Best Online Education Programs in Rochester, MN (2026)
Rochester, Minnesota has a population of about 121,638. The city’s median household income is $87,767 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 50.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Rochester. In the Rochester, MN metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, K-12 at a median $107,390 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Rochester
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Rochester city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winona State University | Winona, MN | 41.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Viterbo University | La Crosse, WI | 63.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | 65.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 76.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | 77.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota education page.
Education Wages Near Rochester
Rochester is part of the Rochester, MN metro area (BLS area code 40340). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Minnesota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $64,130 | Rochester, MN | $70,628 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,230 | Rochester, MN | $70,738 |
| Middle School Teacher | $59,730 | Rochester, MN | $65,782 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $75,750 | MN statewide | $83,425 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $107,390 | Rochester, MN | $118,271 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $101,700 | MN statewide | $112,004 |
| Tutor | $37,440 | Rochester, MN | $41,233 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $67,640 | Rochester, MN | $74,493 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Rochester at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $87,767 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 50.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 90.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Olmsted County | 952 workers, 64 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Rochester-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Austin, MN – 34.3 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Owatonna, MN – 37.8 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Winona, MN – 40.2 mi away (30,208 pop)
- Faribault, MN – 44.3 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Northfield, MN – 45.8 mi away (22,005 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Rochester, MN?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Rochester. The closest is Winona State University in Winona, MN (41.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Walden University (77.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Rochester?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Rochester are: Education Administrator, K-12 ($107,390), Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($101,700), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($75,750). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Minnesota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Austin instead of Rochester?
Austin, MN is 34.3 miles from Rochester and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Rochester an affordable place to study education?
Rochester’s median household income of $87,767 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Rochester while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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