Taxonomy term

Although the schools that make the list of “best schools” and “top schools” are all exceptional, different groups evaluate each type of school for inclusion in different ways. To determine which schools are the best, organizations such as Princeton Review and Forbes consider factors such as variety of program offerings, graduation and retention rates, peer assessment, faculty resources, financial resources, and student selectivity.

Minnesota is home to more than 110 Title IV degree-granting institutions. These schools are more accessible to students because they are eligible for Title IV federal financial-aid programs. To become a Title IV school, the college or university must meet five strict requirements. They must (1) have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, (2) be in business for at least 2 years, (3) sign a participation agreement with the Department, (4) grant an associate's degree or higher, and (5) offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length.

Minnesota is one of the most welcoming states in the U.S.—especially to the film industry. The Minnesota Film and Television Board provides a plethora of perks for filmmakers that choose the North Star State as a backdrop for films. Film incentives, unlimited resources for artists and production studios and other benefits make it easy for productions to settle here and recruit local talent—including animators.