Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota

57 Schools Ranked
$45,529 Average Earnings
$25,712 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 57 schools in Minnesota to see which online programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
14,837 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Capella University the most popular school in Minnesota for students working on their degree. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 14,837 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $36,349 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Capella University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,758 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Full Capella University Report

#3

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
1,263 Total Awards
$42,370 Average Earnings
$24,533 Avg Student Debt

The programs at North Hennepin Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Minnesota. North Hennepin Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. It awarded 1,263 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from North Hennepin Community College accumulate an average of $24,533 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from North Hennepin Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,370 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full North Hennepin Community College Report

#4

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
1,379 Total Awards
$41,929 Average Earnings
$20,674 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Normandale Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota list. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,379 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,674 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Normandale Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,929 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#5

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
1,126 Total Awards
$43,464 Average Earnings
$23,645 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Minnesota. Coon Rapids, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,126 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,645 in student loans.After graduating from Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,464 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Anoka-Ramsey Community College

#6

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota
1,243 Total Awards
$43,896 Average Earnings
$25,667 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Bemidji State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Bemidji State University is a small public school situated in Bemidji, Minnesota. It awarded 1,243 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bemidji State University accumulate an average of $25,667 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bemidji State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,896 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read More…

#7

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
2,187 Total Awards
$47,827 Average Earnings
$31,302 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota list. Metro State is a public institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,187 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,302 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Metro State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,827 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Metropolitan State University Report

#8

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
1,810 Total Awards
$40,997 Average Earnings
$22,112 Avg Student Debt

Century College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking. Century College is located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,810 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Century College accumulate an average of $22,112 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Century College graduates make an average of $40,997 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Century College

1,152 Total Awards
$39,038 Average Earnings
$19,353 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State Community and Technical College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota list. Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,152 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,353 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, M State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,038 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#10

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
1,021 Total Awards
$40,365 Average Earnings
$18,381 Avg Student Debt

St Cloud Technical and Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 1,021 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,381 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates make an average of $40,365 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on St Cloud Technical and Community College

#11

Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota
899 Total Awards
$38,961 Average Earnings
$18,601 Avg Student Debt

Ridgewater College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Willmar, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 899 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Ridgewater College accumulate an average of $18,601 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Ridgewater College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,961 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read More…

909 Total Awards
$41,604 Average Earnings
$22,298 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Rochester Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Rochester Community and Technical College is located in Rochester, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 909 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,298 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Rochester Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,604 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full Rochester Community and Technical College Report

3,616 Total Awards
$46,060 Average Earnings
$24,437 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large public school situated in Mankato, Minnesota. It awarded 3,616 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Minnesota State Mankato accumulate an average of $24,437 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $133.After graduating from Minnesota State Mankato, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,060 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Minnesota State University - Mankato

#14

Central Lakes College - Brainerd

Brainerd, Minnesota
876 Total Awards
$41,724 Average Earnings
$16,546 Avg Student Debt

Central Lakes College - Brainerd landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Central Lakes College is a small public school situated in Brainerd, Minnesota. It awarded 876 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,546 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Central Lakes College graduates make an average of $41,724 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read More…

#15

Riverland Community College

Austin, Minnesota
725 Total Awards
$18,466 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Riverland Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This small public school is located in Austin, Minnesota, and it awarded 725 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,466 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read More…

1,489 Total Awards
$40,896 Average Earnings
$25,798 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Moorhead landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Minnesota State University - Moorhead is a medium-sized public school located in Moorhead, Minnesota that handed out 1,489 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,798 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MSU Moorhead graduates make an average of $40,896 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

1,396 Total Awards
$42,845 Average Earnings
$25,516 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Minneapolis Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 1,396 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,516 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Minneapolis Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $42,845 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minneapolis Community and Technical College Report

#18

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
858 Total Awards
$41,428 Average Earnings
$19,224 Avg Student Debt

Northland Community and Technical College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota list. This small public school is located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and it awarded 858 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northland Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $19,224 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Northland Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,428 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northland Community and Technical College Report

#19

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
680 Total Awards
$41,023 Average Earnings
$22,661 Avg Student Debt

Inver Hills Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking. Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 680 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,661 in student loans. During the early years of their career, IHCC graduates make an average of $41,023 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, Minnesota
663 Total Awards
$40,918 Average Earnings
$25,598 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 663 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,598 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates make an average of $40,918 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Southwest Minnesota State University

827 Total Awards
$38,213 Average Earnings
$12,553 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota West Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Granite Falls, Minnesota that handed out 827 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,553 in student loans.After graduating from Minnesota West, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,213 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

656 Total Awards
$40,141 Average Earnings
$15,948 Avg Student Debt

Alexandria Technical & Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota list. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 656 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,948 in student loans. During the early years of their career, ATCC graduates make an average of $40,141 annually. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#23

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
2,656 Total Awards
$45,870 Average Earnings
$25,873 Avg Student Debt

Saint Cloud State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Saint Cloud State University is a fairly large public school located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota that handed out 2,656 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,873 in student loans. During the early years of their career, St. Cloud State University graduates make an average of $45,870 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Saint Cloud State University Report

#24

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,232 Total Awards
$51,291 Average Earnings
$31,006 Avg Student Debt

Bethel University Minnesota came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,232 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,006 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $356. During the early years of their career, Bethel University Minnesota graduates make an average of $51,291 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Bethel University Minnesota

#25

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota
2,080 Total Awards
$51,318 Average Earnings
$30,777 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Saint Paul did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. Concordia University, Saint Paul is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,080 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,777 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Saint Paul graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,318 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Online Schools in the Plains States Region

View Most Popular Online Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.