Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Exceptional Value

Your state colleges and universities offer the lowest tuition and fees in Minnesota, giving you access to first-rate education options throughout the state and the ability to avoid or limit debt. Before grants and scholarships, the average cost of tuition and fees at Minnesota State colleges is $6,824 and the average tuition and fees at Minnesota State universities is $11,267 per year — see how this compares to the University of Minnesota and private colleges.

2026-2027 Average Tuition Price

Average Tuition Graph

North Star Promise Scholarship

The North Star Promise Scholarship program, which is just one element of the Minnesota State Promise, is a tuition free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at any of the 26 state colleges and seven state universities of Minnesota State. This is Minnesota’s free college program.

To be eligible for with scholarship, students must:

  • Be a Minnesota resident
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000.
  • Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution (including Minnesota State) or Tribal College
  • Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
  • Be enrolled taking at least one credit
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
  • Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree
  • Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate

To learn more about the North Star Promise Scholarship, head over to Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s website.

Affordability and Debt

Overall, 57% of Minnesota State students, receive financial aid to help pay for college or offset costs. Learn more about financial aid at Minnesota State.

Not only is our tuition the lowest in the state and most of our students receive financial aid, but between 35% and 61% of Minnesota State students graduate with no debt at all.

But don’t take our word for it – check out what our students have to say:

AARC student Oluwatimi (Carla) Jinadu

“I received a federal grant and that pretty much covers most of what I need. I haven’t had to take out a loan…there are scholarships, crisis grants, and Covid relief grants that really helped me. I had to pay very little out of pocket during my two years here. Very affordable.”
Oluwatimi (Carla) Jinadu, student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College

MSCTC student Shawna Davenport

“M State allowed me to achieve a goal that did not seem possible for a large portion of my life. I was a single mom, working full-time, trying to make ends meet. The ability to earn my degree online on my own schedule made this all possible for me.”
Shawna Davenport, graduate of Minnesota State Community and Technical College

2026-2027

    • University of Minnesota, Crookston: $13,864 
    • University of Minnesota, Duluth: $13,815 
    • University of Minnesota, Morris: $14,314
    • University of Minnesota, Rochester: $15,944
    • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: $19,174

2026-2027

    • Augsburg University: $48,499 
    • Bethany Lutheran College: $34,090
    • Bethel University: $27,000 
    • Carleton College: $75,666
    • College of Saint Benedict: $59,782
    • The College of Saint Scholastica: $45,212 
    • Concordia College: $33,780 
    • Concordia University, St. Paul: $27,200
    • Crown College: $34,490 
    • Gustavus Adolphus College: $59,974
    • Hamline University: $54,040
    • Macalester College: $74,724 
    • Minneapolis College of Art and Design: $50,390 
    • Saint John's University: $59,682 
    • Saint Mary's University of Minnesota: $48,390
    • St. Catherine University: $54,635 
    • St. Olaf College: $66,200 
    • University of Northwestern: $39,700
    • University of St. Thomas: $58,598

Use Our Online Application

Our online application allows you to apply to one or several Minnesota State colleges or universities.

Apply Today