Student Life in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Overview

Saint Paul is Minnesota's state capital and the second largest city in the Twin Cities metro area. The city offers a distinct character with historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a strong arts and cultural scene.

As the state capital, Saint Paul features government buildings, museums, and cultural institutions. The city maintains a more traditional urban layout with well-preserved historic architecture and established neighborhoods.

Students benefit from Saint Paul's combination of urban amenities and neighborhood character, accessible public transit connections to Minneapolis, and opportunities in government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

Universities & Student Population

Saint Paul hosts several notable universities:

University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Saint Paul Campus)

The Saint Paul campus focuses on agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and natural resources programs. Connected to the Minneapolis campus via transit.

Macalester College

A private liberal arts college known for international focus, academic rigor, and civic engagement. Located in a residential neighborhood near downtown Saint Paul.

University of St. Thomas

A private Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple schools. Strong programs in business, engineering, and professional studies.

Additional institutions include Concordia University, Hamline University, and the College of Saint Catherine, creating a diverse higher education environment.

Cost of Living

Living costs in Saint Paul are comparable to Minneapolis, with neighborhood variations affecting housing prices. Some areas offer slightly lower rents than equivalent Minneapolis neighborhoods.

For detailed cost information, see Cost of Studying in Minnesota.

Transportation

Metro Transit provides bus and Green Line light rail service connecting Saint Paul to Minneapolis and regional destinations. The light rail runs from downtown Saint Paul through the University of Minnesota to downtown Minneapolis.

Students use public transit for campus access, internships, and city exploration. Biking and walking are common for neighborhood transportation, weather permitting.

Last reviewed: January 2026