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Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, U of St Thomas
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $5,347 to $65,043/year
Normandale Community College offers the most affordable option at $5,347/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 2 associate's, 7 master's, 2 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online data analytics degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 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
Data Analytics degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Data Analytics programs
We rank 26 accredited data analytics 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.
Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in data analytics, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Normandale Community College, Minnesota State Community..., 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 $5,386/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 data analytics schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data analytics degrees in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, U of St Thomas, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota data analytics 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 $8,356 to $65,043 annually, with an average of $26,239/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 77%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 data analytics degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of St Thomas
Show all 15 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 50.9 |
| #7 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 48.2 |
| #8 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 45.1 |
| #9 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 43.7 |
| #10 | Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $47,134 | — | 41.9 |
| #11 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 40.3 |
| #12 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 36.9 |
| #13 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 36.8 |
| #14 | St Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $36,694 | — | 34.6 |
| #15 | Bethel University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $42,760 | — | 34.0 |
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, U of St Thomas, Rasmussen University-Minn..., 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 $26,701/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 data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of St Thomas
Capella University
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $47,134 | — | 37.9 |
| #7 | The College of Saint Scholastica | Duluth, MN | Private | $39,530 | — | 36.4 |
Best Doctoral Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 2 doctoral programs in data analytics, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 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 data analytics 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,220/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $58,050/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,805/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $139,320 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $34,830 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota students pursuing data analytics degrees have access to one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs. The Minnesota State Grant program provides need-based grants specifically for Minnesota residents attending eligible institutions, making it one of the largest state grant programs in the country (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). This program is designed to reduce the financial burden on students and families while pursuing higher education in fields like data analytics. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for both federal and state aid (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Minnesota institutions offering data analytics programs participate in the federal student aid system, providing loans, work-study opportunities, and institutional scholarships. Many Minnesota colleges, including top-ranked programs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and University of St Thomas, offer merit-based scholarships and need-based aid packages tailored to data analytics students. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) also benefits students by enabling seamless transfer of general education credits across institutions, reducing overall time-to-degree and associated costs (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum). Students should explore national best bachelor's programs and most affordable options to compare institutional aid offerings.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
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.
$120,000
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
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Graduates in Minnesota
Find data analytics jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's seamless transfer system makes it easy for students to begin their data analytics education at community colleges and transfer to four-year institutions. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) enables 3 associate's degree-granting institutions offering data analytics programs to provide general education coursework that automatically transfers statewide, eliminating repeated coursework and saving time and money. Students completing an associate's degree in data analytics or a related field can seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at 17 institutions across Minnesota. This pathway is particularly valuable for students seeking to reduce costs, as community college tuition averages significantly below four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Minnesota State System institutions and University of Minnesota campuses help direct transfer of coursework and program credits. Students beginning at 29 two-year institutions statewide can leverage the MnTC framework to guarantee credit transfer, then complete upper-level data analytics coursework at universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (168 completions) or University of St Thomas (117 completions). This pathway is ideal for those seeking most affordable programs, as institutions like Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition) and Winona State University ($8,388 tuition) offer quality entry points. Additional financial support comes through the Minnesota State Grant, a need-based grant program for Minnesota residents. For more information on transfer policies, visit the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum website or consult your institution's transfer advisor. Students should also explore related transfer pathways in Database Management in Minnesota and Data Science in Minnesota.
Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers exceptional opportunities for students pursuing data analytics education. The state hosts 31 institutions offering data analytics programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023 alone, Minnesota institutions awarded 223 bachelor's completions and 234 master's completions in data analytics, demonstrating strong program capacity and employer demand. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 168 completions, while the University of St Thomas contributed 117 completions, establishing Minnesota as a significant hub for data analytics education.
Salary Outlook
The Twin Cities metropolitan area serves as a major technology and business center, home to industry giants including Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and the Mayo Clinic. These employers actively recruit data analytics graduates, creating strong job placement prospects for program completers. Minnesota's public four-year institutions offer competitive affordability with average in-state tuition of $10,088, making quality education accessible. For those seeking premier programs, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks as the #1 bachelor's program in the state with a 92% graduation rate, while affordable options like Metropolitan State University deliver excellent value at $8,571 tuition with strong online bachelor's offerings. Students should also explore related fields like Data Science in Minnesota and Machine Learning in Minnesota for complementary educational pathways.
Data Analytics Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's data analytics job market is strong and growing, supported by a strong educational infrastructure with 31 institutions offering data analytics programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's four-year public institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $10,088, making Minnesota an accessible destination for students pursuing data analytics careers. Employment opportunities span multiple metropolitan regions, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area serving as the primary job hub, complemented by strong markets in Rochester and Duluth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's data analytics and related fields experience consistent demand across industries, supported by the presence of Fortune 500 companies and major healthcare systems throughout the state.
Salaries by Metro
Minnesota's education pipeline directly feeds into this market, with 223 bachelor's degree completions and 234 master's degree completions annually across the state (IPEDS). The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 168 completions, establishing itself as the primary talent source for regional employers. Beyond traditional degree programs, Minnesota's Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) enables seamless general education transfer across two-year and four-year institutions, allowing students to develop skills progressively before entering the workforce. Students can explore related career paths through programs in Data Science in Minnesota, Database Management in Minnesota, and Machine Learning in Minnesota to broaden their market competitiveness.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
2 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $32,500
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $47,200
Data Analytics Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online data analytics degree programs in Minnesota?
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in Minnesota?
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Minnesota?
How long do data analytics degree programs take in Minnesota?
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Minnesota?
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.