Communications in Minnesota 2026

Best Colleges for Communications in Minnesota 2026

From journalism and public relations to digital media and corporate communications, Minnesota's programs prepare students for an evolving media landscape. Practical experience through campus media and internships is a hallmark of top programs.

We analyzed 39 colleges and universities in Minnesota offering Communications programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Communications Programs in Minnesota

Detailed School Profiles

1. Crown College

Location: Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 22.8%
• In-State Tuition: $31,410 | Out-of-State: $31,410
• Enrollment: 796 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,300
• Average Financial Aid: $14,862

View full Crown College profile →

2. Macalester College

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 28.5%
• In-State Tuition: $68,104 | Out-of-State: $68,104
• Enrollment: 2,131 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,200
• Average Financial Aid: $37,267

View full Macalester College profile →

3. Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC)

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• In-State Tuition: $17,034 | Out-of-State: $17,314
• Enrollment: 98 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $21,800
• Average Financial Aid: $11,561

View full Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC) profile →

4. Bethany Lutheran College (BLC)

Location: Mankato, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• In-State Tuition: $31,360 | Out-of-State: $31,360
• Enrollment: 669 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,400
• Average Financial Aid: $19,307

View full Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) profile →

5. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 48.5%
• In-State Tuition: $45,484 | Out-of-State: $45,484
• Enrollment: 705 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $28,500
• Average Financial Aid: $21,246

View full Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) profile →

6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN)

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 52%
• In-State Tuition: $13,058 | Out-of-State: $30,438
• Enrollment: 50,734 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,800
• Average Financial Aid: $9,521

View full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) profile →

7. Bemidji State University (BSU)

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $10,237 | Out-of-State: $10,237
• Enrollment: 3,139 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,300
• Average Financial Aid: $5,241

View full Bemidji State University (BSU) profile →

8. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
• In-State Tuition: $10,428 | Out-of-State: $10,428
• Enrollment: 3,072 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
• Average Financial Aid: $4,802

View full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile →

9. Gustavus Adolphus College

Location: Saint Peter, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• In-State Tuition: $56,076 | Out-of-State: $56,076
• Enrollment: 1,878 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,700
• Average Financial Aid: $31,858

View full Gustavus Adolphus College profile →

10. Southwest Minnesota State University

Location: Marshall, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
• In-State Tuition: $10,361 | Out-of-State: $10,361
• Enrollment: 2,315 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $5,850

View full Southwest Minnesota State University profile →

How to Choose the Right Communications Program in Minnesota

Selecting the best Communications program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Minnesota residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Communications.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Communications programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Communications in Minnesota?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Communications programs in Minnesota include Crown College, Macalester College, and Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC).

How much does a Communications degree cost in Minnesota?
In-state tuition for Communications programs in Minnesota averages around $29,355 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Communications degree from a Minnesota school?
Graduates from Minnesota's Communications programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.