Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 38,000 students earned bachelor's degrees in Minnesota in the 2021-22 school year. Earning a bachelor's degree can help you further your career path.

For students who need flexibility in their schedules, online college programs are a great way to earn a degree. Accredited online degrees allow students to complete their work on their own time.

Top online colleges provide not just flexibility but also high-quality learning and student support. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Minnesota.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota

There are nearly two dozen accredited online colleges in Minnesota, not including the Minnesota community colleges that offer online programs. Below, we've featured some of the best colleges online students can find in the state.

1. Minnesota State University, Mankato

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, communication, education, and healthcare.

About 88% of students are awarded financial aid, including the state's last-dollar North Star Scholarship. Tuition for all online undergraduate students is $367.90 per credit hour.

MNSU is the state's second-largest university and is part of the public Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Its goal with online education opportunities is to help students advance their careers and enrich their lives in meaningful ways.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,490

Out-of-State: $18,860

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,182

Out-of-State: $18,364

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is the Bemidji, MN, branch of the public Minnesota State University System. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, criminal justice, geography, and social sciences.

Online programs at Bemidji State are meant for students no matter where they are in life or what obligations they have outside of school. The bachelor's degrees are primarily designed for students who have some college experience, but first-year students can apply as well.

The university offers in-state tuition to all students, regardless of their state of residency, at a rate of $313.55 per credit. Financial aid is available, including the state's North Star Promise, and 95% of students receive some type of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,164

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,221

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

3. College of St. Scholastica

Online undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through the College of St. Scholastica. Areas of study include business, computer science, education, and nursing.

All first-time undergraduate students receive financial aid of some kind, especially scholarships and grants. Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $410 per credit hour.

CSS, a Catholic school, is located in Duluth, MN. Its online courses allow students to connect from anywhere and are taught by expert faculty in a flexible format.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $40,454

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $15,024

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

4. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts. The Catholic school is based in St. Paul, MN.

Although St. Kate's only accepts female students into its on-campus undergraduate programs, students of all genders can earn their degrees online. Class schedules for these career-focused programs are designed for adult learners.

Tuition for the online undergraduate degrees is $500 per credit hour. Around 99% receive financial aid, especially grants and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $49,758

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $17,910

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

5. Winona State University

Students at Winona State University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, education, healthcare, and social work.

Multiple financial aid options, including the North Star Promise, are available to students, and 97% are awarded aid each year. Minnesota residents pay $277.40 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $503.60. However, residents of Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota pay a reduced out-of-state rate.

Winona State is the southernmost campus in the Minnesota State system. Through its online programs, the school helps adult students and working professionals to reach both short- and long-term education goals.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,498

Out-of-State: $17,230

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,612

Out-of-State: $14,507

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota's main campus is spread across the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but it offers most of its online programs through its Crookston campus. Online bachelor's and master's degrees are available in fields like agriculture, communication, management, and technology.

These online programs allow students to maximize their knowledge with minimum disruption to their busy schedules. The primary campus of the University of Minnesota is the only public research university in the state and the biggest school in Minnesota.

Most online undergraduate degrees at the University of Minnesota Crookston cost $448 per credit hour. Numerous financial aid options, including the North Star Promise, are available to students, with 91% receiving financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $13,120

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $19,116

Out-of-State: $29,580

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

7. Metropolitan State University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online at Metropolitan State University. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and psychology.

Roughly 90% of students are awarded financial aid like the North Star Promise. Most undergraduate programs at Metro State have a tuition rate of $285.70 per credit, regardless of the state of residency.

Metro State is based in St. Paul, MN. Its online education programs are taught by the same faculty as the in-person programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,780

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,171

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

8. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like business construction management, nursing, and special education. The public school is located in Moorhead, MN.

Online students earn the same respected degree and learn from the same expert faculty as on-campus students, without the commute. They work with the same materials and have opportunities to interact with peers and professors.

Tuition for undergraduate programs is $294.59 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Multiple grants and scholarships are available, with 96% of students receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,336

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,479

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 53%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

9. Southwest Minnesota State University

Through Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, education, humanities, and social sciences.

Approximately 93% of students receive financial aid at SMSU, including grants and scholarships. The tuition rate for online undergraduate programs is $305 per credit to college students of all states.

SMSU, another member of the Minnesota State system, is located in Marshall, MN. Its flexible programs provide the same support, resources, and education students experience in person, with the convenience of learning from home.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,304

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,054

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

10. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul is a Lutheran school in the Twin Cities. It offers online programs from the associate through the doctoral level in fields like business, education, healthcare, and information technology.

CSP is part of the national Concordia University system. It helps students achieve their education goals through online programs that provide the benefit of a liberal arts education plus marketable skills for any career path.

The tuition rate for online bachelor's degrees is $420 per credit hour. Many financial aid opportunities, especially scholarships and grants, are available, with 99% of students receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $25,000

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,550

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Although there are plenty of Minnesota online colleges, there are also a variety of options across the U.S. We've listed some additional schools that offer online programs to students throughout the country below.

Columbia College

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Columbia College. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare.

The private school, based in Columbia, MO, has several campuses across the U.S. It's accredited by the HLC and charges $375 per undergraduate credit for online learning.

Herzing University

Herzing University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business, healthcare, legal studies, and technology. The private school is headquartered in Milwaukee but has a campus in Minneapolis.

The university charges $515 per credit for most online undergraduate programs. It's accredited by the HLC.

Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, students can choose from over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs online. Areas of study include business, healthcare, humanities, and technology.

The private institution, based in Manchester, NH, is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Online bachelor's degrees cost $330 per credit, and students can transfer up to 90 credit hours.

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online college programs above, we used the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to find schools that fit the following parameters:

• Location: Our initial list focuses solely on colleges based in Minnesota.
• Accreditation: All schools in this article hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We looked only at four-year public or nonprofit private schools; we did not include for-profit institutions or community or technical colleges.
• Online offerings: We further narrowed down our list by finding schools with a variety of online programs, especially bachelor's degrees, and robust support services.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Minnesota

There are both upsides and downsides to earning an online degree. Below, we've discussed some common pros and cons for online learners.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible scheduling: Most online courses allow students to complete their coursework at whatever time works best for their schedule.
• Location freedom: Learning online means you can study from wherever you prefer, like at home or a coffee shop.
• Lower tuition: Often, online programs have lower tuition rates than on-campus programs, especially for out-of-state students.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Less structure: The less-structured format of online programs is great for some but can be a challenge for others.
• Harder to connect: Online programs can make it harder to connect with your professors and peers.
• Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties like power outages can make it much harder to complete coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Minnesota

When trying to choose the right online college, there are several things to think about. These include:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose must be accredited, and regional accreditation is better than national.
• Areas of study: Not all schools will offer your chosen major online.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools only require a high school diploma, while others have stricter requirements.
• Cost: Costs can vary significantly between institutions.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs, but some cover more than others.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Minnesota Cost?

All the online programs listed above have a tuition rate of $500 or less per credit for undergraduate in-state students, and many are less than $300 per credit. However, the total cost of your degree will depend on multiple factors, including your financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Minnesota More Affordable

Earning an accredited degree online doesn't have to be expensive. Start by looking at low-cost schools; there are many affordable online colleges in Minnesota.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will assess their eligibility for federal and state programs. This includes the federal Pell Grant and Minnesota's North Star Promise.

Below, we've listed some additional resources to help you find an affordable online program:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Minnesota Scholarships & Grants

Grants and scholarships are financial aid that don't need to be repaid. We've highlighted some excellent grant and scholarship programs for Minnesota students below.

North Star Promise Scholarship

The North Star Promise provides free college tuition to Minnesota students with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000 who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a public Minnesota college or university. There is no additional application; students just need to complete the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: Fill out the FAFSA by June 30, 2025

Minnesota State Grant

The Minnesota State Grant program helps students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges or universities. Like with the North Star Promise, students just need to fill out the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Fill out the FAFSA by July 31, 2025

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants

The Minnesota Student Teacher Grants (STG) is a financial aid program that aims to support students in becoming teachers in Minnesota. These funds are used during the student teaching portion to help students cover expenses.

Award Amount: Up to $7,500

Deadline: TBD for 2025

Top Majors for Minnesota Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study for bachelor's degree students in Minnesota are:

• Healthcare: As home to the Mayo Clinic, it's no shock that healthcare is the most popular field by far in Minnesota. Common healthcare majors for undergraduate students include nursing, health sciences, and healthcare administration.
• Business: Students who major in business can go on to have careers in areas like finance, human resources, marketing, and sales.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field that encompasses art, language, culture, and more. Graduates can go on to pursue a range of career paths in these fields.
• Natural sciences and math: Degrees in the natural sciences, like biology and physics, and mathematics can lead to careers in research, academia, and fieldwork, among others.
• Psychology: An undergraduate degree in psychology can lead to graduate school, which is required to become a psychologist, or careers in fields in business, education, and social welfare.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Minnesota

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in Minnesota.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Minnesota?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated online degrees in Minnesota that will allow you to finish more quickly.

Which Minnesota Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

The majority of Minnesota schools don't offer a specific number, rather stating that they will do a credit evaluation to determine how many transfer credits they can take. However, Concordia University, St. Paul states that it will accept up to 90 transfer credits.

Can I Pursue Master's Degrees at the University of Minnesota Online?

The University of Minnesota�Twin Cities offers several master's degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, education, and healthcare. Bachelor's degrees are delivered primarily through the Crookston campus.

Are There Any Affordable Online MBA Programs in Minnesota?

Several online colleges in Minnesota offer online MBA programs that are less than $600 per credit, including Southwest Minnesota State University, Metropolitan State University, and the College of St. Scholastica.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Minnesota?

Minnesota residents who have an AGI under $80,000 and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree at a public Minnesota college or school can qualify for free college through the North Star Promise. However, other students may qualify for free tuition through a combination of other forms of aid.

Discover Online Degree Programs in Minnesota

Earn your degree through accredited colleges online by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific online colleges in Minnesota to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.