Access to College

For more information, please reference these resources:

Participation in College

Despite strong rates of college enrollment for Minnesota public high school graduates, significant equity gaps exist by race, income, and geography.

Share
Student Diversity

Students of color represent a growing share of Minnesota undergraduate students, with rates that roughly mirror the broader population of Minnesotans age 18-34. However, disparities exist by degree level. Students of color are underrepresented in bachelor and graduate programs. Analysis within each race/ethnicity category reveals important differences in representation by degree level.
Enrollment Trends

College enrollment is at a 20-year low, but more high school students are earning college credits by taking dual-credit courses. Most undergraduates enroll full-time. Just over half of undergraduates enroll in four-year colleges and universities, with the remainder enrolling in Minnesota State two-year colleges and private career schools. 27% of Minnesota resident undergraduates were age 25 and older in fall 2021. In fall 2021, over one third of Minnesota-resident undergraduates were eligible for a Pell grant (37%).

Public high school graduate

A student who graduated from a Minnesota public high school.

Free or Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL)

A K-12 student eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Students in households with incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

Postsecondary

“College”, “postsecondary education”, or “higher education” are different ways of describing any type of education or training one receives after graduating from high school or getting a GED. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) collects data on public colleges and universities in Minnesota, and private colleges which are licensed or registered under state law. To find a complete list of colleges visit the Institution and Data Search page on OHE’s website.

Enrolled in college

A student enrolling in postsecondary institution in Minnesota or nationally. A postsecondary institution includes community and technical colleges, four-year universities, as well as short-term training programs that are licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or participating in state or federal financial aid.

College enrollment

Data on Minnesota public high school graduates enrolling in college include students enrolling in any postsecondary institution both in-state and nationwide.

Student headcount

The number of individuals enrolled at a postsecondary institution. Individuals enrolled at more than one institution in a given term are counted once at each institution each term.

High school (secondary) student enrolled in college

A student dual-enrolled in high school and a Minnesota college

Undergraduate student

A student enrolled in a postsecondary program at the sub-baccalaureate, certificate, associate, diploma or bachelor’s level. Excludes students currently enrolled in high school.

Graduate student

A student enrolled in a program of student culminating in a graduate certificate, master’s degree, doctoral degree (including both professional practice and research-based doctorate programs)

International student

A student who is not a citizen or national of the United States and who is in this country on a visa or temporary basis for educational purposes. Race/ethnicity data is not reported for international students.

Minnesota State Colleges, two-year

Includes the 30 public two-year community, technical and comprehensive institutions that are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Minnesota State Universities, four-year

Seven public four-year comprehensive institutions that are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

University of Minnesota

Comprises five campuses: Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester.

Private Colleges and Universities

Non-public institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree programs. The majority of institutions are non-profit four-year liberal arts institutions.

Private Career Schools

Non-public institution offering short-term programs. The majority of schools are for-profit institutions offering only career-specific certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These institutions offer programs that can be completed in two years or less.

Private Career Schools – Online Only

Includes two national online-only institutions, Capella University and Walden University that report their nationwide enrollment.