The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

by TBS Staff

Updated October 13, 2022

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Students considering one of the numerous online colleges in Minnesota can choose from a variety of programs.

Online schools in MN provide innovative, cutting–edge degrees through distance education, including a bachelor’s in organizational leadership from Bethel University, a master’s in cybersecurity at Saint Mary’s University, and a doctorate in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University.

Completing an online degree in Minnesota offers appeal for numerous reasons, including the simple fact that the state has several well–regarded schools offering interesting degrees. Students who pick an online school in MN benefit from maximum flexibility, as many offer asynchronous coursework to ensure learners can juggle personal and professional responsibilities. They also provide premier student services such as academic advising, tech support, tutoring, mentorship, career advice and resume review, and opportunities to engage with students through virtual clubs and organizations.

Featured Online Schools

Although the average cost of a Minnesota degree is slightly higher than the national average, online students benefit from not having to pay for campus housing, meal plans, or transportation to and from school multiple times per week. Some of the state colleges allow distance students to pay in–state tuition, while both public and private institutions offer lots of different institutional and programmatic scholarships to online degree seekers to help offset costs. Keep reading to learn about the educational opportunities awaiting you in the “land of 10,000 lakes.”

The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

#1 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a fantastic choice for online learners. Remote degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this public school. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for academic strength.

Career and academic service associates located at the Minneapolis campus also assist online learners. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.

Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 15,401

Online Master's Programs: 3

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 1%

Admission Rate: 57%

Average Tuition
In-state
$13,318
Out-of-state
$31,616
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
51,327
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Concordia University, St. Paul

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online degree-seekers should consider Concordia University, St. Paul. Those who enroll at the private institution remotely have 57 online degree opportunities to choose from at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.

The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its campus, whom online learners can also contact. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Many students gain hands-on field experience through the school's internship programs. The degree that graduates receive upon completing their program is fully accredited.

Those interested in applying to these online degree programs should contact the school directly for more information.

Concordia University, St. Paul at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 3,036

Online Bachelor's Programs: 18

Online Master's Programs: 20

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 59%

Admission Rate: 98%

Average Tuition
In-state
$22,800
Out-of-state
$22,800
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
5,137
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Bethel University

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bethel University is a leader in online education. Those who choose to enroll at this private college can choose from 36 different programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.

Online learners are also able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Saint Paul, Minnesota, campus. Career-planning events like virtual job fairs are available to degree-seekers who connect with these advisors. The internship programs that the school offers help many students prepare for their future careers. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.

Those interested in applying to these online degree programs should contact the school directly for more information.

Bethel University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,569

Online Bachelor's Programs: 8

Online Master's Programs: 12

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 38%

Admission Rate: 79%

Average Tuition
In-state
$38,300
Out-of-state
$38,300
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
4,005
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota State University, Mankato

  • Mankato, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Minnesota State University, Mankato provides one of the best online college experiences available. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 37 online offerings at undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.

Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the school's campus. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their program, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare learners for success after graduation. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing their program.

Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.

Minnesota State University, Mankato at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,348

Online Bachelor's Programs: 5

Online Master's Programs: 11

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 15%

Admission Rate: 63%

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,394
Out-of-state
$15,686
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
14,325
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Crown College

  • Saint Bonifacius, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Crown College provides one of the best online college experiences available. Remote enrollees at this private college can choose from 29 online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.

The academic and career advisors located at the Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, campus are also available to assist online learners. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.

Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.

Crown College at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,030

Online Bachelor's Programs: 10

Online Master's Programs: 9

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 51%

Admission Rate: 50%

Average Tuition
In-state
$26,480
Out-of-state
$26,480
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
1,522
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Bemidji State University

  • Bemidji, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bemidji State University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar options. The 17 online programs offered by this public institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.

Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Minnesota campus. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. The school also facilitates internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.

Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.

Bemidji State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 2,213

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Online Master's Programs: 5

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 20%

Admission Rate: 65%

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,858
Out-of-state
$7,858
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
4,897
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Metropolitan State University

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Those looking for an online college program should consider Metropolitan State University. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have 18 options through this public institution. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.

Online learners benefit from support by academic and career services offices at the school's Saint Paul, Minnesota, campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.

Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.

Metropolitan State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 3,835

Online Bachelor's Programs: 8

Online Master's Programs: 6

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 22%

Admission Rate: 56%

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,031
Out-of-state
$14,345
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
7,592
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

  • Winona, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For many online degree-seekers, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an attractive choice. The school, a private institution, hosts 21 options for remote learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.

Online learners not located near the Winona campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Degree-seekers benefit from virtual job fairs other career-planning services, as well as academic advising. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.

Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,809

Online Bachelor's Programs: 6

Online Master's Programs: 14

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 14%

Admission Rate: 92%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

Average Tuition
In-state
$36,050
Out-of-state
$36,050
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
5,548
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

University of Northwestern St. Paul

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Northwestern St. Paul offers a high-quality online college experience. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this private institution, which hosts a total of 14 online degree programs. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.

Online learners benefit from support by academic and career services offices at the school's Minnesota campus. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Many degree programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.

Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.

University of Northwestern St. Paul at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,767

Online Bachelor's Programs: 4

Online Master's Programs: 6

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 21%

Admission Rate: 92%

Average Tuition
In-state
$31,580
Out-of-state
$31,580
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
3,525
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 The Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Dakota County Technical College

  • Rosemount, MN
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Dakota County Technical College is a fantastic choice for online learners. Those who enroll at the public institution remotely have 10 online degree opportunities to choose from at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.

The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Rosemount, Minnesota, campus, whom online learners can also contact. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Many degree programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.

Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.

Dakota County Technical College at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 860

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%

Average Tuition
In-state
$5,220
Out-of-state
$5,220
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,433
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges

Online Colleges in Minnesota Ranking Guidelines

We selected the online schools in Minnesota based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.

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