2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,785 reviews

Senior: The UofM Twin Cities is an amazing public university! It offers just about any program you can think of and many of these programs are ranked extremely well in the United States, as well as around the world. Much of the faculty is involved in groundbreaking research, which enables students to be involved in research as well. The academic standards are rigorous but not too demanding to be successful. The location in the Twin Cities is wonderful for access to opportunities in the community for internships and partnerships. There are tons of student groups and activities for students to get involved in, which helps makes the large school feel smaller and offers opportunity to build a close knit community here. Having Division I sports means there is always a fun sporting event to go to, many of which are free for current students. There is a fair amount of diversity, although this is an area I would like to see growth in. I also would like to see a decrease in tuition costs.... Read 4,785 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $17,468

• SAT range 1310-1490

• Brooklyn Park, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  141 reviews

Freshman: Hennepin Tech is a great school and a great place to start my college experience. Being a new student was scary and unnerving, but the office administrators and counselors were all very helpful and reassuring to me. No matter what questions I had, everyone helped me without making me feel bad or out of place for asking. I know going forward, the staff will help me succeed.... Read 141 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,194

• SAT range —

• Bloomington, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  669 reviews

Junior: My overall experience at Normandale for the past few years have been great! Applying, registering for classes, accessing information, and getting help on anything is very easy and accessible. Even on campus, everything is easy to find and with the new renovation, it looks great and everything is still organized. There are so many places to study and the fellow students are usually outgoing and willing to work with you. I would recommend this community college to everyone and am glad I chose to attend this school!... Read 669 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,354

• SAT range —

• Rosemount, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  140 reviews

Sophomore: I'm in the finance program and my professors are also heads of the department. They are two incredibly qualified people that know what they're doing and I am glad to know that I am getting a quality education from them. My general ed professors have also been very kind and understanding with requiring extensions for circumstances, and although I do not know the extent to their knowledge on things, I can attest that they are very passionate over what they do. My favorite class of all was on Communication, as it got down to the very core of realizing that all things are done through vulnerability, and the class discussions shared were highly personal on understanding each and every one of us. While I looked down on it as first, it made me understand how human interactions worked from a global scale all the way down to a surface level.... Read 140 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,472

• SAT range —

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,076 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Northwestern has truly been an answered prayer. The community, friendships, and relationships that have grown over the course of my time at Northwestern is astounding. UNW is a place where everyone of all backgrounds can find a place that they feel comfortable in to express their ideas and opinions. I am grateful for the academic enrichment that UNW offers, and the compassionate professors that I have had. Not only do my professors care about my education, but I know that they also care about my faith and well-being. Here at Northwestern, I have had the opportunity to strengthen my faith in every aspect, and feel comfortable having important conversations with those that I have met through this school. One thing that I would like to change here is related to my major. I am a psychology major and the program definitely lacks variety in electives and courses in general. It is hard to gain a degree that is versatile for the workplace. Other than that, I do love it here!... Read 1,076 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,965

• SAT range 1110-1330

• White Bear Lake, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  481 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience with century college has been really great. I was at first at Normandale community college but then I transferred to Century College because it is much closer to my home. Since then, the commute has been great too! At Century, all of the professors are super helpful and there are always different resources for all students that attends century college. When I first joined Century, I was a bit scared and nervous, because I was new there, but eventually I got used to it. The people who goes there are all so sweet and nice. I have not yet experienced any discrimination and that is something that I am super grateful for because that is something that I am always afraid of. That fear went away as I started to learn more about the culture there and the type of people. I love how century college is also a very diverse college. There's so many different people of different ethnicity and it is amazing because I get to learn other peoples culture. I love and appreciate the... Read 481 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,901

• SAT range —

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  466 reviews

Senior: Saint Paul College is a public community and technical college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. It offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs designed to prepare students for various career paths. The college is known for its commitment to providing quality education and workforce training, helping students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields. The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in areas such as health sciences, information technology, business, liberal arts, engineering, and more. Additionally, it promotes a diverse and inclusive learning environment that supports students from different backgrounds and experiences. Saint Paul College aims to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students by offering flexible scheduling options, online courses, and support services to assist students throughout their academic journey.... Read 466 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,391

• SAT range —

• Anoka, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  150 reviews

Freshman: This is the fourth college I have attended, and my favorite so far. All the programs they offer are specialized for a specific career, so if you know what you want to do this is a great place to go. You aren't required to take a lot of general education classes, which I like. They also are able to transfer in many credits from other schools, which was a plus for me. All the faculty I have interacted with so far have been extremely helpful and kind, and they seem to genuinely care about the students. The coursework is semi-difficult, but doable, and applicable to the real world and your career choice. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my choice to attend.... Read 150 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,407

• SAT range —

• Inver Grove Heights, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  260 reviews

Sophomore: I'm graduating in a few months from here! While I have been a solely online student, my experience here has been very good. I've found the teachers to be helpful and caring about your success! There are quite a few activities/clubs available as well, although the school is switching those to a completely in-person format. Overall, I'd say it's worth it to attend here, just make sure to sign up for classes early, read ratemyprofessor, and go to office hours/the writing center if you need help!... Read 260 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,184

• SAT range —

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  586 reviews

Alum: SO many resources because of state funding & donors, allowing non-traditional students the extra support they need. You will experience a range of beliefs & backgrounds unlike your snotty, white 4-year liberal arts schools. Cost of attendance is so cheap, and many students receive scholarships or aid. I have had personal relationships with almost all professors, small class sizes and generally well structured online courses. Amazing, niche programs like the bicycle repair, music, print-making, herbal studies, sound arts, trades, etc. The professors are amazing. I got my AA and transferred, and the level of education at my private 4-year college is the same as community college. Seriously, save your money. Go here. I love MCTC.... Read 586 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,314

• SAT range —