Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Willmar, MN (2026)
Willmar, Minnesota has a population of about 21,136. The city’s median household income is $63,368 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 24.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 39 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Willmar, with tuition ranging from $6,213 to $18,962 per year for indexed programs. 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 Willmar
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 39 schools in our directory that offer liberal arts programs near Willmar. Distances are calculated from Willmar city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 32.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | 45.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | 46.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | 52.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | 53.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | 53.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | 54.1 mi | $6,213 - $18,962 | – |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | 57.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Crown College | Saint Bonifacius, MN | 66.2 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 Willmar
| 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.
Willmar at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,136 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $63,368 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 24.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Willmar-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Saint Cloud, MN – 51.5 mi away (113,649 pop)
- Alexandria, MN – 54.3 mi away (20,814 pop)
- Monticello, MN – 62.4 mi away (26,875 pop)
- Chaska, MN – 73.8 mi away (26,016 pop)
- Elk River, MN – 73.9 mi away (24,364 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts schools are near Willmar, MN?
Our directory has 39 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Willmar. The closest is Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Crown College (66.2 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 Willmar workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Saint Cloud instead of Willmar?
Saint Cloud, MN is 51.5 miles from Willmar 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 Willmar an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Willmar’s median household income of $63,368 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Willmar 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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