University of Minnesota-Morris

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) stands as a testament to transformative education and enduring historical commitment. More than just a regional campus, UMN Morris carries a profound legacy rooted in its origins as the Morris Industrial School for Indians, established in 1887. This unique history is honored today through a remarkable policy: American Indian students are always admitted free of tuition, a pledge dating back to the campus's transfer to the state of Minnesota. This commitment to accessibility and historical recognition makes UMN Morris a truly distinctive place for learning.

Following its early years as an Indian boarding school, the campus underwent a significant evolution. In 1910, it became the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA), a vibrant coeducational residential high school providing vital agricultural and home economics education to rural youth for half a century. Many of the picturesque campus buildings, designed in the classic American Craftsman style by state architect Clarence H. Johnston Sr., hail from this era and are beautifully preserved, forming a significant historic district recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The campus entered its modern era in 1960, transitioning into the four-year University of Minnesota Morris. While phasing out its final high school classes, UMN Morris embraced its new identity, offering a comprehensive college experience within the broader University of Minnesota system. Prospective students and families will find a campus rich with stories, where historical architecture meets contemporary education, all while upholding a powerful commitment to its past.