1. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and significant contributions to research and innovation. Established in 1851, U of M offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. U of M’s commitment to excellence and innovation is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is consistently ranked among the top 70 national universities in the United States.
Number of Students
U of M serves approximately 50,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
U of M offers more than 300 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at U of M is around 57%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1350.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at U of M include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Hubert H. Humphrey – Former Vice President of the United States.
- Bob Dylan – Nobel Prize-winning musician and songwriter.
- Garrison Keillor – Author and radio personality.
- Yanni – Composer and musician.
- Jessica Lange – Academy Award-winning actress.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- 3M
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- University of Minnesota
2. Carleton College
Carleton College, located in Northfield, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to intellectual exploration. Established in 1866, Carleton offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Carleton’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Carleton College is consistently ranked among the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Number of Students
Carleton serves approximately 2,100 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
Carleton offers more than 30 majors and minors in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Carleton is around 19%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1450.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Carleton include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Paul Wellstone – Former U.S. Senator.
- Thorstein Veblen – Economist and sociologist.
- Hal Higdon – Author and marathon runner.
- Diana Deutsch – Psychologist and musicologist.
- Karen Tei Yamashita – Author and playwright.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- Carleton College
3. Macalester College
Macalester College, located in St. Paul, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, commitment to global citizenship, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1874, Macalester offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is particularly noted for its programs in international studies, political science, and environmental studies. Macalester’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Macalester College is consistently ranked among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Number of Students
Macalester serves approximately 2,100 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
Macalester offers more than 30 majors and minors in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Macalester is around 31%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1400.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Macalester include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Kofi Annan – Former UN Secretary-General.
- Walter Mondale – Former Vice President of the United States.
- Tim O’Brien – Author.
- Peter Berg – Filmmaker and actor.
- Margaret Atwood – Author (attended, did not graduate).
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Medtronic
- Target Corporation
- General Mills
- Macalester College
4. St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to global engagement. Established in 1874, St. Olaf offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is particularly noted for its programs in music, mathematics, and the sciences. St. Olaf’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
St. Olaf College is consistently ranked among the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Number of Students
St. Olaf serves approximately 3,000 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
St. Olaf offers more than 40 majors and concentrations in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at St. Olaf is around 50%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1340.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at St. Olaf include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and music ensembles.
5 Famous Alumni
- Walter Mondale – Former Vice President of the United States.
- Catherine Keener – Academy Award-nominated actress.
- Thorstein Veblen – Economist and sociologist.
- David Ellefson – Bassist of Megadeth.
- Ole Rolvaag – Author.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- St. Olaf College
5. Gustavus Adolphus College
Gustavus Adolphus College, located in St. Peter, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to social justice. Established in 1862, Gustavus offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Gustavus’ small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Gustavus Adolphus College is consistently ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Number of Students
Gustavus serves approximately 2,200 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
Gustavus offers more than 70 majors and minors in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Gustavus is around 67%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1250.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Gustavus include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Earl Bakken – Co-founder of Medtronic.
- John B. Davis – Former president of Macalester College.
- Steve Zahn – Actor.
- Kurt Daudt – Minnesota State Representative.
- Warren Burger – Former Chief Justice of the United States.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Medtronic
- 3M
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- Target Corporation
6. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, located in St. Joseph and Collegeville, are private Catholic liberal arts colleges known for their strong academic programs, beautiful campuses, and commitment to social justice. Established in 1913 and 1857 respectively, these institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. They are particularly noted for their programs in theology, humanities, and social sciences. The colleges’ small class sizes and supportive communities provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are consistently ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Number of Students
The combined student population is approximately 3,600, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
They offer more than 60 majors and minors in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 80%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1230.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- John Gagliardi – Legendary football coach.
- Eugene McCarthy – Former U.S. Senator.
- Mark Kennedy – Former U.S. Representative.
- Robert L. Bartley – Editor of the Wall Street Journal.
- John Harrington – Former NHL player.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
7. Bethel University
Bethel University, located in Arden Hills, is a private Christian university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to integrating faith and learning. Established in 1871, Bethel offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, nursing, and business. Bethel’s supportive community and emphasis on spiritual growth provide students with opportunities for personal and academic development.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Bethel University is consistently ranked among the top 20 regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Bethel serves approximately 4,500 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
Bethel offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Bethel is around 79%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1230.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Bethel include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- George K. Brushaber – Former president of Bethel University.
- Bill Gothard – Founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles.
- John Piper – Pastor and author.
- Glen Taylor – Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Brian C. Stiller – President of the World Evangelical Alliance.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- Bethel University
8. University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas, located in St. Paul and Minneapolis, is a private Catholic university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to ethical leadership. Established in 1885, St. Thomas offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, engineering, and law. St. Thomas’ supportive community and emphasis on service provide students with opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of St. Thomas is consistently ranked among the top 150 national universities in the United States.
Number of Students
St. Thomas serves approximately 10,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
St. Thomas offers more than 150 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at St. Thomas is around 81%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1240.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at St. Thomas include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- John A. Ryan – Catholic priest and social justice advocate.
- John Schneider – Actor.
- Tom Dooher – President of the Education Minnesota teachers’ union.
- Marcy Wheeler – Journalist and blogger.
- Terry Gilliam – Filmmaker and member of Monty Python.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- University of St. Thomas
9. Augsburg University
Augsburg University, located in Minneapolis, is a private university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to social justice, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1869, Augsburg offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, nursing, and business. Augsburg’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Augsburg University is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Augsburg serves approximately 3,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
Augsburg offers more than 50 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Augsburg is around 65%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1150.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Augsburg include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Darrell Lance Abbott – Musician and member of Pantera.
- P. S. Erikson – Author.
- Adrian Peterson – Professional football player.
- Lute Olson – Hall of Fame basketball coach.
- Jared Allen – Professional football player.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- Augsburg University
10. Concordia College
Concordia College, located in Moorhead, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to global engagement. Established in 1891, Concordia offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Concordia’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Concordia College is consistently ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Concordia serves approximately 2,100 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
Concordia offers more than 50 majors and minors in various fields of study.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Concordia is around 61%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1200.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Concordia include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Jim Klobuchar – Journalist and author.
- Eugene McCarthy – Former U.S. Senator.
- Loren Solberg – Minnesota State Representative.
- Gayle Barron – Marathon runner.
- Paul Dovre – Former president of Concordia College.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Target Corporation
- Medtronic
- Mayo Clinic
- General Mills
- Concordia College