Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota 2025
Metropolitan State University
50 cybersecurity graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Saint Cloud State University
77 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Capella University
60 cybersecurity graduates annually, 13% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 9+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Metropolitan State University leads with 75% 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)
Cybersecurity Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 9 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 225 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud State University, Capella University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 62 |
| 2 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 61.8 |
| 3 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 57.6 |
| 4 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 47.1 |
| 5 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 46.1 |
| 6 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 44.7 |
| 7 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | For-Profit | $10,207 | 56% | 42.3 |
| 8 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 40.4 |
| 9 | Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $23,825 | 52% | 34.1 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | Metropolitan State | Saint Cloud State | Capella | Minnesota State Universit... | Walden |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,571 | $8,811 | $14,436 | $8,356 | $10,313 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | N/A% | 13% | 95% | 33% |
| Annual Graduates | 50 | 77 | 60 | 4 | 14 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 95% | N/A | 91% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 62.0/100 | 61.8/100 | 57.6/100 | 47.1/100 | 46.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 5 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud State University, Capella University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 50 | 62.0 |
| #2 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | N/A% | 77 | 61.8 |
| #3 Capella | $14,436 | 13% | 57 | 56.9 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 7 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Capella University, Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Minnesota reaching $138,827 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Capella | $14,436 | 13% | 60 | 57.6 |
| #2 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | N/A% | 46 | 51.9 |
| #3 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 4 | 47.1 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Minnesota are at Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356/year), Metropolitan State University ($8,571/year), Saint Cloud State University ($8,811/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 Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity 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 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | $34,284 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | $35,244 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 62.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 50 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,811 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 95%
- • Ranking Score: 61.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Students learn all aspects of computer and network security with a strong core curriculum plus electives for in-depth education. High demand exists for students with cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: 3M, C.H. Robinson, Central MN Credit Union, Datakey Electronics, Equus Computer Systems, Healthland, LSI Corporation, Medtronic, Micron, MN State Institutions, Netgain, United Health Group, Vital Images
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 13% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 60 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 13% graduation rate
- 60 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 57.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (13%), program size (60 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 MS in Information Technology Cybersecurity offers hands-on practice in immersive labs with real-world scenarios, includes free certification exam vouchers from CompTIA, Cisco and SAS, and integrates AI skills throughout the curriculum with applied IT projects.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 48 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,356 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 47.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 4 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,313 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 33% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 33% graduation rate
- 14 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 46.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (33%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Penetration Tester opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
SOC 15-1212SOC Analyst 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 9)
- 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 engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore information technology programs in Minnesota
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity 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.