Minnesotans are no strangers to higher education: 48 percent of the state's population ages 25 and older have at least an associate degree, which ranks second nationally. The state's Office of Higher Education has an ambitious goal to increase that number to 70 percent by year 2025 for residents ages 25 to 44.
There are nearly 200 public and private colleges and universities in Minnesota. The Minnesota State college association includes seven state universities and 30 state colleges, with 54 campus locations. The system serves more than 375,000 students each year. It also has a large online presence, offering more than 600 fully online distance education programs. However, students who want to pursue online degrees from colleges based outside of the state can do so under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.
The University of Minnesota system, meanwhile, has five campus locations in the state. Enrollment in fall of 2016 was more than 45,000 students. The Minnesota Private Colleges association represents 17 private nonprofit institutions in the Minnesota. System-wide enrollment in fall of 2017 was more than 57,400 students.
Educational initiatives in the state include MN Reconnect, a pilot program to help students ages 25 or older return and finish college. The Minnesota State system also offers college credit and many other educational benefits to military and service members.
Students should check with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for more information about the many different options for higher education at Minnesota colleges and universities.
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