Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

James M. Tobin
By
Updated on November 13, 2025
Edited by
Connect with the best online colleges in Minnesota. Learn about state accreditation standards, financial aid options, high-growth jobs, and more.

Minnesota’s labor market offers a wealth of job opportunities. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota has only 53 available workers for every 100 job vacancies in the state.

Online colleges in Minnesota can help you prepare for career success in fields with strong growth and earning potential. Minnesota schools offer flexible learning formats designed to serve both traditional and nontraditional students, making it easier than ever to earn an educational upgrade.

Explore key trends shaping Minnesota’s higher education and employment landscapes with this state-focused guide.

Minnesota at a Glance at a Glance

10 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

University of Minnesota

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Students who plan to attend school online can consider the University of Minnesota's remote academic programs. In addition to in-person programs at its Minnesota campus, the public school's academic options include seven online programs. Online learners can take advantage of institutional resources and a supportive online learning community to succeed academically.

The online learning platform allows enrollees to complete group projects, attend virtual office hours, and develop a supportive academic network. In addition to completing general education requirements, learners take advanced courses in their field. Students discuss their plans with academic advisors to select electives that match their goals and interests. Many enrollees pursue internships to gain professional experience, which can make them more competitive for positions after graduation.

While program costs vary, applicants can contact the financial aid office for information about specific fees and expenses. In addition to federal financial aid, students can apply to private scholarship programs.

36%

Online Enrollment

$16,132

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$39,018

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
56,666
Institution Type
Public
#2

Winona State University

  • Winona, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Learners who need scheduling flexibility can consider Winona State University's online programs. Although the school's campus is in Minnesota, students can attend its 20 online programs from anywhere. The institution enrolls 2,591 online degree-seekers.

The college’s online learning community is next to none. Participants can develop connections with classmates, which may lead to jobs after graduation. Online students can pursue internship opportunities at facilities near their home. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. Enrollees gain professional and academic guidance through career workshops, mock interviews, and access to career services and academic advising.

Students can submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. To receive the most funding possible, learners can apply for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and any other awards for which they qualify. According to the institution, 90% of all enrollees receive some type of financial aid.

52%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,388

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$15,120

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
6,058
Institution Type
Public
#3

Bemidji State University

  • Bemidji, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Online learners searching for a high-quality education can consider Bemidji State University. The public institution enrolls 2,213 students in 17 online programs. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities can choose online programs that allow them to complete assignments according to their schedule.

Online enrollees often participate in class discussions through forums and chat. Participants can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, to develop professional skills and improve their resume. Learners also gain access to institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services, and receive academic and professional guidance for the duration of their degree program.

The school offers numerous internal and external funding opportunities to eligible applicants. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. Of its enrollees, the school reports that 90% receive some type of financial aid.

70%

Online Enrollment

$8,994

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$8,994

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
3,926
Institution Type
Public
#4

University of Minnesota Crookston

  • Crookston, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

At the University of Minnesota Crookston, learners can choose flexible online programs to continue working while earning a degree. In addition to programs at its campus, the school offers 19 academic options in an online format. The institution's enrollment includes 1,266 online degree-seekers, who take classes remotely.

The school offers a supportive community for online students. Through online learning, participants can develop long-lasting connections with colleagues throughout the country. Opportunities such as internships allow students to develop their professional skills while bolstering their resume. Online learners can access institutional resources such as academic advising. During job fairs, enrollees can network with prospective employers and make professional connections.

The federal government provides funding to support students with financial need. The financial aid office can help learners identify funding options to pursue, such as grants and scholarships. According to the institution, 93% of all enrollees receive some type of financial aid.

56%

Online Enrollment

$11,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$11,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
2,518
Institution Type
Public
#5

University of Minnesota Duluth

  • Duluth, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Learners at the University of Minnesota Duluth receive a high-quality online education. Students who prefer to learn online can select one of the public institution's four distance programs. Online learning features flexibility which can make obtaining a degree easier for working professionals, who often need to set their own schedule.

Online enrollees can communicate with peers and professors remotely. Hands-on experiences such as internships and research projects help participants gain practical skills. Academic advisors help learners choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.

Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Financial aid officers help students understand financial aid options, such as scholarships and fellowships. At the school, 90% of enrollees fund their education using some form of financial aid.

36%

Online Enrollment

$13,475

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$19,225

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
9,253
Institution Type
Public
#6

The College of Saint Scholastica

  • Duluth, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Learners with personal and professional responsibilities can pursue their degree online from The College of Saint Scholastica. The school provides 25 options for online students, with programs available in many fields. The institution delivers its remote programming to 1,312 online enrollees.

The school maintains a supportive online learning community. While enrolled in their online program, participants can connect with classmates using tools such as videoconferencing. Opportunities such as internships allow students to develop their professional skills while bolstering their resume. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. Enrollees can attend career workshops and job fairs to explore their professional options.

Financial aid helps many students minimize debt and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Learners can also receive institutional funding based on financial need or academic merit. The institution indicates that 99% of its enrollees use financial aid to defray their educational costs.

38%

Online Enrollment

$39,530

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$39,530

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
2,979
Institution Type
Private
#7

St. Catherine University

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Enrollees interested in careers across industries can benefit from St. Catherine University's excellent online programs. The school's 1,593 online programs meet the same academic standards as its in-person programs. With flexible scheduling options, the institution's online programs make higher education more accessible for students with families and full-time employment.

The virtual classroom environment allows enrollees to connect with classmates and instructors. Many employers accept internships as professional experience, which can make candidates more competitive for positions. Academic advisors help students select classes that align with their interests and career goals. Learners who are nervous about attending job interviews can participate in mock interviews to prepare for their job search.

Many of the institution's programs feature unique fees. Admissions counselors assist applicants prior to enrollment and can offer detailed cost information. In addition to institutional funding, enrollees can apply for private scholarships based on their field and background.

64%

Online Enrollment

$36,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$36,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
3,659
Institution Type
Private
#8

Saint Cloud State University

  • Saint Cloud, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

An excellent choice for online students, Saint Cloud State University offers high-quality remote academic programs. In addition to delivering in-person programs on campus, the school offers 17 online programs. The flexibility of online programs allow many learners to work full time while earning their degree.

Through chat, email, and discussion forums, online students receive opportunities to discuss course material and connect with peers. Research projects present opportunities for learners to bolster their resume while contributing knowledge to their field. Enrollees can meet with academic advisors to ensure they choose classes aligning with their career goals. Students nearing degree completion can use options including career workshops and mock interviews to improve their qualifications and expand their professional network.

When preparing for the cost of education, applicants can speak with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. Many scholarship programs support enrollees in specific fields of study. According to the school, the number of degree-seekers receiving financial aid amounts to 94% of the student body.

53%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,386

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

70%

Retention Rate

$19,912

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
10,164
Institution Type
Public
#9

Hamline University

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

A top online school, Hamline University educates learners across disciplines. Along with providing in-person programs, the private institution offers 14 online options. Online learning features flexible course formats, which often benefit working professionals who need to study according to their schedule.

Online enrollees can benefit from attending instructors' online office hours. Through academic opportunities such as research projects, internships, and independent studies, participants can customize their program to their goals. Learners can benefit from online advising sessions and career services, such as mock interviews.

The institution delivers funding to eligible applicants, reducing the overall cost of earning a degree. Students can consult financial aid officers for information about institutional and outside funding options. At the school, 100% of enrollees obtain financial aid to help cover the cost of earning a degree.

36%

Online Enrollment

$47,134

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$47,134

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
2,432
Institution Type
Private
#10

Minnesota State University, Mankato

  • Mankato, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers online programs of premier quality. Delivering 37 online programs in various fields, the school educates 6,348 online enrollees, in addition to those studying on campus. The flexibility of online programs allows many learners to work full time while earning their degree.

Like on-campus students, those pursuing a degree online receive opportunities to develop connections with classmates and instructors. Learners often complete internships in their field to prepare to succeed in job interviews and the workforce. Institutional resources, such as job boards and the alumni network, can help enrollees locate job opportunities after graduation. As they near completion of their program, students can participate in career workshops to prepare to secure employment.

Financial aid counselors provide insights for applicants exploring funding options and determining the best way to pay for school. Many scholarship programs support enrollees in specific fields of study. With 88% of the student body receiving financial aid, the school's programs can be very affordable.

62%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$17,726

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
14,709
Institution Type
Public

Who Accredits Online Colleges in Minnesota?

The best online colleges in Minnesota hold institutional accreditation from reputable third-party agencies. Accreditation ensures that employers and other accredited schools will recognize your degree and/or accept your college credits.

The Higher Learning Commission has historically accredited Minnesota colleges and universities. However, schools in the state can be accredited by any accrediting body so long as it’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). ED recognition is a requirement to be eligible for federal financial aid.

How Much Does College Cost in Minnesota?

Unless you study at the graduate level at a private institution, you are likely to encounter higher-than-average costs as a Minnesota college student. The state’s typical undergraduate tuition costs exceed national averages by 18.7% at private institutions and 12.2% at public colleges.

However, Minnesota’s state government runs several programs that can make your degree more affordable. The North Star Promise provides free tuition for eligible Minnesota residents with an adjusted household annual income of less than $80,000. You can also connect with many other state-level financial aid programs through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

Minnesota also has tuition reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, North Dakota, and the Canadian province of Manitoba. If you live in one of these locales, you may qualify for discounted tuition rates at participating public online colleges in Minnesota.

Career Opportunities in Minnesota

$53,810
Median annual wage in MN (May 2024)

+4.6%
Projected job growth in MN (2022-2032)

3.6%
Unemployment rate in MN (August 2025)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Projections Central, BLS LAUS

Workers in Minnesota benefit from higher-than-average wages and a labor market with low unemployment. As of May 2024, the state’s median annual wage outpaced the national median by 8.7%.

Online colleges in Minnesota can help you take advantage of the state’s changing labor market if you choose a major aligned with key sectors. With a bachelor’s degree in tech or healthcare, you can pursue some of the fastest-growing jobs in the state, per CareerOneStop: nurse practitioner, data scientist, information security analyst, medical and health services manager, and actuary.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

Minneapolis-St. Paul

  • The “twin cities” represent Minnesota’s largest metropolitan center.
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul has the state’s densest concentration of businesses and jobs that require a college degree.
  • From 2018-2021, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s retention rate of recent college graduates was more than double the statewide average.

Rochester

  • Rochester has a population of about 122,400 people.
  • Southeast Minnesota posted the highest median hourly wage ($29.61) of any region in Minnesota from 2018-2021.
  • Healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing rank among the city’s top industries of employment.

Duluth

  • Duluth’s metro area population crosses the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and includes about 282,000 people.
  • Duluth is the largest city in northeastern Minnesota.
  • Northeastern Minnesota had the highest college graduate retention rate of any region in the state from 2018-2021 except for Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the 2022-23 school year, Minnesota had 78 public and private degree-granting institutions recognized by NCES. Of those institutions, 32 were four-year private institutions, 13 were four-year public colleges, and 28 were two-year institutions.