University of Minnesota-Crookston

Crookston, MN

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Quick Facts

1,650

Total Students

$13K

Tuition (In-State)

$13K

Tuition (Out-State)

$11K

Avg Net Price

58%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Graduation Rate

6-year

77%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Minnesota-Crookston

Pioneering 'Laptop U' since 1993, blending agricultural heritage with innovative learning.

The University of Minnesota Crookston stands out for its unique blend of historical roots and forward-thinking educational approach. What began in 1895 as an experimental research farm, and later a regional agricultural high school, has transformed into a comprehensive baccalaureate-degree granting institution within the esteemed University of Minnesota system. This rich history means UMN Crookston offers a distinctive environment rooted in practical learning, particularly strong in areas like agriculture and business.

Prospective students will find UMN Crookston known for its innovative spirit, particularly highlighted by its pioneering 'Laptop U' initiative launched in 1993. This program, which provided laptops to all students and faculty, was one of the first of its kind in the United States and became a model for over 100 other institutions. This commitment to integrating technology directly into the learning experience underscores the university's dedication to preparing students for a modern world.

Today, UMN Crookston provides a diverse range of degree options, building on its foundational strengths in agriculture and business while expanding into areas like home and family services, and hospitality management. The campus culture, evolving from its origins to accommodate farm students, maintains a focus on hands-on, applied learning. Students benefit from an institution that values innovation, practical skills, and a supportive educational environment, all while being a proud coordinate campus of the larger University of Minnesota.

Key Highlights

✦Pioneered the 'Laptop U' initiative in 1993, becoming one of the first universities in the U.S. to provide laptops to all students and faculty.
✦Over 100 colleges and universities from across North America visited UMN Crookston to study its innovative 'Laptop U' model.
✦Began as the Northwest Experiment Station in 1895, focused on agricultural research.
✦Evolved from a regional agricultural high school (Northwest School of Agriculture, 1906) to a baccalaureate-degree granting institution (1993).
✦Initially opened as a two-year institution, the University of Minnesota Technical Institute, in 1966 with 187 students.
✦By 1977, the University of Minnesota Technical College served nearly 1,000 students across various degree options.
✦Offers strong academic programs in agriculture, business, and hospitality, reflecting its historical and innovative strengths.

Timeline

1895

Minnesota legislature appropriated funds to construct experimental research farms at Crookston, establishing the Northwest Experiment Station.

1905

Minnesota legislature appropriated funds to establish the "Northwest School of Agriculture" (NWSA).

1906

The Northwest School of Agriculture officially opened.

1966

The "University of Minnesota Technical Institute," a two-year degree granting institution, opened its doors to its first class of 187 students.

1968

The campus name changed from University of Minnesota Technical Institute to "University of Minnesota Technical College," becoming an official coordinate campus.

1988

The name was changed to the University of Minnesota Crookston.

1993

Became a baccalaureate degree-granting institution and launched its groundbreaking "Laptop U" initiative.

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