University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis. Founded in 1851, it is the oldest and largest school in the state. Its urban setting on about 1,200 acres of land allows it to cater to over 39,000 undergraduate and 16,000 postgraduate students. There are 18 colleges that make up the University of Minnesota, along with sister campuses in Crookston, Duluth, and Rochester. The campus also offers three branches of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The graduate programs through the Carlson School of Management, the College of Education and Human Development, and the University of Minnesota Law School are all highly respected. University of Minnesota also offers students the chance to study abroad at one of over 180 programs through the National Student Exchange program.

There are 150 majors for undergraduates. The most popular majors are social sciences; engineering; biological and biomedical sciences; business, management, marketing, and related support services; and psychology. Students are guaranteed the availability of classes they need to graduate through the Four-Year Graduation Plan. If required classes are not available during the time a student needs them, the university will pay for the extra credits. The school also works to make sure that students can participate in research activities during their undergraduate years (instead of having to wait until they’re enrolled in a graduate program); some researchers are even paid for their work. The student to faculty ratio remains at about 16 to 1. However, only 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

There are plenty of opportunities for social engagement outside of the classroom. With over 1,000 student organizations and 46 Greek chapters, students can always find ways to get involved. Many students choose to live on campus which contributes to the social environment. Students can live in traditional residence halls or one of 24 Living and Learning communities (which have themes like Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives or the La Casa De Espanol). Students can also get involved in the publication of The Minnesota Daily, which is entirely student-run.

The sports scene is also prominent at University of Minnesota, where teams compete as the Golden Gophers. They participate in NCAA Division I B1G. Their hockey team plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the NCAA. Students who don’t mind large class sizes and enjoy a social atmosphere may find the University of Minnesota to be a good fit.