Types of Minnesota Schools
Are you interested in public or private, two– or four–year schools? Narrow your choices by program, size, location, or degree.
Minnesota schools offer a myriad of learning environments, courses, and styles. An important key to your success in higher education is to find a good fit for your needs by learning more about the types of post–secondary schools in the state.
Public two–year colleges
These general categories describe Minnesota's public two–year schools:
- Technical colleges are two–year state colleges that teach knowledge and skills leading to specific careers. You can complete a program in two years or less and be ready for a job.
- Community colleges are two–year colleges that enable you to start on a bachelor's degree. You can take your first two years at a community college, and then transfer to a four-year university to finish. Or you can take a career program leading directly to a job.
- Combined community and technical colleges enable you to start on a bachelor's degree and transfer after two years, or you can enroll in a technical program to learn skills that lead directly to a career.
- Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is the only combined tribal college and state community college in the United States.
Public four–year universities
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the University of Minnesota offer a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Most offer a range of athletics and intramural sports as well as programs in theater, music, and the arts. Undergraduate on-campus housing is also available on most campuses.
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has
seven state universities that offer comprehensive courses and programs leading to a bachelor's or master's degree. Programs are offered in liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. - The University of Minnesota has four campuses - Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, and Crookston - a collaborative center in Rochester, extension offices, and research and outreach centers throughout the state. It is a state land–grant university and the state's primary research university.
Private two–year colleges
Private for–profit career colleges offer programs of study ranging from computer science to medical support training to broadcasting to cosmetology. These schools maintain strong relationships with local employers who look for skill–based workers. Programs generally range from a few months to two years; some offer associate degrees. Most programs offer small classes where students receive personal attention that aids the learning process. Degree offerings and admissions requirements vary by campus.
Private career schools
Private career schools offer education and training for a specific career. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education licenses for–profit schools in this state. The focus is on the development of job skills with training programs that generally range in length from a few months to two years.
Remember, licensure is not the same as accreditation, and not all licensed institutions are accredited. Other career schools are licensed by: the Minnesota Department of Commerce (cosmetology, real estate, and insurance), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (commercial driving schools) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (flight schools).
Private four–year colleges and universities
Most of Minnesota's four–year private colleges and universities are liberal arts colleges, emphasizing broad knowledge in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities. Many are affiliated with a religious denomination. Nearly half the students go on to earn advanced degrees.
Useful tips
Become informed about credit transfer to four–year colleges and universities.
Try the Education Search Tools. Make a selection under "match colleges to your preferences." This tool allows you to find those schools that match any combination of your criteria.
Source: Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
