Education in Minnesota

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Minnesota is home to an ambitious K-12 educational system and an innovative array of higher educational institutions and programs.

In 2001, Minnesota had a four-year high school graduation rate of 79%, well above the national average of 74%. The dropout rate has decreased over the past several years and Minnesota remains focused on improving the current system with unique programs such as The Choice is Yours, which allows low-income parents to select a school that may benefit their child the most.

With a 2002 enrollment of over 57,000, the University of Minnesota system, and its four campuses at Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston and Morris, represents Minnesota’s largest university. The university is home to several highly ranked and unique programs, as well as innovative centers such as Biodale and the new Biotechnology Precinct in St. Paul. The university’s Medical School, Twin Cities, and School of Medicine, Duluth, were both named in the first tier of top medical research and primary care schools by the US News & World Report for 2003.

The Minnesota State University System has seven universities including St. Cloud State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System provides information on the numerous public universities, colleges, community colleges and technical schools located within Minnesota.

There are also several private universities and colleges in Minnesota, including Augsburg College, Macalester College and Hamline University. The Mayo Medical School, located in Rochester, is one of the premier research and care institutions in the world.

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