Online learning is becoming more accessible, and there are a wealth of accredited online colleges in Minnesota. In fact, according to data from the Distance Education State Almanac 2017, the percentage of Minnesota college students that took all their classes through an online learning program was nearly double the national average even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This article will go over everything prospective students need to know about online schools in Minnesota, a state with many accessible and affordable schools. This includes everything from tuition rates to degree requirements, accreditation, advanced degrees, and everything else that will help you in your search for the best virtual schools in Minnesota.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota: Two Types of Accreditation
Accredited online colleges receive accreditation from third-party agencies, based on a set of general standards. Accreditation exists for schools from the elementary education level to the graduate level. There are two types of accreditation, regional accreditation and national accreditation.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation is done by regulatory bodies that preside over certain regions of the country. There are six such bodies in the US. These are the HLC, the MSCHE, the NECHE, the NWCCU, the SACSCOC, and the WSCUC. The Higher Learning Commission, or HLC, presides over Minnesota.
Regional accreditation usually focuses on non-profit schools with a focus on academic teaching and research. This could be any private school or a public institution that offers postsecondary education within the region the accrediting body oversees. Regional accreditation is often more well-received and well-established than national accreditation.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
National accreditation agencies serve the entire country and even a few institutions outside of it. They mainly focus on for-profit schools or those more focused on vocational learning or career training than research and academia.
In addition to this, some national accreditation agencies also accredit specific programs and individual courses within a college or institution. This is an indication that the program meets the standards set by those in that field. Program-specific accreditation is usually only offered to institutions that are already fully accredited.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it allows for a universal standard that transcends a single institution or program. This allows for credits to count at other schools in the case of a transfer or when graduates apply for graduate studies. It can also affect career opportunities. This is very important for those taking online courses to consider.
Accreditation is more than just a matter of transferring credits. It is also a sign that a school offers good education. While accreditation is not directly done by government agencies, accreditation agencies are themselves accredited by the government. Each one represents a baseline standard that every institution must meet.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in Minnesota
You can find out whether an online college in Minnesota is accredited by checking accreditation records. School rankings don’t usually include information on accreditation, so to find accredited colleges in the area you will need to check the official databases of the Department of Education or the HLC. This section below further explains how to find accredited online colleges.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
The US Department of Education has a Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). This database contains both institutional and program-based accreditation records. This works best if you have a school in mind that you want to ascertain the status of before filling out an application.
To use DAPIP, type in the name of the school you’re looking for and hit search. Go through the results of the school search, then find and click on the name of the school you have in mind. The next page will display the accreditation.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
Minnesota and most surrounding states are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, as specified by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The agency’s online platform has a database of all accredited colleges in the state, including those that employ a physical, online, or hybrid program.
The Higher Learning Commission’s website allows you to either search for a particular school or generate a list of accredited schools in a specific state. You can scroll through the list or search for a school directly.
Furthermore, while not considered a regional accreditation, the Distance Education Accreditation Institution is the main body that approves legitimacy on distance learning across the US, including colleges in Minnesota.
Visit the School’s Official Website
Accreditation is an important part of deciding on a place to study for many people. As such, many universities will proudly display their accreditation status on their website. Simply navigate to the About section of most school websites and you’re likely to find a paragraph or link to that school’s accreditation status as well as the agency responsible.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 80% |
| 2 | Bethel University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 71% |
| 3 | Winona State University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 65% |
| 4 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 62% |
| 5 | Metropolitan State University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 57% |
| 6 | Crown College | Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation (national) Higher Learning Commission (regional) |
55% |
| 7 | Bemidji State University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 50% |
| 8 | Saint Cloud State University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 50% |
| 9 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 49% |
| 10 | Walden University | Higher Learning Commission (regional) | 27% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in Minnesota by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota: Deep Dive
This section expands on what the schools in the table above have to offer online learners. These school profiles cover details like tuition costs, student outcomes, whether or not online learners need to attend certain campus classes, the best academic programs, and more.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in Minnesota?
The easiest online college that is accredited in Minnesota is the University of Minnesota, as demonstrated by its graduation rate of 80 percent. In addition to the quality of education offered, the University of Minnesota also offers comprehensive support across all programs and disciplines. This support includes specialized aid for coursework and career planning.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in Minnesota?
Rasmussen University is the cheapest accredited online college in Minnesota. Some of its graduate degree programs are priced at as little as $125 per credit. In addition, the school offers many discounts and financial aid options, including a discount for active military students.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota?
No, there aren’t any truly free accredited colleges in Minnesota. Accreditation is an expensive process, and can’t be undertaken by a school without significant resources. Furthermore, it’s difficult for schools without significant resources to meet the standards set by many accrediting bodies.
While there are no free online colleges in Minnesota, there are other affordable options. Many online colleges have affordable tuition or offer a significant tuition discount that you may be eligible for. Students enrolling in an online program can apply for federal aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Furthermore, Minnesota has many programs in place that can help low-income students afford college.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in Minnesota?
You should choose an accredited online college in Minnesota because the state is home to some of the most affordable and high-quality online institutions in the country. Furthermore, the number of institutions available means there is a choice for students at all levels and of all disciplines, which is important when making educational decisions.
Affordability
If you’re wondering how you can afford your degree, it’s worth noting that online courses end up being significantly cheaper overall than in-person programs. Online courses also remove the need for a commute or relocation. Furthermore, Minnesota has many financial aid programs and schools with tuition and fee waivers.
Convenience
An online learning environment allows for a degree of convenience that physical classes just can’t match. From easily accessible learning materials to special programs to allow for time and resource management, many of the online colleges in Minnesota are designed for student convenience.
Variety of Learning Styles
There is an ample variety of learning styles in Minnesota online schools. Fully online programs, hybrid programs, synchronous and asynchronous learning, and many other styles of learning are available at any number of online schools in the state. Finding a school that suits your unique style is easy.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota
It is important to consider affordable accredited online colleges in Minnesota, as finances can make or break your final academic decision. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the cheapest online schools in Minnesota.
- Riverland Community College | Tuition: $229/Credit. Riverland Community College has online associate degrees and certification programs in various finance, accounting, and management fields.
- Metro State University | Tuition: $276/Credit. Metro State offers both undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on topics in business management and administration.
- Rasmussen University | Tuition: $310/Credit. This institution offers courses at every level of higher education. This includes associate’s degrees, diplomas, certificate courses, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees.
- Capella University | Tuition: $357 – $415/Credit. Capella offers programs in social work, healthcare, accounting, and more. These range from certificate to doctoral programs.
- Concordia University-Saint Paul | Tuition: $420/Credit. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, from creative writing to computer science.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in Minnesota That Accept Financial Aid
There are many affordable accredited colleges in Minnesota, supplemented by the number of financial aid opportunities available in the state. This section will go over some of the best schools that offer financial aid.
- Concordia University-Saint Paul | Tuition: $420/Credit. Concordia University offers students a diverse range of options for interested students, in addition to being very compatible with financial aid. 100 percent of Concordia students receive financial aid.
- Bethel University | Tuition: $430/Credit. Bethel is an evangelical school that takes a compassionate view on financial aid. 99 percent of Bethel students receive financial aid.
- Metropolitan State University | Tuition: $276/Credit. Metropolitan offers a wide selection of finance and business programs, so financial matters are at the forefront of their educational philosophy. 99 percent of Metropolitan State students receive financial aid.
- Winona State University | Tuition: $268/Credit. Winona State goes the extra mile to ensure that students get their money’s worth by providing access to lots of online resources and financial aid. 94 percent of Winona State students receive financial aid.
- The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Tuition: $521/Credit. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities’s online programs have a wide range of financial requirements in addition to the baseline tuition. 82 percent of the school’s students receive financial aid.
Best Online Schools in Minnesota by Popular Subjects
While there are many metrics to judge prospective schools by, a list of best online schools in Minnesota depends on the subject a student has in mind. Some institutions don’t offer certain courses, while others have them available through one or more concentrations. Consequently, the next section will cover some of the best schools based on various subjects.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in Minnesota
Most of the accredited online colleges that feature associate degree programs are community colleges. This is because associate programs are usually the mainstay of on-campus education at these institutions. This section covers some worthwhile associate degree programs that can be earned online.
- Concordia University, St. Paul | Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. This course prepares students to educate young children. It imparts the skills and knowledge required to effectively communicate and care for kids. The program also adheres to Child Development Associate National Credentialing standards.
- Crown College | Associate of Science in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Crown’s TEFL program covers concepts like cross-cultural communication, global ethics, and teaching the English language in person and online. This program awards an internationally recognized TEFL certificate as well as an associate degree.
- Anoka Ramsey | Associate of Science in Human Resources. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in human resource management. Students can transfer their credits in part or whole to an undergraduate program.
- Lake Superior College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Web Programming. This associate degree program teaches students the fundamentals of programming in addition to other web design skills. This program can serve as a gateway into a computer science undergraduate program.
- Northland Community and Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing. This program combines theoretical and practical approaches to digital marketing. Students gain an understanding of social and digital marketing as well as skills in management, communication, and sales.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Minnesota
Most accredited online colleges offer bachelor’s degrees, as they are standard for postsecondary education. This section will outline some bachelor’s degree programs that can be taken online in Minnesota.
- University of Minnesota | Bachelor of Manufacturing Management. This program teaches the managerial skills that are most desirable in the manufacturing industry. This includes other useful skills like budget management, reporting, and more.
- Bethel University | Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. This specially accredited program teaches the basics of social work to allow students to practice as soon as they graduate.
- Winona State University | Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Leadership. Perfect for industry professionals, this program gives students the tools needed for career advancement. It focuses on ensuring better outcomes for everyone involved in the healthcare cycle.
- Concordia University, St. Paul | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Marketing. This program allows students to acquire the skills needed to successfully market to any audience using modern means like social media and web interactions. It is a futureproof marketing education.
- Metro State University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program teaches students the basics of criminal justice. It also goes further, allowing students to query the existing systems and the ethics involved.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in Minnesota
This section will discuss some accredited online colleges in Minnesota that offer graduate programs. Each entry will also include a specific master’s degree program that properly encapsulates the school’s quality.
- University of Minnesota | Master of Business Administration. This MBA degree program creates industry-ready graduates through a curriculum that is focused on management and leadership skills.
- Bethel University | Master of Social Work. This graduate program prepares both those interested in social work and those already in the field for more advanced service. It also has two distinct learning paths for both cases which ensures that no student gets left behind.
- Winona State University | Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. This graduate program uses a focus on social justice and equity to teach advanced techniques in strategic communication.
- Concordia University, St. Paul | Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. This program teaches the application of writing and literary analysis skills. It aims to better students’ understanding of the creative writing process.
- Metro State University | Master in Public Administration. This industry-focused course covers topics like management of human resources and policy analysis. It is a solid choice for anyone seeking promotion or lateral career change in the public administration field.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in Minnesota
You should attend an accredited online college in Minnesota because many online schools in the state offer both quality and convenience. Minnesota is ranked as one of the overall best states by US News & World Report and has a strong job market. Attending an accredited online college in Minnesota can allow you to work and learn without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota FAQ
Not all colleges are accredited because some schools cannot meet the financial requirements for accreditation. These institutions want to maintain affordable tuition rates and cannot raise the capital needed for the accreditation process. Some schools use unorthodox teaching methods for nontraditional students that might not fit into the accrediting body’s template.
However, this isn’t the case for all schools. Some schools simply do not meet the standards required for accreditation. Such a school shouldn’t even be considered among the options for students.
Yes, there are a few reasons to go to an unaccredited school. Some schools do not seek accreditation for financial reasons, or because they prefer unconventional methods or cater to nontraditional learners. If such a school has a good reputation and you only require knowledge and not a certification, this can be a good way to learn a new skill at a lower cost.
The best way for online students to fund their undergraduate education is to seek out financial aid opportunities. Minnesota offers many opportunities for aid for low-income families. In addition to this, some institutions have automatic merit-based scholarships.
Yes, you can continue a degree you started on campus online. Distance students can transfer credits from a previous institution if the accreditation is the same type. If both institutions are accredited, and within the same region, this should be stress-free.
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