Decoding Public Colleges in Minnesota

Always liked the idea of living in Minnesota, studying there would just be a cherry on top. Doing some research, but just wanted to ask around, what are the public colleges like over there? What's the vibe, living cost, course offerings, you know, the whole nine yards?

Sure, Minnesota is quite unique and offers a great blend of vibrant city living and beautiful outdoor spaces. Two major public universities that come to mind are the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Minnesota State University in Mankato.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is located in the heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, offering a bustling city vibe mixed with a large campus feel. There are many different courses available across a wide range of disciplines – from business and engineering to liberal arts and health sciences. The university is known for research opportunities, diverse student body, and lively sports culture because of their Big Ten membership.

On the other hand, Minnesota State University in Mankato has more of a traditional campus setting, located in a slightly smaller city. This university offers over 130 undergraduate programs across six colleges; College of Allied Health and Nursing, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Education, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and College of Business.

Living costs can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle choices. Generally, Minneapolis is more expensive than Mankato due to it being a larger city. As an estimate, living expenses (including housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses) might range from $10,000 - $15,000 per academic year.

Both universities have a diverse student body and numerous campus activities to get involved with, which help to create a vibrant community feeling. You will also find that Minnesotans are typically very friendly and welcoming—the state is known for its "Minnesota Nice" after all.