It's the gold rush of the new millenium. Only now, prospectors are hoping to mine tuition dollars.

Minnesota State University, Mankato is the latest to jump on the bandwagon of offering college classes in the Twin Cities suburbs.

Beginning Aug. 25, the school will begin offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Edina, according to a press release.

The new satellite school will be called "Minnesota State University Mankato at 7700 France."

Mankato joins a host of other schools, ranging from Normandale Community College [1] to Dunwoody College to the University of St. Thomas that offer classes in the burbs. However, when it opens its 7700 France site [2], Mankato claims it will become, “the only state university to offer full programs in multiple disciplines in the suburban Twin Cities.”

The school will begin offering undergraduate degrees in speech communication, creative writing, elementary education, special education and secondary education (mathematics), and graduate degrees in public administration, corrections, human services administration, special education and community health.

“In future years officials plan to add an MBA program, adult degree-completion programs and other courses,” the school stated.

It’s a trend that developers of Chaska’s $88 million “EdCampus [3]” are booking on – satellite college courses.

A couple months ago, the Metropolitan Lifelong Learning Center announced plans to develop the college facilities at the southwest corner of new Highway 212 and Engler Boulevard.

Ultimately, EdCampus plans to serve up to 6,500 students and employ 200 professional and support staff.