The institution was founded in 1971 as Minnesota Metropolitan State College with a mission to educate non-traditional students from the Twin Cities metropolitan area whose needs were not served by other existing institutions like the University of Minnesota.[6]David E. Sweet was appointed the university's first president[7] and the school, with offices above a drug store in downtown St. Paul, admitted the first class of 50 students in 1972. The university did not have a campus and offered classes in rented space throughout the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) metropolitan area. When Metropolitan State began, it was a college for working adults. It was strictly an upper-division college where students could only complete their junior and senior years of academic study.[8] The university initially followed a non-traditional course: it offered competence-based learning whereby students were recognized for learning gained outside the classroom—including prior learning through experience. Letter grades were available, but they were always optional. Students designed their own degree plans.
During the 1980s, enrollment grew from around 1,000 students to over 2,500 students. The university expanded its programs to 30 baccalaureate programs as the state increased funding for the institution.[8]
The university began admitting freshmen and sophomores and adopted general education requirements and a grading policy with grade point averages in 1994. In 1992, the main campus of the university moved to a permanent campus that is located in the Dayton's Bluff section of east Saint Paul.[8] The university maintained a commitment to offering classes in spaces throughout the metropolitan area. Today the main campus is located in Saint Paul, and additional campus facilities are located in Midway, Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park.
During the 2009–2010 school year, Metro State enrolled 6,000 full-time equivalent students. From 2008 to June 30, 2014, Sue K. Hammersmith was Metro State's president. During Hammersmith's six-year tenure, the number of degrees conferred increased by 38%. Devinder Malhotra became Metro State's president on July 1, 2014. During the 2014–2015 school year, Metro State served 12,000 full and part-time students. Virginia Arthur was Metro State's provost from 2012 until 2016 when she became the university's president.
As part of its mission to educate working adults and non-traditional students, Metro State previously had an open admissions policy with rolling applications accepted throughout the year.[8][11] According to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 "Best Colleges" ranking guide, Metro State University is a 'national university' with a 56% acceptance rate.[12]
Metro State offers 62 undergraduate degree programs, a self-designed B.A. degree in liberal arts, a self-designed/individualized B.A. degree, and three undergraduate certificates through its four colleges and three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Management, the College of Health, Community and Professional Studies, the School of Nursing, the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, the School of Urban Education and the College of Individualized Studies.[13]
Metropolitan State University offers 25 master's degree programs, an MA or MS degree in individualized studies, and an interdisciplinary Master of Arts degree in liberal studies. The university also offers eleven graduate certificate programs. In 2007, Metro State began offering an applied doctor of nursing practice degree. Metro State launched the first applied doctorate in business administration within the Minnesota State system during fall semester 2010. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is the largest in Minnesota. Moreover, graduates of Metro State's accounting program consistently place among the top-10 finishers in Minnesota's exacting CPA examination.[14] Altogether, Metro State offers a total of 108 undergraduate and graduate academic degrees and certificates—this does not include any undergraduate minor programs.[15]
Based on data from the 2016–2017 academic year, 45% of Metropolitan State University's student body were students of color, while 4% were from out-of-state and 2% were international. 42% of students were male and 58% were female.[22] Metro State's students ranged in age from 15 to 84. Metro State's Class of 2015 had an 82% licensure exam pass rate. Metro State has a 67% six-year graduation rate.
^The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
^The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
Student accommodations
Metropolitan State University accommodates the needs of working adults by scheduling many of its classes in the evening and on weekends. It is possible for recent graduates of Minneapolis and St. Paul public high schools to attend Metro State tuition free.[5]
In 2002, the Minnesota legislature approved funding for the construction of a library at the St. Paul campus; the building opened during spring semester 2004. The library also houses a branch of the Saint Paul Public Library. This is the only university/public library partnership in the state of Minnesota and one of only a few nationwide.[citation needed]
In order to encourage the spiritual development of students and members of the community, the library built the David Barton Community Labyrinth and Reflective Garden, named in honor of the library's first dean. The labyrinth is open to the public and has been the setting for several events.[23]
Notable alumni
Metro State's first graduating class consisted of 12 people on February 1, 1973. As of December 9, 2023 - Metro State has 54,768 alumni. Notable alumni include:
^"Foundation Report 30 Years"(PDF). Metro State University Foundation. Metro State University. Archived from the original(PDF) on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
