1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

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.

Different types of colleges prepare you for different types of careers. An important key to your success is to find a college that fits you and your career goals. To do this, learn about types of Minnesota schools and how they differ from each other.

Collapse all | Expand all

  1. Technical & career colleges

    Programs at technical and career colleges can be completed in two years or less. These types of schools may award certificates (1 year or less), diplomas (2 years or less), or associate degrees (2 years).

    Public technical colleges are state colleges that teach knowledge and skills leading to specific careers. Combined community and technical colleges allow you to enroll in a technical program to learn skills that lead directly to a career or earn the first two years of a bachelor's degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university.

    Private career colleges and schools offer education and training for a specific career. The focus is on the development of job skills. You can learn more about some of the state's private, two-year colleges by exploring the Minnesota Career College Association website. Some of these colleges also offer four-year degrees.

    The Minnesota Office of Higher Education licenses private schools and training firms that offer occupational programs below the associate degree level in Minnesota. Licensure is not the same as accreditation, and not all licensed institutions are accredited. Some career schools are licensed by:


  2. Community & tribal colleges

    Programs at community and tribal colleges can be completed in two years or less. These types of schools award associate degrees (2 years), but may also award certificates (1 year or less) or diplomas (2 years or less).

    Community colleges are two-year colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and University system that allow you to complete your first two years of a bachelor's degree at a community college, and then transfer to a four-year college or university to finish. Or you can take a career program leading directly to a job.

    Tribal colleges provide an education similar to that offered at community colleges. Minnesota has three:


  3. Four-year colleges & universities

    Programs at these colleges and universities are completed in four but not more than six years. These types of schools award bachelor's degrees, but some may also award graduate and professional degrees and certificates. Some schools also offer accelerated three-year bachelor's degree programs.

    Public four-year universities 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 five campuses (Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester), extension offices, and research and outreach centers throughout the state. It is a public land-grant university and the state's primary research university. Hundreds of undergraduate programs along with a wide range of graduate and professional degree programs are offered.

    Private four-year 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. You can learn more about 17 of Minnesota's private, four-year liberal arts colleges by exploring the Minnesota Private Colleges Council website. Some of the colleges represented by the Minnesota Career College Association also offer four-year degrees.

Useful tips

  • Learn how credits transfer between 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