Accredited colleges and universities have had their educational programs and faculty evaluated by an outside agency. Those agencies ensure that the school provides a high-quality education to its students, so to have your degree recognized by employers, it’s critical to attend an accredited institution. Below you’ll find information on higher education in the state and helpful resources on online colleges in Minnesota.
- School Search
- Accreditation Agencies
- Education Links
- Notable Schools
School Search
Accredited Online Colleges Database
Accreditation Agencies
The following agencies accredit schools in Minnesota. Keep in mind that these agencies do not issue program-specific accreditation; they only provide institution-wide accreditation. To learn about particular programs, take a look at our subject pages.
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ACICS)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Higher Education Links
For more information on higher education in Minnesota, see the state’s Department of Education and associated agencies. You can also find more general information about accredited colleges and universities by way of these agencies.
Notable Schools
Picking a school can be a daunting task, especially when considering the sheer number of accredited colleges there are in the state. Our database below can help with narrowing down your options for your specific area. In addition, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most notable accredited online and campus-based schools in the state to help you begin your school search.
Public
Though they may fly under the radar nationally, Minnesota’s public schools are at the top of their game. Learn about some excellent choices among the state’s universities.
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Minneapolis-St. Paul
With 51,853 students for the fall of 2013, the University of Minnesota campus in the Twin Cities is one of the largest in the state. Here, students enjoy an education from one of the top 100 universities in the country, according to U.S. News, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The university maintains a four-year graduation plan, guaranteeing students that the courses they need will be offered within that time span; if they’re not, the school will pay for the additional classes. Alumni achievements include the invention of Post-it® Notes, the first cardiac pacemaker, and the retractable seatbelt.
University of Minnesota, Morris
Morris
The University of Minnesota in Morris greatly differs from the Twin Cities campus in size. For the fall of 2013, this school enrolled just 1,896 students. However, the smaller size allows for more personalized student attention. The most popular majors are in the biomedical science and social science fields, and students interact with town members through the Morris Center for Small Towns. An on-campus biomass gasification plant helps generate renewable energy to power the campus.
Saint Cloud State University
St. Cloud
Just an hour outside of the Twin Cities, Saint Cloud University served 16,922 students for the 2013-2014 school year. When it was founded in 1869, the school was meant to train teachers, but today, it offers students more than 200 programs of study. Most students live off campus, and the school’s location makes it an ideal spot for both enjoying smaller Saint Cloud as well as heading south to Twin Cities attractions.
Private
Minnesota is home to nationally recognized institutions both large and small. Learn about a few key schools below.
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul
Minnesota’s largest private university enrolled 10,289 students for the fall of 2013. The University of St. Thomas is associated with the Catholic church and challenges its students to combine learning with service to the community. Study abroad is also a key part of the academic program, with the school’s students traveling to more than 40 countries. In addition, notable alumni include Mary K. Brainerd, the president and CEO of HealthPartners Inc., and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor T.R. Knight.
Carleton College
Northfield
Ranked No. 7 by U.S. News among national liberal arts colleges, Carleton College enrolled 2,055 students during the 2013-2014 school year. Carleton arranges its courses into trimesters, which gives students a chance to sample a wide variety of courses. Outside of class, the college offers an array of student activities, including a quidditch club. Notable alumni include author Anthony Downs, and Pierce Butler, a former Supreme Court Justice.
Macalester College
Minneapolis
U.S. News rated Macalester the No. 24 best liberal arts school nationwide, noting its blend of small-campus benefits, like intimate class sizes, while still maintaining big-city accessibility. In addition, 60% of the school’s students study abroad at some point during their four undergraduate years.