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Key Takeaways
Minneapolis-St. Paul is a Fortune 500 hub with Target, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, 3M, and Medtronic all hiring CS graduates locally
The Twin Cities' concentration of corporate headquarters creates unusually diverse CS career paths across retail tech, healthcare, medtech, and manufacturing
Hakia Research 2026
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks #1 with a 92% graduation rate and $14,496/yr in-state tuition
Carleton College (#2, 97% grad rate) and Macalester College (#3) offer elite liberal-arts CS programs, though at private-school price points above $64,000/yr
Minnesota CS graduates earn a $106,790 median salary, above the national average and strong relative to the state's cost of living
Projected 22% job growth through 2032 means the Twin Cities job market is expanding alongside established employer demand
North Hennepin Community College offers the most affordable start at $4,502/yr, with 7 associate's programs feeding into bachelor's transfer pathways
Normandale Community College ($5,347/yr) ranks highest among associate's programs for overall score
5 online CS programs provide flexible options, though Minnesota's strength is concentrated in on-campus programs at the U of M system
35 total accredited CS institutions statewide across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Computer Science programs
We rank 42 accredited computer science 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 Science Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community Co..., North Hennepin Community ..., 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 $5,247/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 science schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Minnesota.
University of Northwestern-St Paul
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN | Public | $5,565 | 29% | 67.4 |
| #7 | North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park, MN | Public | $4,502 | 22% | 65.2 |
| #8 | Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | Public | $5,420 | 24% | 58.8 |
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 27 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 16 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, Macalester College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota computer science 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 $30,512/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 81%, 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 science degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Gustavus Adolphus College
University of St Thomas
Show all 25 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | 57% | 78.2 |
| #7 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,958 | 65% | 76.3 |
| #8 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private nonprofit | $30,400 | 61% | 76.1 |
| #9 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | 57% | 76.0 |
| #10 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | 48% | 74.7 |
| #11 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | Public | $8,840 | 45% | 74.7 |
| #12 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $13,130 | 63% | 73.0 |
| #13 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private nonprofit | $30,570 | 55% | 72.8 |
| #14 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,355 | 54% | 70.1 |
| #15 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | Private nonprofit | $54,540 | 77% | 69.4 |
| #16 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private nonprofit | $54,540 | 75% | 69.4 |
| #17 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private nonprofit | $25,600 | 46% | 68.9 |
| #18 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private nonprofit | $44,400 | 66% | 68.9 |
| #19 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | Private for-profit | $10,595 | 53% | 68.6 |
| #20 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private nonprofit | $36,980 | 68% | 67.8 |
| #21 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private nonprofit | $44,652 | 52% | 67.6 |
| #22 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | 40% | 64.9 |
| #23 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 44% | 63.6 |
| #24 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private nonprofit | $30,350 | 66% | 63.4 |
| #25 | St Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN | Private nonprofit | $37,534 | 61% | 63.3 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 5 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Walden, Metropolitan State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $10,991/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Minnesota's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 3 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Walden, Capella are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Minnesota PhD holders earning a median of $133,488, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Minnesota programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Minnesota, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $25,000/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $62,500/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,250/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $150,000 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,500 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers strong financial support for computer science students through state and federal programs. The Minnesota State Grant (Minnesota Office of Higher Education) is one of the largest need-based grant programs in the nation, providing critical funding for eligible Minnesota residents regardless of their institution type. This grant complements federal aid accessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which remains the gateway to federal student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize their eligibility for all available funding sources.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal support, Minnesota colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards tailored to computer science students. Public universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Minnesota State University-Mankato provide both need-based and merit scholarships, while private institutions such as Carleton College and University of St Thomas offer competitive merit packages that can significantly reduce net cost. Community colleges, including Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and North Hennepin Community College, often provide pathway scholarships for students transferring to four-year programs through Minnesota's transfer-friendly system. Students are encouraged to explore institutional aid offices and consult the College Scorecard to compare net price estimates across programs.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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 Science 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 Science Graduates in Minnesota
Find computer science jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer system is among the nation's most student-friendly, designed to enable seamless progression from two-year to four-year institutions. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) standardizes general education requirements across 29 two-year institutions and four-year universities, allowing students to complete foundational coursework at community colleges and transfer credits without loss of progress (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). Students earning associate's degrees in computer science from institutions like Normandale Community College ($5,347 tuition), Anoka-Ramsey Community College ($4,942 tuition), and North Hennepin Community College ($4,502 tuition) can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at universities like Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University, and University of Minnesota-Duluth.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway offers significant financial advantages, with community college tuition averaging substantially less than four-year institutions, allowing students to reduce debt while maintaining academic momentum. Articulation agreements between Minnesota's community colleges and universities ensure that computer science coursework transfers as equivalent credits, preventing duplication and extending financial aid eligibility. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum identifies computer science as a priority transfer field, with guaranteed acceptance of completed coursework in partner institutions. Students exploring affordable completion options should investigate most affordable programs like Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition) and Winona State University ($8,388 tuition), which actively recruit transfer students. Additional support is available through the Minnesota State Grant program, which provides need-based financial aid to transfer students, and Federal Student Aid resources for bridge funding.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota has established itself as a premier destination for computer science education, with 48 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 1,288 bachelor's degree completions in computer science during 2023, demonstrating strong workforce development in this critical field. Leading institutions like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities dominate the landscape, accounting for 719 completions and ranking among the nation's elite programs. The state's diverse offerings span 29 bachelor's programs, 6 master's programs, 3 doctoral programs, and 10 associate's programs, providing pathways for learners at every level.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's technology sector thrives in major metropolitan hubs including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, where major employers like Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M drive innovation and create abundant career opportunities. The affordability of Minnesota's public institutions strengthens the value proposition, average public in-state tuition sits at just $10,088 compared to $13,443 for out-of-state students (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). Students can explore specialized pathways through related fields like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. For those seeking the best national programs, Minnesota hosts several institutions ranked in the national best bachelor's programs, offering education without the premium tuition costs of top-tier programs in other states.
Computer Science Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's computer science job market is strong and diverse, supported by a strong educational infrastructure producing 1,288 bachelor's degree completions annually across 29 institutions (IPEDS). The state's major metropolitan areas. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Rochester, and Duluth, serve as primary hubs for technology employment and career growth. These regions attract talent through competitive compensation packages and abundant opportunities in software development, data analysis, and systems engineering. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 719 completions, positioning graduates directly into Minnesota's thriving tech ecosystem (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
Current employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals strong demand for computer science professionals across Minnesota's major cities and metro areas (BLS State Data). The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, home to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups, dominates job availability. Rochester and Duluth also maintain growing tech sectors supported by regional employers and universities. For detailed career outlook information and salary projections specific to Minnesota, the College Scorecard provides comprehensive labor market data tied to degree programs. Students considering computer science should also explore related fields such as Software Engineering in Minnesota, Data Science in Minnesota, and Cybersecurity in Minnesota to understand the full spectrum of technology career opportunities available in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
5 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $34,200
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $9,200
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 156
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
Computer Science Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online computer science degree programs in Minnesota?
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Minnesota?
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Minnesota?
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What financial aid is available for computer science 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.