Twin Cities Higher Education
Minnesota consistently ranks high in the nation for the number of adults that hold a bachelor's degree or higher education - many believe this educational foundation contributes to the strength and diversity of the local economy.
There are plentiful opportunities for higher education and job training programs whether you are a recent high school grad, a single parent wishing to continue your education, or just someone wanting to embark on a new career. The Twin Cities metro area alone has twelve traditional four-year colleges, ten community colleges, nine technical institutes, and many technical or trade schools. Attending school within the Twin Cities area affords you the benefit of local employment and internship possibilities as well as volunteer programs, cultural events, and networking opportunities.
A discussion of higher education within the Twin Cities would be amiss without the mention of the University of Minnesota. It is one of the nation's largest universities and Minnesota's only research university. More than 60,000 students attend "The U" at one of its four campuses where they can choose from over 370 fields of study. The university also has a large collaborative center in Rochester as well as extension offices and research centers throughout the state.
The University of Minnesota is considered one of the top three public research facilities in the country and devotes vast funds toward research and development. In fact, the University conducts 98% of all sponsored academic research in Minnesota. The University is also a leader in receiving patents; these patents and related research have helped establish more than 24 start-up companies.
Notable accomplishments and innovations such as the heart pacemaker, heart-lung machine, and many transplant firsts have originated at the university's medical school and hospital. Perhaps a lesser known accomplishment is that the University of Minnesota is one of the nation's leaders in renewable energy research. More than $19 million has been awarded for over 110 renewable energy projects that focus on matters such as bio-energy, solar technologies, wind energy, and the conversion of livestock waste to energy and products.
While there are many other facilities offering training and education in the Twin Cities area, there are a few worth mention for their distinct attributes. The College of St Catherine is the largest Catholic college for women in the US. Metropolitan State University has campuses in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul as well as numerous sites in the surrounding metro area; this school caters to working adults as it offers day, evening, and weekend courses. The University of St Thomas is the state's largest independent college with over 11,000 students.
For job training specialties, the internationally-acclaimed Aveda Institute offers training is cosmetology, esthiology, or massage. Lovers of cooking will enjoy the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts; this college was the first program of its kind in the US and has spawned numerous chef training schools across the nation. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers degrees in various creative and artistic venues.
As you can see, the Twin Cities market has educational programs and facilities to fit just about every personality and career field.