2023 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota

Capella University, a private, for-profit institution, offers online degrees at all levels. Among these offerings are seven bachelor's programs — all with optional concentrations — in fields such as business, information technology, nursing, and psychology. Bachelor's degrees typically require 180 quarter credits, and some may include a capstone course. Students can choose between two competency-based online formats: the FlexPath format, which allows students to work entirely at their own pace, or the GuidedPath format, for students who prefer more structure and weekly check-ins.

Adults returning to college after some time in the workforce or in military service may receive credit for prior experience. Online students may also be eligible for financial aid, and some may qualify for military or employer benefits.

Concordia University - Saint Paul is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran church, and it is also designated as an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving institution. Concordia offers a wide selection of online degrees. Students seeking bachelor's degrees can choose to study subjects such as management and leadership, criminal justice, child development, and many others. Most of these degrees require the completion of 120 credit hours, and full-time students often earn their degrees in four to five years. Concordia has a 69% acceptance rate and a 62% graduation rate.

Concordia students access their online courses through the Blackboard learning platform. Online students are eligible for financial aid, including one of Concordia's many school-sponsored scholarships.

Crown College — a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Christ and Missionary Alliance Church — has a 47% acceptance rate and a 55% graduation rate. Crown offers 24 online degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in several subjects such as psychology/counseling, human services, criminal justice, and business. The school's eight-week courses with six start dates throughout the year, delivered through the Canvas system, allow students to work at their own pace. Highly motivated students may be able to complete their bachelor's degree in less than four years.

Online students may be qualified for federal and state financial aid. Those with demonstrated financial need may also qualify for one of Crown's eight scholarship programs.

Metropolitan State University is a public institution that has been recognized as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution. Metro State's acceptance rate is 62%, and its graduation rate is 57%. The school offers 13 online bachelor's degrees as well as online master's degrees and certificates. Enrollees can opt to study nursing, finance, supply chain and operations management, law enforcement, dental hygiene, and several other subjects. These bachelor's degrees typically require the completion of 120 credit hours, and some require capstone courses, all taken through the Brightspace learning system.

Online students may be eligible for various forms of financial aid from the federal and state governments.

St. Catherine University — known as St. Kate — is a private, nonprofit school affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. It has been designated as an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving institution. The school offers a range of online degrees and certificates, including bachelor's degrees in accounting, business management, nursing, and early childhood education, among other subjects. The number of credit hours and time to complete these degrees varies.

St. Kate delivers its online courses through the Canvas platform. Students who are returning to college after some time in the workforce or in military service may receive credit for prior and alternative learning. Online students have access to an online help desk, career development assistance, and library resources.