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St Cloud Technical and Community College
Saint Cloud, MNPublic
$5,392
Tuition/yr
45%
Grad rate
80.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
14 cybersecurity programs from 8 public and 6 private institutions
2 schools physically in Northfield, plus 12 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $4,942 (Anoka-Ramsey Community College) to $65,043 (Carleton College).
Median cybersecurity salary: $120,000, 4% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $129,600, while cybersecurity managers command $174,000 in the Northfield metro area. Source: BLS OEWS Minnesota state median, May 2024.
An estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions in the Northfield metro area
Minnesota has 8,200 total cybersecurity openings, 2% concentrated in the Northfield metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
3 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Capella University hold NSA/DHS CAE designation, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (full tuition + stipend).
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Northfield, Minnesota Cybersecurity programs
We rank 17 accredited cybersecurity programs in Northfield, 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyCybersecurity Degree Rankings in Northfield, Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Northfield, Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Northfield, Minnesota
10
Programs ranked
$5,319
Avg tuition/yr
40%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 5 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Northfield, 5 public institutions. The nearest programs are within 50 miles. The top-ranked programs include Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Century College, Hennepin Technical College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $4,942 to $5,475 per year. Community colleges offer the most affordable entry into cybersecurity, and many have articulation agreements with nearby four-year universities for seamless credit transfer. Students can complete foundational coursework in networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals while earning industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+. Graduates with a associate's degree in cybersecurity from Northfield-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $78,000 to $93,600 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Minneapolis Community and Technical College holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
#4
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MNPublic
$5,848
Tuition/yr
52%
Grad rate
78.8
Hakia Score
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 Northfield, Minnesota
6
Programs ranked
$12,738
Avg tuition/yr
47%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 5 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Northfield, 2 public and 3 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Northfield, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Carleton College. Annual tuition ranges from $8,571 to $65,043 (average: $39,174). A four-year cybersecurity degree covers core topics including network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security policy, preparing graduates for roles as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The average graduation rate across these programs is 90%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Northfield-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $105,600 to $114,000 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Metropolitan State University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
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Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, MNPrivate for-profit
$10,595
Tuition/yr
53%
Grad rate
73.8
Hakia Score
#5
Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis, MNPrivate nonprofit
$25,214
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
67.7
Hakia Score
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 Northfield, Minnesota
7
Programs ranked
$17,240
Avg tuition/yr
45%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Northfield, 3 public and 1 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 36 miles. The top-ranked programs include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato. Graduate tuition ranges from $8,356 to $25,000 per year. Master's programs take 18-24 months and focus on advanced topics like threat intelligence, security architecture, risk management, and leadership, designed for professionals looking to move into senior technical or management roles. Average completion rate: 82%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Northfield-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $129,600 to $146,400 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Metropolitan State University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MNPrivate nonprofit
$44,400
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
68.3
Hakia Score
#5
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MNPrivate nonprofit
$25,600
Tuition/yr
46%
Grad rate
67.2
Hakia Score
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 Northfield, Minnesota
1
Programs ranked
$14,400
Avg tuition/yr
20%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited doctoral cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Northfield, 1 public and 2 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 36 miles. The top-ranked programs include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Walden University, Capella University. Doctoral program tuition ranges from $10,313 to $14,496 per year, though many programs offer research assistantships, teaching fellowships, or full-tuition waivers. Ph.D. programs in cybersecurity take 4-6 years and focus on original research in areas like cryptography, AI-driven threat detection, or privacy engineering. Graduates with a doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Northfield-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $146,400 to $174,000 in the local market, with roles such as chief information security officer, research scientist, or university professor. The Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Capella University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 14 accredited programs across 5 associate's, 5 bachelor's, 4 master's, 3 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Northfield, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Northfield metro area.
3 schools near Northfield hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Capella University. The CAE program, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS, certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Students at CAE-designated schools may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation.
The Northfield metro area cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 185 open positions and a median salary of $120,000 for information security analysts (BLS OEWS May 2024). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% job growth for cybersecurity roles through 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. economy. For students in Northfield, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (92.3% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Northfield
$120,000
4% below the national median, but Northfield's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $105,600.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Northfield vs. National Average
| Role | Northfield Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $105,600 | $109,921 | -4% |
| Penetration Tester | $114,000 | $118,665 | -4% |
| Security Engineer | $129,600 | $134,903 | -4% |
| Security Architect | $146,400 | $152,390 | -4% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $174,000 | $181,120 | -4% |
Source: BLS OEWS Minnesota state median, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Northfield: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Northfield metro area earn a median salary of $120,000, which is 4% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Northfield as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Northfield's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Northfield can expect starting salaries around $105,600, making cybersecurity one of the highest-paying entry points in the tech sector. With 2-5 years of experience, penetration testers, who simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, earn approximately $114,000. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $129,600, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $146,400.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Northfield metro area can earn $174,000 or more, a 65% premium over entry-level positions. This career trajectory from analyst to manager spans 8-12 years, with certifications like CISSP (82,494 openings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 openings), and CISA (52,337 openings) significantly accelerating advancement and salary growth.
Security clearances provide an additional salary boost of approximately $25,000 per year. Professionals with Top Secret/SCI clearances can earn between $104,000 and $185,000 nationally, making this a particularly lucrative path for graduates near Northfield. For a deeper dive into cybersecurity compensation trends, see our Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Guide. You can also explore related fields like Information Security and Network Administration for adjacent career paths.
Top Cybersecurity Employers in Northfield
The Northfield cybersecurity job market spans 2 major sectors, with employers actively recruiting for roles ranging from entry-level SOC analysts to senior security architects. Here are the key employers driving cybersecurity hiring locally:
Healthcare
Mayo Clinic. Regional medical center with cybersecurity operations protecting patient data and clinical systems.
Northfield Hospital. Regional healthcare provider with cybersecurity operations for patient information protection.
Government
Carleton College. Liberal arts college with cybersecurity programs and campus IT security operations.
St. Olaf College. Liberal arts college with campus IT security and information security infrastructure.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Northfield metro area area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Northfield-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Northfield Organizations
2
Including the Minnesota Healthcare System ransomware (2021). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Northfield Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Northfield, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Northfield metro area:
Minnesota Healthcare System (2021), ransomware. Regional healthcare providers in Minnesota impacted by ransomware affecting patient care and scheduling systems.
Minnesota Education Institutions (2023), phishing. Multiple Minnesota colleges targeted with phishing campaigns compromising faculty and student credentials.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Northfield-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the nationwide supply-to-demand ratio stands at just 74%, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity roles goes unfilled. For students considering a cybersecurity degree, these real-world incidents demonstrate that the skills learned in programs near Northfield directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Northfield metro area
The cybersecurity job market in the Northfield metro area reflects a broader national talent crisis. Minnesota has approximately 8,200 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 185 concentrated in the Northfield metro area. Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles across the United States, and the workforce gap continues to widen, the global shortfall reached 4.8 million positions in 2024, a 41% increase since 2022.
The supply-to-demand ratio for cybersecurity talent nationally is approximately 74%, meaning for every 100 cybersecurity jobs posted, only about 74 qualified candidates are available. This ratio has been declining steadily (from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025), which means cybersecurity graduates face increasingly favorable job prospects. For Northfield students specifically, this translates to strong local hiring demand and competitive starting salaries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% growth in information security analyst employment through 2033, compared to just 4% for all occupations. This makes cybersecurity the 6th fastest-growing occupation in the United States. Within Minnesota, the combination of growing digital transformation across industries is driving sustained demand for cybersecurity talent.
Most in-demand certifications that complement a cybersecurity degree from Northfield schools include CISSP (82,494 job postings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 postings), and CISA (52,337 postings). Many of the top-ranked programs near Northfield integrate certification preparation into their curricula, giving graduates a competitive edge in this seller's market. For statewide job market trends and additional programs, see our Minnesota Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Northfield
Cybersecurity degree programs near Northfield range from $4,942/year at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to $65,043/year at Carleton College. Public institutions average $7,224/year (in-state), while private schools average $37,092/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $120,000 in the Northfield area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $112,876 total) can be recouped in roughly 1.4 years of the annual salary premium. Community college cybersecurity programs offer an even faster path, a two-year associate's degree for as little as $9,884 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $90,000+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Minnesota state grants, institutional scholarships, and cybersecurity-specific funding like the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program (full tuition + $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend). Many employers in the Northfield area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Northfield: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Northfield, Minnesota?
There are 2 cybersecurity programs physically located in Northfield and 14 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 5 associate's programs, 5 bachelor's programs, 4 master's programs, and 3 doctoral programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $4,942/year to over $19,768/year. See our complete rankings for detailed comparisons of every program, including graduation rates, tuition, and career outcomes data from IPEDS 2024.
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Northfield?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Northfield metro area is $120,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $105,600, penetration testers earn around $114,000, security engineers command $129,600, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $174,000 or more. The national median is $124,910, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing occupations. Security clearances can add approximately $25,000/year to base salary. See our salary comparison table for a full role-by-role breakdown.
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Northfield?
The Northfield metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 8,200 total openings across Minnesota (January 2026). Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles with a 26% vacancy rate, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity positions goes unfilled due to the talent shortage. The supply-to-demand ratio has dropped from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025, creating increasingly favorable conditions for new graduates. Key local employers include Mayo Clinic, Carleton College, St. Olaf College. The most in-demand certifications nationally are CISSP (82,494 postings), CompTIA Security+ (70,019), and CISA (52,337). See our job market analysis for more details.
Which Northfield schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
3 schools near Northfield hold NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Capella University. The CAE program certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This designation is significant for students because: (1) CAE programs are recognized by federal, state, and private employers as producing qualified graduates; (2) students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation; (3) graduates are eligible for expedited federal hiring through the OPM cybersecurity track. All 14 programs near Northfield hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Northfield schools?
Yes. 5 institutions near Northfield offer fully online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, providing flexible scheduling for working professionals, career changers, and students who can't attend on-campus classes. Online cybersecurity degrees award the same credential as on-campus programs with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. Key considerations for online programs: (1) ensure the school holds regional accreditation; (2) check whether hands-on labs use virtual environments like CyberRange or require occasional campus visits; (3) look for programs that include certification prep (Security+, CISSP). Many Northfield-area employers offer tuition reimbursement for online degrees. Use our online filter in the rankings to see which local programs offer distance learning options.
Data Sources
U.S. Department of Education institutional data: enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics for all Title IV schools
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212). National median: $124,910.
Cybersecurity workforce supply and demand data powered by CompTIA and NICE. Minnesota: 8,200 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 3 designated schools near Northfield.
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 institutional data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 release. Job market data from CyberSeek (January 2026). NSA CAE designations verified as of February 2026.
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.