CLT Colleges in

Minnesota

Bethel University, founded in 1871 as a seminary, combines evangelical faith with top-tier academics, educating students toward distinctive callings in God's kingdom. It grew to provide undergraduate, graduate, and seminary education, stressing holistic development, through a variety of programs. Visionary leadership broadened the reach of the organization, pioneering online learning and catering to working adults. Bethel is a Christian school that promotes critical thinking and moral integrity through chapel services and a lifestyle Covenant. Its sporting teams, the Royals, play at the NCAA Division III level, complimenting its Christ-centered, academically rich community.

Bethel University, founded in 1871 in Arden Hills, Minnesota, is a private Baptist Christian university affiliated with Converge. Originating as a seminary by Swedish Baptist pastor John Alexis Edgren, it now enrolls around 5,600 students across undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. Bethel offers over 100 majors, pre-professional programs, and fully online degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it emphasizes academic excellence and evangelical faith. Its vibrant campus spans 290 acres near Lake Valentine, featuring modern facilities like Brushaber Commons and Benson Great Hall. The Bethel Royals compete in NCAA Division III within the MIAC, fostering holistic growth rooted in Christ-centered values.

Bethlehem College & Seminary, established in 2009 from The Bethlehem Institute, is dedicated to Christ-centered, Bible-saturated education, equipping students for ministry and leadership. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education since 2015, it offers programs like the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Exegesis & Theology, Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and Associate of Arts (A.A.). In 2021, 48 students graduated, with a 91.6% employment rate and 75% engaged in ministry or further studies. Graduates serve in churches, ministries, and organizations like Target and UPS. High retention and completion rates reflect the institution’s academic rigor and spiritual focus.

Crown institution, founded in 1916 as a modest Bible institution in St. Paul, Minnesota, has spent over a century training students in their faith. It is located 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities and provides on-campus, online, and graduate programs that include a Christian worldview into all classes. With a diverse array of educational formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options, Crown caters to various student needs. It is a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination and focuses a strong theological focus on Jesus. The campus offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities as well as competitive NCAA Division III athletics in 16 sports, creating a vibrant undergraduate experience.

Crown College, a private Evangelical Christian institution in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, was founded in 1916 as The Alliance Training Home and has evolved through several name changes, with its current name established in 1992. The college is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Offering over 40 undergraduate programs and online degrees, it emphasizes a Christian worldview in both academics and student life. Crown's 215-acre campus houses a variety of extracurricular activities, including a professional disc golf course. The athletic teams, known as the Polars, compete in NCAA Division III and have won two UMAC Championships in men's golf. Crown also ranks highly in social mobility and offers financial assistance to nearly all students.

Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary (FLBCS) in Plymouth, Minnesota, is a ministry of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC). Established in 1964, it includes the two-year Free Lutheran Bible College (FLBC) and the four-year Free Lutheran Seminary (FLS). FLBC provides a Bible-centered education, while FLS trains men for pastoral ministry. Accredited by TRACS, FLBCS enrolls around 115 Bible college students and 20 seminary students. The institution upholds historic Lutheran theology, emphasizing Scripture's inerrancy and the authority of local congregations. FLBCS is also a member of the ECFA and ABHE, maintaining strong theological and academic standards.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, rooted in Lasallian Catholic heritage, emphasizes transformative education and service-oriented leadership. The 450-acre Winona campus offers more than 20 programs and cooperation with healthcare institutions such as the Mayo Clinic. Its adult education division spans multiple locations and provides online programs. It began as a men's college and transformed into a co-ed university through smart campus acquisitions and curriculum improvements. However, due to low enrollment, it phased out 11 majors in 2022. Cardinals athletics compete in NCAA Division III sports, establishing a famous crosstown rivalry.

St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college in Minnesota founded in 1874 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The college, named after Norway's King Olaf II, has over 3,000 undergraduate students and 325 acres of natural area. St. Olaf, which was founded to meet the educational needs of Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, has seen historical milestones, including financial crises, epidemics such as scarlet fever and the Spanish flu, and involvement in World War II. The college offers a broad curriculum, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies and individualized majors through its Center for Integrative Studies. It is known for its picturesque campus, is also known for its strong music program and competitive athletic teams that compete in NCAA Division III sports.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) is a private Catholic university with campuses in Winona and Minneapolis. Founded in 1912 by Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron, it became a coeducational institution in 1969 and gained university status in 1995. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Jamaica. The university competes in NCAA Division III as the Cardinals and has a long-standing athletic rivalry with Winona State University.

St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, is a nationally ranked liberal arts institution in Northfield, Minnesota, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It offers a rigorous academic program emphasizing faith, global engagement, and residential learning. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, St. Olaf provides 41 majors and five bachelor of music degrees. The college ranks 50th among national liberal arts colleges (U.S. News 2025) and is noted for its strong Fulbright and Goldwater Scholar record. Its 3,040 students, 95% of whom live on campus, experience a 4-1-4 academic calendar.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a private evangelical Christian university in Roseville, Minnesota, founded in 1902. It offers over 50 undergraduate programs, five master’s degrees, and various certificates. UNW operates Northwestern Media, a chain of Christian radio stations, and has a strong music program with multiple ensembles. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division III athletics. The 107-acre campus sits on Lake Johanna near Minneapolis-St. Paul. Tuition for 2024–25 is $36,980, with 100% of students receiving financial aid. Enrollment includes 3,262 students, with 1,408 traditional undergraduates. The university emphasizes faith-based education and requires adherence to its Declaration of Christian Community.

The University of St. Thomas is a prestigious Catholic college with over 9,000 students spread across St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Rome. It began as a seminary in 1885 and has since evolved into a co-ed institution. Modern facilities on notable campuses include the Anderson Center and Terrence Murphy Hall. It is connected with the ACTC and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across nine departments. The Tommies, recognized for their athletic prowess, won national championships. It obtained Summit League membership for various sports and affiliations in football and hockey leagues after recently moving to NCAA Division I.

The University of St. Thomas (UST), the largest private university in Minnesota, is a Catholic institution with over 9,000 students across its St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Rome campuses. Founded in 1885, it offers 150+ undergraduate majors and 55+ graduate programs. UST is ranked a "Top National University" and "Best Value School" by *U.S. News & World Report* and excels in entrepreneurship through the Schulze School. Rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, it emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recent expansions include the Schoenecker Center and the planned $175 million Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. UST is known for strong academic programs, a global alumni network, and commitment to leadership and innovation.