10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Minneapolis, MN

While St. Paul may be the capital of Minnesota, the largest city is actually its neighbor to the west, Minneapolis. The two cities are so intertwined they're frequently referred to as the 'Twin Cities.'

This metropolitan area is home to nearly four million people. It's also home to a variety of colleges and universities.

Keep reading to discover the top 10 universities and colleges near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Featured Colleges in Minneapolis, MN

There are many excellent colleges and universities in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. We've featured ten top colleges and universities near Minneapolis below in alphabetical order.

1. Augsburg University

Augsburg University is a private Lutheran university in Minneapolis. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in a variety of areas of study, such as:

• business and leadership
• education
• fine arts
• teaching

Augsburg University was founded in 1869 and typically enrolls around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It also offers a campus in Rochester, MN, as well as international campuses.

2. Carleton College

Carleton College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, a city about 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities. It offers bachelor's degrees with over 60 majors and minors.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in fields like:

• cultures and languages
• fine arts
• science and math
• social sciences

The college was originally founded in 1866 and enrolls around 2,000 students from across the country and the world. The average class size is 17 students with an 8:1 student/faculty ratio.

3. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul is a private Lutheran university in St. Paul. It's part of the Concordia University system and offers degrees from the associate through doctoral levels.

Degrees are available on campus and online in areas of study such as:

• business and technology
• education
• healthcare and exercise science
• social science

The St. Paul branch of Concordia University was founded in 1893. Today, it enrolls over 5,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

4. Hamline University

Hamline University is a private liberal arts university in St. Paul. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as continuing education programs.

Students can earn their degree through the university's four colleges and schools:

• College of Business
• College of Liberal Arts
• Mitchell Hamline School of Law
• School of Education and Leadership

Hamline University is the oldest university in Minnesota, founded in 1854 before Minnesota was officially a state. It's frequently ranked as a top university and enrolls students from a variety of backgrounds.

5. Macalester College

Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in St. Paul. It exclusively offers bachelor's degrees.

Degrees are available in fields like:

• culture and languages
• fine arts
• education
• social sciences

The college was founded in 1874. Today, it enrolls just over 2,000 students and has a student/faculty ratio of 10:1.

6. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a public university spread across the Twin Cities. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study such as:

• business and management
• community studies and public affairs
• liberal arts
• science and math

Metropolitan State University was founded in 1971. It now enrolls over 10,000 students and is a federally-recognized Minority-Serving Institution.

7. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University, also known as St. Kate's, is a private Catholic university in St. Paul. It offers a women's undergraduate college as well as adult and graduate programs for men and women.

Degrees are available on campus and online through four schools within the university:

• Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences
• School of Nursing

St. Kate's was founded in 1905 and today is the largest Catholic women's university in the nation. It enrolls just under 4,000 women between its undergraduate, adult, and graduate colleges.

8. St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. It offers only Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields like:

• cultural studies and languages
• fine arts
• history
• social sciences

The university was founded in 1874 and named for Olaf II of Norway. It currently enrolls about 3,000 students on its 300-acre campus, which includes restored wetlands and woodlands.

9. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university with a campus that spans across Minneapolis and St. Paul. It's the flagship university of the University of Minnesota system.

Degrees are available online and on campus from the bachelor's to doctoral levels.

Hundreds of degrees are offered in areas of study such as:

• health sciences and medicine
• education and human development
• liberal arts
• science and engineering

The University of Minnesota was founded in 1851 and today enrolls over 50,000 students. It includes an engineering school, medical school, law school, veterinary medicine school, and agricultural school all on one campus.

10. University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic research university in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in fields like:

• business
• education
• engineering
• health Sciences

The university, named for Thomas Aquinas, was founded in 1885. It currently enrolls over 9,000 students, making it Minnesota's largest private, non-profit university.

What Is the Biggest School Near Minneapolis, MN?

The biggest school near Minneapolis, and the biggest in the state, is the flagship university of the University of Minnesota, with over 50,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Minneapolis, MN

There are several things to consider when choosing a college near Minneapolis.

These include:

• if the school offers your major
• what the cost of tuition is
• whether you want to live on campus or at home
• extracurricular activities the school offers

Paying for Your Degree Near Minneapolis, MN

Many of the colleges and universities near Minneapolis are private, meaning they have a higher tuition price. You can use grants, scholarships, and loans to help you pay for your degree.

Fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what financial aid opportunities are available to you.

Start Your Degree Near Minneapolis, MN Today

There are many excellent universities and colleges near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check out the featured programs above to find your perfect fit in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.