The cheapest colleges in Minnesota have a lot to offer. Low-tuition colleges have many degree options including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. Studying at an affordable school will let you focus on your education without worrying about money.
When choosing a college you should consider factors like graduation rate, acceptance rate, and school reputation. If you’re focused on keeping costs as low as possible, you can also look into the cheapest online colleges in Minnesota which will have some of the lowest costs overall. This article breaks down the most affordable colleges in Minnesota to help make your college search as easy as possible.
How Much Does College Cost in Minnesota?
In-state undergraduate students in Minnesota pay an average tuition of $11,748 per year, according to state-specific data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The same source also states that out-of-state undergraduate students in Minnesota pay an average of $24,442 per year in tuition.
Higher education can be very expensive, and costs are often prohibitive. However, it is not necessary to pay a high tuition cost to receive a quality education. If you attend one of the cheapest universities in Minnesota you’ll be able to get a good education at a reasonable price.
Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul | $276/credit hour | $474/credit hour |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | $357 – $415/credit hour | $440 – $815/credit hour |
| Concordia University – St. Paul | Saint Paul | $420/credit hour | $395 – $885/credit hour |
| University of Minnesota | Twin Cities | $538/credit hour (in state), $1,278/credit hour (out of state) | $9,234/semester (in state), $14,289/ semester (out of state) |
| Winona State University | Winona | $4,050/semester (in state), $7,301/semester (out of state) | $444/credit hour (in state), $671/credit hour (out of state) |
| Bemidji State University | Bemidji | $4,497/semester | N/A |
| Martin Luther College | New Ulm | $8,455/semester | $325/credit hour |
| North Central University | Minneapolis | $13,570/semester | $570/credit hour |
| Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato | $14,165/semester | $14,165/semester |
| Crown College | Saint Bonifacius | $14,180/semester | $575 – 590/credit hour |
Cheapest Universities in Minnesota: A Closer Look
Below is a deeper look at the cheapest universities in Minnesota, including both public colleges and private colleges. You can compare all the schools in terms of undergraduate and graduate tuition rates. Each section also provides information on the school’s acceptance rates, graduation rates, accreditations, and more.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Minnesota
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Hibbing Community College | $198/credit hour (in state), $242/credit hour (out of state) | Associate, Certificates, Diplomas |
| Bemidji State University | $302/credit hour (undergraduate), $478/credit hour (graduate) | Associate, Licensure Programs, Bachelor’s, |
| Capella University | $357 – $415/credit hour (undergraduate), $440 – $815/credit hour (graduate) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
| Concordia University – St. Paul | $420/credit hour | Associate, Bachelor’s |
| Crown College | $440/credit hour (undergraduate), $590/credit hour (graduate) | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
Cheapest Colleges in Minnesota by In-State Tuition
- Rasmussen University | $260/credit
- Southwest Minnesota State University | $266/credit
- Metropolitan State University | $276/credit
- Walden University | $280/credit
- Capella University | $357 – $415/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Minnesota by Out-of-State Tuition
- Southwest Minnesota State University | $266/credit
- Metropolitan State University | $276/credit
- Walden University | $280/credit
- Capella University | $357 – $415/credit
- Concordia University – St. Paul | $420/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is a great investment for your career, but the cost of attendance can be very high. The main costs contributing to expensive education are tuition, additional fees, and housing expenses. Below are some of the top factors that make college expensive.
Housing and Food
The college experience can become very expensive if housing and food are not budgeted for correctly. Sometimes students don’t allot enough money for housing and food expenses in their budget or make the most economical choices. Get a clear idea of your expenses when considering living on or off campus, and be realistic about the cost of food needed during this time.
Fees
Prestigious accredited schools often have fees in addition to high tuition rates. However, most of these schools also offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities. If you want to get the most out of your education, put your best foot forward by maintaining good grades and a consistent GPA to be eligible for merit-based scholarships and scholarship renewals.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are difficult to estimate and accumulate month after month. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can spend an average of $25,799 on housing, $9,835 on insurance, and $7,050 on healthcare annually in Minneapolis. To offset these costs, college students can make intentional choices about where and how they live when planning their budgets.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Study in your state. The best way to save money on college tuition is by choosing a school in your state that offers a discount on in-state tuition fees. This will help you cut down on costs. Keep in mind that attending one of the cheapest online colleges in Minnesota can potentially save you even more money.
- Make your food and drinks at home. You will be surprised how much you can save by cooking at home. Making your coffee at home will also save you more than you’d expect.
- Choose a cheaper mode of transport. If you are a student trying to save money, it is best not to own a car or make monthly payments. Finding alternative modes of transportation will be more affordable.
- Take advantage of on-campus facilities. Most colleges offer amenities like discounted gyms, housing, healthcare, and libraries. Make sure to use these facilities and resources instead of more expensive alternatives.
- Apply for financial aid. Many of the cheapest colleges in Minnesota offer scholarships, grants, and other kinds of financial aid that make it easy for students to earn their degrees while remaining financially stable.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Minnesota
- Look for financial aid options by finding out what school and program-specific opportunities are available. This information should be available on school websites and you can also always contact individual financial aid offices to get the most direct answers to your questions.
- Submit an application for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system for financial aid.
- Provide the required financial information for the FAFSA form and submit it online.
- Next, search for and apply for any grant and scholarship options available to you.
- If awarded any financial aid, note what requirements and parameters apply in order to renew the award for future years of study.
Scholarships for Students in Minnesota
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steve and Darla Frantz Leadership Scholarship | LeadMN | $1,250 | Undergraduate students in Minnesota with 2.5 GPA or more, priority given to students with military experience |
| Workforce Development Scholarship | Minnesota Legislature | $2,500 | Students of Minnesota state community and technical colleges enrolled in on-campus and online programs |
| Workforce Development Scholarship | State of Minnesota and the Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation | $2,500 | Minnesota residents enrolled in 9 credits or more in Saint Paul College |
| HSF Scholarship | Holly Scanlan Foundation | $5,000 | Minnesota residents who have a family member who has cancer and are in need of financial assistance. GPA requirement of at least 2.75 |
| Alexander Campbell Religious Leadership Award | Bethany Lutheran College | Varies | Children of ministers at Bethany College |
| The Aspire Scholarship | Wallin Education Partners | $8,000 | Students in technical associate degree programs |
| Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors | Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and The Sallie Mae Fund | Up to $10,000 | Undergraduate students |
| St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship | St. Catherine University | $28,000 | Students with outstanding academic performance at St. Catherine University |
| Bethany Grant | Bethany Lutheran College | $10,500 | Students who have a GPA of 2.8 or above |
| Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows | Ciresi Walburn Foundation | $40,000 | Black male students |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Minnesota
Trying to find the right school can be nerve-wracking. Below are some of the best tips on how to choose an affordable college in Minnesota to study for your associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree. Keep reading to learn some strategies you can keep in mind while you’re choosing an educational path.
Program Flexibility
Many of the best schools offer online degree programs that give students a lot of flexibility. If you study online it can be easier to offset the cost of tuition by maintaining part-time or even full-time employment. Studying online also means that you won’t have to commute to school which can help keep costs low.
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Tuition rate
Some colleges have per-credit tuition rates and program curriculums with specific total credit hour requirements. This allows students to plan their finances and avoid paying for too many additional courses. Other schools have per-semester tuition rates that you can consider as one-time payments. Either way, be sure to carefully research the cost of tuition.
Consider scholarships and grants
There are plenty of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options provided by the state and by universities to help qualified students to pursue higher education. You can find scholarships offered by schools often based on different kinds of merit or based on academic achievement. Some colleges offer freshmen scholarships to ease the financial burden for students during their first year of study.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Minnesota
| Job Title | Average Salary in Minnesota | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $111,400 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Project Management Specialist | $94,750 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Operations Research Analyst | $92,640 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $90,340 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Chiropractor | $83,600 | PhD |
| Landscape Architect | $81,630 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Market Research Analyst | $81,360 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Survey Researcher | $70,110 | Master’s degree |
| Paralegal | $61,790 | Associate degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Minnesota: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Minnesota Worth It?
A cheap college in Minnesota is worth it because it will help you achieve your short-term goals and long-term goals. You will be able to gain specific skills in your chosen career, get career advice from professional services, and participate in research work and internships that will prepare you for the job market. Don’t forget that it’s entirely possible for you to earn a quality education from an accredited school without drowning in college debt.
Cheapest Colleges in Minnesota FAQ
Some of the cheapest colleges in Minnesota are Rasmussen University, Capella University, Bemidji State University, Crown College, and Martin Luther College. For an associate degree, consider Ridgewater College, Carleton College, Concordia College, and Dunwoody College of Technology. All of these schools offer an affordable price per credit hour.
The best part-time jobs for college students include barista, bartender, and dog sitter. Students also have access to many freelancing platforms which can be more convenient. If your school and program offer work-study opportunities, definitely consider those since they can give you paid professional experience in your field of study.
You can go to school full time by saving money for a year and then enrolling in school. Scholarships can also make studying without working possible. Students are able to use scholarship awards to cover tuition and potentially other costs of living.
The Minnesota State Grant is offered to students from low-income households in Minnesota. The state provides this grant to help students pursue their educational goals. To apply for the Minnesota State Grant, all you have to do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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