Admit rate has ranged 57%–77% over the last 5 years — notably volatile, though the latest figure above (80%) falls outside that window. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a sprawling public research powerhouse where Big Ten spirit meets urban energy. With a surprisingly accessible 75-80% acceptance rate for in-state students, it delivers strong outcomes (83% graduation rate) and a median early-career salary of $56,900—all while offering 150+ majors and a campus life deeply integrated with Minneapolis' cultural scene.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Grade point average
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
31,855
In-state tuition
$17,214
Out-of-state tuition
$38,362
Graduation Rate
83%
Notable Employers
Mayo Clinic, 3M, Target, Cargill
Median Early Salary
$56,900
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,020
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.1×
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Graduation rate
85%
First-year retention
91%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
75%
Pell (lower-income) share
18%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
19%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Construction Management$75,204
Computer Systems Analysis$73,446
Computer Science$72,286
Computer Engineering$72,022
Chemical Engineering$70,176
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection$69,338
Applicants here also applied to
The schools that most often appear alongside Minnesota on applicants’ lists, from our self-reported outcomes corpus.
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
85
Summer high
83°F
Winter low
8°F
Annual rain
36.6"
Annual snow
43.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's acceptance rate is approximately 80% (Minneapolis, MN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Admitted students at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities typically score 1300–1500 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Minnesota-Twin Cities cost?
At University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the average net price (after aid) is about $16,778 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities enrolls approximately 31,855 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities located?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, MN.
Admissions
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 75-80% for in-state applicants (slightly higher for out-of-state and international students). through Fall 2027, admitted freshmen typically boast strong academic profiles:
GPA: 3.95 average for Fall 2025 admits ([Source 7](https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academic-profile-fall-2025-admitted-freshman-applicants-college))
Admissions emphasizes , with the noting consideration of academic rigor, essays, and extracurriculars alongside test scores (when submitted). Notably, 84% of admitted OOS students and 82% of international applicants enroll, reflecting the university's broad appeal ([Source 12](https://www.reddit.com/r/uofmn/comments/1rux1fm/university_of_minnesota_twin_cities_acceptance/)).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$68,943
Mechanical Engineering$68,047
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Co-application frequency from self-reported results — directional peer discovery, not a recommendation.
Academics
UMN-Twin Cities shines as a comprehensive research university with particular strengths in engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts. Key academic differentiators:
150+ majors and 150 minors ([Source 14](https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/hs-counselor-guidebook/majors)), including standout programs like Chemical Engineering (frequently cited as a top program by students) ([Source 17](https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-majors-at-the-University-of-Minnesota-and-why))
17:1 student-faculty ratio, with 36.3% of classes under 20 students ([Source 15](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities-3969/academics))
Land-grant roots evident in extensive undergraduate research opportunities and professional programs tied to regional industries
The academic culture balances Big Ten school spirit with serious research chops—students describe a "work hard, play hard" atmosphere where collaboration trumps cutthroat competition.
Life at UMN-Twin Cities blends Big Ten traditions with urban exploration. The campus straddles the Mississippi River, creating distinct neighborhood vibes:
Dinkytown: The de facto student quarter near campus, packed with coffee shops, music venues, and the iconic "Al's Breakfast" diner
500+ student organizations, from Quidditch teams to a thriving a cappella scene ([Source 19](https://twin-cities.umn.edu/student-life))
Vibrant Greek life (20% participation) and Division I athletics (especially hockey and football) anchor social calendars
Students praise the seamless integration with Minneapolis-St. Paul, with light rail access to museums, internships, and the Twin Cities' renowned music and theater scenes. As one Redditor notes: "The campus is sort of integrated into the city... the student social life is vibrant even off-campus" ([Source 21](https://www.reddit.com/r/uofmn/comments/13u985e/whats_the_u_of_mtwin_cities_like/)).
$56,900 median early-career salary ([Source 25](https://idr.umn.edu/reports-by-topic-student-outcomes/undergraduate-outcomes-by-major-program))
Notable alumni networks in healthcare (Mayo Clinic connections), engineering (3M, Medtronic), and agribusiness (Cargill)
The university's land-grant mission shows in employment data: 60% of graduates stay in Minnesota, fueling the state's workforce. Long-term earnings data is particularly compelling—alumni with 15+ years of experience see median wages of $70,438 (2024 dollars) ([Source 26](https://idr.umn.edu/policy-and-research/briefs/a-degree-with-staying-power)).
UMN-Twin Cities offers solid value for a flagship university, especially for Minnesota residents:
Average net price: $16,449-$17,139/year after aid ([Sources 34](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities-3969/paying), [35](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/tuition-and-costs))
46% of students receive financial aid, with average packages of $19,285 ([Source 35](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/tuition-and-costs))
Merit scholarships available for high-achieving OOS students (3.9+ GPA range typically qualifies) ([Source 32](https://www.shoppingsheet.com/Shopping/School/174066))
While not the cheapest state school, its strong outcomes-to-cost ratio makes it a pragmatic choice for Midwestern families.
UMN-Twin Cities defies easy categorization—it's a research heavyweight that doesn't take itself too seriously, an urban campus with Big Ten traditions, and a selective-but-accessible flagship. Three defining features: 1. The Minneapolis advantage: Students gain all the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city (19 Fortune 500 HQs) without sacrificing classic college vibes in Dinkytown 2. Unexpected academic breadth: From top-ranked chemical engineering to one of the nation's only mortuary science programs, it offers niches most publics can't match 3. The "Minnesota nice" factor: A collaborative, unpretentious culture where undergrads can score research gigs with Nobel laureates—then bond over -30°F hockey games
As one Quora user put it: "You get Big Ten sports, serious academics, and a real city—all without the cutthroat vibe of some coastal schools." ([Source 24](https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-attend-University-of-Minnesota-Twin-Cities-How-is-it-living-in-the-Twin-Cities-Is-the-cold-a-big-issue-How-are-the-people))
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities logo · sourceUniversity of Minnesota Twin Cities · sourceThings You Should Know About The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities · sourceThe Future of Campus • Minnesota Alumni · source
