There are over 4,700 degree-granting institutions in the U.S., and the University of Minnesota is proud to be one of the best!
“I chose the University of Minnesota because it is safe and prestigious in the United States, and I am so glad that I made this choice!”
Xiaojun, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, China
Top-Ranked Research Institution
The University of Minnesota is a R1 Doctoral University in the U.S. — indicating the highest level of research activity. Ranked #10 among U.S. public research institutions according to Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, we are #14 in research among all U.S. public universities, with more than $1 billion in spending. The UMN has also been honored as one of the top institutions in the world for technology transfer.
A History of Discoveries
University researchers have been responsible for some of the world’s most innovative and life-changing discoveries such as the first successful open-heart surgery; the invention of the “black box” flight recorder and the cardiac pacemaker; and the invention of GORE-TEX®
Distinguished Alumni and Faculty
Our faculty and alumni have achieved prominent positions on the world stage and received some of the most prestigious awards. Distinguished alumni and faculty include 26 Nobel Laureates (including Peace Prize), two U.S. vice presidents, Pulitzer Prize awardees, Rhodes Scholars, and former Prime Ministers of Iceland, Tunisia, and the U.K.
The University of Minnesota is one of the only Big Ten universities located in a major metropolitan area. At a Big Ten school, you are able to experience a traditional U.S. university full of school spirit. And at the University of Minnesota, you can combine that with all that a big city has to offer!
“This was a perfect mix of being surrounded by major league teams, close to the center of Minneapolis...if someone’s interested in a semester abroad, I would recommend going to Minnesota. It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’m glad that I can say I did it this way instead of doing the California mainstream thing.”
Elio, Basel University, Switzerland
Traditional U.S. Campus
Picture yourself cheering for the Golden Gophers football team alongside thousands of other students, having the quintessential American college experience!
Students benefit from a helpful public safety department, available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; modern on-campus housing; and an active student center on campus with a bank, restaurants, bookstore, and even a bowling alley! Perhaps best of all, you’ll get to experience our world famous marching band of 300+ members, and our award-winning mascot, Goldy Gopher (voted BEST mascot in the country!).
Big City, But Not TOO Big
The University of Minnesota is located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota (pop. 3.7 million residents). The Twin Cities are home to 15 Fortune 500 companies. There is world-class shopping at the Mall of America and we are proud of our vibrant arts community, with top-ranked museums, theaters, and the nation's first-ever sculpture garden. Our central location also provides for easy access to other great U.S. cities, such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Getting to and from campus and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport is an easy 30 minute ride on the light rail train.
Sports Fans!
Not only are the Twin Cities home to SIX professional sports teams including American football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer, we are also ranked the #1 Healthiest City in America by Forbes. There are year-round opportunities to be active outdoors sailing, canoeing, rowing, hiking, running, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, skating, hockey, and biking (Ranked #1 Bicycling City by Bicycling Magazine!).
Minnesota: A Friendly State
“Minnesota Nice” is a term used to describe the people of Minnesota. We have a reputation in the U.S. for being one of the friendliest states, and students tend to notice this right away! We’re also very proud of our diverse mix of cultures ranging from the original Native American groups, to early European settlers (many from Scandinavia), to more recent immigrants from Asia and Africa.
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Our state's name comes from the Dakota Sioux Indian word for "sky-tinted water." Minnesota is home to more than 10,000 lakes (11,842 to be exact!), hundreds of parks, miles of hiking trails, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Minnesota also borders Lake Superior, one of the country’s “Great Lakes.”
Established in 1851, the University of Minnesota has a history of welcoming international students dating back to 1874. Today there are more than 54,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including 5,100 international students. And the GO Minnesota staff are committed to connecting YOU to all that UMN has to offer!
“It was important that I feel comfortable at the University. I knew that someone would take care of me in the U.S. [and] I wanted to make sure that the University offered a wide variety of courses. This was definitely given at the University of Minnesota...Studying abroad is a great experience! Do it! Minneapolis is an amazing place for it.”
Laura, IEC, Germany
Classes and Professors
You will be fully integrated into classes alongside University of Minnesota students and faculty. With over 3,900 faculty and a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, there is something for everyone. Our most important job is to make sure you succeed. Therefore, the GO Minnesota staff offer academic advising, comprehensive orientation, regular check-ins throughout the semester, and we connect you to the full range of academic support resources on campus.
Housing
You can live on campus, giving you many opportunities to meet other U.S. students and get involved in campus activities. Options for on-campus housing include dormitories or shared apartments. Dining options include university meal plans or self-catering in apartments, plus a wide variety of restaurants and cafes near campus. Off-campus housing is also available.
On-Campus Student Activities
There are a wide range of on-campus activities such as student groups (over 900 of them!), athletics, campus celebrations, fitness classes, on-campus employment opportunities, and more!
Off-Campus Excursions
While our first priority is to make sure you feel integrated and welcomed into the larger UMN community, we also want you to know that you are a valuable part of the smaller GO Minnesota family! Therefore, we organize free excursions for our visiting students throughout the year. Past excursions have included tickets to a professional sports game, a performance at the famous Guthrie Theater, a group trip to Lake Superior — one of America’s “Great Lakes” — canoeing in the Chain of Lakes, and ice skating in St. Paul!