2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,056 reviews

Sophomore: St. Catherine University honestly feels like my home away from home. It is a homey and calming atmosphere to it especially with the smaller campus size. It is tucked away in a great neighborhood called Highland Park in St. Paul, MN. Instantly on campus you feel welcomed as many people smile and even say "Hi" as you go by. There is a place for everyone on this campus and the professors know you by name. You are not just a number here as faculty know you and teach you how to bloom into the person you would like to become. Overall, I love it here!... Read 1,056 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,252

• SAT range 890-1210

• 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

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  498 reviews

Junior: Metropolitan State University is the only college I have attended and still do attend. I love that the staff at Metropolitan state care for their students. They care about people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. They care about people of all ages such as teens, those who are 25+, single fathers, and mothers as well. They provide so many services such as child care, housing, food, tutoring, and more. I know that other colleges may provide some of the same services, but with Metro I am constantly reminded that I am cared for. I love how inclusive they are and it makes me feel very welcomed. I genuinely love being a student at Metropolitan State and would recommend this college to anyone and everyone!... Read 498 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $16,830

• SAT range —

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  635 reviews

Freshman: I am the first generation in my family to go to college, so it was a little scary at first. But orientation helped a lot, even for shy people like me. I got to meet new classmates and experience life as an Auggie. My first classes were great! I recommend joining a cooking-related class, those are the happy places. So far, my professors are excellent. Classes are very engaging even if you are sleepy or tired. I'm only giving 4 stars just to be fair since I am a freshman.... Read 635 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,871

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,280 reviews

Alum: UST is an amazing campus with an intuitive layout and stunning buildings! I love how they managed to secure a few sizable grassy quads that make such a difference from the typical concrete jungle of the city. It also has a prestigious reputation academically and the philosophy department in which I spent most of my time was absolutely fantastic. Class size was also not too big so as to make the student feel like a number, but also not too small that participation was lacking. I was less pleased with with some of the renovations completed during my time there that seemed to take away from the original aura of the campus. I also attended the school in large part for its Catholic identity. However, I was saddened to discover such an identity was nominal at best. I would have liked to see the president of the university make a more significant effort to sustain the schools long-held Catholic heritage instead of undermine through various policies and decisions.... Read 1,280 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $30,099

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  803 reviews

Alum: Bethel University offers a great CHRIST-centered education! While I attended during covid, the community was still intentional about building relationships. The faculty and staff are well-equipped and caring individuals who really care about the students belonging and then becoming all that GOD calls them to be as they discover their future vocation.... Read 803 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $28,840

• SAT range 1090-1340

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  618 reviews

Junior: North Central University is one of the finest universities out there! Especially is you're going into Worship leading, music, or ASL (American Sign Language), North Central is the place to be! Located in downtown Minneapolis, there is a rich vibrancy of culture, diversity, and different views (that you're probably not used to)! Even after only being enrolled for a year thus far, North Central has made me grow like never before. The professors, students, and faculty represent Christ so well, and I've had so many fond experiences in my first year there! The worship culture there is so amazing as well. All Worship Live, PG (praise gathering), and render worship leaders humble themselves and provide a wonderful atmosphere to worship our God! I cannot write enough words to express how spectacular this university is.... Read 618 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $24,232

• SAT range 950-1160

• 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 —

• Brooklyn Park, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  458 reviews

Sophomore: An incredible community! When I graduated high school, I worried I would dislike college just as much but was proven wrong. Although location and food aren't much to talk about, the place offers a lot. Most professors have been so supportive, keeping my attention in class (check "Rate My Professors" tho). Although lectures are inescapable, there are other modes of teaching. There are plenty of support systems and activities around campus—shown on the bulletin boards and school app. It's a great place whether or not you know what you want to pursue and a good chance you'll find something beneficial here. Besides a great place to make connections and explore degree fields, there's plenty of free stuff offered throughout the semester (food, school merch, and raffles). Plus, NHCC works to foster diversity. Of course, there are ups and downs, but making sure to use the necessary resources, putting in the work, and getting involved is vital! NHCC has encouraged me to continue my education.... Read 458 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,368

• SAT range —

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  394 reviews

Senior: Going to Concordia St. Paul has been a wonderful experience. Over the years here I've learned what I really want to do with my artistic skills, and the professors and advisors helped me decide to switch my major. Ever since I switched from Graphic Design to Art Studio, as well as declaring an English Minor, I've felt so much more confident about my classes and my career! In all honesty, making friends has probably been the hardest part, mainly because of the pandemic, but I do feel like Concordia's professors and the school as a whole truly try their hardest to facilitate an environment where you build lasting relationships with your classmates. I have a handful of friends now that I am extremely grateful for, and I'm thankful that my professors encouraged us all to get to know each other!... Read 394 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $15,944

• SAT range 920-1110

• 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 —

• 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 —

• 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•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  189 reviews

Junior: As a school focused on the trades and on technology, Dunwoody is constantly updating its majors offered and required corsework. As it is very small, you often get to know your instructors very well (and they you), however, there is not much choice in what classes can be taken. Personally I have no problem with this as all the classes are enjoyable and informative.... Read 189 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $24,738

• 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 —