Doug Wintemute is a writer who focuses on higher learning and entertainment. Since 2014, he has contributed to content and editorial work for award-winning publications. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum l...
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Minnesota has public and private schools across the state, giving residents a wealth of options for college education. However, not everyone wants to study on campus, and not every out-of-state learner who wants to complete a particular program in Minnesota can afford to relocate and take classes in person.
Online colleges in Minnesota offer more flexibility than traditional campus programs. They can also make schools more affordable by cutting costs and better accommodating the schedules of enrollees with family or career obligations. On this page, explore the best online colleges in Minnesota and the different ways online learning can save you money.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs.
Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Top Online Colleges in MN 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
Concordia University, St. Paul
Saint Paul, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Concordia University, St. Paul leads in online learning programs. The school's online certificates and degrees meet the same educational standards as its on-campus programs. Curricula feature core courses and elective options to prepare graduates for careers. The school allows bachelor's degree-seekers to add a minor.
Nontraditional learners can pursue online undergraduate degrees at the university.
Concordia University, St. Paul by the Numbers:
Per-Credit Cost: $473
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,800/year in-state and out-of-state
Students Receiving Aid: 98%
Students Awarded Loans: 58%
The school’s website provides more information about how students can pursue these options. Prospective students can expect a 98% admission rate. The admissions process requires documents such as school transcripts. Degree-seekers can access support services such as tutoring and career counseling. Concordia University, St. Paul holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,800
Out-of-state
$22,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,550
Out-of-state
$8,550
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
5,137
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Minnesota Crookston offers on-campus and online degrees as a public institution. The school's online programs attract students from all over the country. The college meets the career goals of all kinds of graduates by offering virtual programs in many top-choice disciplines, such as healthcare, STEM, and business.
Distance learners enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs at the school. Degree-seekers in undergraduate programs complete foundational courses and general education requirements. Enrollees also take advanced classes in their chosen major. By participating in seminars and online courses, graduate learners develop advanced skills.
Reaching out to the school can help prospective students learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. Enrollees can work with the accredited institution to get connected with financial aid opportunities.
University of Minnesota Crookston at a Glance:
Student Pursuing Degrees Online: 1,266
Online Bachelor's Programs Available: 15
Admission Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,438
Out-of-state
$10,438
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
2,768
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Crown College is included among the top U.S. online colleges. A total of 10 online bachelor's programs are available to distance learners at the accredited institution. Nine online master's programs are also available at the online school. A total of 1,030 remote learners attend classes through the institution.
An average of 67 degree-seekers enroll at the private Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, school. Distance learners nationwide remotely attend their classes. Online enrollees at the institution find many student services designed specifically for them. Learners at the online school get access to academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Degree-seekers from all different backgrounds choose from programs in some of the most popular disciplines. Graduates qualify for positions in many fields with their accredited degrees. The institution prioritizes a low-cost education.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,480
Out-of-state
$26,480
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$9,720
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
1,522
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
A public institution located in Minnesota, Bemidji State University ranks among the best online schools. A total of 11 online bachelor's programs are available to the accredited online school's distance learners. Online courses at the institution currently experience an enrollment of 2,213 students.
Remote learners benefit from online programs' virtual classroom environment, which allows them to complete their coursework from anywhere. Program advisors help arrange for students to undertake internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements in their local area. Student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring are often available to online learners. Graduates leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the many experiential learning opportunities offered by the institution.
The school's students pay an affordable tuition rate for their online degrees. Online students at the accredited institution qualify for many types of financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,858
Out-of-state
$7,858
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,779
Out-of-state
$7,779
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
4,897
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
Winona State University
Winona, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Prospective students can explore Winona State University's affordable online degrees. Online learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Minnesota school. The institution offers programs to prepare learners for entry-level jobs and career advancement. The school’s full- and part-time enrollment options provide learning flexibility. The institution's asynchronous online degrees provide learning flexibility. Hybrid programs feature both online classes and traditional on-campus courses. Small class sizes promote student participation and faculty feedback.
Online learners can choose from two associate degrees and 71 bachelor’s programs. Students can also pursue five online master’s programs and four distance doctoral programs. The school offers affordable tuition rates and an average $5,082 financial aid package.
Winona State University Facts:
Institution Status: Public
Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 2,591
Available Online Programs: 20
Bachelor’s Available Online: 2
Percentage of Degree-Seekers Receiving Aid: 90%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,598
Out-of-state
$13,698
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,488
Out-of-state
$11,286
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
7,605
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
All Minnesota state colleges and universities have frozen tuition prices through spring 2025.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Minnesota
Many of Minnesota's fastest-growing jobs belong to its booming healthcare and data sectors. The state needs more healthcare services to support its aging population, including management and advanced practice providers. Minnesota also needs data specialists across many industries to analyze and draw insights from consumer information.
The following table examines 10 professions with faster-than-average growth projections in Minnesota.
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Minnesota's Job Market
Your chosen major can significantly affect your future, so choosing a subject to study can be stressful. Consider one of the following majors, which can help you qualify for the in-demand careers highlighted in the table above.
Nursing
A nursing degree can lead to entry-level medical services and nursing careers, but it can also lay the groundwork for nurse practitioner and physician assistant graduate programs. Both of these upper-level professions require a master's degree, and most programs seek enrollees with nursing bachelor's degrees and experience.
Business Administration
Business administration degrees offer plenty of flexibility, allowing you to apply your education and skills to various career paths, including fields like medical and health services management, logistics, and information systems management. You can even target niche business fields by being selective with your specializations, electives, and internships.
Data Science
Data has become a critical resource for organizations and businesses seeking advanced decision-making insights to solve problems. In Minnesota, a degree in data science can prepare you to pursue fast-growing statistician, logistician, data scientist, and operations research roles.
Mathematics
A mathematics major can equip you with widely applicable analytical and problem-solving skills. You can put these skills to use in many in-demand fields in Minnesota, such as statistics, logistics, and operations research analysis.
Cost of Living in Minnesota
While Minnesota's cost of living is lower than the national average, it exceeds that of many surrounding states. As a student in Minnesota, you need to manage relatively high transportation and grocery costs. Typically, larger cities are also more expensive than less populous areas of the state.
If you study online, you can reduce or eliminate transportation costs altogether. If you already live in a more rural area, you can also avoid the elevated housing prices found in big cities.
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Minnesota
You can find cost savings at many online colleges in Minnesota, such as discounted tuition rates for online students or in-state rates for out-of-state students at public schools.
You can also benefit from merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and tuition-reduction programs available to Minnesota's students. Explore several of these funding opportunities below.
This award supports Minnesota residents who demonstrate financial need and have at least one-fourth Native American ancestry or are enrolled members/citizens of a recognized tribe/First Nation. Undergraduate applicants must study at least three-quarter time and graduate applicants must study at least half-time at an accredited institution. If they maintain satisfactory academic performance, recipients may renew their scholarship for up to ten years: five years of undergraduate and five years of graduate study.
Scholarship Amount: $4,000 for undergraduates and $6,000 for graduate students
Available to Minnesota residents pursuing their first college degree, this program aims to completely fund each recipient's education. Participants must attend a public or tribal school in Minnesota and have a reported family adjusted gross income of less than $80,000.
Students who graduated from a Minnesota high school and are entering their third or fourth year at an in-state college or university may apply for this award. Candidates must major in elementary education, demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA, and plan to earn their initial teaching certificate in the state. The scholarship committee prefers students who live in the Buffalo Lake area.
Applicants must enroll full time at an accredited college or university in Minnesota or another state in the Midwest. They also need to demonstrate financial need and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship committee accepts applications from high school students as well as undergraduate and graduate program enrollees.
For this award, recipients must study full time at an approved nonsectarian in-state college or university. Applicants must commit to enroll at one of these institutions during their senior year of high school and demonstrate excellence in one of several disciplines.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: N/A
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Minnesota
Tuition reciprocity agreements make paying in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities possible even when you live in another state. Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, which allows students from these jurisdictions to pay in-state or discounted rates.
Minnesota also has a limited agreement with Iowa, offering reduced tuition rates for students enrolled at Minnesota West Community & Technical College or Iowa Lakes Community College. The state also offers a reciprocity agreement with Manitoba, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Minnesota
Do online credits cost more or less in Minnesota?
Distance education programs can offer more affordable tuition than on-campus programs. Some of the best online colleges in Minnesota disregard residency status, providing the same tuition rates for all students. Institutions may even charge lower online-only rates for distance learners.
In contrast, some schools charge slightly higher tuition rates for online enrollees to help pay for dedicated information technology services and software updates. For example, Anoka-Ramsey Community College charges distance learners $203 per credit, while traditional students pay only $165. However, online students may ultimately pay less for their degree by saving money on housing, commute, and campus fees.
Which Minnesota schools accept the most transfer credits?
The best online colleges in Minnesota emphasize accessibility through asynchronous classes and generous transfer policies. The best way to understand how transfer credits work is by meeting with an academic advisor to discuss prior coursework and equivalency.
Resources like Minnesota Private Colleges collect information about how many total credits learners can transfer toward a degree at private institutions in the state, as each school maintains its own policies. For example, the University of St. Thomas does not limit how many credits students can transfer toward bachelor's degree completion, while Augsburg University allows 96 transfer credits toward a 128-credit curriculum. Graduate students may generally fulfill up to half of their degree plan with transfer work.
Through Transferology, students with prior academic experience can get an idea of how their courses may transfer to other schools. The website also works in reverse, allowing students to find summer or winter classes at another school that will transfer back to their home colleges and universities. Learners can even search for classes from study abroad programs.
In addition to institutional advisors, students can consult Minnesota Transfer. The website connects users with schools' transfer websites and articulation agreements. Students receive support when searching for classes and developing transfer plans.
How many academic terms per year do online colleges in Minnesota offer?
Multiple accredited online colleges in Minnesota run semester-based classes with three annual academic terms. By taking asynchronous classes, students can access learning materials and engage with peers and instructors at their convenience. Online courses usually require learners to complete weekly assignments.
Some institutions offer shorter terms: Concordia and the College of St. Scholastica offer accelerated eight-week online classes that allow students to earn their credentials quickly and maintain work and family responsibilities. Although the University of Minnesota does not provide weekly or monthly start dates, the school does offer self-paced extended-term courses that allow enrollees up to nine months to finish.
Are there any free online classes I can take from Minnesota colleges?
After the state government unbanned free college classes in 2012, Minnesota schools began offering massive open online courses (MOOCs). MOOCs are asynchronous classes incorporating interactive features like videos, projects, and quizzes. Students can take individual MOOCs or stack them toward professional certificates.
Some schools offer MOOCs at no cost, while others provide free introductory materials but require students to pay for full features. Students can directly search offerings on the MOOC website. They can also look for classes through major providers like the Stanford professor-developed Coursera.
The University of Minnesota is the main MOOC provider in the Gopher State. Through Coursera, the school delivers 13 specializations, which are series of interconnected classes that end with capstone projects and lead to career certificates.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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