Public Four-Year Universities in Minnesota

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Overview

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN Twin Cities), established in 1851, is the flagship campus of the University of Minnesota system. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research initiatives, and vibrant campus life. As one of the largest public research universities in the United States, UMN Twin Cities offers a diverse and comprehensive educational experience.

Location

Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 51,000 students

Academic Programs

UMN Twin Cities offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 19 colleges and schools:

• College of Biological Sciences
• College of Continuing and Professional Studies
• College of Design
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Science and Engineering
• Humphrey School of Public Affairs
• Law School
• Medical School
• School of Dentistry
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health
• Carlson School of Management
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Graduate School

The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, biological sciences, and liberal arts. The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

UMN Twin Cities is a leader in research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Institute of Child Development, the Minnesota Population Center, and the Masonic Cancer Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and engineering to social sciences and the humanities.

Campus Life

UMN Twin Cities provides a dynamic campus life with over 800 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The Minnesota Golden Gophers, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, Nobel Prize-winning economist Leonid Hurwicz, and NFL player Tony Dungy. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, science, business, and sports.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Overview

Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU Mankato), founded in 1868, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on applied research, career-focused education, and community engagement. MSU Mankato is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Mankato, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 15,000 students

Academic Programs

MSU Mankato offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its six colleges:

• College of Allied Health and Nursing
• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, nursing, engineering, and education. The College of Business and the College of Allied Health and Nursing are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

MSU Mankato is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Rural Policy and Development and the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and engineering to business and the arts.

Campus Life

MSU Mankato provides a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The MSU Mavericks, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include professional wrestler Ric Flair, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and NFL player Adam Thielen. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, business, and the arts.

St. Cloud State University

Overview

St. Cloud State University (SCSU), founded in 1869, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on comprehensive education, community involvement, and global perspectives. SCSU is recognized for its diverse academic programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 11,000 students

Academic Programs

SCSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its five colleges and schools:

• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science and Engineering
• Herberger Business School
• School of Education
• School of Health and Human Services

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, education, engineering, and health sciences. The Herberger Business School and the College of Science and Engineering are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

SCSU is committed to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Central Minnesota Historical Center and the Minnesota Center for Survey Research. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from social sciences and humanities to science and technology.

Campus Life

SCSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The SCSU Huskies, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and the NCAA Division I National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Congressman Mark Kennedy, NHL player Bret Hedican, and author Vince Flynn. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and business.

Winona State University

Overview

Winona State University (WSU), founded in 1858, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on comprehensive education, community engagement, and sustainability. WSU is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Winona, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 7,500 students

Academic Programs

WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its five colleges:

• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• College of Science and Engineering

The university is particularly known for its programs in education, nursing, business, and the liberal arts. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Business are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

WSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Winona State University Sustainability Initiative. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

WSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The WSU Warriors, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski, professional baseball player Jason Litzau, and environmental activist Winona LaDuke. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, environmental advocacy, and business.

Bemidji State University

Overview

Bemidji State University (BSU), founded in 1919, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts, professional programs, and environmental stewardship. BSU is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Bemidji, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 5,000 students

Academic Programs

BSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its three colleges:

• College of Arts, Education and Humanities
• College of Business, Mathematics and Science
• College of Individual and Community Health

The university is particularly known for its programs in education, business, nursing, and the liberal arts. The College of Business, Mathematics and Science and the College of Individual and Community Health are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

BSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Sustainability Studies and the Aquatic Biology Research Laboratory. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from environmental sciences and business to health and the arts.

Campus Life

BSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The BSU Beavers, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and the NCAA Division I Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Minnesota State Representative Frank Moe, professional hockey player Matt Read, and environmental scientist Jane Goodall. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, environmental science, and business.

Metropolitan State University

Overview

Metropolitan State University (Metro State), founded in 1971, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on adult education, community engagement, and professional development. Metro State is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

St. Paul, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 7,000 students

Academic Programs

Metro State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its four colleges:

• College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
• College of Individualized Studies
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Management

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, public affairs, individualized studies, and the liberal arts. The College of Management and the College of Community Studies and Public Affairs are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

Metro State is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Community-Based Learning and the Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from social sciences and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

Metro State provides a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

Metro State does not have a traditional athletics program but offers various recreational and intramural sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. These activities are an integral part of campus life, fostering community engagement and overall well-being.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Minnesota State Senator John Harrington, business leader Steve Grove, and author Kao Kalia Yang. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, business, literature, and public service.

Southwest Minnesota State University

Overview

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), founded in 1963, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts, professional programs, and community engagement. SMSU is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Marshall, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 7,000 students

Academic Programs

SMSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its three colleges:

• College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
• College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies
• College of Graduate Studies and Research

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, education, liberal arts, and sciences. The College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies and the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

SMSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Rural and Regional Studies and the Agricultural Research Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from business and education to health and the arts.

Campus Life

SMSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The SMSU Mustangs, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Minnesota State Representative Marty Seifert, professional baseball player Billy Bock, and business leader John W. Hines. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, business, and the arts.

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Overview

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), founded in 1887, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts, professional programs, and community engagement. MSUM is recognized for its innovative programs, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Moorhead, Minnesota

Enrollment

Approximately 6,000 students

Academic Programs

MSUM offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its four colleges:

• College of Arts, Media, and Communication
• College of Business and Innovation
• College of Education and Human Services
• College of Science, Health, and the Environment

The university is particularly known for its programs in education, business, health sciences, and the arts. The College of Business and Innovation and the College of Science, Health, and the Environment are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

MSUM is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Business and Industry and the Regional Science Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from business and health sciences to education and the arts.

Campus Life

MSUM provides a vibrant campus life with over 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The MSUM Dragons, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Minnesota Governor Al Quie, professional basketball player Brett Winkelman, and journalist Roxana Saberi. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, journalism, and business.