Why choose us?

Here are 12 good reasons to consider one of our colleges or universities:

1. Huge variety with 17 options
   Consider the range of degree programs — in traditional disciplines or fields such as Cinema and Media Studies, Sales or Reconciliation Studies. Choose urban or rural locations, single-sex or coeducational, church-affiliated or non-denominational, small or medium-sized campuses (undergraduate enrollment ranges from 615 to 6,164 students). See college profiles.
   
2. Benefits of a liberal arts education
   Broad exposure to many fields and disciplines prepares students for work in a variety of jobs and gives them an understanding of how things are connected. See what is a liberal arts education?
   
3. Focus on teaching
   Students find that the focus is on teaching and personal attention, with one professor for every 12 students. Most classes have fewer than 20 students.
   
4. Values
   Our colleges help students clarify their values and experience personal growth. See the value of values.
   
5. Community
   Students experience a sense of community and find many opportunities to get involved.
   
6. Satisfied alumni
   Private college alumni deeply value and appreciate their college educations. In findings from Comparing results 2004: Alumni perspectives on college PDF (171 KB), 78 percent said their private college professors challenged them and personally helped them meet the challenge compared to 39 percent of regional public college alumni. Another study found that 2002 graduates were extremely satisfied with the education they received and feel that it was worth the price they paid.
   
7. Affordability
   Listed prices do not necessarily represent what students and families pay. 94 percent of students receive either merit or need-based financial aid; 88 percent receive grants and scholarships that do not have to be paid back. See affording a Minnesota Private College education.
   
8. Vibrant and diverse
   Students come from many ethnic backgrounds and represent all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They report family incomes in every bracket and arrive on our campuses with wide-ranging life experiences.
   
9. More than academics
   Students gain life experiences and workforce preparation through off-campus study, faculty-directed research and internships. 89 percent of MPCC graduates participate in an interactive educational experience. See beyond the classroom.
   
10. Best four-year graduation rates in Minnesota
    65 percent of our bachelor’s degree seeking students graduate within four years and 74 percent graduate within six years. See all the facts.
    
11. Graduate school opportunities
    One-fifth of our alumni pursue graduate-level education immediately upon earning their bachelor's degrees.
    
12. Great employment prospects
    Three out of four private college and university graduates go immediately into full-time employment, many for leading Minnesota companies. Contact career services offices for more information.

• At a Glance  (824 KB) — a students introduction to our colleges