The Minnesota Private College Council and its affiliate, the Minnesota Private College Fund, represent private nonprofit higher education in Minnesota. Eighteen institutions are members; they share a liberal arts focus. We refer to our members as Minnesota Private Colleges.
Minnesota Private College Council
While informal coordination among private colleges had been occurring for years, it was in 1948 that 14 institutions came together formally and founded the Minnesota Private College Council. Their intent was simple: to maintain the viability of a healthy private college sector in Minnesota. To that end the Council’s mission is to serve members' shared needs and advocate for public policy that:
- Meets the educational needs of students
- Enhances private higher education
- Strengthens Minnesota's economic and civic fabric
The State Grant program is a primary focus of our advocacy efforts. We also serve our members and the state in other ways, including through research, publications and outreach.
The Council is a 501(c)(4) organization.
Minnesota Private College Fund
Created as a separate organization in 1951 when a group of state business leaders came together to begin a $250,000 fundraising drive for private colleges, the Minnesota Private College Fund serves member colleges primarily by raising funds for student scholarships and the colleges’ operations. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
How we operate
The Minnesota Private College Council and the Minnesota Private College Fund are separate legal organizations that operate with a common president, staff and board of directors. The boards consist of the presidents of our 18 member colleges and universities, plus business and community leaders and the president of the Council and Fund. The organizations work in unison for the benefit of their members. The name "Minnesota Private Colleges" is often used in marketing pieces.
By state statute the president of the organizations represents our member institutions on the Higher Education Facilities Authority and by practice on several other statewide and national organizations, including the Minnesota P-20 Partnership and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
About our colleges
Find details and facts, key website links and how to submit jobs and internships.
Community Initiative
Discover how we strengthen the connections between communities of color and our colleges.
Transfer Initiative
Learn about our efforts to improve the transfer experience of Minnesota community college students.