Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, United States • Founded 1971 • World Rank #4428
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1971, the Metropolitan State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Saint Paul (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Metropolitan State University is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Metropolitan State University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 53-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Metropolitan State University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find Metropolitan State University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
Metropolitan State University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
Metropolitan State University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 6 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Management
- College of Professional Studies
- First College
- School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
- School of Nursing
Programs Offered
Search the Metropolitan State University programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
87 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 47 programmes
Showing 10 of 47.
Master's Degree 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Certificate 10 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes
How to apply to Metropolitan State University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Metropolitan State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Metropolitan State University offers 87 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Metropolitan State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Metropolitan State University's online portal at www.metrostate.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (651) 793 1300. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metropolitan State University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Metropolitan State University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Metropolitan State University?
The institution opened in 1971 (approximately 55 years ago).
In which city is Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University is based in Saint Paul, United States.
What is Metropolitan State University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University has approximately 6,000-6,999 students.
Where does Metropolitan State University stand in university rankings?
Metropolitan State University is ranked #4428 globally and #473 in United States.
How is Metropolitan State University organised academically?
Metropolitan State University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Metropolitan State University?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Metropolitan State University?
Metropolitan State University's official website is www.metrostate.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Selectivity at the top the United States universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Metropolitan State University. The selectivity gap between Metropolitan State University and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
Member-only fellowships through American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) are open to students at Metropolitan State University and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at nearby universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Metropolitan State University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Universities in the United States with strong Liberal Arts provision give natural alternatives to Metropolitan State University. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.
Universities Compared with Metropolitan State University
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Metropolitan State University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
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