Three Minnesota Colleges Now Some Of The Best In The Midwest

When it comes to higher education and those schools that are considered the cream of the crop, we all know the big names that get tossed around like confetti - Harvard, MIT, Stanford. But the truth is, there are standout institutions all across the country, including some right here in the Midwest.

From coast to coast, there’s no shortage of options where students can dive into their studies, make lifelong friends, and soak up that college experience, complete with cafeteria food that’s hit-or-miss and football games that bring the whole town together.

And lucky for us in Minnesota, some of the best schools are practically in our backyard. Sure, you could pack up and head to the Ivy Leagues, but why cross state lines when we’ve got rock-solid institutions right here?

Also See: The Hardest Colleges to Get into in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa

WalletHub recently put out a list of the top colleges and universities of 2025. They set out to find the best bang-for-your-buck colleges in the country, comparing over 800 schools on 30 key factors.

They broke it down into categories taking a look at everything from student-faculty ratios to graduation rates to what grads actually make once they’re out in the real world.

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Three Minnesota Colleges Now Some Of The Best In The Midwest:

Only one Minnesota college cracked the top 50 Best Colleges and Universities in the Country: Carleton College in Northfield. Ranked 39th among the top schools in America, Carleton also claimed the 5th spot for Best in the Midwest.

According to their website, Carleton has been the best in teaching year after year with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. They have 54 Majors and Minors and 222 student-created, student-lead organizations. Plus, 95% of grads are employed full-time or attending graduate or professional school six months after graduation

Coming in at the 10th spot for the Best Colleges in the Midwest is Macalester College in St. Paul.

According to their website, they have a 95% class of 2023 graduate placement rate, an average of 17 members in each class, 94% Class of 2023 participation in volunteer work, academic community-based learning, or applied research.

And, at number 14 of the Best Colleges in the Midwest is St. Olaf College - a private liberal arts college in Northfield.

According to their website, 95% of 2023 graduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in full-time service work, 90% of grads have participated in an internship, research or other opportunity while attending St. Olaf.

To see the full list of the best colleges in the Midwest, click here. 

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