Boarding School Review - Established 2003
The International School of Minnesota (ISM)
Cotter Schools
Saint John's Preparatory School

Minnesota Boarding Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 2,256 students located throughout Minnesota.
You can also browse our full boarding school directory or specify additional search criteria.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Boarding Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 2,256
  • Average Tuition: $31,051
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 44%
  • Average Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Average Class Size: 15 students
  • Average SAT Score: 1,297
  • % Faculty w/Advanced Degree: 70%
  • % Students Boarding: 42%
  • % International Students: 23%
  • % Students of Color: 26%

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Boarding Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 2,256
  • Average Tuition: $31,051
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 44%
  • Average Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Average Class Size: 15 students
  • Average SAT Score: 1,297
  • % Faculty w/Advanced Degree: 70%
  • % Students Boarding: 42%
  • % International Students: 23%
  • % Students of Color: 26%

Top Minnesota Boarding Schools (2026-27)

View top ranked boarding schools nationwide:

Cotter Schools Photo
Cotter Schools
Gr: 7-12 | PK-12 (day) | 450 students
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Avg. class size: 16 students
Acceptance rate: 85%
Tuition listed
Catholic
1115 West Broadway Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-5102
View Profile
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Photo - Hillcrest started in 1916 out of the Bible school movement in America at the turn of the century. For the past 100 years Hillcrest has served families from nearly every continent and throughout the United States with a comprehensive boarding school program that disciples students and equips them for their next stages in life.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy
Gr: 10-12 | PK-12 (day) | 200 students
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Avg. class size: 13 students
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition listed
Christian
610 Hillcrest Dr.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 739-3371
(5)
View Profile
The International School of Minnesota (ISM) Photo - Aerial overview of ISM Campus! We have a 55-acre campus with a new boarding hall with space for 32 students.
The International School of Minnesota (ISM)
Gr: 8-12 | PK-12 (day) | 320 students
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Tuition listed
6385 Beach Rd
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 918-1800
View Profile
Marshall School Photo - The beautiful 42-acre campus provides outdoor learning, recreation, and incredible views of Lake Superior, the world's largest natural lake.
Marshall School
Gr: 8-12 | K-12 (day) | 456 students
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Avg. class size: 15 students
Tuition listed
1215 Rice Lake Rd
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 727-7266
(2)
View Profile
Pillsbury College Prep Photo
Pillsbury College Prep
Gr: 6-12 | 50 students
Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Acceptance rate: 85%
Tuition listed
315 South Grove Avenue
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 214-2200
View Profile
Pillsbury Summer School Camp Photo
Pillsbury Summer School Camp
Gr: 6-12
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Avg. class size: 8 students
Acceptance rate: 90%
Tuition listed
315 S. Grove Ave.
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 214-2200
View Profile
St. Croix Academy Photo - St. Croix's lakeside family-style dormitory was built in 2015 and is located on a beautiful lake with walkways to the Mississippi River and within walking distance of over 50 shops and restaurants.
St. Croix Academy
Gr: 6-12 | 500 students
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Avg. class size: 20 students
Tuition listed
Christian
1200 Oakdale Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 455-1521
View Profile
Saint John's Preparatory School Photo - We are located on 2900 of woodlands and lakes in Collegeville, MN
Saint John's Preparatory School
Gr: 8-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day) | 280 students
Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Avg. class size: 18 students
Acceptance rate: 88%
Tuition listed
Catholic
2280 Watertower Road
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-3315
View Profile
7
Boarding Schools
+133.3% (+4 schools) 20-yr
2,256
Students
+141.3% (+1,321 students) 20-yr
$34,616
Avg. Tuition
+40.4% (+$9,953) 20-yr
16
Avg. Class Size
+2.5% (+0 students) 20-yr
24%
Students of Color
+326.3% (+18.5 pp) 19-yr
10:1
Student-Teacher Ratio
-14.3% (-1.7) 15-yr

Historical Statistics Overview

This State (MN)
US (avg. per state)
# Schools
7 Schools
6.5 Schools

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Total Number of Boarding Schools

YearMinnesota (MN) TotalUS Avg per State
202576.5
202466.6
202366.8
202277.0
202167.0
202066.9
201987.1
201897.4
201797.2
201677.5
201567.5
201467.5
201357.5
201257.0
201146.4
201046.3
200935.7
200835.8
200735.6
200635.6
200535.1

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

# Students
2,256 Students
2,532 Students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Total Number of Boarding School Students

YearMinnesota (MN) TotalUS Avg per State
20252,2562,532
20242,0562,488
20231,9602,597
20222,2362,709
20212,8982,739
20202,9932,674
20193,6302,795
20183,9692,882
20174,1892,793
20162,3842,754
20152,0742,688
20142,0592,701
20131,7582,705
20121,7672,490
20111,5452,067
20101,4952,027
20091,0661,817
20081,1131,858
20071,0541,855
20061,0661,790
20059351,552

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Academics and Faculty

This State (MN)
US
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
8:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 16-year historical data

Trends in Average Student-Teacher Ratio

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202510:18:1
20249:17:1
20238:17:1
20229:17:1
20219:17:1
20209:17:1
20199:18:1
20189:17:1
20179:17:1
20168:17:1
201510:17:1
201410:18:1
20138:17:1
20129:17:1
201112:17:1
201012:17:1

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2010 and 2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Faculty with Advanced Degree
65%
69%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average % Faculty with Advanced Degrees

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202565%69%
202468%69%
202368%68%
202269%69%
202162%67%
202063%66%
201963%65%
201863%66%
201763%66%
201668%64%
201568%64%
201468%64%
201360%63%
201260%62%
201164%61%
201064%60%
200955%60%
200855%60%
200755%59%
200660%60%
200558%58%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Academic Programs

This State (MN)
US
Avg. AP/Advanced Courses
14
21

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Number of AP/Advanced Courses Offered

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
20251421
20241421
20231521
20221721
20212221
20202121
20191821
20182220
20172220
20161418
20151218
20141317
20131216
20121215
20111315
20101315
20091416
20081415
20071414
2006913
2005913

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. IB Courses
None reported
28
Avg. Class Size
16
13

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Class Size

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
20251613
20241813
20231713
20221813
20211813
20201913
20191813
20181813
20171813
20161612
20151612
20141612
20131612
20121612
20111712
20101512
20091612
20081612
20071712
20061712
20051612

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Academic Performance

This State (MN)
US
Avg. SAT Score
1260
1268

Trends in Average SAT Score

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202512601268
202412941270
202313311273
202213311273
201912971264
201812981264

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2018. The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. ACT Score
26
27

Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data

Trends in Average ACT Score

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
20252627
20242627
20232727
20222727
20212626
20202627
20192526
20182726
20172726
20162726
20152625
20142625
20132625
20122625

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021. The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Acceptance Rate
84%
58%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Acceptance Rate

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202584%58%
202482%58%
202382%57%
202285%56%
202181%56%
202081%56%
201978%56%
201875%55%
201775%55%
201666%56%
201566%56%
201465%56%
201360%56%
201269%56%
201169%57%
201069%57%
200973%57%
200871%57%
200776%58%
200679%59%
200575%58%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Tuition and Finances

This State (MN)
US
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
$34,616
$64,659

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Tuition Cost

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
2025$34,616$64,659
2024$37,940$62,299
2023$35,923$59,731
2022$35,311$57,846
2021$30,310$56,304
2020$36,417$55,222
2019$34,722$53,388
2018$33,678$51,452
2017$31,583$50,161
2016$26,226$47,908
2015$28,556$46,516
2014$25,148$45,356
2013$30,195$44,074
2012$28,866$42,365
2011$29,450$41,119
2010$28,427$39,764
2009$31,573$38,299
2008$30,123$36,978
2007$28,410$34,889
2006$27,043$32,820
2005$24,663$31,332

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Tuition (Day)
$16,409
$38,029

Showing 2013–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Day Student Tuition

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
2025$16,409$38,029
2024$18,884$36,414
2020$20,410$32,747
2019$13,888$30,967
2018$16,972$29,690
2017$16,639$28,543
2016$16,259$27,577
2015$15,573$26,817
2014$12,725$26,112
2013$14,960$25,599
2012$14,362$24,552
2011$15,581$23,986
2010$14,941$23,012
2009$14,390$22,877
2008$13,938$22,305
2007$12,777$20,940
2006$12,177$19,841
2005$11,495$18,952

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019, 2024 and 2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018 and 2020; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Tuition (International)
$41,564
$62,844

Showing 2013–2025. View full 18-year historical data

Trends in Average International Student Tuition

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
2025$41,564$62,844
2024$44,590$60,399
2023$48,978$58,212
2019$34,187$51,070
2018$34,915$48,318
2017$34,915$47,000
2016$37,833$45,168
2015$34,562$44,246
2014$30,587$44,192
2013$29,724$41,771
2012$28,853$39,468
2011$31,513$38,081
2010$29,826$38,134
2009$29,126$34,730
2008$28,007$33,037

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2023–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018; archive coverage in 2008–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Financial Aid Rate
45%
42%

Showing 2014–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average Financial Aid Rate

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202545%42%
202441%41%
202334%41%
202236%41%
201935%38%
201848%38%
201748%37%
201643%36%
201545%36%
201445%36%
201356%35%
201254%34%
201152%35%
201052%34%
200954%33%
200859%32%
200751%32%
200651%34%
200551%33%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$10,667
$27,222

Trends in Average Financial Aid Grant

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
2025$10,667$27,222
2022$11,333$26,441
2018$8,576$23,372
2017$8,576$22,531
2016$8,920$20,656
2015$8,920$20,437
2014$8,920$20,104
2013$9,382$19,416

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2013, 2014, 2022 and 2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018. The downloads give the source date of each year.

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Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Avg. Endowment
$7 MM
$84 MM

Trends in Average School Endowment

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
2025$7 MM$84 MM
2019$7 MM$63 MM
2018$11 MM$63 MM
2017$11 MM$63 MM
2016$17 MM$57 MM
2015$17 MM$57 MM
2014$17 MM$54 MM
2013$16 MM$50 MM
2012$13 MM$49 MM

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018. The downloads give the source date of each year.

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Student Diversity

This State (MN)
US
% Students of Color
24%
30%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 20-year historical data

Trends in Average % Students of Color

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202524%30%
202427%30%
202328%29%
202229%29%
202129%28%
202028%27%
201922%26%
201820%25%
201720%24%
201617%23%
20159%22%
20149%22%
201311%21%
201211%21%
20118%20%
20108%20%
20096%19%
20086%19%
20076%18%
20066%17%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2006–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% International Students
25%
27%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average % International Students

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202525%27%
202425%26%
202329%26%
202225%26%
202121%25%
202022%25%
201923%25%
201824%26%
201724%26%
201629%26%
201529%26%
201429%25%
201324%24%
201227%23%
201126%21%
201026%20%
200927%18%
200827%18%
200723%17%
200621%16%
200520%15%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Boarding Students
34%
59%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 21-year historical data

Trends in Average % Boarding Students

YearMinnesota (MN) AvgNational Avg
202534%59%
202432%60%
202345%60%
202239%61%
202136%60%
202035%61%
201936%60%
201835%60%
201735%60%
201645%62%
201551%62%
201449%62%
201342%61%
201242%61%
201141%64%
201041%64%
200943%66%
200844%67%
200744%67%
200643%67%
200540%68%

Schools counted: listing status from database copies near the year end in 2012–2014, 2019 and 2022–2025; estimated listing status in 2015–2018, 2020 and 2021; archive coverage in 2005–2011 (a lower bound of the schools listed). The downloads give the source date of each year.

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full State Data: Full State Dataset CSV | Full State Dataset XML | Full State Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Download state snapshot: CSV | XML | JSON Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in Minnesota?
There are 8 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Minnesota.
What is the average tuition cost of boarding school in Minnesota?
The average Minnesota boarding school tuition cost is $31,051 per year.
What is the oldest boarding school in Minnesota?
Saint John's Preparatory School, founded in 1857, is the oldest boarding school in Minnesota.
What boarding school in Minnesota has the lowest acceptance rates?
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has the lowest boarding school acceptance rate (70%) in Minnesota.
What boarding school in Minnesota has the highest average SAT scores?
Saint John's Preparatory School has the highest average SAT scores (1373) in Minnesota.
Which boarding schools in Minnesota are often viewed compared to one another?

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