Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Owatonna, MN (2026)
Owatonna, Minnesota has a population of about 26,462. The city’s median household income is $81,276 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 47 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Owatonna. In Minnesota, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $95,980 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Owatonna
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 47 schools in our directory that offer liberal arts programs near Owatonna. Distances are calculated from Owatonna city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 25.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Carleton College | Northfield, MN | 25.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 31.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | 38.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 38.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | 40.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN | 40.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Central College | North Mankato, MN | 40.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount, MN | 45.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | 51.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Owatonna
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,110 |
| Management Analyst | $95,980 |
| Technical Writer | $76,770 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $45,190 |
| Editor | $53,900 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $75,980 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $77,250 |
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.
Owatonna at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,462 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $81,276 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Owatonna-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Faribault, MN – 14.5 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Northfield, MN – 25.3 mi away (22,005 pop)
- Austin, MN – 31.7 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Mankato, MN – 37.5 mi away (61,115 pop)
- Rochester, MN – 37.8 mi away (114,976 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts schools are near Owatonna, MN?
Our directory has 47 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Owatonna. The closest is St Olaf College in Northfield, MN (25.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Normandale Community College (51.2 miles). 0 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Minnesota are: Management Analyst ($95,980), Human Resources Specialist ($77,250), Technical Writer ($76,770). Wages for Owatonna workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Faribault instead of Owatonna?
Faribault, MN is 14.5 miles from Owatonna and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Owatonna an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Owatonna’s median household income of $81,276 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Owatonna 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
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Minnesota
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
Data verified: May 5, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2024; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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