Minnesota State University Mankato is a public university in Mankato, Minnesota, and part of the Minnesota State system. The institution traces its history to 1868, when it was founded as Mankato Normal School, and it has grown into a comprehensive university serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its main campus is in Mankato, with an additional location in Edina that extends graduate and degree-completion access in the Twin Cities region.
The university’s academic portfolio spans colleges and schools in areas including business, education, engineering, arts and humanities, science, health, and social and behavioral sciences. Minnesota State University Mankato reports more than 130 undergraduate areas of study and more than 85 graduate programs, reflecting a broad mission that combines teaching, applied learning, and regional workforce preparation. The institution emphasizes hands-on education and student engagement, including undergraduate research, internships, and community-connected learning.