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Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Bethel University
location Saint Paul, MN
tuition $28706
acceptance_rate 71%
Based in Arden Hills, Bethel University provides a world-class education rooted in the Christian faith. Students can choose from 35 online undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor's degrees in accounting and Christian ministries. The AA and AS programs prepare degree-seekers to transfer to a bachelor's degree completion program. Additionally, many of the master's and doctoral degrees train practicing educators for a career in administration. The Academic Enrichment and Support Center at this top online Minnesota university features many academic support options. Online learners can attend a virtual online study skills workshop. Tutors can also help students over the phone or through videoconferencing. As learners near graduation, they can visit the Online Career Center to hone networking skills and receive a resume critique. Application requirements include a high school diploma, statement of faith, and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum C grade. Bethel awards $3,500-$20,300 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students with an excellent high school GPA.
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#2 Minnesota State University Moorhead
location Moorhead, MN
tuition $15541
acceptance_rate 46%
With dozens of online degrees, licenses, and certifications, Minnesota State University Moorhead attracts students with a broad range of academic interests and career goals. Undergraduate degrees at this top online Minnesota university include an RN-to-BSN track, operations management, and global supply chain management. Additionally, nearly all graduate programs prepare education administrators and specialists. Academic support at MSU Moorhead features both academic advisors and counselors. Advisors help learners create a graduate plan, while counselors provide students with academic success skills and tutoring resources through the university's Academic Assistant Program. MSU Moorhead's Writing Support Center offers both in-person and virtual 50-minute appointments. Freshmen applicants should have either a high school diploma or GED scores, and transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Incoming undergraduates may qualify for up to $2,000 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships. MSU Moorhead also awards other competitive scholarships, each of which requires a separate application.
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#3 University of Northwestern-St Paul
location Saint Paul, MN
tuition $24516
acceptance_rate 62%
The University of Northwestern - St. Paul offers nine online programs that include undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Many tracks -- such as the master's in divinity and the bachelor's in biblical and theological studies -- train aspiring lay and ordained ministers. Additionally, the university offers two online early college programs for high school students who live in and around St. Paul. Learners who need help with coursework can set up a virtual tutoring session through UNW's ALPHA Center. Career development services at this top online Minnesota university include career fairs, interview coaching, and an in-depth career planning guide available to all students. Online learners also benefit from 24/7 IT support. UNW admits new learners in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Freshmen applicants should possess a high school diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores. All degree-seekers pay a flat, per-semester tuition rate. Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree may qualify for a merit-based scholarship opportunity. Each scholarship requires a separate application.
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#4 Crown College
location Saint Bonifacius, MN
tuition $22622
acceptance_rate 67%
Crown College offers 10 online bachelor's degrees to prepare graduates for careers in fields such as ministry, business, and counseling. Degree-seekers can personalize their program by completing one of nine minors in areas such as marketing and psychology. This top online Minnesota college also delivers four undergraduate certificates. Additionally, graduate students at Crown can select from eight master's degrees and five certificates. Crown's in-depth student handbook provides learners with extensive information on how to access tutors, academic advisors, and other services. The college's Office of Career Services provides both one-on-one mentoring and FOCUS 2 CAREER software, which allows learners to research how different majors influence career prospects. Crown does not accept GED diplomas, and applicants with fewer than 24 transferable credits must submit high school transcripts. Ministry programs require a statement of faith. All incoming learners provide FAFSA results, and Crown provides a tuition discount for active-duty service members and veterans.
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#5 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
location Winona, MN
tuition $13962
acceptance_rate 54%
Learners with an associate degree can complete an online bachelor's degree completion programs through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in four fields: business administration, human resource management, marketing, and nursing. This top online Minnesota university created each online degree with working professionals in mind, and all four programs use an asynchronous curriculum. Additionally, Saint Mary's delivers 15 online master's programs in areas such as cybersecurity and special education. Saint Mary's employs a student support team that works exclusively with online learners. This team includes professors, academic advisors, and career planning professionals. Distance students also benefit from 24/7 IT support. Prospective undergraduates can attend one of Saint Mary's monthly webinars and apply for one of six annual start dates. Credit must reflect a minimum C grade to transfer, and students can earn additional credit by completing a prior learning assessment. Degree-seekers who maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher can qualify for $2,000 in merit-based scholarships. This scholarship opportunity uses a June 15 deadline.
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#6 Metropolitan State University
location Saint Paul, MN
tuition $13954
acceptance_rate 27%
Online programs available through Metropolitan State University include nine bachelor's degrees, five master's degrees, and four graduate certificates. Bachelor's programs at this top online Minnesota university include organizational administration and human resources management. Undergraduates can also create a custom degree by selecting individualized studies, while graduate programs and certificates at Metropolitan State focus on management and computer science topics. Metropolitan State offers online learners extensive support services. Specialized service departments help Asian Americans, African Americans, and veterans succeed academically and find a fulfilling career. All students can also speak with a career advisor and explore local career opportunities through Handshake software. Prospective students should possess either a high school diploma or GED scores. However, Metropolitan State prefers applicants who graduated high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA. Foundation scholarships require a separate application by the fall deadline.
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#7 Concordia University-Saint Paul
location Saint Paul, MN
tuition $19714
acceptance_rate 55%
Learners at Concordia University - St. Paul can select from 43 online bachelor's programs, master's programs, and certificates. Special programs at this top online Minnesota university include a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's in differentiated instruction. Additionally, the university's online associate in general studies prepares degree-seekers to transfer to a four-year program at an in-state public college or university. Each academic department offers a suite of resources to help students choose the right program and succeed academically, such as career guides and links to professional organizations. CSP also runs a career blog where industry experts discuss topics such as burnout, teaching children with ADHD, and how to address conflict in the workplace. Freshmen applicants should possess a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Other application materials include an essay on an assigned topic. Learners who work for a partner organization receive a $2,000 tuition discount. Active-duty service members and veterans also qualify for a reduced tuition rate through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
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#8 Minnesota State University-Mankato
location Mankato, MN
tuition $13704
acceptance_rate 48%
The perfect choice for learners who already possess an associate degree, Minnesota State University - Mankato offers five online bachelor's degree completion programs in areas such as applied leadership and dental hygiene. Learners can supplement a degree by completing one of seven minors in areas such as aging studies, marketing, and urban studies. Additionally, this top online Minnesota university boasts over two dozen online master's degrees and certificates. Minnesota State Mankato offers 11 academic services available to online learners. The university's Career Development Center helps students explore internships, craft a resume, and apply to graduate school. Degree-seekers can also contact the Center for Academic Success to find a tutor or speak to an academic advisor. Minnesota State Mankato uses rolling admissions, and freshmen applicants submit ACT scores. All online learners pay the in-state tuition rate, and undergraduates may qualify for up to $6,000 per year in merit-based scholarships. Other competitive scholarships award $2,500-$4,000 per year.
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#9 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
location Minneapolis, MN
tuition $16808
acceptance_rate 80%
The best online university in Minnesota, the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities offers 17 online bachelor's degrees and 10 online undergraduate certificates. Graduate students can select from dozens of online graduate degree and certificate programs. Students can pursue degrees in fields such as applied health, health management, and international business. All bachelor's degrees feature a 120-credit curriculum that includes general education requirements. In addition to one-on-one academic and career counseling, UMN offers online learners short tutorials that cover software and online learning best practices. Also, each program website includes the latest career outlook information to help prospective students decide among similar majors. UMN accepts new undergraduates in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applicants can submit GED scores, and all students pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. The university awards merit-based scholarships based on incoming students' high school GPA, intended major, and other factors.
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#10 Oak Hills Christian College
location Bemidji, MN
tuition $16381
acceptance_rate 59%
Students at Oak Hills Christian College can select from two online bachelor's degrees and two online associate degrees in business administration and ministry and leadership. The bachelor's degrees feature a 120-credit curriculum, and both options require courses in biblical studies and Christian ministry. The 63-credit associate degrees prepare learners for both a bachelor's-completion program and an entry-level career. Additionally, all online programs at this top online Minnesota college offer full- and part-time tracks. Through OHCC's Cummings Library, online learners can access many valuable academic support tools. Research guides include foreign language support, literary criticism, and theological dictionaries. Applicants submit high school transcripts or GED scores and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer credit should reflect a minimum C grade, and OHCC's two online bachelor's programs accept up to 66 transfer credits. Financial aid counselors work closely with students to explore and apply for private scholarships and grant opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of attending an online college in Minnesota?

Attending an online college in Minnesota offers several benefits. Some of the key advantages include flexibility in scheduling, the ability to study from anywhere, lower costs compared to traditional on-campus programs, and access to a wide range of online resources and support services.

2. How do I choose the best online college in Minnesota?

Choosing the best online college in Minnesota requires careful consideration of various factors. Some important aspects to consider include accreditation, program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, tuition and financial aid options, and the overall reputation of the institution.

3. Are online degrees from Minnesota colleges respected by employers?

Yes, online degrees from reputable Minnesota colleges are generally respected by employers. It is important to ensure that the online college you choose is accredited and recognized by relevant accrediting bodies to ensure the value and recognition of your degree in the job market.

4. Can I transfer credits earned from another college to an online college in Minnesota?

Many online colleges in Minnesota accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions. However, the transferability of credits may vary depending on the specific college and program. It is recommended to contact the admissions office of the online college you are interested in to inquire about their transfer credit policies.

5. How much does it cost to attend an online college in Minnesota?

The cost of attending an online college in Minnesota can vary depending on the institution and program. Tuition rates, fees, and additional expenses such as textbooks should be considered. It is advisable to review the tuition and fee information provided by the online college and explore financial aid options to determine the overall cost.

6. What support services are available for online students in Minnesota?

Online colleges in Minnesota typically offer a range of support services for online students. These may include academic advising, online tutoring, library resources, career counseling, technical support, and access to virtual student communities. It is important to inquire about the specific support services available at the online college you are considering.

7. Can I pursue a graduate degree online in Minnesota?

Yes, many online colleges in Minnesota offer graduate degree programs that can be pursued entirely online. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals or individuals who prefer the convenience of online learning. It is recommended to research the specific graduate programs offered by online colleges in Minnesota to find the one that aligns with your career goals.

8. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Minnesota?

The duration of an online degree program in Minnesota can vary depending on the level of the degree and the program's structure. Associate degree programs typically take around two years to complete, while bachelor's degree programs generally require four years. Graduate degree programs can range from one to three years. It is important to review the program requirements and course schedules to estimate the time needed for completion.

9. Are online classes in Minnesota colleges self-paced?

Not all online classes in Minnesota colleges are self-paced. Some online courses may have specific start and end dates, along with set deadlines for assignments and exams. However, there are also online colleges that offer self-paced courses, allowing students to progress at their own speed within certain time limits. It is advisable to review the course structure and requirements before enrolling.

10. Can I receive financial aid for online college in Minnesota?

Yes, financial aid options are available for eligible students attending online colleges in Minnesota. Students can apply for federal financial aid programs such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, online colleges may offer their own scholarships or tuition assistance programs. It is recommended to contact the financial aid office of the online college for detailed information on available financial aid options.