Top Universities in Minnesota 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
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If you’re planning to study in the US, Minnesota is a great place to start! Whether you want a big public university with research and global exposure or a small private college with personal attention, Minnesota has it all. From strong academics and student support to exciting campus life and job opportunities—these universities have something for everyone, especially international students. In this guide, we’ve made it super easy for you to explore the top universities in Minnesota for 2025, along with their rankings, courses, fees, and why students love them!
What Are the Top Universities in Minnesota for 2025?
Minnesota has some of the best universities in the US, and they offer something for every type of student. Whether you’re looking for a big public university with lots of research or a smaller private college with personal attention, Minnesota has great choices. In 2025, these universities stand out for their excellent teaching, strong job outcomes, and great student support. They’re also very welcoming to international students, with help for visas, scholarships, and getting used to life in the U.S. Here’s a quick look at the top universities in Minnesota and what makes them special:
| University Name | Location & Highlights |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Minneapolis & St. Paul Ranked #203 in the world (QS 2025) Over 52,000 students 7,000+ international students $1.15 billion in research funding |
| University of St. Thomas | St. Paul Around 9,000 students 14:1 student-faculty ratio Ranked in the Top 150 U.S. universities (U.S. News) |
| St. Catherine University | St. Paul Women-focused college About 4,200 students Strong programs in nursing and public health |
| The College of St. Scholastica | Duluth Around 3,800 students 98% job placement within 6 months Small class sizes – average of 18 students |
| Winona State University | Winona About 6,500 students Very affordable tuition 95% of students get jobs or go to grad school soon after graduation |
| Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | Winona & Minneapolis Around 4,500 students Faith-based learning with a focus on ethics Known for business and data programs |
Why Should You Choose the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2025?
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the best public universities in the US. It was founded in 1851 and is located in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 2025, it is ranked #203 in the world by QS and #23 among public universities in the U.S. by U.S. News. It is also part of the top research universities group called the Association of American Universities (AAU). UMN offers a huge variety of programs—over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate programs across 19 colleges.
The university is very international-friendly, with 7,200+ students from over 130 countries. It also offers help with jobs after graduation, including STEM OPT for students in science and tech fields. Campus life is active and fun, with 900+ student clubs, sports teams, and popular events like Spring Jam. Following are the key details of University of Minnesota Twin Cities:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| Campus Size | 1,150+ acres across two cities |
| Total Enrollment | 52,000+ students |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Popular Courses | Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Public Health, Data Science |
| Acceptance Rate | ~70% |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | $17,214 (MN residents), $38,362 (non-residents) |
| Top Off-Campus student Housing | Yes – in areas like Dinkytown, Stadium Village, and Prospect Park |
| Placement Rate | ~92% employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduating |
| Website | twin-cities.umn.edu |
Why Is the University of St. Thomas a Good Option for Students in 2025?
The University of St. Thomas is the biggest private university in Minnesota. It was founded in 1885 and is located in St. Paul. The university is Catholic, but it welcomes students from all backgrounds and countries. St. Thomas offers over 150 programs, and it is well known for its business, engineering, and law schools. The university mixes classroom learning with real-world experience. Through a program called the Tommie Advantage, students can do internships, join global programs, and work on leadership skills.
Classes are small, so students get personal attention from professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Because the campus is near downtown Minneapolis, students have great opportunities to get internships at companies like Target, Best Buy, and 3M. Around 95% of students get a job or go to grad school within one year of finishing their degree. Following are the key details of University of St. Thomas:
| Category | Details |
| Location | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Type | Private Catholic University (Non-profit) |
| Campus Size | 78 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~9,347 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| International Students | ~450+ from 60+ countries |
| Popular Courses | Business, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Law |
| Accreditation | HLC (Higher Learning Commission), AACSB (Business School) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~76% |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | ~$54,800 |
| Scholarships for International Students | Yes – merit-based, up to $30,000 per year |
| Top Off-Campus Student Housing Near University of St. Thomas | The Link Minneapolis Low-Rise, University Commons, 44 North, WaHu, Stadium Village Flats |
| Placement Rate | 95% employed or in grad school within one year |
| Website | stthomas.edu |
Why Should You Consider St. Catherine University in 2025?
St. Catherine University, also called St. Kate’s, is a private women’s university in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was started in 1905 and is one of the top colleges in the U.S. focused on helping women become strong leaders. St. Kate’s is known for its healthcare and liberal arts programs, especially in nursing, public health, education, and social work. There are about 3,700 students, and classes are small, so you’ll get lots of support from your professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, which means more personal attention.
The Henrietta Schmoll School of Health is a top choice for students who want to work in healthcare. The university has strong ties with local hospitals, which helps students get internships and real-world experience. International students can access English support, help with visas, and cultural programs. The university also offers scholarships up to $25,000 per year. Following are the key details of St. Catherine University:
| Category | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1905 |
| Location | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Type | Private Catholic Women’s University |
| Total Enrollment | ~3,700 (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~2,100 students |
| International Students | ~150+ from 30+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Campus Size | 110 acres |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Psychology |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | ~$52,320 |
| Scholarships for International Students | Yes – up to $25,000/year (merit & need-based) |
| Accreditation | HLC (Higher Learning Commission), CCNE (Nursing) |
| Housing Options | Dorms and suite-style residences |
| Website | stkate.edu |
What Makes The College of St. Scholastica a Great Pick in 2025?
The College of St. Scholastica, or CSS, is a private Catholic college in Duluth, Minnesota, near the beautiful Lake Superior. It was founded in 1912 and is a great place for students who want a quiet, friendly campus with strong support and career-focused programs. CSS is known for its healthcare and business courses, especially in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and education.
With about 3,800 students, the college has small class sizes, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, so students get lots of help from their professors. One of the best things about CSS is that 98% of students get a job or go to grad school within 6 months of graduating. Following are the key details of The College of St. Scholastica:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Private Catholic College |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~2,400 students |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Business, Education |
| Job Placement Rate | 98% within 6 months of graduation |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | ~$40,454 |
| Scholarships for Int’l Students | Yes – merit-based and need-based |
| International Support Services | Orientation, ESL support, visa help, academic advising |
| Accreditation | HLC (Higher Learning Commission), CCNE (Nursing), CAPTE (Physical Therapy) |
| Campus Features | Lakeside setting, science labs, simulation centers, wellness center |
| On-Campus Housing | Yes – dorms and student apartments |
| Website | css.edu |
Why Is Winona State University a Top Choice for Students in 2025?
Winona State University (WSU) is a public university in Winona, Minnesota, right by the beautiful Mississippi River. It was founded in 1858 and is the oldest public university in Minnesota. WSU is known for being affordable, friendly, and focused on helping students build strong careers. The university has around 6,500 undergraduate students and offers over 80 programs in areas like nursing, education, business, and psychology.
Many students choose WSU because it has a great balance of strong academics and a supportive community. WSU does a great job helping students find success after graduation—about 95% of students get jobs or go to grad school within a year. The university also gives each student a laptop or iPad, so they’re ready for today’s tech-based learning and work. Following are the key details of Winona State University:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Public University |
| Total Enrollment | ~7,300 (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~6,500 students |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Teacher Education, Business, Psychology |
| Graduation Rate | 58% (4-year), 67% (6-year) |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | ~$9,528 (in-state), ~$16,620 (out-of-state) |
| Scholarships for Int’l Students | Yes – academic and athletic scholarships available |
| Accreditation | HLC (Higher Learning Commission), NCATE, CCNE (Nursing) |
| Website | winona.edu |
Why Should You Pick Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2025?
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) is a private Catholic university with campuses in Winona and Minneapolis. It was started in 1912 and is a great choice for students who want a mix of personal growth, strong values, and career-focused learning. The university has about 4,500 students, including many from other countries. It is best known for its graduate programs in areas like business (MBA), education, data analytics, and counseling.
At the undergraduate level, students often choose programs like health and human services, biology, and communication. Classes at Saint Mary’s are small, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1, so students get more support. The university also has flexible study options, including online and evening classes, which are helpful for working students. Following are the key details of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota:
| Category | Details |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~1,100 students |
| Graduate Enrollment | ~3,400 students |
| Top Courses | MBA, Education, Data Analytics, Counseling, Healthcare Management |
| Learning Options | On-campus (Winona), Online & Hybrid (Minneapolis) |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | ~$43,160 (undergraduate) |
| Scholarships for Int’l Students | Yes – up to $22,000/year (merit-based) |
| International Student Services | Visa support, academic advising, ESL, mentorship |
| Campus Life | Faith-based environment, clubs, sports, volunteering |
| Accreditation | HLC (Higher Learning Commission), NCATE, CACREP |
| Website | smumn.edu |
Conclusion
Choosing a university is a big step, but Minnesota makes it a lot easier. With top-ranked schools like the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, student-focused colleges like St. Scholastica, and affordable options like Winona State, there’s something here for every kind of student. Plus, the state’s welcoming community, strong academic support, and exciting career paths make it one of the best places to study in the U.S.
Need help with student housing near your chosen university?
Check out University Living – a trusted platform that helps students find safe, comfortable, and budget-friendly student accommodation near top universities in Minnesota and across the globe. Whether you want to live close to campus or explore off-campus housing options, they’ve got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Minnesota for international students in 2025?
The top universities in Minnesota for international students in 2025 include the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, College of St. Scholastica, Winona State University, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Which is the best public university in Minnesota for 2025?
The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is the best public university in Minnesota. It’s ranked #203 in the world (QS 2025) and offers over 150 majors with strong global student support.
Are there affordable universities in Minnesota for international students?
Yes, Winona State University is one of the most affordable universities in Minnesota, with in-state tuition starting around $9,528 and great placement rates.
Which university in Minnesota has strong healthcare programs?
St. Catherine University and The College of St. Scholastica are known for their nursing, public health, and healthcare-related programs with strong clinical partnerships.
What is the average tuition fee at universities in Minnesota?
Tuition fees vary by university. On average, international students can expect to pay between $9,500 and $55,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.
Do Minnesota universities offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, many universities like University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, and Saint Mary’s University offer merit-based scholarships up to $30,000 per year.
