Top Universities in Minneapolis 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
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Thinking about college in a city that’s smart, student-friendly, and full of personality? Minneapolis checks all the boxes! From world-class research universities to creative arts colleges and career-focused tech schools, this vibrant city has something for every kind of student.
Whether you want to dive into engineering, explore your artistic side, get hands-on with robotics, or balance work and study through flexible online classes—Minneapolis is packed with opportunity. Plus, it’s affordable (compared to many big U.S. cities), diverse, and full of internship and job options after graduation. Let’s take a closer look at the top universities in Minneapolis for 2025—so you can find the perfect match for your future!
What Are the Top Universities in Minneapolis for Students in 2025?
Minneapolis isn’t just known for its music, food, and lakes—it’s also a fantastic place to go to college! In 2025, students from all around the world come to the city for its top-ranked universities, affordable lifestyle, and strong job prospects after graduation. With over 100,000 students studying in the Twin Cities area, Minneapolis has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a big public research school, a small private college, or even a fully online university.
Tuition can range from about $11,000 at public universities to around $45,000 at private colleges, depending on the school and program. Whether you’re into engineering, nursing, animation, theology, or tech, there’s a great school here for you. Let’s take a look at the top universities in Minneapolis for 2025:
| University | Why It’s a Top Choice |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | One of the best public research universities in the U.S. Around 50,000 students Tuition: ~$18,094 (in-state), ~$40,556 (out-of-state) Strong in: Engineering, Business, Data Science, Medicine Acceptance Rate: ~73% |
| Augsburg University | A small, private liberal arts school focused on real-world learning About 3,000 students Tuition: ~$45,992/year Known for: Education, Nursing, Psychology Small class sizes (12:1 student-faculty ratio) |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | Great for hands-on learners and tech careers Around 1,200 students Tuition: ~$25,214/year Best for: Engineering, Robotics, Networking 98% job placement rate within 6 months! |
| Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) | Nationally ranked art and design school Roughly 800 students Tuition: ~$42,560/year (avg. net cost ~$28,443 after aid) Best for: Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration 8:1 student-faculty ratio; portfolio-based admissions |
| North Central University | Christian university focused on ministry, business, and the arts About 1,100 students Tuition: ~$31,260/year Known for: Theology, Worship Arts, Business Acceptance Rate: ~91% |
| Walden University | 100% online – perfect for working professionals Around 6,000 students Tuition: ~$350 per credit (undergrad); varies by program Great for: Psychology, Public Health, MBA, Education Flexible learning for adults and mid-career learners |
Why Should You Choose the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2025?
If you’re aiming for a big university that offers top-quality education, great research, and an exciting student life—the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN) is a fantastic choice in 2025. Located in Minneapolis–St. Paul, UMN is one of the best public universities in the country, ranked #54 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. With over 50,000 students, it offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and 200+ graduate programs, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
UMN is especially strong in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Public Health, and Biological Sciences. The university invests over $1 billion a year in research, making it one of the top 10 public research schools in the U.S. If you’re into innovation and discovery—this is the place to be! Following are the key details of University of Minnesota Twin Cities:
| Category | Details |
| Top Programs | Engineering, Business, Public Health, Computer Science, Biological Sciences |
| Tuition | In-state: ~$17,214/year Out-of-state: ~$38,362/year |
| Admissions | Avg. ACT: 30 Avg. SAT: 1400 Acceptance Rate: ~75% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 – smaller class sizes for a big school |
| Placement Rate | Over 90% of UMN students are either working or in grad school within 6 months |
| Student Life | 900+ clubs, Division I sports, career fairs, and cultural events |
| Website | www.umn.edu |
Is Augsburg University a Good Option for Students in 2025?
Yes! Augsburg University is a great place to study if you want a college that’s welcoming, diverse, and deeply connected to the local community. It’s located right in Minneapolis, just a few minutes from downtown. In 2025, Augsburg ranks #24 among Regional Universities Midwest (U.S. News), showing it’s one of the top liberal arts colleges in the region. The school has about 3,300 students, offering 50+ undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. It’s especially known for strong programs in Business, Nursing, Education, and the Arts.
Plus, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get plenty of support and personal attention from your professors. No matter your background or career goals, Augsburg gives you the tools to grow. In fact, 91% of graduates find a job or start grad school within 6 months! Following are the key details of Augsburg University:
| Category | Details |
| Top Majors | Business, Nursing, Education, Arts, Social Work |
| Tuition | ~$45,992/year (undergrad) |
| Admission Rate | ~77% – moderately selective |
| Campus Culture | Minority Serving Institution, strong DEI focus |
| Career Success | 91% job or grad school placement within 6 months |
| Campus Life | 50+ clubs, DIII sports, arts, service learning |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Augsburg University | GrandMarc Seven Corners, The Edge on Oak, 700 Washington, Stadium Village Flats, University Commons, Identity Dinkytown |
| Website | www.augsburg.edu |
What Makes Dunwoody College of Technology Great for Hands-On Learners in 2025?
If you prefer learning by doing instead of sitting through long lectures, then Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis could be the perfect place for you in 2025. Dunwoody is one of the top private technical colleges in the Midwest, focused on practical, real-world training. The best part? 99% of Dunwoody graduates land a job in their field within six months of finishing school. So, even though it has an open admission policy (with a 98% acceptance rate), it delivers big results.
Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT aren’t required, and the school values your motivation and skills more than test results. With small class sizes (13:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and access to top-tier labs, you’ll learn by building, testing, and solving real challenges alongside experienced instructors. Following are the key details of Dunwoody College of Technology:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Private, nonprofit technical college |
| Enrollment | ~1,200 students |
| Best Programs | Engineering Technology, Robotics, Construction Management, Computer Networking |
| Tuition | ~$23,825/year |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 – personalized instruction |
| Learning Style | Project-based, hands-on labs, industry-standard tools |
| Extra Support | Free tutoring, career workshops, tech certifications |
| Website | www.dunwoody.edu |
Why Should You Consider Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2025?
If you’re dreaming of turning your creativity into a career, then Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) could be the perfect place for you in 2025. Located in the center of Minneapolis, MCAD is one of the top 15 art schools in the U.S. and is known for helping students become professional artists, designers, and creative thinkers. MCAD offers top programs in Graphic Design, Animation, Fine Arts, and Illustration, and blends traditional art skills with modern technology.
With small class sizes (10:1 student-faculty ratio), you’ll get a lot of personal attention from experienced artists and mentors. Plus, MCAD’s connections with local design firms, galleries, and studios mean you can find internships and job opportunities even before you graduate. Best of all, 92% of students are working in creative fields or continuing their education within six months of finishing their degree. Following are the key details of Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD):
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Enrollment | ~800 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Tuition & Fees | ~$46,464/year (undergraduate) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 – small, personalized studio classes |
| Career Outcomes | 92% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Acceptance Rate | ~51% – portfolio required; SAT/ACT optional |
| Opportunities | Strong local industry ties for internships & exhibitions |
| Website | www.mcad.edu |
What Are the Benefits of Studying at North Central University in 2025?
If you’re looking for a college that mixes strong academics with faith-based learning, North Central University (NCU) in downtown Minneapolis could be just right for you in 2025. NCU is a Christian private university that focuses on helping students grow spiritually, academically, and professionally. With around 1,000 students, NCU offers a close-knit campus where professors know your name and classes are small enough for one-on-one support.
The most popular programs include Ministry, Business, Music, and Education—all designed to help you lead in church, school, or the workplace. One big perk? NCU is located right in downtown Minneapolis, giving students easy access to internships, church ministries, nonprofit work, and outreach opportunities. About 80% of students are working in their field or continuing their education within 6 months of graduation. Following are the key details of North Central University:
| Aspect | Details |
| Popular Programs | Ministry, Business, Music, Education |
| Tuition & Fees | ~$26,200/year (undergraduate) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 – small, personalized classes |
| Spiritual Life | Daily chapel, worship nights, mission trips, ministry involvement |
| Top Student Accommodation Near North Central University | 412 Lofts, Minneapolis Sydney Hall, Uncommon Dinkytown, Venue at Dinkytown, WaHu, 44 North |
| Website | www.northcentral.edu |
Is Walden University a Good Choice for Online and Working Students in 2025?
Yes—Walden University is a great option in 2025 if you’re a working professional, adult learner, or international student who needs flexible, online education. Based in Minneapolis, Walden is a fully online university designed to fit into busy lives, no matter where you live or what your schedule looks like. Walden offers over 100 programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Popular areas of study include Nursing, Psychology, Education, Public Health, Business, and Social Work.
You can choose to learn at your own pace or join a cohort of students for a more structured approach. With over 50,000 students worldwide, Walden is part of Adtalem Global Education, a respected global education group. You’ll have access to 24/7 tech support, academic advisors, career services, and a writing center to support you through your journey. Following are the key details of Walden University:
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Private, online university (part of Adtalem Global Education) |
| Top Programs | Nursing, Psychology, Education, Public Health, Business, Social Work |
| Tuition | ~$335–$380 per credit hour (varies by program) |
| Learning Style | 100% online, flexible or structured (your choice) |
| Admissions | No SAT/ACT needed; transfer credits accepted; start anytime |
| Career Outcomes | 85% of graduates employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Support Services | Tech help, academic advising, career support, writing help |
| Website | www.waldenu.edu |
Conclusion
From the prestigious University of Minnesota Twin Cities to the creative energy at MCAD, the faith-based community at North Central, and career-ready programs at Dunwoody—Minneapolis truly has it all. Whether you want a classic college campus, a small personalized learning space, or total flexibility with online learning at Walden, this city has options that fit your lifestyle and goals.
And the best part? Many of these schools offer strong job placement, supportive learning environments, and plenty of real-world experience. Ready to start your journey? Let University Living help you find safe, student-friendly housing near your chosen university in Minneapolis—so you can focus on learning, not logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities in Minneapolis for 2025?
Minneapolis hosts top universities like the University of Minnesota, Augsburg, and MCAD—offering nationally ranked programs in fields such as engineering, business, art, and health.
Which universities in Minneapolis are affordable for international students?
Public universities like the University of Minnesota offer lower tuition for residents and competitive scholarships for international students, making them more affordable options.
What is the average acceptance rate for colleges in Minneapolis?
Acceptance rates vary widely—from around 50% at more selective schools to over 90% at open-admission colleges like Dunwoody College of Technology.
How much does it cost to study in Minneapolis universities?
Tuition ranges from $11,000 per year at public institutions to around $45,000 at private colleges, depending on the program and student status.
What are the top art and design colleges in Minneapolis for 2025?
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) ranks among the top 15 art schools in the U.S., offering programs in graphic design, animation, and illustration.
