Top Universities in Minnesota

Minnesota has a strong higher education system anchored by the University of Minnesota, with excellent private liberal arts colleges and a comprehensive system of state universities and community colleges.

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
A flagship Big Ten research university — the U of M has approximately 51,000 students and is nationally prominent in medicine (the U of M Medical School performed the world's first successful open-heart surgery, 1952, and the world's first bone marrow transplant, 1968), engineering (particularly chemical and electrical engineering), agriculture, public policy (the Humphrey School), and law. The medical device industry's connection to Minnesota's research universities is profound.

Carleton College (Northfield)
One of the finest liberal arts colleges in the US — Carleton is consistently ranked top 5 among national liberal arts colleges. Known for academic rigor, a strong science program (Carleton sends an extraordinary percentage of graduates to top PhD programs), and a collaborative learning environment. The campus, on the Cannon River in the Northfield prairie, is exceptionally beautiful.

Macalester College (Saint Paul)
A highly selective liberal arts college with a strong international focus — Macalester's student body is among the most internationally diverse of any US college (15%+ international students). Known for social sciences, international studies, and a politically engaged campus culture. Notable alumni include Kofi Annan (UN Secretary General).

St. Olaf College (Northfield)
A Lutheran liberal arts college adjacent to Carleton — St. Olaf is nationally recognized for its music programs (the St. Olaf Choir is consistently one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world) and its strong pre-medicine and nursing tracks.

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester)
The medical and research arm of the Mayo Clinic — the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine trains physicians and graduate researchers at one of the world's premier academic medical centers. Rochester's economy is essentially built around the Clinic.