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 30 four-year Minnesota Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $34,309, reflecting a 3.46% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 30 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 29 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Metropolitan State University ranks as the least expensive Minnesota colleges. With tuition and fees at just $9,840, Metropolitan State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Bemidji State University at$10,237 and Saint Cloud State University at$10,245 both consistently recognized among the Minnesota Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Minnesota Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 76.16%, and the average SAT score is 1,130, 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 - | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MNPublic, 4-year | $9,840 ($9,840) $60 | $11,323 ($11,323) $346 | 98.71% | 6,660 | - | 44.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 2 - | Bemidji State University Bemidji, MNPublic, 4-year | $10,237 ($10,237) $123 | $10,099 ($10,099) $51 | 55.98% | 4,072 | - | 48.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 3 - | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MNPublic, 4-year | $10,245 ($10,245) $128 | $10,924 ($10,924) $4,390 | 94.80% | 10,732 | 1,130 | 40.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 4 - | Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MNPublic, 4-year | $10,361 ($10,361) $57 | $10,360 ($10,360) $308 | 62.18% | 8,214 | - | 45.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 5 - | Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MNPublic, 4-year | $10,428 ($10,428) $92 | $11,902 ($11,902) $365 | 58.76% | 4,386 | - | 57.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 - | Walden University Minneapolis, MNPrivate, 4-year | $11,067 $244 | $10,885 $228 | - | 49,441 | - | - | 31 to 1 |
| 7 - | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate, 4-year | $14,400 $36 | $15,092 $26 | - | 47,761 | - | 20.00% | 41 to 1 |
| 8 - | University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, MNPublic, 4-year | $16,710 ($14,526) $273 | - (-) | 74.93% | 981 | - | 63.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 9 - | Winona State University Winona, MNPublic, 4-year | $17,308 ($10,576) $78 | $15,953 ($10,886) $567 | 75.49% | 6,045 | - | 57.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 10 - | Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MNPublic, 4-year | $18,942 ($9,572) $82 | $19,989 ($10,449) $777 | 88.44% | 15,271 | - | 54.00% | 21 to 1 |
| Average | $12,954 ($10,723) | $12,947 ($10,849) | 76.16% | 15,356 | 1,130 | 47.56% | 20 to 1 |