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Key Takeaways
Best cybersecurity degree programs: Saint Cloud State, Metropolitan State, Capella
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,178 to $42,500/year
Hennepin Technical College offers the most affordable option at $5,341/yr
Cybersecurity degree programs available: 17 associate's, 7 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
7 online cybersecurity degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
17 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
Cybersecurity degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Cybersecurity programs
We rank 30 accredited cybersecurity 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.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 17 accredited associate's degree programs in cybersecurity, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis Community and..., Century 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 $5,622/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 cybersecurity schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cybersecurity degrees in Minnesota.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona, MN | Public | $5,676 | 47% | 76.2 |
| #7 | Pine Technical & Community College | Pine City, MN | Public | $4,178 | 36% | 72.9 |
| #8 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | Public | $5,475 | 31% | 71.8 |
| #9 | Anoka-Ramsey Community College | Coon Rapids, MN | Public | $4,942 | 30% | 71.4 |
| #10 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $5,264 | 20% | 63.8 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for cybersecurity education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Saint Cloud State, Metropolitan State, Capella, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota cybersecurity 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 $8,571 to $23,825 annually, with an average of $13,170/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 49%, with the highest reaching 75%. 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 cybersecurity degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked cybersecurity schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Capella University
Dunwoody College of Technology
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 44% | 65.2 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 master's degree programs in cybersecurity, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Capella, Saint Cloud State, Minnesota State Universit..., 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 $16,855/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 cybersecurity schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Capella University
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | 40% | 64.3 |
| #7 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 44% | 60.5 |
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 1 doctoral programs in cybersecurity, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at 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 cybersecurity 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.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,496/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $23,740/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,374/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $56,976 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,244 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota residents pursuing cybersecurity degrees benefit from one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs. The Minnesota State Grant provides need-based grants specifically designed to support undergraduate and graduate students at both public and private institutions throughout the state. This program represents one of the largest state grant initiatives in the country, making higher education more accessible for Minnesota families regardless of income level. Eligible students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for both federal and state aid packages.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, cybersecurity students can access federal financial aid through multiple channels. The Federal Student Aid website provides comprehensive information about grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available to all students. Many Minnesota institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards specific to cybersecurity and information technology programs. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to explore full-tuition scholarships, employer partnerships, and professional certifications that may reduce overall education costs. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education maintains detailed resources about all available funding options for state residents.
Institutional Scholarships
For students exploring related fields, Minnesota also supports programs in Information Security in Minnesota and Network Administration in Minnesota, which may offer overlapping financial aid opportunities. Transfer students can leverage the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) to reduce overall costs by completing general education requirements at lower-cost community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. This pathway can significantly reduce total expenses while maintaining access to quality cybersecurity instruction at bachelor's and master's levels.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity 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.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+644%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,191,677
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.
$115,000
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
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Graduates in Minnesota
Find cybersecurity jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring cybersecurity degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cybersecurity Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Cybersecurity Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer system is among the most student-friendly in the nation. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) enables seamless general education transfer across the state's public higher education system, allowing students to earn associate's degrees at community colleges and transfer directly to bachelor's programs without repeating core coursework. This pathway is particularly valuable for cybersecurity students, as 19 associate's degree programs are offered across Minnesota's 29 two-year institutions. Institutions like Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Century College, and Normandale Community College provide affordable entry points ($4,942–$5,475 tuition) into cybersecurity education while building credits applicable toward bachelor's degrees.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from articulation agreements between community colleges and Minnesota's 7 bachelor's programs, ensuring smooth credit application and degree progress. Metropolitan State University ($8,571 tuition) and Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition) are known for welcoming transfer students, particularly those completing MnTC-compliant general education requirements. Additionally, Minnesota residents transferring to public four-year institutions can access the Minnesota State Grant, continuing financial aid eligibility after transfer. For students seeking bachelor's completion after an associate's degree, online options like Southwest Minnesota State University's online bachelor's program provide flexibility. Explore complementary transfer-friendly programs in network administration in Minnesota and information technology in Minnesota for additional technical pathways.
Why Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers strong educational pathways in cybersecurity with 35 institutions across the state providing accredited programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can choose from 7 bachelor's programs, 8 master's programs, 19 associate's degrees, and 1 doctoral program, generating 600+ total completions annually across all credential types. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks as the #1 bachelor's program in the state, while the state's major metropolitan areas. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington and Rochester, serve as growing tech hubs with significant cybersecurity talent demand from employers like Mayo Clinic, Target, and UnitedHealth Group.
Salary Outlook
The financial advantages of studying cybersecurity in Minnesota are substantial. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $10,088, significantly below national averages. Students pursuing two-year pathways benefit from even lower costs, with community colleges averaging around $5,000 in tuition. Additionally, Minnesota residents may qualify for the Minnesota State Grant, one of the nation's largest need-based financial aid programs, making cybersecurity education highly accessible. Combined with strong regional job growth and employer presence, Minnesota provides both educational excellence and economic opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Explore cybersecurity programs nationally or consider related fields like information security in Minnesota and information technology in Minnesota.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Cybersecurity Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's cybersecurity job market is strong and growing, with 35 institutions across the state offering cybersecurity programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's major metropolitan areas. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Rochester, and Duluth, serve as primary employment hubs for cybersecurity professionals. These regions host diverse industries ranging from healthcare to retail, creating strong demand for skilled cybersecurity workers. According to the BLS State Data for Minnesota, cybersecurity roles continue to expand as organizations prioritize digital security infrastructure and compliance.
Salaries by Metro
Minnesota's cybersecurity education pipeline is substantial, with 238 associate's degree completions, 186 bachelor's degree completions, 143 master's degree completions, and 33 doctoral completions in 2023 (IPEDS). Leading institutions like Capella University (150 completions), Saint Cloud State University (121 completions), and Hennepin Technical College (62 completions) are producing highly trained professionals ready to enter the workforce. Students benefit from Minnesota's transfer infrastructure through the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), which enables seamless general education transfer statewide, helping career advancement pathways. For prospective students, the College Scorecard and Minnesota Office of Higher Education provide comprehensive data on program outcomes and career readiness.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cybersecurity Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
7 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,200
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
- Total Programs
- 50
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $18,600
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best cybersecurity degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do cybersecurity degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can cybersecurity degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
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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.
