The Prepared Student

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College Prep: Twin Cities Colleges to Have on Your Radar

The Greater Twin Cities region surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul is home to many colleges and universities. Here, we’re taking a look at some of the Minnesota schools located right here in the Twin Cities that we think should be on your radar as you start to think about what comes after high school.

If you want to move far, far away from Minnesota, we totally get it. We spend a good portion of the year in the cold and in the dark. But, Minnesota is actually pretty awesome, and many local students choose to stick around to go to college, whether it be in the Twin Cities or other areas of the state. If you’re trying to stay closer to home after high school, there are tons of options for getting a great education right here in Minnesota.

Here, we’re specifically taking a look at some of the awesome college options right here in the Twin Cities. There are great four-year public schools, four-year private schools, community colleges, and tech schools all right here in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas.

When it comes to considering what schools you want to apply to, there is a lot to think about. A super important factor is location. Other important characteristics include how big or small a school is, what type of community it’s located in, what it specializes in, and so much more.

Below, you’ll find a short blurb about many different colleges found throughout the Twin Cities.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

4-Year, Public Institution

City: Minneapolis, Minnesota Campus & St. Paul, Minnesota Campus

Student body: 30,000 undergraduate, 16,000 graduate

The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities offers over 150 undergraduate specializations and 200 graduate degrees. There are just as many opportunities to participate in student groups, with over 800 to choose from. The university’s campuses cover 1204 acres. The student-faculty ratio is 17 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Psychology

  • Economics

  • Rhetoric and Composition

  • Biology

  • Mathematics & Statistics

Augsburg University

4-Year, Private Institution

City: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student Body: 2500 undergraduate, 1000 graduate

Augsburg is situated close to Murphy Square, Minneapolis’ oldest park. The university offers over 50 undergraduate degrees and 9 graduate degrees. The student-faculty ratio is 12 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Biology

  • Psychology

  • Marketing

  • Computer Science

  • Exercise Science

Macalester College

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 2100

Macalester College offers 63 different areas of study. Classes are small, with the average size being just 17 students, and the student to faculty ratio is just 10 to 1. According to US News, Macalester is #7 in the nation for a strong commitment to teaching.

Top majors include:

  • Biology

  • Economics

  • Political Science & Government

  • Psychology

  • Mathematics & Statistics

Hamline University

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 2100 undergraduate

Hamline offers 40 undergraduate degrees and 11 graduate degrees. Hamline is well known for their Law program. The college has over 80 student organizations and athletic teams that students can join. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1.

Top majors include:

  • Psychology

  • Biology

  • Paralegal & Legal Studies

  • Criminal Justice

  • English

Dunwoody College of Technology

4-Year, Private Institution

City: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student body: 1000 undergraduate

Dunwoody College is a small institution located in Minneapolis. The average class size is just 11 students, and the college boasts a high job placement rate for graduates, at 99%.

Top majors include:

  • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

  • Construction Management

  • Welding

St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s)

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota & Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student body: 3000 undergraduate, 1700 graduate

St. Kate’s is a private Catholic liberal arts university, and it was one of the first institutions of higher learning specifically for women in the Midwest. Today, St. Kate’s is well known for its nursing program. The average class size is 17 and the student-faculty ratio is 11 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Nursing

  • Public Health

  • Social Work

  • Business

  • Psychology

University of St. Thomas

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota & Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student body: 6000 undergraduate, 4000 graduate

St. Thomas offers students over 90 majors to choose from, as well as over 150 student organizations to join. The average class size is 21 students and the student-faculty ratio is 14 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Business & Marketing

  • Biology

  • Social Sciences

  • Communication & Journalism

  • Engineering

University of Northwestern - St. Paul

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 3000 undergraduate

University of Northwestern - St. Paul is located just north of St. Paul, situated on Lake Johanna in the St. Paul suburbs of Roseville and Arden Hills, Minnesota. The university offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 6 graduate specializations. The average class size is 22 students, and the student-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in student groups, athletics, and ministry.

Top majors include:

  • Psychology

  • Theological and ministerial studies

  • Business

  • Kinesiology & exercise science

  • Liberal Arts and Humanities

Bethel University

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 6000 undergraduate

Today, Bethel offers over 100 degree options at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The university also offers over 50 student groups. The average class size is 21 and student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Nursing

  • Business

  • Education

  • Psychology & Organizational Behavior Studies

  • Theological and Ministerial Studies

Concordia University - St. Paul

4-Year, Private Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 2600 undergraduate, 1800 graduate

Concordia is a private liberal arts institution that offers 80 different programs for their students to specialize in. Classes usually have less than 20 students and student-faculty ratio is 16 to 1.

Top majors include:

  • Business

  • Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies

  • Education

  • Homeland Security & Law Enforcement

  • Psychology

Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD)

4-Year, Private, Non-Profit Institution

City: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student body: 600 undergraduate

MCAD is a small institution specializing in education in the arts. Apart from undergraduate programs, MCAD also offers continuing education courses, exhibitions, and several community programs. MCAD is known as a leader in fine arts education in the Midwest.

Top majors include:

  • Illustration

  • Animation

  • Video Graphics and Special Effects

  • Graphic Design

Metropolitan State University

4-Year, Public Institution

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Student body: 2800 undergraduate

Founded in 1971, Metropolitan State offers working adults a flexible means of obtaining an undergraduate degree. The university boasts many community partnerships with the Minneapolis area and local businesses. This includes pairing students with community-based internships, law enforcement and social work degrees, and partnerships with local schools and businesses.

Top majors include:

  • Business

  • Liberal Arts & Humanities

  • Nursing

North Central University

4-Year, Private Institution

City: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Student body: 900 undergraduate

Founded in 1930, North Central University is a Christian university in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university has a Bible-based and Pentecostal foundation that they pair with a commitment to academic excellence. Christianity is weaved into all aspects of an undergraduate education through North Central

Top majors include:

  • Youth Ministry

  • Business Administration and Management

  • Elementary Education and Teaching

  • Religious/Sacred Music

  • Marketing/Marketing Management

There you have it: a long list of awesome colleges and universities that exist right here in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Whether you want to stay smack-dab in the middle of the busy cities or you’d like to get a little bit farther away, there are tons of Minnesota schools to put on your list.

Of course, if you’re hoping to get a little bit outside of the Twin Cities, there are many other great options just a short drive away. Stay tuned for a later blog post highlighting other great Minnesota schools just a short drive from the bustling Twin Cities.

Good luck, and happy planning!


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