As one of the country’s top public research institutions, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities has had a hand in a wide-ranging list of breakthroughs and discoveries. One of its claims to fame is pioneering open-heart surgery and developing the first-ever artificial pacemaker. Other major developments came from Professor James J. "Crash" Ryan, who held a patent for the first retractable seat belt and also invented the flight data recorder known as the "black box."
Those research chops spread across all parts of campus: Students have the opportunity to do research alongside professors, regardless of their major (the most popular of which include biology, finance, marketing and computer science). Outside of studying, students have more than 1,000 campus organizations to choose from, along with intramural and club sports and an active Greek system. Another invention on U of M’s list? The practice of cheerleading, dating all the way back to 1898.
The college’s first-year retention rate is above 90%, its six-year graduation rate is 83% and it scores well in our affordability category. With its location near Minneapolis and St. Paul, there are two cities' worth of concert halls, museums, restaurants (including dozens offering the cities’ famed Jucy Lucy burgers) and bars to explore. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, the Golden Gophers compete against some of the country's top sports teams. The mascot, Goldy, is famous, too. If you're on campus and need some luck, go rub his buck teeth. Notable alumni include folk music legend Bob Dylan, actress Jessica Lange and Greek composer Yanni.
