Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Minnesota 2025
Minnesota State University-Mankato
82 cloud computing graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Metropolitan State University
93 cloud computing graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
University of St Thomas
55 cloud computing graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 12+ accredited cloud computing programs across public and private universities
- 2.Minnesota State University-Mankato leads with 95% graduation rate
- 3.Minnesota software developers earn median $106,790 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington
- 5.Cost of living index: 98.8% of US average (below average)
Cloud Computing Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 12 accredited cloud computing programs, producing approximately 424 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, with major employers including Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy.
With a median software developer salary of $106,790 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 98.8% compared to the US average, Minnesota offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top cloud computing programs in the state are led by Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University, University of St Thomas, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cloud Computing degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Minnesota-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Minnesota Cloud Computing Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 75.4 |
| 2 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 71.5 |
| 3 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 69.2 |
| 4 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 65.3 |
| 5 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 62.8 |
| 6 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 50.1 |
| 7 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 46.4 |
| 8 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 46 |
| 9 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | For-Profit | $10,207 | 56% | 43.7 |
| 10 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 41 |
| 11 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 37.9 |
| 12 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 35.8 |
Top 5 Cloud Computing Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | Minnesota State Universit... | Metropolitan State | U of St Thomas | U of Minnesota | Capella |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,356 | $8,571 | $50,788 | $14,496 | $14,436 |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | 75% | 89% | 92% | 13% |
| Annual Graduates | 82 | 93 | 55 | 43 | 84 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91% | 96% | 85% | 77% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 75.4/100 | 71.5/100 | 69.2/100 | 65.3/100 | 62.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cloud Computing in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 11 bachelor's-level cloud computing programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in cloud computing typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 82 | 75.4 |
| #2 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 93 | 71.5 |
| #3 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 43 | 65.3 |
Top Cloud Computing Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 4 master's-level cloud computing programs. Leading institutions include University of St Thomas, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Minnesota reaching $138,827 or more.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of St Thomas | $50,788 | 89% | 55 | 69.2 |
| #2 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 22 | 56.6 |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 13 | 46.9 |
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cloud computing programs in Minnesota are at Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356/year), Winona State University ($8,388/year), Metropolitan State University ($8,571/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Minnesota's competitive tech salaries.
At Minnesota State University-Mankato, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,424 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $74,753, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs in Minnesota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | $33,424 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Winona State | $8,388 | $33,552 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | $34,284 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cloud Computing Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cloud computing programs in Minnesota, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,356 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 82 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 75.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 82 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (82 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program uses a project-based approach where students complete four semester-long team projects from industry, faculty research, or entrepreneurial ideas. Students transfer into the upper-division program after two years and learn software engineering in a work-based environment with industry partners while contributing as team members on real projects.
Admission Prerequisites
- •ENG 101 Foundations of Writing & Rhetoric
- •MATH 121 Calculus I
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 71.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 93 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (93 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Metropolitan State University offers hands-on cloud computing experience through projects utilizing major public cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure. The MS in Computer Science program strikes a healthy balance between theory and practice while focusing on two key areas in modern computing: distributed systems and computer security.
Admission Prerequisites
- •ICS 311: Database Management Systems
Program Details
- Credits: 34 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,788 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 55 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 69.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 55 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 69.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (55 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 43 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 13% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 62.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 13% graduation rate
- 84 cloud computing graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 62.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (13%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Capella's cloud computing programs offer hands-on experience with major cloud providers like AWS and Azure, include no-cost general education courses through Sophia Learning, and provide the Google IT Support Professional Certificate at no additional cost. The curriculum is built with guidance from industry professionals and uses real-world tools like Python, TensorFlow, and Linux in experiential learning environments.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 48 quarter credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cloud Engineer
SOC 15-1252Cloud Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Cloud Architect
SOC 15-1299Cloud Architect opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1244Site Reliability Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Cloud Security Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (98.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Target or UnitedHealth
- You prefer Minnesota's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Minnesota's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Minnesota
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Explore computer science programs in Minnesota
Explore computer engineering programs in Minnesota
Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cloud Computing in Minnesota FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Minnesota salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.