We are the urban, public, comprehensive university in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area where the faculty, staff and students of Metropolitan State will reflect the area's rich diversity, build a culturally competent and anti-racist learning community, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to civic engagement.
Metropolitan State University provides an excellent, inclusive and engaging education to eliminate opportunity gaps and lead our communities to a prosperous and equitable future. Metropolitan State University is a five-time recipient of the Insight into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, most recently in 2021. Federally recognized as a Minority Serving Institution, we serve more than 10,000 post-traditional learners, two-thirds of whom identify as belonging to communities of color or American Indian nations, are first in their family to attend college, and/or are eligible for Pell Grants. Since we do not operate residential facilities, Metropolitan State University students all commute to class locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Metropolitan State is recognized by CollegeNet as a leading higher education promoter of social mobility for students (Ranked #39 out of 1449 in 2020). We offer programs leading to baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. We provide accessible, high quality liberal arts, professional and graduate education with continued emphasis on marginalized groups, including adult learners. Recognized in 2008 and 2014 by the Carnegie Foundation for Community Engagement and named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the university is committed to academic excellence and community engagement through curriculum, teaching scholarship and services designed to support an urban mission. As a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Metropolitan State University is actively working to achieve the Equity 2030 goal of the system, with a strategic direction to close disparities among student groups that focus on academic programs, policies and procedures, and effective student support.