Best STEM Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it's also home to some major companies in STEM and one of the most prestigious medical systems in the country. As a result, colleges in Minnesota offer degree programs in various STEM fields, from ecology to engineering to health sciences.

There are several top STEM colleges in Minnesota, including several STEM colleges that offer financial aid. Keep reading to discover the best colleges for STEM programs in Minnesota.

Top STEM Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to many colleges and universities offering STEM associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees. Below, we've featured 15 top STEM colleges and universities in Minnesota.

1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota- Twin Cities is a public research university with a campus that spans across Minneapolis and St. Paul. It's the flagship campus of the University of Minnesota system that conducts research in many STEM fields, including physics, computer science, food science, and healthcare.

The university offers numerous STEM degrees, including a variety of engineering degrees and majors in:

• astrophysics
• bioinformatics and computational biology
• epidemiology
• geographic information science

In-state students have the potential to earn free STEM degrees online or in person through the state's North Star Scholarship. This program makes college at public universities and community colleges free for those with a family income under $80,000 per year.

2. University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic research university with campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis. It offers various research opportunities to undergraduate students and graduate students.

Some of the most popular STEM areas of study at St. Thomas include:

• computer science
• exercise science
• mechanical engineering
• psychology

3. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university in Mankato, Minnesota. It's home to the state's only aviation and airport management program and was one of the first in the country to offer a master's degree in forensics.

It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in STEM fields like:

• aviation
• biology
• civil engineering
• information technology

As the university is public, students who qualify can use the North Star Promise financial aid program to pay for their studies.

4. Saint Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University is a public university in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It offers several well-established STEM programs, including degrees in:

• chemistry
• earth science
• information systems
• manufacturing engineering technology

Additionally, the university offers master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields through its graduate school. It's also home to the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF), where staff and students conduct STEM research.

5. Carleton College

Carleton College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. It offers degree programs in multiple STEM fields:

• archaeology
• mathematics
• neuroscience
• statistics and data science

Even students in STEM programs receive a strong liberal arts foundation that leads to a well-rounded education. Although the North Star Promise program isn't available at Carleton College, the college offers multiple financial aid opportunities.

6. Macalester College

Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It offers exclusively undergraduate programs, with no master's or doctoral degrees.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in STEM areas of study such as:

• astronomy
• biochemistry
• cognitive science
• geology

7. Hamline University

Hamline University is another private university in Saint Paul. It's Minnesota's oldest university and offers both undergrad and grad programs.

The majority of the university's STEM degrees are bachelor's degrees. Majors include:

• computational data science
• environmental and climate studies
• forensic science
• neuroscience

The university isn't covered under the North Star Promise, but 100% of first-time, full-time, on-campus undergraduate students receive institutional grants and scholarships.

8. University of Minnesota Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth is a public university in Duluth, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior. It offers 81 undergraduate programs, as well as master's and doctoral programs through its graduate school.

UMD offers STEM majors such as:

• biology
• chemical engineering
• engineering physics
• geological sciences

9. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota. It has numerous unique programs and a strong social work program.

Bemidji State also offers many STEM degrees in fields like:

• chemistry
• environmental studies
• exercise science
• mathematics

A number of these programs are offered online. As a public university, this makes Bemidji State one of the best schools in Minnesota for affordable online STEM degrees.

10. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, across the border from Fargo, North Dakota. It primarily offers bachelor's degrees, but offers just over a dozen master's degrees as well.

STEM majors available at Minnesota State University Moorhead include:

• astrophysics
• biochemistry and biotechnology
• cybersecurity
• marine aquarist

11. College of St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica is a private Catholic college in Duluth, Minnesota. It's best known for its nursing and healthcare programs, but offers other STEM programs like:

• computer information systems
• mathematics
• natural sciences
• sustainability studies and the environment

CSS offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, there are a handful of online programs and pre-college programs for high school students.

12. Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minnesota. It offers only bachelor's degrees, which include a strong liberal arts curriculum.

STEM degrees at Gustavus Adolphus include:

• biochemistry and molecular biology
• geology
• nursing
• psychological science

13. Winona State University

Winona State University is a public university in Winona, Minnesota. It was the first public university in the Midwest to offer a tablet and a laptop to all students. It includes various cutting-edge STEM programs like:

• environmental chemistry
• exercise science
• physics electronics
• public health

Winona State has several sister universities across the world and also welcomes a large number of international students. As a public university, eligible students may have their tuition covered under the North Star Promise.

14. Northwestern Health Sciences University

Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private university in Bloomington, Minnesota. It primarily focuses on alternative medicine with acupuncture and chiropractic programs.

The university also offers programs in medical laboratory science, radiation therapy, and radiation technology. Some master's programs are available online.

15. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall, Minnesota. Its most popular programs are in business and education, but it also offers STEM majors like:

• agronomy
• animal science
• data science
• mathematics

SMSU offers several of its degree programs online. Students may be able to use the North Star Promise to cover tuition costs.

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Minnesota

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about STEM colleges in Minnesota.

Is the University of Minnesota Good for Engineering Majors?

The University of Minnesota is one of the best engineering schools in the country, according to rankings from U.S. News and World Report. It offers engineering programs in fields like:

• aerospace engineering
• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• electrical engineering
• geoengineering
• mechanical engineering
• neuroengineering
• software engineering

What Internships Are Available for STEM Graduates in Minnesota?

A number of Fortune 500 companies in Minnesota offer internships to STEM students, including:

• 3M
• Best Buy
• CHS
• Ecolab
• General Mills
• Hormel Foods
• Xcel Energy

Additionally, Minnesota is home to the SciTech Internship Program, which helps connect STEM students to internships at small to mid-sized Minnesota companies.

What Support Services Are Available for STEM Students in Minnesota?

Many colleges and universities in Minnesota offer support services, like tutoring and career services, to help all students, including STEM students. Check to see what your student services offer.

Additionally, the Minnesota STEM Partnership is an initiative to increase STEM education for all ages. Membership is free, and the organization provides workshops, extracurriculars, career guidance, and professional development.