U of M Crookston ranked #1 Best Value College in Minnesota for 2025
March 4, 2025
The University of Minnesota Crookston was ranked the #1 Best Value College in Minnesota by both Niche and SmartAsset for 2025 following studies identifying schools based on tuition and net price, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention and graduation rates, and starting salary for new graduates. U of M Crookston’s Best Value ranking with SmartAsset also rose above North Dakota colleges and universities derived from their college education value index among other categories.
“We’re very pleased to share the news of this #1 ranking as more and more students are choosing the University of Minnesota Crookston,” said Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause. “In comparing other colleges and universities, our value shines through as well as the fact we have the best of both worlds – a small supportive campus and the big University of Minnesota degree.”
U of M Crookston’s affordable tuition and available scholarships and grants help address nationwide concerns regarding the cost of a college degree. Cost is not the only criteria that goes into its value, however. Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that, on average, those ages 25 and older who hold a bachelor’s degree continue earning more each year than their counterparts who only have a high school diploma, making a college degree a continued sound investment. A recent study by Association of American Universities polling Minnesota residents showed respondents found more value in a University of Minnesota degree than a college degree from any college or university in the U.S., plus the majority felt a U of M degree was worth the cost.
As of Fall 2024, U of M Crookston had 1,729 degree-seeking students enrolled. Of these, 675 (39%) were on-campus and 1,054 (61%) were online. For on-campus students, 20% were Pell grant eligible, which is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and designed to assist students from low-income households. Furthermore, 43% were first generation students and 42% were student-athletes competing in U of M Crookston's 12 NCAA Division II athletics teams and two (2) club sports. For online students, 67% were from Minnesota and 56% were first generation. Additionally, U of M Crookston served 883 non-degree students with the majority participating in either the State of Minnesota's Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program or the College in the High School (CIHS) program, both of which provide high school age students an economical way to earn college credits.
“The value of Crookston’s small campus and the one-on-one relationships you build with faculty, staff, and students while you’re here made it possible for me to enhance my personal and professional skills,” said U of M Crookston alumna Monica Kustritz, who now works for the University as the assistant director of engagement and transition programs for Student Affairs. “As a young professional, I’m now building my career on campus, getting involved with the community, and having fun making friends wherever I go.”
