Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Minnesota

For many people, the cost of earning a degree can hold them back from attending college. However, this doesn't have to be the case, as many colleges in Minnesota offer low-cost tuition.

Keep reading to discover the ten cheapest colleges in Minnesota so you can earn your degree for less.

Top Cheap Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to over 30 colleges and universities that offer bachelor's degrees. We've listed the ten cheapest colleges in Minnesota below in alphabetical order.

Please keep in mind that tuition costs are estimated and subject to change.

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus and some bachelor's degree completion programs online.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Art and Design
• Biology and Science
• Business
• Education

Full-time students pay a tuition of about $4,497 or $8,994 per year.

2. Capella University

Capella University is a private for-profit, online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees online in fields such as:

• Business
• Health and Nursing
• Information Technology
• Social Sciences

Tuition at Capella University is between $350 - $415 per credit and capped at $2,500 per term.

3. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a public university in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and on campus.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Business
• Healthcare
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Undergraduate tuition at Metropolitan State is $285.70 per credit, which means a full-time courseload starts at $6,856.80 per year.

4. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university in Mankato, MN. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person.

Students offer bachelor's degree programs in fields such as:

• Arts
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Management

The university offers a flat rate for 12 credits or more. Tuition costs vary depending on the state of residency and mode of learning:

• Minnesota and Wisconsin residents and all online students pay $4,177.50 per semester, or $8,355 per year
• North Dakota residents pay $4,636 per semester or $9,272 per year
• South Dakota residents pay $4,177.72 per semester or $8,355.44 per year
• Residents of Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, and Ohio pay $6,266.25 per semester or $12,532.50 per year
• Residents of all other states pay $8,862.95 per semester, or $17,725.90 per year

5. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, MN. It offers associate degrees through doctoral degrees both on campus and online.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Arts
• Business
• Biology and Health Sciences
• Engineering and Technology

Students with a full-time credit load pay a flat rate of $4,418.81 per semester or $8,836.42 per year. Tuition is the same regardless of a student's state of residence.

6. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private for-profit university with multiple locations throughout the United States, including several in Minnesota. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in person and online.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

• Business
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Human Services
• Technology

Tuition varies depending on the program but ranges from $199-$335 per credit, which comes out to around $4,776-$7,320 per year.

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, MN. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Agriculture
• Education
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Management

Undergraduate students at Southwest Minnesota State University who are studying full-time pay a tuition of $10,304 per year.

8. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University is a public university in St. Cloud, MN. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in person and online.

Students at St. Cloud State can earn bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

• Education
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Humanities
• Science and Technology

Tuition for Minnesota residents is $8,812 per year, while non-residents pay $18,696 per year. Residents of North and South Dakota may be eligible for reduced tuition.

9. University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota is a public college in Crookston, MN. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online and on campus.

Bachelor's degrees are available from the following departments within the school:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Business
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Math, Science, and Technology

Full-time students pay a tuition of $11,478 per year whether they study on campus or online.

10. Winona State University

Winona State University is a public university in Winona, MN. It offers associate degrees through doctoral degrees in person and online.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Science and Nursing
• Science and Engineering

Students earning between 12-18 credits per semester pay a flat rate. Tuition varies depending on the state of residency:

• Minnesota and Wisconsin residents pay a tuition of $4,193.75 per semester, or $8,387.50
• North Dakota residents pay $4,636.50 per semester or $9,273 per year
• South Dakota residents pay $5,246 per semester or $10,492 per year
• Non-residents of the above states pay $7,559.85 per semester or $15,119.70 per year

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The cost of a college degree varies depending on several factors, like the school you choose, your financial aid options, and whether you live on campus or at home.

According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition, fees, room, and board for in-state students at a public university in Minnesota is $21,858. That doesn't include textbooks or materials.

How To Make College Affordable

The best way to make college affordable is to choose an affordable school and fill out your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can qualify for federal aid.

Many students use financial aid like grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans to help them pay for college.

Do Cheap Colleges in Minnesota Offer High-Quality Education?

Many colleges and universities in Minnesota offer both high-quality education and low-cost tuition. All institutions listed above are accredited.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Often, colleges and universities, especially public ones, will charge a lower-rate tuition for students who live within the state.

In Minnesota, this rate sometimes applies to students in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Online students may pay the same rate regardless of the state of residency.

Find an Affordable College in Minnesota Today

Students can save money on college by attending a lower-cost school.

Also, keep in mind that there are affordable online colleges around the U.S.

Check out the ten cheapest colleges in Minnesota and find the perfect fit for you today!