About Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University is a four-year public school located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Metro State was founded in 1971 as a college for working adults and is a member of the Minnesota State higher education system. The school maintains transfer and articulation agreements with Minnesota State colleges and universities.
The university provides accessible and high-quality education to all, with a special emphasis on underserved communities such as adult learners and minority populations. Programs are designed to allow students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their personal and professional goals. The school’s curriculum, teaching, scholarship, and services are meant to support an urban mission.
Metropolitan State University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Many programs can be completed entirely online. Courses with Metro State Online feature the same high-quality faculty as on-campus classes.
Academic divisions at Metro State include:
- College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
- College of Individualized Studies
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Management
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- College of Sciences
- School of Urban Education
Accreditation & Licensing
Metropolitan State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 7,282 ; Graduate: 903Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 45% ; Graduate: 32%Graduation Rate:
44%Transfer Rate:
36%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$64,705Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$17,100Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
64%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,190Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Metropolitan State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Filters
Metropolitan State University gives working adults a practical way to finish a degree. Evening and weekend classes help students keep moving without a full daytime schedule. Transfer credits are a key part of that path, especially for students who want to build on past coursework instead of starting over.
Cost is another strength for students focused on finishing. Metro State is often seen as a budget-friendly choice, including for transfer students with an associate degree and for those paying out of pocket.
Students can stay on track with a clear plan for class times and credits. That planning matters most when classes are split across locations and travel time is tight on evening or weekend schedules.
At Metropolitan State University, support is part of daily student life. Advisors and counselors help students find the right resources, including tutoring when needed. The application and registration process is usually clear and simple, so students can start each term without extra delays.
Staff and faculty are often approachable and fair, and many students get helpful guidance. At the same time, the experience can differ by office or instructor. Some classes have slower grading, and teaching style can vary from highly involved to more hands-off. Even with that range, students can find strong support and practical help as they move through their programs.
Metro State offers flexible class schedules. Evening and weekend classes are common. A hybrid curriculum can fit work and family routines. This structure helps adults keep a steady pace.
Online study here often mixes with in-person attendance. Classes may run across three campuses and some community-college locations. That setup can widen course access. It can also add travel time each week. Transit timing matters most for evening and weekend classes.
Classes at Metropolitan State University can vary by course and instructor. Many professors bring strong knowledge and teach with care. Smaller classes and solid course material are a real plus. The pace can be demanding, which helps students build skills and stay engaged.
Coursework often connects to real jobs and daily practice. In nutrition, for example, students may work on IV and tube-feeding plans. That kind of training gives clear, hands-on preparation for work after graduation.
Some sections move faster than others, and grading times can differ. Even so, Metro State’s class scheduling helps many working adults keep moving. Students can balance school with jobs and family responsibilities.
Metropolitan State University is a strong fit for working adults and transfer students. Flexible scheduling is a key strength. Evening, weekend, and hybrid classes help students stay in school while managing work and family life.
Cost and time to finish are practical strengths here. Many students see Metro State as budget friendly. Transfer credits and flexible pacing can reduce total time and lower overall cost.
Student support is part of day-to-day life. Advising and tutoring help many students keep moving. Class and office experiences can vary. Many professors are engaged and helpful, while some courses may feel less organized and grading may take longer.
Metropolitan State University is a strong fit for working adults and transfer students. Flexible scheduling is a key strength. Evening, weekend, and hybrid classes help students stay in school while managing work and family life.
Cost and time to finish are practical strengths here. Many students see Metro State as budget friendly. Transfer credits and flexible pacing can reduce total time and lower overall cost.
Student support is part of day-to-day life. Advising and tutoring help many students keep moving. Class and office experiences can vary. Many professors are engaged and helpful, while some courses may feel less organized and grading may take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metropolitan State University
Is Metropolitan State University accredited?
Yes. Metropolitan State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Metropolitan State University offer?
Metropolitan State University offers 20 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Metropolitan State University offer?
Metropolitan State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Metropolitan State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Metropolitan State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Metropolitan State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Metropolitan State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Metropolitan State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Metropolitan State University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Is Metropolitan State University military friendly?
Metropolitan State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Metropolitan State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Metropolitan State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Essay/Writing Sample, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Metropolitan State University accept life experience credit?
Metropolitan State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Metropolitan State University programs fully online or mixed?
Metropolitan State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Metropolitan State University offer?
Metropolitan State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Art & Liberal Arts, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Metropolitan State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Are any admission tests required for Metropolitan State University programs?
Some listed programs include GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Metropolitan State University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Metropolitan State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Metropolitan State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Metropolitan State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Metropolitan State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Metropolitan State University is featured in 14 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Metropolitan State University is located in Minnesota
Minnesota at a Glance:

Top Majors in Minnesota:
Top Incentives in Minnesota:
- Minnesota State Grant: Up to $12,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Minnesota:
- Entry Level: Healthcare Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHIMS















