The power of people and place
Our state and landscape are unique. Here, people, expertise, environment and opportunity come together to create something special. The opportunity: harness these qualities to advance a place where everyone can learn, discover and thrive. Much of what happens here can only happen here, and we must seize the opportunities that make us truly extraordinary.
Environment
Minnesota is home to the most precious resource of freshwater ecosystems. Our landscape includes more than 150 miles of coastline of the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, the convergence of four major North American biomes, the mineral rich Iron Range and the headwaters of one of the world's greatest rivers. The University of Minnesota mirrors this strength through our sustainability leadership. We are ranked the #1 university in the U.S. for clean water, #1 for health and well-being and #3 for climate action.
Broad economic opportunities
Minnesota’s diverse economic benefits are the foundation of a headquarters economy —
17 Fortune 500 companies, and many others recognized around the world for excellence, innovation and leadership. Minnesota boasts nation- and world-leading healthcare, medical technology and manufacturing. Minnesota also has a unique blend of traditional industries like agriculture and mining, alongside emerging sectors like semiconductor technology and biotechnology. The University of Minnesota is proud to fuel this economy; we have ranked among the top four universities in startup creation for four consecutive years.
A resilient and evolving health and healthcare ecosystem
Your doctor, dentist, pharmacist — there’s a 7-in-10 chance that they and other healthcare professionals were educated at the University of Minnesota. The University is Minnesota’s healthcare leader, playing a vital role in the state’s well-earned reputation for high-quality patient care, medical education innovation and world-class research discovery. With a legacy of both prevention as well as leading-edge clinical and scientific research and innovation, the University of Minnesota continues to translate groundbreaking discoveries into practice, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advancements in medical science, and communities are healthier.
A deep agricultural foundation
As a land-grant public university, agricultural innovation and outreach have been part of the University of Minnesota since its founding. Today, we are moving agriculture into the future in order to help feed the world while protecting our environment. Our work lifts up farmers and boosts prosperity all across Minnesota, from cutting-edge work in precision agriculture, to the care and health of food-animals, to our work in Extension and Research and Outreach Centers, which puts University research directly into the hands of Minnesota agricultural professionals.
A vibrant arts and theater culture
Minnesota has a unique and vibrant arts and culture sector with over 70 percent of Minnesotans engaging with the arts. Many do so through the University of Minnesota’s robust performing arts spaces and museum offerings. Meanwhile, the state’s arts and cultural industries employ more than 90,000 workers who contribute nearly $15 billion to Minnesota's GDP annually. Arts and culture matter to Minnesotans.
A diverse and welcoming community
We value having a diversity of views and experiences that enrich campus life and the academic experience, and welcome students from every county of the state, and from across the nation and world. Our rich academic programs, multitude of student organizations, and immersive learning experiences allows people from all backgrounds to contribute their meaningful and unique perspectives, creating an enriched community experience and a sense of belonging for us all.
A rich legacy of athletic tradition
Minnesota has many beloved sports traditions, from its pride of place as the “State of Hockey” to its professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer teams. The University of Minnesota boasts numerous athletic teams across campuses and NCAA divisions, as well as a legacy of Gophers and Bulldogs competing in the Olympic games. University athletics are woven into the social fabric and daily lives of students, alumni and residents, providing economic benefit and vitality to our campuses and to the state of Minnesota.
Strong Tribal partnerships
Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized Tribal nations, each with a sovereign government. Our deep commitment to build trust with these nations results in mutually beneficial partnerships built on research, policies and practices that respect Tribal sovereignty, languages and traditions. The University of Minnesota’s ongoing partnerships with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Tribal leaders and community members have resulted in many successful accomplishments, including the Native American Promise Tuition Program, a new home for the American Indian Studies department and a new PhD program in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. These actions acknowledge the past and position us to continue to strengthen our relationships with Tribal Nations and Native people.
Collaboration across Minnesota communities
For many years, the University of Minnesota has partnered with individuals, organizations, businesses and communities to address healthcare workforce shortages; make new discoveries in the treatment of humans and animals; improve agricultural practices; and make discoveries that lead to new businesses, jobs and economic growth across urban and rural Minnesota. And that hard work has been recognized — we’re the only higher education system in the nation to achieve the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification across all campuses.
Profound civic engagement
Minnesota is recognized as a leader in civic health, often ranking at or near the top of national indices measuring civic engagement. The University of Minnesota has long prided itself as a place where all voices and perspectives are welcome and can contribute to the teaching, learning and research community.