Minnesota companies are well-represented on a recently released list of “America’s Ideal Employers.”

The ranking—compiled by global research and consulting firm Universum Communications—is based on input from nearly 60,000 students at 318 U.S. colleges. The survey was conducted between November 2011 and March 2012, and the rankings are broken down based on students’ primary areas of study.

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation ranked 18th among humanities and liberal arts students, 28th among business students, 37th among natural sciences students, and 70th among IT students.

Rochester-based Mayo Clinic was the only health care provider to make the cut. It ranked second among natural science students, 19th among humanities and liberal arts students, 44th among engineering students, and 70th among business students.

“What an honor for Mayo Clinic to be recognized by college students across the U.S. as an attractive employer,” Chief Administrative Officer Shirley Weis said in a statement. “The true strength of Mayo Clinic is our employees, and we strive to recruit top employees and support opportunities for professional development and career advancement for employees to have the necessary tools to build a rewarding career at Mayo Clinic.”

Golden Valley-based General Mills came in 52nd among natural sciences students, 66th among engineering students, 75th among business students, and 88th among humanities and liberal arts students.

Richfield-based Best Buy Company was ranked 43rd by IT students, 69th by humanities and liberal arts students, 85th by natural sciences students, and 87th by business students.

Maplewood-based 3M Company came in 35th on the engineering students list, 75th on the IT students list, and 92nd on the business students list. St. Paul-based Ecolab ranked 23rd among natural science students and 88th among engineering students. And Wayzata-based Cargill was ranked 83rd by natural science students.

To view the complete “ideal employers” lists for each area of study, click here.