The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a private urban college covering five acres of downtown Minneapolis, located a block away from Washburn Fair Oakes Park and next to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. MCAD's stated mission is to provide "a combination of theoretical learning, applied learning, and professional skills development." MCAD has an enrollment of 655 and a split of 43 percent male to 57 female students. MCAD accepts more than 60 percent of those who apply; more than 70 percent of students graduate, and over 70 percent of them work in areas related to their studies. The MCAD student-to-teacher ratio is 12 to 1, including popular courses like commercial and advertising art, design and visual communications and film, video and photographic arts. Nearly half of the students live on campus or in college-owned or run lodgings. Student services include careers advice, non-remedial tutoring and campus security services. As of 2011, nearly 80 percent of students receive financial aid, and they are required to own or lease a computer.
North Central University is a private urban college in Minneapolis covering nine acres next to Elliot Park and three blocks from the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Most of the 1,244 students, 43 percent males and 57 percent females, choose to live on campus. North Central University describes itself as a "Christ-centered Pentecostal school" with a commitment to high academic standards. The school offers 34 bachelor degree programs, including business administration, education and communications. Applications with the required $25 fee must be received by June 1 and ACT and SAT results by July 31. The student-to-teacher ratio is 19 to 1, the acceptance rate for applications is 99 percent and 90 percent of students receive financial aid. Students are required to conduct themselves in accordance with "biblical & NCU community life standards."
Walden University is a private on-line college, offering distance learning, located on the outskirts of the Minneapolis urban area, with a total enrollment of 5,597 students. Walden describes itself as "a university for working professionals," offering adult learners and mid-career professional students bachelor's, doctoral and master's degree courses in subjects such as education, business administration, computer information systems, nursing, communications, engineering and IT and health and human services. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It is also a member of the North Central Association, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Augsburg College is a private urban college set on 24 acres of downtown Minneapolis, located across the road from the Lindell Library. Augsburg enrolls more than 4,000 students from various cultural and religious backgrounds, including many with physical or learning disabilities. Undergraduate degree courses are offered in more than 50 subjects; seven graduate courses include a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Liberal arts and science undergraduate courses for working professionals are offered in weekend and evening classes.