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University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a large public research university in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, known for its strong academic programs, big‑school resources, and active Twin Cities campus life. Students often rave about the massive school‑spirit culture, the many clubs and organizations, the research and internship opportunities, and the easy access to city life, sports, and four‑season outdoor recreation.

State

Minnesota

Student Population

50,000

Acceptance Rate

55–65%

GPA Range

3.5–3.8

SAT Range

1250–1450

Common Majors

business, psychology, biology, computer science, engineering

“School culture feels like a mix of big‑game weekends and intense study blocks, professors are accessible but the material moves fast, sports add a strong sense of Twin Cities pride, and off‑campus life blends Minneapolis‑Saint Paul hangouts, river‑trail walks, and internships that keep the schedule full without feeling like I’m on autopilot.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

In-state: $16,258; Out-of-state: $36,402

Conference

Big Ten Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

72.1

Avg Women's Scores

74.25

Men's Team Notes

Gophers men delivered consistent low-72s team averages over 15 events, securing top-10 finishes with strong par-5 scoring led by upperclassmen consistency. Individual top-20s highlighted depth; solid home performances at Tartan Park fueled regional contention amid Midwest winds and firm layouts.

Women's Team Notes

Gopher women maintained mid-74 averages across 13 invitationals, highlighted by top-8 finishes with sharp par-4 accuracy and birdie opportunities from sophomore standouts. Veteran reliability anchored lineup; impressive conference previews advanced postseason positioning on challenging Minnesota tracks.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Justin Smith

Women's Coach

Matt Higgins

Men's Email

smit1586@umn.edu

Women's Email

higgi551@umn.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Justin Smith is the University of Minnesota men’s head golf coach, entering his seventh season at the helm in 2025–26. A former standout Gopher golfer and one of the most decorated players in program history, he returned to Minnesota in 2019 to rebuild the men’s team. Smith emphasizes a strong, competitive tournament schedule, technical‑skill development, and a culture of accountability that has Minnesota aiming for top‑half‑of‑the‑pack finishes in the Big Ten.

Women's Coach Bio

Matt Higgins is the University of Minnesota women’s head golf coach, promoted to the role in May 2024 after serving as assistant coach since 2021. A Minnesota‑native, he brings experience from prior head‑coaching roles at Regis University, where he led both men’s and women’s programs to success. Higgins focuses on player‑development, scoring‑oriented play, and a collaborative team environment to elevate the Gophers’ women’s golf team within the Big Ten and toward NCAA‑postseason‑level performance.

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