Minnesota’s higher education system operates through a dual structure with distinct but complementary roles: Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) serves as the state’s coordinating agency, providing financial aid programs, conducting research and analysis, and serving as the state’s clearinghouse for postsecondary data. Commissioner Dennis Olson Jr. was reappointed to a second term in November 2022 by Governor Tim Walz. Minnesota State System consists of 33 public colleges and universities (26 community and technical colleges and 7 state universities) serving approximately 300,000 students across 54 campuses. The system is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Chancellor Scott Olson was appointed in May 2023, succeeding Devinder Malhotra. Private Higher Education: Minnesota has numerous private colleges and universities that are not directly governed by the state but are regulated and licensed through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
