Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Minnesota
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Minnesota6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Minnesota.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · PublicHonor RollTop 7% for graduation
- Net price $16,778 a year
- 85% graduate
- 2
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, MN · PublicTop 24% for earnings
- Net price $18,743 a year
- 65% graduate
- 3
Martin Luther College
New Ulm, MN · Private nonprofitTop 19% for graduation
- Net price $18,463 a year
- 72% graduate
- 4
University of Minnesota-Morris
Morris, MN · PublicTop 12% for low net price
- Net price $8,837 a year
- 63% graduate
- 5
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $19,764 a year
- 61% graduate
- 6
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | About $17,000 | $19,500 | $69,020 | 85% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | About $19,000 | $22,024 | $62,616 | 65% |
| Martin Luther College | About $18,000 | $20,177 | $47,491 | 72% |
| University of Minnesota-Morris | About $9,000 | $18,995 | $50,919 | 63% |
| St. Catherine University | About $20,000 | $24,181 | $59,282 | 61% |
| Winona State University | About $18,000 | $21,500 | $58,532 | 57% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.