University of Minnesota - Crookston

09/23/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2026 11:21

UMN Crookston Earns Top Statewide and Regional Rankings for 2027

The University of Minnesota Crookston continues to earn national and statewide recognition for its academic programs, campus experience and value, with strong showings in the latest 2027 rankings from the U.S. News & World Report and Niche, a leading educational analysis platform that pairs federal data with student reviews.

U.S. News & World Report ranked UMN Crookston #1 Best Colleges for Veterans in the Regional Colleges Midwest and #2 Top Public Schools - Regional Colleges (Midwest). The university also ranked #26 Regional Colleges (Midwest).

The latest 2027 Niche rankings also highlight UMN Crookston across academics, campus life and value. The university ranked #1 Safest Public College in Minnesota, #1 Best Public College Dorms in Minnesota and #1 Best College Campus in Minnesota, a new ranking for UMN Crookston. The university also ranked #2 Top Public Universities in Minnesota, another new ranking, and #2 Best Value Public College in Minnesota. UMN Crookston ranked #3 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota.

Niche also recognized UMN Crookston's academic strengths across several fields. The university ranked #1 in Minnesota for Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences and #2 for Best Colleges for Business, Accounting and Finance, Communications, Environmental Science and Health Care Management. UMN Crookston also ranked #5 Best Colleges for Academics in Minnesota.

"These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to provide a premier educational experience," said Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause. "Our continued rise in both national and statewide rankings is a testament to our personalized community. From being recognized as the safest public campus in Minnesota to our top-tier academic and veteran programs, we combine the prestige of a world-class University of Minnesota degree with an accessible, high-impact, hands-on environment where learners can thrive."

The rankings complement UMN Crookston's longstanding reputation for combining the resources and recognition of the University of Minnesota with the personal attention of a small campus. Students have access to hands-on learning opportunities, close connections with faculty, career-focused experiences and more than 75 academic programs offered on campus and online.

Niche rankings are based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and other sources, as well as student reviews. U.S. News & World Report rankings use a range of measures to evaluate colleges and universities within their respective categories.

Together, the latest rankings recognize multiple aspects of the UMN Crookston experience, from academics and career preparation to campus life, housing, safety and value.

About UMN Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The best of both worlds. Learn more or apply today at www.umcrookston.edu.

Share this story

University of Minnesota - Crookston published this content on September 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 23, 2026 at 17:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]