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2022 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

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  1. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

    • 4 Year
    • MINNEAPOLIS, MN
    • 4,481 reviews
    #1 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Freshman: I’m a freshman at the University of Minnesota. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience here! I find most of my professors to be really great to learn from and interesting. My Freshman Chem class is the exception to that, however: it’s a class with over a thousand students in my section and very little help available :( the student life, food, and most forms are really awesome on East Bank, but West Bank and Saint Paul Campus are less invested in by the university. If you’re looking to go to a large public university and/or want to get involved in research as an undergrad, I 100% recommend! I’m in the middle of my first semester and I’ve already secured an assistant research position in the field of academia I’m majoring in!
    Read 4,481 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,279 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
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  2. University of Minnesota Crookston

    • 4 Year
    • CROOKSTON, MN
    • 178 reviews
    #2 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Junior: UMC was not on my radar or even in my research, but I'm SO grateful I ended up here. The online experience is immersive, collaborative and insightful. Each of my instructors maintains regular communication and provides feedback and truly cares about my success beyond the classroom. All of this and it's affordable too! If you are considering an online degree, I cannot recommend University of Minnesota enough.
    Read 178 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,483 Net Price
    • 1000-1180 SAT Range
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  3. University of Minnesota Duluth

    • 4 Year
    • DULUTH, MN
    • 1,118 reviews
    #3 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Graduate Student: The University of Minnesota Duluth is an excellent University. As a Psychology major at the University, I truly felt supported by all the faculty and staff that I was in contact with on a daily basis. The professors are more than willing to work with you on anything and help you out in any way possible. The academic advisors are another great resource on campus. Even if you don't have an a question about classes per say, the academic advisors are great resources to bounce ideas about your future plans off, and they are always more than happy to help. The campus coffee shop is also excellent if you are an avid coffee drinker like me. The climate of the University of Minnesota Duluth is continually evolving to incorporate all peoples and ensure all people feel welcome and safe on campus, which is awesome! Also, because UMD is a partner school with the U of M, it offers the big campus feel while allowing for the smaller more intimate class sizes which cultivate a better education.
    Read 1,118 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,828 Net Price
    • 1110-1360 SAT Range
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  4. University of Minnesota - Rochester

    • 4 Year
    • ROCHESTER, MN
    • 168 reviews
    #4 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Sophomore: The classes here are great! They are by far going to be more difficult than anywhere else, but they do it because they know the students are capable. Great professors. Great spaces to study. Small, but managable campus. The freshman "dorms" are great to stay in. Only problems for me, are the lack of social activities. Virtually none during the pandemic and the inability to transfer credits in or out of the school, since it is so unique in it's programs.
    Read 168 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,314 Net Price
    • 1040-1250 SAT Range
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  5. Metropolitan State University - Minnesota

    • 4 Year
    • SAINT PAUL, MN
    • 462 reviews
    #5 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Alum: Metro State offers an affordable yet superb education. The programs/courses cater to a diverse range of nontraditional students including students from various cultural backgrounds, current/former military members, students with disabilities, full-time workers, those with children, and students of all ages. The professors exhibit consistent dedication to delivering a high quality, relevant education while simultaneously cultivating students' abilities to think for themselves. Metro State's urban St. Paul location makes it an optimal choice for commuting students. The main St. Paul campus has a clean, fresh, and organized feel with an excellent library. Additionally, a well-executed parking ramp mitigates urban parking difficulties. While sports are not a primary focus for this institution, there are dozens of student groups/activities available. Overall, Metro State is an exceptional institution to obtain a college degree.
    Read 462 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,056 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  6. Minnesota State University, Mankato

    • 4 Year
    • MANKATO, MN
    • 1,170 reviews
    #6 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Senior: The best thing about MNSU is that you learn a lot , there are a lot of opportunities to expand your knowledge both in class and outside class, the school tries as much as possible to provide entertainment for students through student activities, and so you never get bored. There is also great help from the career development center where they helped me write my first resume. Through machine, I was hired by a hospital at the beginning of my senior year.Also during winter time, you don’t need to walk outside buildings . Most are connected and warm. In the summer there is a bike rental program where the school rents out bikes to students which is nice. And also the parties are too good! You have a blast . The only downside is that cops bust most of the parties. But MNSU is an ultimate college experience.
    Read 1,170 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,464 Net Price
    • 886-1106 SAT Range
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  7. Winona State University

    • 4 Year
    • WINONA, MN
    • 904 reviews
    #7 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Sophomore: While I love WSU, there's a lot that needs to be fixed within the community. The minute you get off-campus there are no lights, nothing keeping you from getting taken or hurt. While all three of the campus housing centers are relatively careful, security can only do so much off campus, and the police only come in the event of a call.

    On Main campus there are so many resources available! But not on West or East, you have to come onto main if you want anything done, which I get! Main has all the classrooms, and therefore there will be more resources available because there are more people that stay on Main.
    Read 904 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,617 Net Price
    • 1000-1210 SAT Range
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  8. University of Minnesota - Morris

    • 4 Year
    • MORRIS, MN
    • 442 reviews
    #8 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Senior: Such an amazing, beautiful campus. Very helpful staff and professors! So many great opportunities to grow and follow you future career path! Highly recommend!
    Read 442 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,682 Net Price
    • 1070-1260 SAT Range
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  9. Bemidji State University

    • 4 Year
    • BEMIDJI, MN
    • 551 reviews
    #9 Top Public Universities in Minnesota

    Alum: Bemidji State is an excellent option for any student that is looking for a university that offers small class sizes, but has the resources of a bigger university. The scenery surrounding the campus is the biggest draw. The campus is nestled in Northern Minnesota, and is perfect for anyone that enjoys spending time outdoors. The town itself is also very welcoming of new, incoming students. Bemidji State University is a great choice.
    Read 551 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,945 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  12. Minnesota State University Moorhead

    • 4 Year
    • MOORHEAD, MN
    • 764 reviews

    Freshman: I attended Minnesota State University Moorhead some time ago, but took a few classes again in 2019 before transferring. I really loved the diversity and accepting attitude on campus and made many good friends and acquaintances. Professors, in my experience, were pretty average aside from my Political Science teacher who was really helpful and kind. Some of the advisors, staff, and RAs are very kind too and seem to really care about students. The campus is conveniently in one area and has a very homey feel, so you can get to all your classes very quickly and conveniently. Fargo-Moorhead is a nice city as well, met some of my best friends there. Overall, I had a wonderful experience as a freshman student.
    Read 764 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,589 Net Price
    • 930-1220 SAT Range
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  13. Southwest Minnesota State University

    • 4 Year
    • MARSHALL, MN
    • 309 reviews

    Senior: Southwest Minnesota State University is a large scale school with a small-town feel. The school has lots of great employees. The school offers student employment. It has affordable learning!
    Read 309 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,658 Net Price
    • 910-1090 SAT Range
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  14. St. Cloud State University

    • 4 Year
    • SAINT CLOUD, MN
    • 1,166 reviews

    Alum: Your experience at SCSU in academic and social terms will vary greatly depending on your major. SCSU has limited funding and large amounts of their funding are devoted to the business, engineering, and healthcare-related majors.

    I went to SCSU and majored in Accounting at their business school so I can speak to that. The accounting professors all come with prestigious backgrounds and were able to provide an outstanding education in the related field. The social and career clubs at the business school were robust, inclusive, and incredibly helpful on three fronts (academic, social, and post-graduate). I was able to schmooze with recruiters and partners at various firms and by the time I graduated, I was able ot take my pick. Heavy party culture off-campus to the point of being dangerous. Please, go out and party, but just be careful and know your limits. Strong support for student-veterans and a robust veteran's culture on campus.
    Once again, your experience may vary.
    Read 1,166 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,594 Net Price
    • 930-1190 SAT Range
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    South University - Richmond

    • 4 Year
    • GLEN ALLEN, VA
    • 156 reviews

    Niche User: If you are looking for a small, dedicated and incredibly well run university that can provide you with an incredible education and a pathway to a great career, South University-Richmond is a wonderful choice! South gives you a flexible way to get an Associates, Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate degree in person or virtually. Great, great school!
    Read 156 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,681 Net Price
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