Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
88 data analytics graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of St Thomas
95 data analytics graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Carleton College
21 data analytics graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 18+ accredited data analytics programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with 92% 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)
Data Analytics Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 18 accredited data analytics programs, producing approximately 381 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 data analytics programs in the state are led by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of St Thomas, Carleton College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 78.9 |
| 2 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 77.7 |
| 3 | Carleton College | Northfield, MN | Private | $65,043 | 97% | 70.5 |
| 4 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 54.7 |
| 5 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 50.6 |
| 6 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 50.1 |
| 7 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 47.8 |
| 8 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | For-Profit | $10,207 | 56% | 46.6 |
| 9 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 46.3 |
| 10 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 44.8 |
| 11 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 43.6 |
| 12 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 42.9 |
| 13 | Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $47,134 | — | 40.2 |
| 14 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 40.2 |
| 15 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 36.7 |
| 16 | The College of Saint Scholastica | Duluth, MN | Private | $39,530 | — | 36.2 |
| 17 | St Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $36,694 | — | 34.4 |
| 18 | Bethel University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $42,760 | — | 33.9 |
Top 5 Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | U of St Thomas | Carleton College | U of Minnesota-Duluth | Minnesota State Universit... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $50,788 | $65,043 | $12,766 | $8,356 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 89% | 97% | N/A% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 88 | 95 | 21 | 47 | 9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 85% | 22% | 82% | 91% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 78.9/100 | 77.7/100 | 70.5/100 | 54.7/100 | 50.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Analytics in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 15 bachelor's-level data analytics programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, University of St Thomas. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in data analytics typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 75 | 76.3 |
| #2 Carleton College | $65,043 | 97% | 21 | 70.5 |
| #3 U of St Thomas | $50,788 | 89% | 33 | 60.0 |
Top Data Analytics Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 7 master's-level data analytics programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of St Thomas, Rasmussen University-Minnesota. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Minnesota reaching $138,827 or more.
Top 3 Data Analytics Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 88 | 78.9 |
| #2 U of St Thomas | $50,788 | 89% | 95 | 77.7 |
| #3 Rasmussen University-Minn... | $10,207 | 56% | 5 | 46.6 |
Most Affordable Data Analytics Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data analytics programs in Minnesota are at Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356/year), Winona State University ($8,388/year), Metropolitan State University ($8,571/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 Data Analytics Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Analytics 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 Winona State | $8,388 | $33,552 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | $34,284 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Analytics Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data analytics 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 88 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 78.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 88 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (88 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MSBA program is an accelerated 12-month, STEM-designated program that combines hands-on learning through the Carlson Analytics Lab with cutting-edge analytics, AI, and machine learning practices. The cohort-based model provides a collaborative learning environment and access to a built-in network in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,788 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 95 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 77.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 95 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (95 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Carleton College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,043 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 22%
- • Ranking Score: 70.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 21 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (22% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,766 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 47 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,356 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 50.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 9 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The M.S. in Data Science program provides a strong foundation for developing, implementing, and evaluating data analytics solutions with competencies in data analytics, database systems, big data technologies, and machine learning techniques. The Department offers a fast track combined BS/MS program for outstanding undergraduate students to encourage pursuit of advanced degrees.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 32 credits
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity 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 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Minnesota
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Minnesota
Explore machine learning programs in Minnesota
Explore data science programs in Minnesota
Explore cybersecurity programs in Minnesota
Explore information security programs in Minnesota
Explore software engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore computer science programs in Minnesota
Explore computer engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore information technology programs in Minnesota
Data Analytics Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
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Data Analytics 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.