The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU) comprises 32 state-supported technical colleges, community colleges and state universities in Minnesota. The system became operational on July 1, 1995, bringing together 21 community college campuses, 34 technical college campuses and seven state universities. The merger of the state's technical college system, community college system and state university system resulted from legislation passed by the 1991 Minnesota Legislature. The system cuurently has 5 community colleges, 8 technical colleges, 12 combined community and technical colleges and 7 state universities.

The seven state universities are

• Bemidji State University
• Minnesota State University Mankato
• Minnesota State University Moorhead
• Metropolitan State University (Saint Paul and Minneapolis campuses)
• Southwest Minnesota State University
• St. Cloud State University
• Winona State University

The MnSCU is governed by a 15 member Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed by the governor of Minnesota. 12 trustees serve 6 year terms, 8 representing each of Minnesota's congressional districts and 4 serving at large. Three student trustees :1 from a state university, 1 from a community college and 1 from a technical college serve 2 year terms.

The Board of Trustees selects the chancellor and has broad policy responsibility for system planning, academic programs, fiscal management, personnel, admissions requirements, tuition and fees, and policies and procedures.