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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,433 to $65,043/year
Normandale Community College offers the most affordable option at $5,347/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 15 associate's, 4 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
8 online computer programming degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
15 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M
Tech hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Computer Programming programs
We rank 44 accredited computer programming programs in Minnesota using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Programming Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 15 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community Co..., Saint Paul College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Minnesota offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,810/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $58,735 in Minnesota.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Minnesota's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
St Cloud Technical and Community College
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona, MN | Public | $5,676 | 47% | 75.9 |
| #7 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $5,264 | 20% | 63.9 |
| #8 | Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | Public | $5,420 | 24% | 57.0 |
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 24 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 13 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota computer programming programs earn a median salary of $90,772, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,356 to $65,043 annually, with an average of $28,375/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 79%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Minnesota's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer programming degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,696/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $49,240/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,924/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $118,176 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $29,544 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs for computer programming students. The Minnesota State Grant, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, provides need-based grants to eligible Minnesota residents attending accredited institutions throughout the state. This program is among the largest state grant initiatives in the country and significantly reduces the cost burden for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing computer programming degrees. To apply, all students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov, which unlocks access to federal Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities in addition to state grants.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Minnesota's computer programming programs offer competitive institutional scholarships. Public universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Metropolitan State University provide merit-based and need-based scholarships specifically for computer science and programming majors. Students should explore College Scorecard to compare net price calculators across Minnesota institutions and estimate their true out-of-pocket costs. Many community colleges in the state, such as Normandale Community College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, also offer scholarship opportunities and participate in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), which enables affordable general education completion before transferring to four-year programs. For detailed information on federal student loans, grants, and repayment plans, prospective students should consult Federal Student Aid.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in Minnesota. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$120,000
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Minnesota metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $117K |
| St. Paul | $112K |
| Bloomington | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in Minnesota
Find computer programming jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer system is one of the nation's most student-friendly, featuring the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), which enables seamless general education credit transfer across 29 two-year institutions and four-year universities throughout the state. The MnTC guarantees that 40 general education credits transfer directly to bachelor's programs, allowing associate's degree graduates to progress without losing credits or repeating coursework. Students completing associate's degrees at community colleges like Normandale Community College (ranked #1 for affordability at $5,347 tuition), Anoka-Ramsey Community College ($4,942 tuition), and North Hennepin Community College ($4,502 tuition) can transfer to four-year institutions with junior standing, accelerating their path to bachelor's degrees in computer programming.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Minnesota community colleges and universities help smooth transitions into bachelor's programs, with many institutions offering 2+2 pathways that guarantee admission for associate's degree holders meeting specific GPA requirements. The Minnesota State Grant program supports transfer students who are Minnesota residents, providing need-based financial aid at both community colleges and four-year institutions. Transfer students entering programs like Metropolitan State University ($8,571 tuition) can complete bachelor's degrees affordably while maintaining credit momentum. For detailed transfer agreements and course equivalencies, students should consult their community college advisors and visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website. Related degree pathways in Computer Science in Minnesota and Software Engineering in Minnesota also support transfer student success.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers a strong and diverse computer programming education landscape, with 50 institutions providing programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state produces 1,595 computer programming graduates annually when combining associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to tech workforce development. From community colleges to research universities, Minnesota's education infrastructure supports pathways for students at every stage of their academic journey. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 719 completions, making it a national leader in computer programming education.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's tech industry thrives in vibrant metropolitan areas, particularly the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, where major employers including Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M actively recruit computer programming graduates. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $10,088, making Minnesota an affordable option compared to national averages. Top-ranked programs like Carleton College (ranked #2 nationally for bachelor's programs) and Metropolitan State University (ranked #3) offer high-quality education at varying price points. Students interested in related fields should explore Software Engineering in Minnesota and Web Development in Minnesota for complementary career paths.
Computer Programming Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's computer programming job market remains strong, supported by a thriving technology sector and major corporate headquarters throughout the state. The Twin Cities metro area, encompassing Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington, serves as the primary technology hub, attracting thousands of programming professionals annually. Beyond the metro, Rochester and Duluth host significant tech employment clusters. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota maintains competitive salary ranges for programming positions, though specific salary data varies by specialization and experience level. The state's strong educational pipeline supports this demand, with 50 institutions offering computer programming programs across all degree levels.
Salaries by Metro
The programmer talent pipeline in Minnesota is substantial and well-distributed across degree levels. Bachelor's programs dominate with 26 institutions producing 1,204 completions annually, while 18 community colleges contribute an additional 240 associate's degree graduates each year. Master's programs at 5 universities yield 134 advanced graduates annually, providing employers with both entry-level and experienced talent pools. This diverse educational landscape creates multiple entry points for career development, from community college pathways through four-year and advanced degree programs. Students can leverage the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum to seamlessly transition between institution types, a significant advantage in building programming careers. For detailed state employment data, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific outcomes and career metrics.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
8 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $21,000
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 111
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Minnesota?
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Minnesota?
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Minnesota?
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Minnesota?
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Minnesota?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Minnesota salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.