Choosing a college in Minnesota doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Minnesota are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Minnesota , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 20 four-year Minnesota Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $43,335, reflecting a 3.74% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 20 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 19 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Concordia University-Saint Paul ranks as the least expensive private Minnesota colleges. With tuition and fees at just $25,600, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Concordia College at Moorhead at$31,170 and Bethany Lutheran College at$31,360 both consistently recognized among the Minnesota Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Minnesota Private Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 74.41%, and the average SAT score is 1,125, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 2 | Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, MNPrivate, 4-year | $25,600 $600 | $8,550 - | 78.87% | 6,003 | - | 46.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 2 3 | Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, MNPrivate, 4-year | $31,170 $1,150 | $11,557 $258 | 62.65% | 1,935 | - | 61.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MNPrivate, 4-year | $31,360 $1,350 | $10,815 - | 38.97% | 899 | 1,150 | 55.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 4 2 | Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MNPrivate, 4-year | $31,410 $1,210 | $11,740 $460 | 22.78% | 1,846 | - | 45.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 5 2 | University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MNPrivate, 4-year | $37,920 $1,090 | $10,260 $540 | 93.47% | 3,234 | 1,040 | 68.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 6 2 | St Catherine University Saint Paul, MNPrivate, 4-year | $38,428 $840 | $18,570 - | 91.85% | 3,651 | 1,080 | 61.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 7 2 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MNPrivate, 4-year | $41,778 $1,324 | $15,084 $312 | 92.96% | 2,930 | - | 71.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 8 2 | Bethel University Saint Paul, MNPrivate, 4-year | $44,226 $1,296 | $10,260 $306 | 87.80% | 3,603 | 1,230 | 71.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 9 2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MNPrivate, 4-year | $45,080 $1,920 | $12,474 $252 | 92.78% | 4,505 | - | 66.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 10 2 | Augsburg University Minneapolis, MNPrivate, 4-year | $45,452 $1,510 | $13,766 $184 | 81.98% | 3,249 | - | 52.00% | 14 to 1 |
| Average | $37,242 | $12,308 | 74.41% | 3,186 | 1,125 | 59.60% | 14 to 1 |