15 Cheapest Universities in Minnesota for International Students

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In Minnesota, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Minnesota, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 29 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Minnesota, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Minnesota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Minnesota ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Metropolitan State University 8,571 USD 74%
Bemidji State University 8,994 USD 73%
Southwest Minnesota State University 9,150 USD 72%
Minnesota State University Moorhead 12,000 USD 64%
St. Catherine University 14,900 USD - 45,600 USD 55%
Winona State University 17,100 USD 48%
Martin Luther College 17,500 USD 47%
St. Cloud State University 18,100 USD 45%
Minnesota State University, Mankato 18,200 USD 44%
Concordia University, St. Paul 24,400 USD 25%
Concordia College 28,400 USD 13%
Crown College 30,500 USD 6%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 32,200 USD - 35,000 USD 1%
University of Northwestern – St. Paul 34,500 USD -6%
College of St. Scholastica 38,800 USD -19%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 32,400 USD for universities in Minnesota.

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1. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a college of arts and science, business, health, community and professional research, and a research university that is individualized with nursing schools, law enforcement and criminal justice schools, and urban education schools. The university offers a Ph.D. in business administration, and the Bachelor of Accounting Science program is famous for being the largest in Minnesota. Graduates of the accounting program at Metropolitan State University are consistently successful in finding employment as one of the top 10 finishers in Minnesota’s rigorous CPA exams.

2. Bemidji State University

Since its establishment, Bemidji State University has believed in the transformative power of the liberal arts. BSU educates people to lead inspired lives. Through innovative, interdisciplinary, and highly accessible learning environments, Bemidji State is committed to student success and a sustainable future for the community.

3. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University was founded in 1963 that now offers online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs. With eight academic departments, they categorize academic programs offered to their students. They also have around men’s, women’s, and mixed-gender teams in 16 different sports such as Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, and Esports. The school also has a foundation named SMSU Foundation that aims to provide funds or volunteering support to different causes, projects, and programs.

4. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a great opportunity for students to learn and be empowered. More than that, the university also assists students in their career search, leading to a high employment rate after graduating. The university has wide connections with numerous corporations in and out of the country, which is why it continues to attract students worldwide.

5. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, which is committed to practicing inclusivity and enhancing the advancement of wisdom and justice. Its college of women is recognized as the largest private university in the country, equipping women to be changemakers in the real-world setting. To this day, the university continues to educate women while emphasizing scholarly inquiry and social justice teachings.

6. Winona State University

Winona State University (WSU) is a public institution that is part of the Minnesota State System. The state university tops the student success rate among its other members. Additionally, graduates of WSU have found success in their chosen career paths. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic disciplines. These programs are lectured by some of the best educators and experts in the region.

7. Martin Luther College

Martin Luther College’s mission is to prepare a class of Christian witnesses who are competent to meet the church demands of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), qualified to inform the Word of God faithfully, and follow the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord. The school strengthens the students in a glorified spirit of love for God and his Word. It continues to draw in international students, especially those that want to pursue religious courses.

8. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University is a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system member. More than 260 programs are offered, most of which are for undergrads. It has several accreditations and memberships, including those from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

9. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato, a flagship institution of the Minnesota State system, started as a normal school in 1868. There are more than 200 programs available in allied health, nursing, arts, humanities, business, education, science, engineering, tech, and social sciences. Minnesota State is ranked 79th in the midwest region by US News.

10. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, managed by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The university features a diverse range of degree programs and a competent foundation in athletics. Graduates of Concordia University, St. Paul contribute in the growth of renowned brands and companies in big tech, medicine, and food technology.

11. Concordia College

Concordia College is a liberal arts college that is focused on preparing students to be ready for anything. It influences the world’s affairs by sending thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life into society. Concordia graduates will be prepared to face life’s unscripted challenges and thoughtfully influence the community through education.

12. Crown College

Crown College is a private Christian college in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. It was founded as The Alliance Training Home by Rev. J.D. Williams. The college offers over 40 undergraduate majors, as well as 20 graduate degrees and online certificates. Biblical Studies, Religious Education, Nursing, Psychology, and Business are among the most popular majors at Crown College.

13. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, founded in 1851, is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States. It has over 52,000 students and around 4,000 faculty members. The university offers over 200 programs in various disciplines, such as Biological Sciences, Design, Liberal Arts, Public Affairs, and Engineering.

14. University of Northwestern – St. Paul

Although the University of Northwestern – St. Paul was established by a Baptist pastor, it is a nondenominational Christian university. Christian values form the core of education at this university. Academically, it is specialized in bible studies, sciences, arts, and professional education. It is accredited by and affiliated with several organizations, like the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Although graduate studies are also available at the university, they are designed to be online and accelerated. This so it could fit the schedules of adult and working students.

15. College of St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica is a private institution whose campuses dot the state of Minnesota. At its core are Benedictine values, with an academic edge in liberal arts. The College of St. Scholastica  oversees a student population of approximately 4,000 enrolled across the different fields of arts and sciences.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Minnesota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Minnesota ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science 0 USD - 14,700 USD 100%
Martin Luther College 4,875 USD 57%
Concordia University, St. Paul 5,925 USD - 9,375 USD 48%
Augsburg University 6,480 USD - 11,300 USD 43%
College of St. Scholastica 6,660 USD - 13,200 USD 41%
Minnesota State University Moorhead 7,286 USD - 10,200 USD 36%
Southwest Minnesota State University 7,290 USD 36%
Bethel University 7,350 USD - 13,100 USD 35%
Metropolitan State University 7,371 USD 35%
Hamline University 7,575 USD - 12,300 USD 33%
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 7,800 USD - 11,100 USD 31%
Concordia College 8,400 USD 26%
St. Catherine University 8,775 USD - 17,000 USD 23%
Minnesota State University, Mankato 8,837 USD - 9,716 USD 22%
University of St. Thomas 9,660 USD - 30,000 USD 15%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,300 USD for universities in Minnesota.

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1. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science was established by the Mayo brothers, one of the first three-year university-based programs for the training of graduate physicians practicing their specialty. It is known to have the largest number of ACGME-accredited programs and the only graduate medical education institution in the world. Currently, the College has three campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD to 14,700 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Martin Luther College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Martin Luther College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Martin Luther College is 4,875 USD.

Martin Luther College’s mission is to prepare a class of Christian witnesses who are competent to meet the church demands of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), qualified to inform the Word of God faithfully, and follow the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord. The school strengthens the students in a glorified spirit of love for God and his Word. It continues to draw in international students, especially those that want to pursue religious courses.

3. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, managed by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The university features a diverse range of degree programs and a competent foundation in athletics. Graduates of Concordia University, St. Paul contribute in the growth of renowned brands and companies in big tech, medicine, and food technology.

The tuition fee at Concordia University, St. Paul for incoming international master’s students is 5,925 USD to 9,375 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Augsburg University

Another affordable university to consider in Minnesota is Augsburg University.

Augsburg University is a private institution religiously affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is not to be confused with the University of Augsburg in Germany. Augsburg University is known for its emphasis on service learning, which encourages students to volunteer in communities. It was first established in Wisconsin but relocated to Minnesota in 1872. Augsburg is a member of and accredited by several organizations.

The tuition fee in Augsburg University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,480 USD.

5. College of St. Scholastica

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, College of St. Scholastica has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 6,660 USD yearly.

The College of St. Scholastica is a private institution whose campuses dot the state of Minnesota. At its core are Benedictine values, with an academic edge in liberal arts. The College of St. Scholastica  oversees a student population of approximately 4,000 enrolled across the different fields of arts and sciences.

6. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a great opportunity for students to learn and be empowered. More than that, the university also assists students in their career search, leading to a high employment rate after graduating. The university has wide connections with numerous corporations in and out of the country, which is why it continues to attract students worldwide.

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University was founded in 1963 that now offers online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs. With eight academic departments, they categorize academic programs offered to their students. They also have around men’s, women’s, and mixed-gender teams in 16 different sports such as Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, and Esports. The school also has a foundation named SMSU Foundation that aims to provide funds or volunteering support to different causes, projects, and programs.

8. Bethel University

Seated in the suburban lands of Arden Hills is Bethel University. It is the largest educational institution of the Christian College Consortium, offering over 100 programs in the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as for the seminary. At Bethel University, students can expect to grow and explore more of their faith and beliefs on top of pursuing academic performance.

9. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a college of arts and science, business, health, community and professional research, and a research university that is individualized with nursing schools, law enforcement and criminal justice schools, and urban education schools. The university offers a Ph.D. in business administration, and the Bachelor of Accounting Science program is famous for being the largest in Minnesota. Graduates of the accounting program at Metropolitan State University are consistently successful in finding employment as one of the top 10 finishers in Minnesota’s rigorous CPA exams.

10. Hamline University

Hamline University was named after Leonidas Lent Hamline, a Methodist bishop who served as the principal sponsor for the establishment of the university. The university campus served as an army post during World War I and was the institution of choice for soldiers returning to school after World War II. Over the years, the university built more buildings, offered more programs, and received recognition all over the world for quality education.

11. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota shares similarities with the culture of Christian Brothers University as both universities implement a Lasallian tradition in social practice and education for their students. The mission and vision of Saint Mary’s University are to empower, prosper, and create students that have a penchant for volunteering, faithful service, ethical practice, and well-driven action. Founded in 1913, this school continues to grow talents from its constituents as well as improve its infrastructures and operation.

12. Concordia College

Concordia College is a liberal arts college that is focused on preparing students to be ready for anything. It influences the world’s affairs by sending thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life into society. Concordia graduates will be prepared to face life’s unscripted challenges and thoughtfully influence the community through education.

13. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, which is committed to practicing inclusivity and enhancing the advancement of wisdom and justice. Its college of women is recognized as the largest private university in the country, equipping women to be changemakers in the real-world setting. To this day, the university continues to educate women while emphasizing scholarly inquiry and social justice teachings.

14. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato, a flagship institution of the Minnesota State system, started as a normal school in 1868. There are more than 200 programs available in allied health, nursing, arts, humanities, business, education, science, engineering, tech, and social sciences. Minnesota State is ranked 79th in the midwest region by US News.

15. University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas provides comprehensive education for learners who want to be experts someday. It is full of advanced equipment and state-of-the-art facilities that will support its rigorous academic program. The university has maintained its top-ranked reputation through constant innovation and student-centered principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Minnesota?

Applying to cheap universities in Minnesota requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Minnesota?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Minnesota. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Minnesota is the Bemidji State University, which offers Accounting, Applied Public Policy, and Exercise Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Augsburg University offers Education, Leadership, and Nursing.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Minnesota, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Minnesota as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Minnesota for international students was helpful!