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Best Online Colleges in Minnesota Top Consensus Ranked Online Schools in Minnesota 2022

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The College Consensus ranking of the Best Online Colleges in Minnesota combines the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a unique college meta-ranking. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites were included in this year’s consensus rankings.

The Best Online Colleges & Universities in Minnesota category is limited to schools in Minnesota offering at least three fully-online degree programs at any level. Schools that did not qualify for a Consensus Score were ranked by their Student Review score.

If you’re interested in traditional campus-based schools, check out our ranking of the Best Colleges in Minnesota.  You can also find out more about college financial aid with our list of the Top Minnesota Scholarships.

Online Learning in Minnesota

There are several distinct populations that benefit greatly from Minnesota online colleges. These demographics benefit even more now that they can attend a Minnesota online university. In the past, the opportunity to attend Minnesota online colleges at the associate’s degree level was a big deal for many educationally underserved populations. Now, working adults, non-traditional students and rural citizens can even get graduate degrees from a reputable, accredited Minnesota online university.

All these populations were educationally underserved in the past, because they might have had trouble gaining access to traditional educational classes on campus. Working adults may have lived in proximity to a campus in Minnesota, but this campus may have been closed by the time they got off work. Rural residents, of which there are many in the expansive state of Minnesota, may have simply live too far from any college campuses to attend college in the traditional way. Both of these large populations of students benefit greatly from the online educational options offered in Minnesota. In fact, this actually may be their only option if they have their heart set on getting a university education. In short, online colleges in Minnesota offer educational and professional mobility to many demographics that may not otherwise have the opportunity to move up in the world.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Minnesota?

There are many different kinds of Minnesota online degrees. In recent years, the number of Minnesota online degree programs has exploded. This reflects the state’s transition from a working-class agricultural economy to a service and business economy that requires most professionals to have a college education. Some jobs even require employees to have a graduate degree, in which case they can get a Minnesota online masters degree from one of the many Minnesota online degree programs. These Minnesota online degrees, even a Minnesota online masters degree, are held in the same regard by employers in the state as degrees completed through traditional educational methods.

Some employers used to look down on online degrees. However, the stigma of getting an education online has faded. As long as your degree comes from a regionally accredited university, it is worth just as much as a degree obtained through traditional education. In fact, employers may not even be able to tell the difference for degrees obtained online and a degree obtained through traditional education. Most diplomas earned through online degree programs do not even specify that the degree was earned online.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Minnesota?

There are many ways that students can save money on an online degree in Minnesota. Quite a few students start their educations at one of the many Minnesota online community colleges. The online community colleges in Minnesota, as with online community colleges in other parts of the country, often have much lower tuition than universities. Minnesota online community colleges have thus become a popular way for students who can’t afford university tuition to begin working on their college educations. Online community colleges in Minnesota have begun working to accommodate low-income students by offering generous financial aid, which helps them avoid costly student loans.

In addition to the relatively affordable online community colleges in Minnesota, the public universities that offer online degrees in Minnesota usually also have affordable tuition. Tuition is especially affordable for residents of Minnesota. Non-residents will have to pay higher tuition fees. Some online programs offered from Minnesota institutions are actually cheaper than traditional programs due to the reduced overhead required from the University. However, most ask for the same tuition fees as traditional programs.

In addition to low-cost tuition, financial aid and employer reimbursement may also help students afford college tuition. Most financial aid is available through the institution. In recent years, colleges and universities have made a point to offer online students the same financial aid opportunities as traditional students. Also, there are more employers who offer tuition reimbursement programs.

Related Rankings:

Best Online Colleges & Universities

Best Colleges & Universities in Minnesota

Best Colleges & Universities in the Midwest

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?