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Most Popular Schools in Minnesota

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Minnesota

95 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. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Schools in Minnesota ranking. This report analyzed 95 schools in Minnesota to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
14,640 Total Awards
$50,445 Average Earnings
$21,399 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to be the most popular school for students in Minnesota. UMN Twin Cities is a large public school situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It awarded 14,640 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,399 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $257 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMN Twin Cities graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,445 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#2

Capella University

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

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Capella University is a great place for students. Capella University is a large private for-profit school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 14,837 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,349 in student loans.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. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capella University

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Minnesota State University - Mankato. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Minnesota list. This fairly large public school is located in Mankato, Minnesota, and it awarded 3,616 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,437 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $133 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Minnesota State Mankato graduates make an average of $46,060 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#5

University of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota
3,066 Total Awards
$56,351 Average Earnings
$21,455 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of St Thomas Minnesota. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Minnesota list. UST MN is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,066 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,455 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $307, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UST MN graduates make an average of $56,351 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of St Thomas Minnesota Report

#6

Saint Cloud State University

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

Saint Cloud State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. St. Cloud State University is a public institution located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,656 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,873 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from St. Cloud State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,870 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Saint Cloud State University Report

#7

University of Minnesota - Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota
2,564 Total Awards
$41,529 Average Earnings
$23,164 Avg Student Debt

University of Minnesota - Duluth landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,564 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,164 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $202 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UMN Duluth graduates make an average of $41,529 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Minnesota - Duluth

#8

Metropolitan State University

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

Metropolitan State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,187 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,302 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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.

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#9

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 #9 on the list. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,080 students in 2020-2021.

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.

Full Concordia University, Saint Paul Report

#10

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
1,966 Total Awards
$41,281 Average Earnings
$30,701 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Minnesota list. St. Cloud, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,966 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,701 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Minnesota, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,281 during the early years of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rasmussen University - Minnesota Report

1,896 Total Awards
$56,065 Average Earnings
$29,703 Avg Student Debt

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Minnesota ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Winona, Minnesota, and it awarded 1,896 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,703 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SMU MN graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,065 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

#12

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota
1,886 Total Awards
$44,424 Average Earnings
$26,110 Avg Student Debt

Winona State University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Minnesota list. Winona State is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,886 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Winona State accumulate an average of $26,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $176 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Winona State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,424 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#13

Century College

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

With a ranking of #13, Century College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,810 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Century College accumulate an average of $22,112 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Century College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,997 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Century College Report

#14

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
1,610 Total Awards
$42,797 Average Earnings
$19,708 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Hennepin Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 1,610 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,708 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Hennepin Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,797 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Full Hennepin Technical College Report

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

Minnesota State University - Moorhead came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Minnesota ranking. MSU Moorhead is a public institution located in Moorhead, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,489 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MSU Moorhead accumulate an average of $25,798 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MSU Moorhead graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,896 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minnesota State University - Moorhead Report

#16

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,502 Total Awards
$53,926 Average Earnings
$32,729 Avg Student Debt

St Catherine University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,502 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from St. Kate’s accumulate an average of $32,729 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $266, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, St. Kate’s graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,926 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

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#17

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, Minnesota
1,478 Total Awards
$48,635 Average Earnings
$30,536 Avg Student Debt

The College of Saint Scholastica did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. The College of Saint Scholastica is a small private not-for-profit school located in Duluth, Minnesota that handed out 1,478 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,536 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $314 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, St. Scholastica graduates make an average of $48,635 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

Full The College of Saint Scholastica Report

#18

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,407 Total Awards
$36,206 Average Earnings
$20,623 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Saint Paul College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and it awarded 1,407 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Saint Paul College accumulate an average of $20,623 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Saint Paul College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,206 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saint Paul College

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

Minneapolis Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,396 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Minneapolis Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $25,516 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Minneapolis Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,845 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Minneapolis Community and Technical College

#20

Normandale Community College

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

With a ranking of #20, Normandale Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,379 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Normandale Community College accumulate an average of $20,674 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Normandale Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,929 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Normandale Community College Report

#21

North Hennepin Community College

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

With a ranking of #21, North Hennepin Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. North Hennepin Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota that handed out 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. Once they receive their degree, North Hennepin Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,370 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Full North Hennepin Community College Report

#22

Bemidji State University

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

Bemidji State University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Bemidji State University is a small public school located in Bemidji, Minnesota that handed out 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. During the early years of their career, Bemidji State University graduates make an average of $43,896 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bemidji State University Report

#23

Bethel University Minnesota

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

Bethel University Minnesota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,232 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bethel University Minnesota accumulate an average of $31,006 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $356, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Bethel University Minnesota graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,291 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bethel University Minnesota Report

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

Minnesota State Community and Technical College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Minnesota ranking. Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota that handed out 1,152 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from M State accumulate an average of $19,353 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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.

Full Minnesota State Community and Technical College Report

#25

Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,147 Total Awards
$41,396 Average Earnings
$25,733 Avg Student Debt

Hamline University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Minnesota list. Hamline University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that handed out 1,147 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,733 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $288. During the early years of their career, Hamline graduates make an average of $41,396 annually. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Hamline University Report

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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.

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