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10 Best Colleges For Jobs In Minnesota For 2026

By Chris Kolmar
Oct. 9, 2019
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Jan. 25, 2026

Find a Job You Really Want In

As college freshmen embark on their academic journeys, one of the most significant factors influencing their choice of school is the potential for enhanced job prospects after graduation.

In today’s competitive job market, securing employment can be challenging, especially given the rising cost of living across the United States.

In Minnesota, students benefit from a robust educational landscape that includes prestigious research institutions and reputable state universities, offering programs designed to prepare graduates for various career paths.

This prompted us to investigate which colleges in Minnesota stand out in helping their graduates secure employment. Utilizing data from IPEDS and College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the best colleges for job placement in Minnesota.

The complete rankings are detailed below, but first, here’s a summary of the top ten colleges for job placement in Minnesota:

  1. Saint Johns University
  2. College of Saint Benedict
  3. Concordia College at Moorhead
  4. Winona State University
  5. Gustavus Adolphus College
  6. University of Minnesota-Duluth
  7. Minnesota State University-Mankato
  8. Southwest Minnesota State University
  9. The College of Saint Scholastica
  10. University of St Thomas

If you’re attending one of these institutions, it’s likely you’re aware of the excellent opportunities available to you.

For those considering their options, let’s delve into the reasons these colleges are recognized for their outstanding programs and job placement rates in Minnesota.

How We Determined the Best Schools in Minnesota for Jobs

Using College Scorecard Data, we identified the colleges in Minnesota with the highest job placement ratings, specifically focusing on employment rates ten years post-graduation.

The analysis included 36 public and non-profit four-year institutions in Minnesota that offer at least a bachelor’s degree.

We ranked these colleges based on the percentage of graduates employed after graduation. For clarity, each school’s rating was rounded to two decimal places.

Saint Johns University achieved the highest percentage of employed graduates, earning the title of ‘Best College for Jobs in Minnesota.’

Best Colleges for Getting a Job in Minnesota

Rank College Employed
1 Saint Johns University 95.16%
2 College of Saint Benedict 94.88%
3 Concordia College at Moorhead 94.56%
4 Winona State University 94.5%
5 Gustavus Adolphus College 94.3%
6 University of Minnesota-Duluth 94.11%
7 Minnesota State University-Mankato 93.9%
8 Southwest Minnesota State University 93.61%
9 The College of Saint Scholastica 93.29%
10 University of St Thomas 93.27%
11 University of Minnesota-Morris 93.27%
12 St Olaf College 92.96%
13 Hamline University 92.85%
14 Saint Cloud State University 92.74%
15 Minnesota State University Moorhead 92.49%
16 University of Minnesota-Rochester 92.47%
17 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 92.47%
18 Concordia University-Saint Paul 92.04%
19 Augsburg University 91.91%
20 St Catherine University 91.7%
21 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 91.57%
22 Bemidji State University 91.46%
23 Northwestern Health Sciences University 90.91%
24 Dunwoody College of Technology 90.82%
25 University of Minnesota-Crookston 90.64%
26 Carleton College 90.4%
27 Bethel University 90.38%
28 Martin Luther College 90.13%
29 Macalester College 89.78%
30 Metropolitan State University 89.32%
31 Minneapolis College of Art and Design 88.47%
32 Bethany Lutheran College 88.45%
33 North Central University 86.47%
34 Crown College 85.71%
35 University of Northwestern-St Paul 85.57%
36 Herzing University-Minneapolis 82.34%

In conclusion, selecting the right college is crucial for aspiring students aiming to enhance their employment prospects. The institutions listed above not only provide quality education but also emphasize job readiness, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic job market. By choosing one of these top colleges in Minnesota, students are taking a significant step toward achieving their career goals.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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