of State
- Peter Krause – Actor (Six Feet Under)
Top Employers
- Mayo Clinic
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- U.S. Bank
- General Mills
7. Concordia College, Moorhead
Overview
Location: Moorhead, Minnesota
Founded in 1891, Concordia College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Concordia is known for its strong programs in the liberal arts, health sciences, and music. The college places a strong emphasis on global engagement, leadership, and service, with many students participating in study abroad programs and service-learning projects.
Concordia’s renowned music program includes the acclaimed Concordia Choir, which performs internationally.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #145 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1270
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Concordia Cobbers Athletics
- Study abroad and international programs
- Campus ministry and religious organizations
- Music and performing arts groups
- Volunteer and community service programs
Famous Alumni
- Karin Housley – Minnesota State Senator
- Cyrus Nowrasteh – Screenwriter and filmmaker
- J. Kevin Kenney – NASA astronaut
- Sarah Berger – Actress
- David Solberg – Composer and conductor
Top Employers
- Sanford Health
- Microsoft
- Bell Bank
- Target Corporation
- Concordia College
8. Hamline University
Overview
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Founded in 1854, Hamline University is Minnesota’s first university and is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and social justice. Hamline is home to the highly respected Hamline School of Law and offers strong programs in business, education, and the arts. The university’s urban location provides students with access to numerous internship opportunities in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Hamline emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership, and ethical decision-making in its curriculum.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #12 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average SAT Score: 1090-1270
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hamline Pipers Athletics
- Mock Trial and debate clubs
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Performing arts and theater groups
- Volunteer and community service clubs
Famous Alumni
- John Bessler – Lawyer and author
- Mitch Hedberg – Comedian
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice (received honorary degree)
- Rosalie Wahl – Minnesota Supreme Court Justice
- Coleen Rowley – FBI whistleblower and activist
Top Employers
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- 3M
9. Bethel University
Overview
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Founded in 1871, Bethel University is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong programs in education, nursing, business, and theology. Bethel integrates faith and learning, encouraging students to think critically and ethically about the world. The university emphasizes servant leadership and community service, providing students with opportunities to engage in mission trips and volunteer work.
Bethel is part of the Christian College Consortium, offering students access to a network of Christian higher education institutions.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #17 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: Around 4,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1250
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bethel Royals Athletics
- Campus ministry and religious organizations
- Business and leadership clubs
- Music and performing arts programs
- Volunteer and community outreach groups
Famous Alumni
- David Horner – CEO of Cargill
- Nancy Johnson – Former U.S. Congresswoman
- Patrick M. Hughes – U.S. Army General
- Gordon MacDonald – Christian author and speaker
- Kimberly Earnhardt – Professional counselor and author
Top Employers
- Bethel University
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- Target Corporation
- 3M
10. Augsburg University
Overview
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded in 1869, Augsburg University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Augsburg is known for its commitment to social justice, service learning, and urban education. The university offers strong programs in social work, nursing, business, and the arts. Augsburg’s urban location in Minneapolis gives students access to internships, research opportunities, and community engagement programs.
Augsburg emphasizes hands-on learning and leadership in solving real-world issues.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #24 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: Around 3,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1000-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Augsburg Auggies Athletics
- Social justice and service-learning clubs
- Music and performing arts groups
- Study abroad and global engagement programs
- Campus ministry and faith-based organizations
Famous Alumni
- Martin Sabo – Former U.S. Congressman
- Caliph McNeal – NFL player
- Kurt Bills – Minnesota State Representative
- Don Shelby – Emmy Award-winning journalist
- Darrell Thompson – NFL player
Top Employers
- Mayo Clinic
- Medtronic
- Target Corporation
- Wells Fargo
- General Mills