Looking to earn your degree without stepping foot on campus? Whether you’re a working adult, a busy parent, or just want more flexibility in your education, Minnesota offers some top-notch online colleges that combine quality with affordability. In this 2025 guide, I’ve rounded up the top 10 best online colleges in Minnesota that are not only regionally accredited but also offer flexible programs, affordable tuition, and strong student support. These picks are based on real student reviews, academic quality, and cost-effectiveness — not just rankings.
1. University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston)
Best for: Affordable bachelor’s degrees & flexible scheduling
Average Tuition (2025): $459/credit (undergraduate online)
UMN Crookston consistently ranks among the best online colleges in the Midwest — and for good reason. The school offers 100% online undergraduate degrees in areas like Accounting, Health Management, Information Technology, and International Business.
What stands out is their flat-rate tuition for online learners, regardless of your location. There are no hidden fees, and the curriculum is the same as their on-campus programs. Plus, they’re part of the University of Minnesota system, so you’re getting a reputable education with strong name recognition.
Quick Highlights:
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Career services and academic advising for online students
Online courses are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats
2. Minnesota State University, Mankato
Best for: Working professionals & accelerated options
Average Tuition (2025): $367/credit (undergraduate); $467/credit (graduate)
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a growing reputation for its career-focused online degrees. Their online programs are thoughtfully designed for adult learners and working professionals, with both part-time and accelerated paths available.
Programs range from Business Administration and Nursing to Applied Leadership and Corrections. Their online RN to BSN program is especially popular and well-reviewed.
What I love: MSU Mankato provides dedicated support coaches for online students, helping with everything from enrollment to graduation.
Quick Highlights:
Over 50 online degree and certificate programs
Military-friendly and transfer-credit friendly
Strong alumni network across the Midwest
3. Bemidji State University (BSU)
Best for: Affordability & environmental studies
Average Tuition (2025): $345/credit (undergraduate)
Bemidji State University offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in Minnesota, and their commitment to sustainability and indigenous studies makes them stand out.
You’ll find several unique online programs here, such as a BAS in Applied Engineering and a BA in Indigenous Sustainability Studies — all taught by experienced faculty. Their online platform is user-friendly, and you can study full-time or part-time.
Why it ranks high: BSU makes online education accessible to rural and underserved communities — and they deliver excellent value.
Quick Highlights:
Strong financial aid packages for online learners
Transfer-friendly policies
Named one of the best “Green Colleges” by The Princeton Review
4. Metropolitan State University (Metro State)
Best for: Adult learners & career advancement
Average Tuition (2025): $367/credit (undergraduate); $459/credit (graduate)
Located in Saint Paul, Metro State focuses on serving non-traditional students — and their online programs reflect that mission. They offer online degrees in Cybersecurity, Individualized Studies, Management Information Systems, and more.
If you’re someone who wants to customize your degree to match your career path, Metro State offers one of the best Bachelor of Individualized Studies programs in the region.
Online students also benefit from internships, career workshops, and job placement resources, even if they’re learning remotely.
Quick Highlights:
Diverse student body (many first-generation college students)
Online faculty trained in adult education pedagogy
Part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
5. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Best for: Graduate and professional degrees
Average Tuition (2025): $750/credit (graduate programs)
While slightly more expensive than the others on this list, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers professionally focused online graduate programs that provide a strong return on investment.
Their Master’s in Counseling and Human Services, MBA, and Master’s in Project Management are highly respected — especially in healthcare and business sectors. Their faculty includes industry experts and many courses are competency-based, meaning you can move at your own pace.
Why consider Saint Mary’s: If you’re seeking a private, values-driven university with an emphasis on leadership and service, this is a top-tier choice.
Quick Highlights:
Catholic university with a strong liberal arts foundation
Online programs available nationwide
Dedicated success coaches for each student
6. Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU)
Best for: Online business & education degrees
Average Tuition (2025): ~$327/credit (undergraduate)
Located in Marshall, SMSU is part of the Minnesota State system and offers accredited online degrees in fields like Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, and Marketing.
Their online courses are well-suited for both first-time students and degree completers, with several options designed to accommodate busy schedules. One standout feature is the focus on affordability, particularly for rural Minnesota residents and transfer students from community colleges.
Quick Highlights:
Personal advisors assigned to every online student
Strong emphasis on student-teacher interaction
Transfer agreements with Minnesota community colleges
7. Winona State University
Best for: Health sciences & hybrid learning
Average Tuition (2025): ~$390/credit (undergraduate)
Winona State offers a handful of highly regarded online and hybrid programs, particularly in nursing, education, and healthcare leadership. Their RN-to-BSN and MS in Nursing Leadership are some of the most popular programs for working healthcare professionals in Minnesota.
The school has a reputation for academic rigor and provides comprehensive support services like online tutoring, mental health resources, and virtual tech help.
Quick Highlights:
Accredited by HLC and CCNE (for nursing)
Hybrid options available for hands-on fields
Known for innovation in instructional technology
8. Concordia University, St. Paul
Best for: Accelerated degree completion
Average Tuition (2025): $420/credit (undergraduate online)
If you’re in a hurry to finish your degree or want to earn one while juggling work and family, Concordia St. Paul is a solid choice. Their online bachelor’s and master’s programs are offered in 7-week terms, which allows you to complete your education faster than the traditional pace.
Popular programs include Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration, and Exercise Science. Despite being a private institution, CSP is competitively priced and offers financial aid and military benefits.
Quick Highlights:
Regionally accredited and transfer-friendly
Dedicated career support for online students
Ranked highly for value by U.S. News & World Report
9. Rasmussen University – Minnesota
Best for: Career-ready, tech-focused programs
Average Tuition (2025): ~$350/credit (varies by program)
Though a for-profit institution, Rasmussen University is regionally accredited and offers flexible online programs that focus on career-readiness in IT, nursing, business, and criminal justice.
Their Flex Choice® learning format allows students to combine self-paced and faculty-led courses. Rasmussen is also known for its competency-based education model, which lets you move faster through what you already know — potentially saving time and money.
Quick Highlights:
Accreditation by HLC
100% online options with 24/7 tech support
Fast-track programs in many majors
10. Northwest Technical College (NTC) – Bemidji
Best for: Affordable technical and vocational programs
Average Tuition (2025): ~$215/credit
For students looking for online certificates or associate degrees, NTC is one of Minnesota’s most affordable and accessible online institutions. It’s perfect for those pursuing careers in early childhood education, medical coding, accounting, and business.
Despite being a technical college, NTC offers regionally accredited programs with transfer options to four-year schools like Bemidji State University.
Quick Highlights:
Extremely low tuition rates
Programs designed for quick job entry
Flexible online scheduling and career services
Final Thoughts
Minnesota offers an impressive range of affordable and flexible online colleges for 2025 — from public universities to private and technical institutions. Whether you’re starting your college journey or returning to finish a degree, these schools provide legitimate, cost-effective paths to reaching your goals.
FAQs – Online Colleges in Minnesota (2025)
1. Are online degrees from Minnesota colleges respected?
Yes. Most online programs are offered by regionally accredited universities, ensuring they are recognized by employers and other schools.
2. How much does an online college cost in Minnesota?
Tuition typically ranges from $215 to $450 per credit, depending on the school and program.
3. Can I transfer credits to these online colleges?
Yes. Many Minnesota colleges have transfer agreements with community colleges and accept prior credits.
4. Are online students eligible for financial aid?
Absolutely. Online learners qualify for federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes school-specific grants.
5. Do online programs offer the same quality as on-campus ones?
Yes. Courses are often taught by the same professors and meet the same academic standards.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
