2025 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Minnesota

Published: September 1, 2022

By: Colleges of Distinction Staff

Jump to: Southwest Minnesota State University | St. Cloud State University | University of Minnesota Duluth | University of Minnesota Twin Cities | University of St. Thomas | Frequently Asked Questions

Every school on this list has already gotten our stamp of approval for the way they enrich every students’ education through the Four Distinctions. And with the addition of the business badge, you can be sure that these institutions offer hands-on business programs that produce experienced, responsible leaders for the booming corporate world.

We have thoroughly researched the business programs at these Minnesota Colleges of Distinction and verified that they exhibit all of the following characteristics:

• Multidisciplinary exposure across all aspects of business
• Real-world experience through internships and other forms of engagement with actual firms
• Industry connections that help students build their network and access to professional growth
• Business ethics that emphasize how a firm’s obligations extend beyond its shareholders
• Collaborative learning, in both business and general education courses, that stress the nuances of an efficient team
• Dedicated advisors and counselors who have a clear understanding of students’ academic and post-graduate milestones

Student success is the primary focus of our Colleges of Distinction, and these business degree-granting CoDs are no exception. With different types of business degrees to help students pursue their desired industry, the 2025 Minnesota Business Colleges of Distinction provide a stable foundation for entrepreneurial minds.

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

Southwest Minnesota State University is a vibrant institution of 2,500 students located in Marshall, Minnesota, named one of America’s best small cities. SMSU offers over 50 majors and minors in addition to four master’s programs. 

Affordability and value are two factors that are attractive to potential students and their parents. Most students—in-state, out-of-state, and international—pay in-state tuition. Recent SMSU graduates find jobs: 99% are employed or in graduate school soon after graduation.

Founded in 1963, the beautiful residential campus has been recognized as the safest in Minnesota and prides itself in being a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming institution for students from the region, and around the globe.

CENTER OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
A new initiative—the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship—has been launched at SMSU. The Center emphasizes experiential learning and collaborates with the campus-housed Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Southwest Marketing Advisory Center (SMAC). Students engage in real-world projects and apply their education to assist clients to find solutions.

Acceptance rate 81%      •      Net price $14,340      •      SAT Range 935-1102      •      Students submitting SAT scores 7%
Total Undergrad Population 7,259      •      Setting Town      •      Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 47%      •      Retention rate 74%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1

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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud, MN ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

St. Cloud State University offers a high-quality education with more than 200 nationally recognized and highly accredited academic programs.

Students are guided by professional advisors, academic success coaches, and inspiring faculty as they choose among a portfolio of courses, specializations, and experiential education options. Opportunities range from internships, special projects for volunteering and service, research and capstone projects aligned with real-world problem solving, and more.

The undergraduate student experience is grounded by the Husky Compact: a series of traditions that focuses on the purpose of core courses and the undergraduate degree. Huskies Advance, through its emphasis on mentoring between faculty and students, provides key connections between coursework and student passions and career interests.

Acceptance rate 73%      •      Net price $13,697      •      SAT Range 1000-1250      •      Students submitting SAT scores 4%
Total Undergrad Population 11,841      •      Setting City: Small      •      Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 44%      •      Retention rate 67%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1

Click here for available majors

University of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

The University of Minnesota Duluth is a medium-sized regional university that nurtures students through a rigorous, robust undergraduate experience.

UMD is a community of learners and scholars that promotes student success, provides an enriching experience, and commits to core values that shape every aspect of the university and its purpose. Founded on the pillars of discovery, engagement, inclusivity, and excellence, UMD continues to prepare successful leaders of society.

CAREER & INTERNSHIP SERVICES
The Career & Internship Services office empowers both students and alumni to discover, develop, evaluate, and implement their unique professional goals as they prepare for careers in an evolving global workforce. All UMD students are prepared to embrace their futures with confidence knowing they have the skills and experience to succeed.

Students are encouraged to make appointments with professionally trained counselors who are available to assist in all aspects of the career-planning process. Services include major and career exploration, internship and job search, and graduate school preparation.

Acceptance rate 79%      •      Net price $18,211      •      SAT Range 1050-1240      •      Students submitting SAT scores 3%
Total Undergrad Population 10,275      •      Setting City: Small      •      Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 61%      •      Retention rate 79%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1

Click here for available majors

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

With a history dating back to 1851, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a pillar of academic excellence and innovation in the Midwest. Offering over 150 undergraduate majors and minors and 250 graduate degree programs, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is home to a diverse student body of over 50,000 students from around the world. Its academic offerings span a wide range of disciplines, including top-ranked programs in fields such as business, engineering, law, and medicine. The university is also a leader in cutting-edge research, with a vast network of research centers and institutes that tackle global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and social justice. 

Students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities can take advantage of a vibrant campus culture that includes over 800 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you’re exploring the renowned Weisman Art Museum, cheering on the Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium, or engaging in community service through the university’s civic engagement programs, there’s always something new to discover at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Acceptance rate 70%      •      Net price $17,729      •      SAT Range 1240-1460      •      Students submitting SAT scores 14%
Total Undergrad Population 36,061       •       Setting City: Large       •       Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 84%      •      Retention rate 93%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1

Click here for available majors

University of St. Thomas

Saint Paul, MN ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year

Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educated students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.

TALKING CIRCLES
Talking Circles is a retreat for first year students interested in service and enacting change. The name of the retreat comes from the Native American tradition of the talking circle, in which members would gather to discuss issues and possible solutions. The retreat takes place at the end of January Term and lasts for three days.

FALL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
The Fall Leadership Institute (FLI) is an annual event for undergraduate students. The conference explores the foundations of successful leadership and examines ways that students can develop their own skills. FLI is highly collaborative, with students and experienced faculty working together to find solutions and break new ground. Some of the concepts covered at the conference include: marketing, time management, and fiscal management. 

Acceptance rate 87%      •      Net price $31,799      •      SAT Range 1130-1340      •      Students submitting SAT scores 8%
Total Undergrad Population 9,792      •      Setting City: Large      •      Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 80%      •      Retention rate 87%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1

Click here for available majors

What it’s like to attend business schools in Minnesota and other FAQ: