25 Outstanding Minnesota Colleges Make U.S. News’ 2027 Best List

Minnesota has long been one of the smartest places in the country to grow up. The state routinely lands among the nation's best states to live in, and a big reason why is education.

Minnesota consistently posts some of the highest high school graduation rates and college-attainment numbers in America, so, overall, schools in the state are highly regarded from the first day of kindergarten right on through the cap-and-gown walk.

But that quality doesn't stop at high school. The newly released 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings put a whole slate of Minnesota schools on the national map — proof that a world-class degree is available right here at home. Here's where the state's colleges landed.

Finding The Best Universities In America

Each year, U.S. News grades more than 1,700 U.S. colleges using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success. For 2027, the formula leans hardest on student outcomes — things like graduation and retention rates and post-college earnings make up 52% of a school's score — followed by peer reputation, faculty resources, and financial resources.

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You can read the full methodology breakdown for all the details, but the short version is simple: these rankings reward schools that actually get students to the finish line and into good careers.

All told, 25 Minnesota schools earned spots in the 2027 rankings, with five landing among the best national universities in America — and the kudos don't stop there. Seven more ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges, and 13 rank among the very best universities across the Midwest.

A new scoring formula also shuffled the deck a little this year, most notably nudging St. Catherine University and Duluth's College of St. Scholastica out of the national ranks and onto the regional list.

5 Minnesota Colleges Rank Among The Best National Universities

The National Universities category covers big schools offering a full range of undergraduate majors plus master's and doctoral programs with an emphasis on research.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities — No. 59 Nationally

The state's flagship and a Big Ten powerhouse, the land-grant U of M is home to the Golden Gophers and one of the nation's largest research enterprises, spread across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

It also ranks No. 24 among Top Public Schools. Founded in 1851, it enrolls about 42,565 undergraduates, admits 79%, and runs a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with a 74% four-year graduation rate. Median early-career earnings land around $57,984, and in-state tuition and fees run $19,162 ($43,198 out-of-state).

University of St. Thomas — No. 156 Nationally

Minnesota's largest private university, the Catholic, St. Paul-based home of the Tommies, recently made the jump to NCAA Division I.

Founded in 1885, it enrolls roughly 6,014 undergraduates, admits 85%, and posts a 14:1 ratio with a 75% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn about $73,739 early in their careers.

Bethel University — No. 236 Nationally

A Christian university in the northern Twin Cities suburbs, Bethel is known for its close-knit campus and Royals athletics. Founded in 1871, it enrolls about 2,012 undergraduates, admits 88%, and runs a 14:1 ratio with a 75% four-year graduation rate. Early-career earnings land near $63,764.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — No. 299 Nationally

This Lasallian Catholic university sits on the bluffs of Winona along the Mississippi River. Founded in 1912, it enrolls about 1,061 undergraduates, admits 93%, and posts an 18:1 ratio with a 68% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn around $58,170 early on.

Concordia University, St. Paul — No. 376 Nationally

A new entry to the national list this year, this Lutheran university is well known for resetting its tuition to keep costs down. Founded in 1893, it enrolls about 2,786 undergraduates, admits 79%, and runs a 16:1 ratio with a 59% four-year graduation rate. Early-career earnings land near $59,871.

7 Minnesota Colleges Rank Among The Best Liberal Arts Colleges

The National Liberal Arts Colleges category spotlights schools focused almost entirely on undergraduate education in the arts and sciences — and Minnesota is loaded with elite ones.

Carleton College — No. 16 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

One of the most selective colleges in the country, this Northfield gem is famous for rigorous academics and quirky traditions like the Bald Spot.

It slipped from No. 10 a year ago. Founded in 1866, it enrolls about 2,019 students, admits just 20%, and boasts an 8:1 ratio with a stellar 91% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $75,525.

Macalester College — No. 28 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

Known for its global outlook and St. Paul location, Macalester counts former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan among its alumni.

Founded in 1874, it enrolls about 2,131 students, admits 28%, and runs a 10:1 ratio with a 90% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn about $63,878 early in their careers.

St. Olaf College — No. 49 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

This Northfield college carries a proud Norwegian Lutheran heritage and a world-renowned music program, home of the famous St. Olaf Christmas Festival.

Founded in 1874, it enrolls about 3,049 students, admits 48%, and posts an 11:1 ratio with an 84% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $65,543.

Gustavus Adolphus College — No. 62 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

Perched on a hill in St. Peter, this Swedish Lutheran college is known for its annual Nobel Conference and beautiful arboretum.

Founded in 1862, it enrolls about 1,930 students, admits 61%, and runs a 12:1 ratio with a 76% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn around $65,607 early on.

College of St. Benedict — No. 68 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

A Benedictine college for women in St. Joseph, St. Ben's shares academics and a storied partnership with nearby Saint John's.

Founded in 1887, it enrolls about 1,392 students, admits 92%, and posts an 11:1 ratio with an 83% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $63,260.

Saint John's University — No. 74 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

The Benedictine college for men in Collegeville, home to the striking Abbey Church and the sprawling Saint John's Arboretum.

Founded in 1857, it enrolls about 1,468 students, admits 91%, and runs a 12:1 ratio with a 76% four-year graduation rate. Its graduates post the highest early-career earnings of any Minnesota school here, about $76,786.

University of Minnesota Morris — No. 128 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

The intimate liberal arts campus of the U of M system, Morris is a national leader in sustainability and offers tuition waivers for Native American students.

Founded in 1960, it enrolls about 980 students, admits 75%, and boasts a 9:1 ratio with a 62% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $50,919.

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While a national ranking is a real point of pride, plenty of standout Minnesota schools shine on the regional stage — and for students who'd rather stay closer to home in the Midwest, 13 Minnesota universities rank among the best in the region.

13 Minnesota Universities Rank Among The Best In The Midwest

The Regional Universities (Midwest) category ranks schools offering a broad mix of undergraduate and master's programs — and Minnesota nearly filled the top of the list.

St. Catherine University — No. 6 in the Midwest

The nation's largest university founded for women, St. Kate's in St. Paul is a healthcare and nursing powerhouse. It slid down the national list this year. Founded in 1905, it enrolls about 2,393 undergraduates, admits 92%, and has a 9:1 ratio, a 65% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $59,282.

University of Minnesota Duluth — No. 18 in the Midwest

Overlooking Lake Superior, Duluth's UMD is home to the Bulldogs and a national-champion hockey tradition. Founded in 1895, it enrolls about 7,475 undergraduates, admits 89%, and posts a 16:1 ratio with a 64% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $62,616.

Hamline University — No. 23 in the Midwest

Minnesota's oldest university, founded in St. Paul in 1854, and home of the Pipers. It enrolls about 1,685 undergraduates, admits 88%, and has a 14:1 ratio, a 58% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $61,106.

Augsburg University — No. 27 in the Midwest

Set in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg is known for accessibility and its standout physician assistant program. Founded in 1869, it enrolls about 2,429 undergraduates, admits 82%, and posts a 14:1 ratio with a 52% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $58,829.

Winona State University — No. 29 in the Midwest

The oldest member of the Minnesota State system, founded in 1858 along the Mississippi bluffs. It enrolls about 5,088 undergraduates, admits 76%, and has a 14:1 ratio, a 61% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $58,532.

University of Northwestern–St. Paul — No. 36 in the Midwest

A Christian university in Roseville once led by evangelist Billy Graham, it also runs the Northwestern Media radio network. Founded in 1902, it enrolls roughly 3,200 students, admits about 93%, and runs a 16:1 ratio with a 68% four-year graduation rate.

College of St. Scholastica — No. 42 in the Midwest

A Benedictine university in Duluth known for its health sciences programs, St. Scholastica also moved from the national list to regional this year. Founded in 1912, it enrolls about 1,725 undergraduates, admits 93%, and posts a 12:1 ratio with a 63% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $65,934.

Minnesota State University Moorhead — No. 49 in the Midwest

Home of the Dragons, MSUM anchors the Fargo-Moorhead metro on the North Dakota border. Founded in 1887, it enrolls about 3,120 undergraduates, admits 59%, and has a 17:1 ratio, a 55% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $50,527.

Minnesota State University, Mankato — No. 55 in the Midwest

Home of the Mavericks, Mankato is a regional powerhouse with a strong hockey pedigree. Founded in 1868, it enrolls about 11,325 undergraduates, admits 88%, and posts a 21:1 ratio with a 54% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $56,922.

Metropolitan State University — No. 101 in the Midwest

Built largely for working adults and transfer students, this St. Paul university is one of Minnesota's most diverse. Founded in 1971, it enrolls about 4,998 undergraduates and runs a 15:1 ratio; its 38% four-year graduation rate reflects a student body that often attends part-time or arrives with transfer credits. Early-career earnings land around $64,705.

St. Cloud State University — No. 108 in the Midwest

A Husky-proud campus on the Mississippi River known for its hockey tradition. Founded in 1869, it enrolls about 5,181 undergraduates, admits 95%, and has an 18:1 ratio, a 47% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $55,813.

Southwest Minnesota State University — No. 130 in the Midwest

Home of the Mustangs in Marshall, SMSU is known for its agribusiness and hands-on programs. Founded in 1963, it enrolls about 2,045 undergraduates, admits 62%, and has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 44% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $51,342.

Crown College — No. 140 in the Midwest

A private Christian college in rural St. Bonifacius, home of the Storm. Founded in 1916, it enrolls about 789 students and runs a 15:1 ratio with a 64% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $48,057.

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Add it all up, and the picture is clear: whether a student is chasing a big research university, a tiny liberal arts college, or a hometown regional campus, Minnesota offers a nationally ranked option close to home.

However, rankings are only one piece of the puzzle — fit, cost, and gut feeling matter just as much — but for a state that prides itself on education, this year's list is one more reason for Minnesotans to be proud.