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St Cloud Technical and Community College
Saint Cloud, MNPublic
$5,392
Tuition/yr
45%
Grad rate
80.7
Hakia Score
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Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
13 cybersecurity programs from 7 public and 6 private institutions
3 schools physically in Saint Paul, plus 10 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $4,942 (Anoka-Ramsey Community College) to $65,043 (Carleton College).
Median cybersecurity salary: $122,000, 2% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $131,760, while cybersecurity managers command $176,900 in the Saint Paul metro area. Source: BLS OEWS Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 2,200 open cybersecurity positions in the Saint Paul metro area
Minnesota has 8,200 total cybersecurity openings, 27% concentrated in the Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota Cybersecurity programs
We rank 16 accredited cybersecurity programs in Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 5 public institutions. The nearest programs are within 17 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 Saint Paul-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $79,300 to $95,160 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 2 public and 3 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $107,360 to $115,900 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota
7
Programs ranked
$17,240
Avg tuition/yr
45%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Saint Paul, 2 public and 1 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Saint Paul, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Concordia University-Saint Paul. Graduate tuition ranges from $8,571 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: 78%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Saint Paul-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $131,760 to $148,840 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Programs ranked
$14,400
Avg tuition/yr
20%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited doctoral cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Saint Paul, 1 public and 2 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 4 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 Saint Paul-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $148,840 to $176,900 in the local market, with roles such as chief information security officer, research scientist, or university professor. The Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 13 accredited programs across 5 associate's, 5 bachelor's, 3 master's, 3 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 3 of these institutions are physically located in Saint Paul, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Saint Paul metro area.
3 schools near Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul metro area cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 2,200 open positions and a median salary of $122,000 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul
$122,000
2% below the national median, but Saint Paul's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $107,360.
Source: BLS OEWS Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Saint Paul vs. National Average
| Role | Saint Paul Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $107,360 | $109,921 | -2% |
| Penetration Tester | $115,900 | $118,665 | -2% |
| Security Engineer | $131,760 | $134,903 | -2% |
| Security Architect | $148,840 | $152,390 | -2% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $176,900 | $181,120 | -2% |
Source: BLS OEWS Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Saint Paul: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Saint Paul metro area earn a median salary of $122,000, which is 2% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Saint Paul as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Saint Paul's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Saint Paul can expect starting salaries around $107,360, 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 $115,900. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $131,760, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $148,840.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Saint Paul metro area can earn $176,900 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 Saint Paul. 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 Saint Paul
The Saint Paul cybersecurity job market spans 3 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:
Technology
Target. Major retailer with extensive cybersecurity operations and incident response capabilities across national operations.
3M. Diversified manufacturer with significant cybersecurity operations securing IoT and industrial systems.
Healthcare
UnitedHealth Group. Large healthcare IT company with dedicated SOC and healthcare-focused threat intelligence.
Mayo Clinic. Leading medical center with strong cybersecurity infrastructure protecting patient data and medical systems.
Government
University of Minnesota. Major research institution with extensive cybersecurity research programs and campus security operations.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Saint Paul Organizations
2
Including the Minnesota Department of Commerce data breach (2023). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Saint Paul Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Saint Paul, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Saint Paul metro area:
Minnesota Department of Commerce (2023), data breach. Breach exposed personal information of Minnesota residents stored in state systems.
UnitedHealth Group (2024), ransomware. Change Healthcare subsidiary affected, disrupting pharmacy and medical claims processing affecting millions nationwide.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Saint Paul-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Saint Paul directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Saint Paul metro area
The cybersecurity job market in the Saint Paul metro area reflects a broader national talent crisis. Minnesota has approximately 8,200 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 2,200 concentrated in the Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul
Cybersecurity degree programs near Saint Paul range from $4,942/year at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to $65,043/year at Carleton College. Public institutions average $7,062/year (in-state), while private schools average $37,092/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $122,000 in the Saint Paul area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $122,808 total) can be recouped in roughly 1.5 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 $91,500+.
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 Saint Paul area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Saint Paul: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Saint Paul, Minnesota?
There are 3 cybersecurity programs physically located in Saint Paul and 13 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 5 associate's programs, 5 bachelor's programs, 3 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 Saint Paul?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Saint Paul metro area is $122,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $107,360, penetration testers earn around $115,900, security engineers command $131,760, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $176,900 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 Saint Paul?
The Saint Paul metro area has an estimated 2,200 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 Target, UnitedHealth Group, Mayo Clinic. 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 Saint Paul schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
3 schools near Saint Paul 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 13 programs near Saint Paul hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Saint Paul schools?
Yes. 5 institutions near Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul-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 Saint Paul.
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.