English in Minnesota 2026

Best Colleges for English in Minnesota 2026

English programs in Minnesota develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical writing skills valued across industries. Graduates pursue careers in publishing, content strategy, education, law, and corporate communications.

We analyzed 35 colleges and universities in Minnesota offering English 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 English Programs in Minnesota

Detailed School Profiles

1. Carleton College

Location: Northfield, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 20.4%
• In-State Tuition: $68,892 | Out-of-State: $68,892
• Enrollment: 2,086 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
• Average Financial Aid: $36,499

View full Carleton College profile →

2. 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 →

3. 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 →

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. St Olaf College

Location: Northfield, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 48.3%
• In-State Tuition: $59,760 | Out-of-State: $59,760
• Enrollment: 3,093 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,700
• Average Financial Aid: $31,436

View full St Olaf College 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 English Program in Minnesota

Selecting the best English 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 English.

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 English programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for English in Minnesota?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top English programs in Minnesota include Carleton College, Crown College, and Macalester College.

How much does a English degree cost in Minnesota?
In-state tuition for English programs in Minnesota averages around $35,968 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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