Best College Value in Minnesota: Top Schools by ROI (2026)

Minnesota's ROI ranking is led by a public flagship that punches well above its price, backed by a deep bench of strong private colleges. Here's the full picture.

Top Minnesota Schools by ROI Score

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: The Standout Public Value

UMN Twin Cities scores 88/100 at $16,778 net price with $69,020 median earnings and an 85% graduation rate. That's a rare combination - a major research flagship at a net price most private colleges can't approach.

The Carlson School of Management, the College of Science and Engineering, and the health-sciences pipeline all place directly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul corporate base (Target, 3M, UnitedHealth, Medtronic, General Mills). For Minnesota residents, it's the clear baseline.

Carleton: The Liberal-Arts Leader

Carleton College at $25,407 net and $75,525 earnings scores 84/100 with a 90% graduation rate - one of the strongest liberal-arts colleges in the country, with exceptional graduate and professional-school placement. For students who get aid, the value case is strong.

Saint John's and St. Thomas: Catholic Midwest Value

Saint John's University ($25,672 net, $76,786 earnings) and the University of St Thomas ($29,155 net, $73,739 earnings) both post strong earnings for private Catholic schools, with deep alumni networks across Minnesota business.

The Bottom Line

For Minnesota residents: UMN Twin Cities is the value baseline. Carleton if you want a top liberal-arts experience and qualify for aid. St. Thomas or Saint John's for the Catholic private option with strong regional placement. For Midwest comparisons, see our companion analyses for Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.

Data: College Scorecard 2024.