2024 Best Colleges with Elementary Education Degrees in Minnesota

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,804 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 4,804 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $17,468

• SAT range 1310-1490

• Crookston, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  196 reviews

Sophomore: After my first year of attending college, I found that the University of Minnesota Crookston had a lot to offer. Between the variety of clubs available to join, to the on-campus activities that never seemed to end, there was always something to do or someway to get involved. The classes were taught in a professional manner and gave me plenty of opportunity to learn the material. The staff were willing to help you to the best of their ability, and seemed to always be willing to go above and beyond what they needed to do. The food and dining options were nothing to write home about, but occasionally there was something exciting available. There is not much I would change about how the school operates. Overall, my first year was exactly the kind of experience I was hoping to get coming to a smaller school. Looking forward to coming back next year... Read 196 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $11,925

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,285 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 1,285 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $30,099

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,058 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 1,058 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,252

• SAT range 890-1210

• Mankato, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  241 reviews

Alum: As an alumni of Bethany Lutheran College, I rate my experience to be pretty high. As a small college, like Bethany, you are more than just a number at the school. The teachers and faculty truly know you and aid you in achieving your goals. The amount of connections and friends you make are endless. As a student, I was able to grow in the classroom, on the basketball/tennis court and in faith. There isn’t much that I would change about my experience. The school strives to make their students well-rounded individuals and I believe they have done a great job in this.... Read 241 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $17,640

• SAT range 950-1150

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  499 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 499 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $16,830

• SAT range —

• Granite Falls, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  110 reviews

Freshman: The people and professors are all very friendly. They try their very best to make things fun and a good experience. They make sure you understand what you’re learning and make sure you aren’t afraid to ask questions!... Read 110 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,356

• SAT range —

• Moorhead, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  793 reviews

Senior: Rigorous academics, and a value on education, beyond the confines of a classroom. Close-knit campus community, and alumni- with many opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, internships, and opportunities for undergraduate research. Very friendly campus community, with big city amenities, and two large universities close by. Having toured other small colleges, Concordia stood out to me due to it’s friendly, down-to-earth community, and emphasis on being globally aware, and engaged. I’d like to see more international students coming to campus. There is a definite emphasis on attracting, and retaining a diverse student body, but would love to see more cultures represented. Concordia college has many excellent resources available- whether that be for furthering education, internship placement, research opportunities, or medical school preparation. The music program, and faculty are amazing! Winters are brutal here, but that makes studying abroad all the more enticing!... Read 793 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,890

• SAT range 1080-1330

• Mankato, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,252 reviews

Sophomore: I enjoy the campus atmosphere. I made a lot of good friends, and none of my professors were terrible. Overall, very welcoming and enjoyable! I like the different events that are put on, especially the ones showcasing minorities. The push for diversity, equity, and inclusion is good to see as well. I would like to see a change in the accessibility resources department, however, because many of my friends have had bad experiences with getting accommodations, including my disabled friend who is in a wheelchair. The university dining center needs some work as well, because many of my friends (myself included) have gotten food poisoning more than once.... Read 1,252 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $15,832

• SAT range 886-1106

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  402 reviews

Senior: I love Concordia University. Overall, they have been amazing, the professors are awesome and always willing to help and there are always events going on. Of course, no one's perfect. I can't complain too much about their food, but it is important to students on the meal plan. Their prices are ridiculously high. The grill is fire, though. It is amazing and always has good food. The fancy lunches and dinners are not good, however. It makes sense since the food has to be made in large quantities and kept warm. When I came in as a freshman, Concordia was unbelievably welcoming! They always let you know what was happening and everyone was there for you if you needed help, your RAs, your CSP Seminar instructor, everyone. But now, no one seems to care. It's like once you get in and stay in, they no longer care. Their communication sucks and they don't bother keeping anybody in the loop. They changed the app, changed the locks, kept changing things, and didn't tell anyone but the freshman.... Read 402 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $15,944

• SAT range 920-1110

• Winona, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  557 reviews

Senior: Saint Mary’s has such wonderful professors that are extremely helpful and accessible. Not only do they help students understand class information. They provided helpful interview tips and advice and even quiet spaces with good wifi and professional backdrops for interviews. Little things like these are not required from professors, yet our Saint Mary’s staff truly does the little things to go above and beyond. Campus life is wonderful. Living in the beautiful bluffs of Winona, Minnesota is really something special. Our university is tucked up in a little corner of Winona, it provides me comfort and safety not being in the middle of a downtown area. Our campus life offers new learning buildings, workout facilities, and up-to-date residence halls. When you are ready to step off campus Winona has many different restaurants, look-outs, outdoor activities, and stores to keep you busy!... Read 557 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,606

• SAT range 1030-1200

• Duluth, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  564 reviews

Sophomore: Beautiful school and in a prime location - no complaints there! The small population of the school provides optimal opportunities to connect with professors and other students—a great student-to-teacher ratio. The culture among students is very diverse and offers a beautiful opportunity to learn about different cultures! The only downfall is the parking situation, super strict, and poor parking lot placements, but that is arbitrary. Also, the athletics department tends to lack, there is no football field on campus, so if you're looking for a lively student section, this is not the school.... Read 564 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $25,744

• SAT range 1050-1310

• New Ulm, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  174 reviews

Junior: I love Martin Luther College because it is a close-knit community of people who all share the same faith. Spiritual health is the main priority of school, as well as training the students how to care for the spiritual well-being of their future classes and congregations. There are some downsides to such a small college, such as the lack of off-campus housing, but overall, the small school environment fosters long lasting relationships that will benefit students later in life.... Read 174 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $21,988

• SAT range 1080-1250

• Morris, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  464 reviews

Junior: My time so far at UMM has been pretty great! The community here is really thriving and everyone is really welcoming and inviting. I think there are a number of things that could improve (such as residence hall conditions, dining hall, etc.), but the university is working on improving and changing these things. Academics at Morris are really good, and you are always challenged to improve and most professors are very nice and understanding if you need help or accommodations.... Read 464 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $11,652

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Collegeville, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  403 reviews

Junior: Saint John's University is a great school. There is a good balance between academic and social life. The academic aspect of Saint John's University is beneficial to ensure you get an excellent education. The class sizes are small, which allows for better student-to-teacher interaction. Most, if not all, the teachers set up opportunities to help students that need it outside of class. There is also a variety of class schedules for each class. There is a diverse variety of majors, from STEM and Business to Gender Studies. Attending this University will provide you with the resources necessary to fulfill your academic and career needs. The social life of Saint John's University is excellent as well. Many programs aim to have students interact with the nature around them. Many retreats, walking trails, and events involve interaction with the outdoors. There are also a variety of clubs that are specific for majors or even recreational events.... Read 403 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $27,750

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Saint Cloud, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  244 reviews

Senior: It is easy to apply and get into! The downfall is that there is not alot of people to help show you around the school and get access to the computers, printers etc. The teachers are awesome. They are 'people' like us. They do not treat you like a student. They give you their personal phone numbers incase you have any questions. There is no concessions, food stands or kitchen in the health science building.... Read 244 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,404

• SAT range —

• Winona, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  944 reviews

Freshman: In addition to the beautiful campus and friendly staff, theres a lot to love. In the (almost) five weeks i've been at Winona State University, I have fell in love with it more than I thought I would. The size of the college in terms of campus and student body is a great pro to attendance. Because of the size you're able to gain meaningful relationships with professors and peers, and if you need assistance with a certain class its not difficult to get it. The size of the university also makes finding answers to questions regarding financial aid, courses, locations, etc... much easier than with a larger university. The classes are academically challenging but in a way that urges you to take an extra step in your understanding, and the professors are there to support you. Overall I'm really happy with my choice, theres not much I would change!... Read 944 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $17,283

• SAT range 970-1280

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  808 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 808 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $28,840

• SAT range 1090-1340

• Bloomington, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  672 reviews

Other: It's very fun! I take classes as a PSEO student, splitting my time between Normandale Community College and Edina Highschool. I take an elementary statistics class with a really awesome professor who's funny and gives my grandma vibes. My other class is a college writing class with a newer professor who I've learned a lot from. Professor Lee was a Poetry Grand Slam Champion, and you can tell, her way with words is just amazing. However one thing I would like to see changed is more mixing with actual college students and PSEO students. The majority of my classes are almost over run with PSEO students, it just feels like I'm still in High School just getting extra credit. But overall 10/10 experience!... Read 672 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,354

• SAT range —

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  1,081 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 1,081 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,965

• SAT range 1110-1330

• White Bear Lake, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  486 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 486 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,901

• SAT range —

• Cloquet, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  152 reviews

Freshman: Great school! Professors, advisors, and all other staff members are so amazing. So many educational and career opportunities!... Read 152 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,307

• SAT range —

• Willmar, MN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  135 reviews

Freshman: This community college is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality education in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. The teachers are caring and attentive. They are always available on-campus, on Zoom, or through email. Almost every curriculum is challenging and relevant. The advisors work one of one with each student to help plan each semester to get the best of the education that Ridgewater offers. The students are diverse and respectful. The campus itself is well-equipped for a variety of different programs, whether it be engineering, agriculture, welding, medicine, etc. This college offers a variety of programs and courses that can help you achieve your academic and career goals. Whether you want to transfer to a four-year university, earn a certificate or degree, or learn new skills, this college can help you succeed.... Read 135 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,014

• SAT range —

• Moorhead, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  806 reviews

Sophomore: I love attending MSUM! The campus community is friendly and welcoming. The class sizes are small, so students have the opportunity to build strong relationships with classmates and staff. There are many job opportunities that suit the varied interests of students. There are also a variety of clubs and organizations (major-oriented, religious, political/advocacy, just for fun, etc.). I'm an education major, and I can say that the education professors truly care for their students and want them to succeed. We also receive many great opportunities for field experience, as we start practicums as freshmen. The community is great as well. There is always something to do in the Fargo-Moorhead area and there are many great dining options. MSUM is excellent, however, I would like to see more diversity of all forms on campus. I also think that the dining hall is average and I would like to see more vegan options offered. Despite these aspects, I love this campus and all that it has to offer.... Read 806 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $17,254

• SAT range 1040-1180

• Saint Joseph, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  641 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love St. Bens! Everyone there is so welcoming and the monastery population is so kind! Although it is an all girls school, they do an amazing job of integrating the Johnnies and vice versa. I have truly found my best friends at this school and get an amazing education in their nursing program.... Read 641 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $28,269

• SAT range 1110-1220