Compass users are interested in where we have been and where we may be headed

Minnesota’s story is one of growth, resilience, and transformation. As new populations enrich the state’s communities and institutions, data from Minnesota Compass offer a clear lens into how these changes are shaping our shared future.

Three trend charts – postsecondary degree completion by region of the state, percentage of residents who are foreign-born, and foreign-born population by birthplace – topped the list of most popular charts on Minnesota Compass in 2025. Together, they illuminate important trends in education and demographic change.

Four-year college graduation rates are on the rise.

A greater share of Minnesota students are completing college than in previous years. This upward trend over the last 20 years suggests improved student success and workforce potential. However, the story is not uniform across the state. Though four-year graduation rates have increased in both the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota, geographic disparities exist. A higher proportion of students attending four-year institutions in the metro area are graduating compared with those in greater Minnesota.

A growing share of Minnesotans are foreign born, but nowhere close to the share in the late 1800s.

Another popular trend chart on Minnesota Compass documents immigration since 1850, before Minnesota even became a state. At that time, a third of Minnesota’s population was foreign-born. Since the mid-20th century, Minnesota’s foreign-born population is steadily increasing, but it is nowhere near the share of foreign-born residents in the late 1800s.

Origins of Minnesota’s immigrants have changed over time.

The term “foreign-born” includes individuals with diverse experiences – from naturalized citizens who have lived in Minnesota for decades to newly arrived refugees rebuilding their lives. The third most popular trend chart on Minnesota Compass captures this diversity over time. Early immigrants came primarily from Europe; today, communities from Asia, Africa, and Latin America shape Minnesota’s cultural and economic landscape.

Interpreting the story behind these trends.

Together, these trend charts reveal Minnesota’s evolving story – a state that is growing in diversity, talent, and opportunity. Educational attainment is rising and communities from varied backgrounds are shaping the state’s future. Yet, progress brings challenges in ensuring that opportunity reaches all Minnesotans, regardless of geography or background. These visuals remind us that behind every line or bar are real people – students graduating, families arriving, and communities adapting. By pairing data with thoughtful analysis, Minnesota Compass helps turn numbers into understanding and understanding into action, guiding decisions and shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.