Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

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Education has so much value in today’s society in general. On average, a college graduate earns a substantially higher income over the course of his or her lifetime. However, challenges prohibit some individuals, such as working adults and parents, from obtaining a higher education. Minnesota online colleges offer students who have challenges to overcome in terms of their schedules get a degree.

In fact, choosing a Minnesota online university gives working adults the ability to go back to school, whether the individual is a first-time college student, wants to further his or her career, or is interested in a career change. Minnesota online colleges let individuals be more in control of their schedules. 

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Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

In the list below colleges are ranked using the Value Colleges Best Top 10 ranking system, which evaluates a university’s success with their tuition costs and online degree earning options. All of the schools offer partially or fully online degree programs and some offer both undergraduate and graduate degree options. All institutions in the VC ranking have solid ROIs, and they must be accredited regionally or nationally to qualify.

1. University of Minnesota

When you’re looking into the best online colleges in Minnesota, you want to consider the University of Minnesota Online. The online college offers 17 undergraduate degree programs. The programs range from manufacturing management and psychology to tribal administration and governance and accounting. The fully online programs give students the flexibility to focus on their degrees when it fits their schedules.

A key way the University of Minnesota Online stands out is the focus on fully online classes. The school recognizes the importance of flexibility in an online program and ensures that the program gives students the greatest amount of flexibility and convenience possible. Students can work on their degrees at any time of the day or night. The University of Minnesota Online offers multiple undergraduate certifications to enhance a degree and help students gain specialized skills.

Number of Online Programs: 17

2. University of Minnesota – Crookston

The University of Minnesota at Crookston offers 16 online undergraduate degree programs that help students with their long-term goals. The online degrees allow students to study management, information technology, finance, communication, and a variety of other topics that help with their goals. It gives students several options for their careers to fit in with many skill sets. 

The University of Minnesota at Crookston stands out by offering a variety of minors and professional certifications at the undergraduate level. The minors and certifications enhance student skills and capabilities by teaching specialized abilities that may apply to specific areas of a career. It gives students more flexibility when looking into career opportunities or jobs. The University of Minnesota at Crookston offers a variety of scholarships to students that apply to on-campus and online students.

Number of Online Programs: 16

3. Bethel University

Bethel University is one of the best online colleges in Minnesota for students who want a flexible and convenient solution for a degree. The school offers 14 online undergraduate programs and is designed around the needs of working adults. It recognizes that working adults may have limitations on their time or may have professional and personal obligations that prevent them from attending traditional on-campus programs. Online degrees provide the same quality education from the comfort of home.

A key way Bethel University in Saint Paul differs from other programs is the focus on adult students. It recognizes that adults in a career may have different needs when compared to younger students and it strives to provide the education that adult learners need to keep up in a career. It also recognizes that students may be focused on advancing in a current career or changing their career path, so it builds on the skills that students have already developed in their job. The school offers scholarships and aid to online students as well as military veterans who decide to pursue a higher level of education.

Number of Online Programs: 14

4. The College of Saint Scholastica

The College of Saint Scholastica offers 10 online degree programs for students who want to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The programs range from accounting and marketing to organizational leadership and psychology. Students have a variety of majors that fit in with different career opportunities in a variety of fields and industries.

The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth stands out by focusing on the goals of students. The online program allows students to work with a personal advisor to develop a strategy for their education and classes that fits their needs. Since the online classes are kept to small sizes, students get the one-on-one assistance they need when questions or concerns arise. It allows students to get in contact with a professor and keep up with the class materials. The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth is ranked among the top colleges and universities by U.S. News and World Report each year.

Number of Online Programs: 10

5. Crown College

Crown College offers 10 online undergraduate degree programs that help students accomplish their goals. It is one of the best online colleges in Minnesota for students who want to attend a Christian college. Since it takes a Christian approach to studies and applies Christian values to topics like ethics and student behavior, it is a good option when students want to learn to apply Christian values to different areas of study.

Crown College in Saint Bonifacius emphasizes Christian studies on-campus and online. The school offers three bachelor’s degree programs online that are designed around Christian topics of discussion. Students can study Biblical studies, Christian ministries, or pastoral leadership through the online school. It also offers degrees in psychology, business, and drug and alcohol counseling. Crown College in Saint Bonifacius offers four online certifications to enhance student studies and provide an additional focus for a career path.

Number of Online Programs: 10

6. Minnesota State University-Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers 10 online degree programs to students who want to complete a bachelor’s program. The school allows students to study business administration with multiple areas of concentration as well as topics like health services administration and operations management. Students are able to focus on specialized skills that apply to different areas of business.

A key way Minnesota State University in Moorhead stands out from other programs is the focus on excellence in education. The school offers a variety of online bachelor’s degree programs and also offers a variety of master’s degree programs for students who plan to continue into a higher level of education. The opportunities to continue working on a degree and improving skills sets the school apart for students who plan to pursue a master’s degree or higher in the future. Minnesota State University in Moorhead offers a variety of scholarships based on merit, special talents, or financial need for students.

Number of Online Programs: 10

7. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University offers nine online undergraduate degree programs to students who want to pursue a higher level of education. The degree programs range from finance and business administration to law enforcement and management. Students who plan to pursue a degree in law enforcement should be aware that the degree program requires students to become licensed peace officers to qualify for the online program.

The way Metropolitan State University differs from other programs is the option to pursue courses by term rather than to focus on specific degree programs. Students can pursue a degree and take generalist courses by taking classes designed for each term. That flexibility allows students to consider all the options for their degree before deciding on a specific major. Metropolitan State University helps students with the process of applying for state and federal scholarships or grants that may apply to their major or situation. 

Number of Online Programs: 9

8. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University offers nine online degree programs for students looking into bachelor’s degrees. The degree programs range from applied engineering and applied management to criminal justice and psychology. The options allow students to focus on different areas of study that fit their long-term goals and assist with more complex areas of study for a career path.

A key way Bemidji State University stands apart from other programs is the focus on completing degrees when students are transferring from other schools. The online degree programs allow students to work on a completion plan with only 24 credits in general studies. Students can transfer more credits when they have completed more of their education in a traditional on-campus program or an online program from another college or university. Bemidji State University is recognized as a value college on a national scale and often falls into the top 100 for value colleges.

Number of Online Programs: 9

9. St Catherine University

St. Catherine University offers five online degree programs at the undergraduate level. The five undergraduate degree programs include nursing, early childhood education, business management, healthcare management, and marketing. Students are able to select from the degree programs and complete their degrees online when it fits their schedule.

St. Catherine University in Saint Paul stands apart from other programs by focusing on the needs of working adults. The online programs offer flexibility that helps adults manage their studies and obligations without compromising on quality. The programs also offer hybrid online options for students who want to take evening classes or hybrid online and on-campus classes to fit their preferred methods of learning. St. Catherine University in Saint Paul offers a custom transfer evaluation to help students who want to transfer into an online program.

Number of Online Programs: 5

10. Minnesota State University at Mankato

Minnesota State University at Mankato offers five online undergraduate degree programs. The programs focus on dental hygiene, applied leadership, business administration, nursing, and integrated engineering. Students are able to either focus on completing a degree online after finishing general studies or gaining a registered nurse license and working as a nurse. Alternatively, students can take the integrated engineering course for a fully online program.

A key way Minnesota State University at Mankato stands out is the variety of options available to students looking into online programs. While the school only offers five undergraduate degrees, it also offers certifications and graduate programs that allow students to pursue a higher level of education or enhance their skills for a specialized career path. The variety of options ensures that students can pursue their interests in a career. Students in an online program have access to a variety of student support services to assist with their concerns or goals when moving forward with a degree.

Number of Online Programs: 5

What is the Value of Online Colleges in Minnesota?

Today more than ever before, attending a college full time on campus is becoming harder and harder for the average American student. With rising annual tuition costs and an extremely competitive workforce, students find the prospect of attending college full-time daunting when they consider potential debt or job prospects.

However, with a massive rise in fully accredited online learning from most colleges across the nation, students now have the choice of learning online. Distance learning programs are affordable and flexible while still offering the same quality education that is found in most traditional campus classrooms. In this Value Colleges Top 10 list, you will find the best of the best when it comes to online learning in the state of Minnesota.

For parents, Minnesota online colleges give the individual the ability to raise his or her children while still attending school. A parent can choose to attend a Minnesota online university and work on coursework around their children’s schedule. 

Rural students are another group that can benefit from Minnesota online colleges. Online programs bring the school to these people when distance is an issue. When a student chooses an online program, they don’t have a commute time or have to contend with harsh weather conditions that can make getting around a struggle. 

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Minnesota?

Students have a great deal of options to choose from when considering Minnesota online degrees. Students may choose between associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorates. In addition to online degrees, such as Minnesota online masters degree programs, students may earn a certificate.

Some of the potential majors for Minnesota online degrees include manufacturing management, accounting, applied science, and more. At a bachelor’s degree level, some examples of Minnesota online degree programs include information technology, international business, finance, marketing, and sports and recreation management. 

A student may choose to complete Minnesota online master’s degree programs in subjects like healthcare management, applied childhood and adolescent development, dental hygiene, and electrical engineering, among others. In addition to Minnesota online master’s degree programs, students may also earn doctorate degrees in majors, such as adult health/gerontological nurse specialist, health innovation and leadership, and business management with a concentration in finance. Students may choose a minor in addition to a major, depending on their program of choice.

Online colleges in this day and age can help individuals keep up with the economic transition occurring in Minnesota. The state is shifting from agriculture and manufacturing to service and business.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Minnesota?

Fortunately, for students who have the challenge of finances when it comes to earning a degree, various options can help a student fund their education. For one, a student may compare schools based on the price of their tuition. Generally, cheaper schools are public institutions.

Pupils who have low income and limited savings may benefit from financial aid through the state and federal governments. Government programs offer grants to students on a financial need basis. The grants don’t have to be paid back unless the student doesn’t complete his or her degree. Financial aid is also available to students in certain degree programs, such as nursing. 

Employer reimbursement is another option. It consists of an employer and student making an agreement that the student will complete a degree, typically in an employer-approved course of study. The student must complete the degree, and then the employer will reimburse the student for a portion of his or her tuition. 

Minnesota online community colleges are cheaper options. Students may begin their education at one of the Minnesota online community colleges and then switch to a public or private university to earn his or her graduate. It’s also possible to take general courses at one of the online community colleges in Minnesota. Online community colleges in Minnesota provide credits that may switch over to another school. 

Why Choose an Online Public University in Minnesota?

Public online universities offer students a variety of degree programs. For instance, University of Minnesota online degrees include both degrees and certifications. University of Minnesota online degrees vary in the types of programs they offer to students. A student may choose between business, health, science, and various other options for majors. Students may also elect to have a minor as well.

The University of Minnesota online courses are set up very similar in nature to their on-campus programs. Therefore, students can benefit from University of Minnesota online courses that adequately prepare them for their future. 

When a student chooses the University of Minnesota Duluth online degrees and other online programs from public universities, students benefit from the fact that the courses are accredited. Therefore, when a student wants to complete one of the University of Minnesota Duluth online degrees or programs from another public school, the pupil can receive financial aid through the government. Plus, many of the schools are known for giving students a degree from a school with a proven job market reputation.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com 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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