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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MNPublic
President Barack Obama visits the University of Minnesota$15,148
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
85.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,502 to $65,043/year
Normandale Community College offers the most affordable option at $5,347/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 8 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online data science degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
8 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 Science 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 Science programs
We rank 41 accredited data science 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Data Science Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Answer
$106,790
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Minnesota deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $106,790 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,226/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Minnesota
7
Programs ranked
$30,412
Avg tuition/yr
64%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 26 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 15 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota data science 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 $29,248/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 79%, 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 science degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
#4
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MNPrivate nonprofit
$54,540
Tuition/yr
75%
Grad rate
64.0
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 44% | 60.5 |
| #7 | St Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN | Private nonprofit | $37,534 | 61% | 59.7 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Minnesota
2
Programs ranked
$12,845
Avg tuition/yr
85%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 6 master's degree programs in data science, 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, Metropolitan State, 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 $17,624/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 science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MNPublic
President Barack Obama visits the University of Minnesota$15,148
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
82.4
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,226/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $58,065/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,807/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $139,356 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $34,838 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers strong financial aid opportunities for data science students through both state and federal programs. The Minnesota State Grant is one of the largest state grant programs in the nation, providing need-based financial assistance to eligible Minnesota residents pursuing higher education. This program represents a significant commitment to making data science education accessible across the state's diverse student population. Additionally, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal Pell Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and work-study opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Minnesota institutions offering data science programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. The College Scorecard and Federal Student Aid website offer comprehensive tools to estimate aid packages and compare financial aid offers from different schools. Minnesota's Office of Higher Education serves as the primary resource for understanding all available grants, loans, and scholarships. For students exploring career pathways, reviewing best bachelor's programs and most affordable options can help identify institutions that balance quality education with financial accessibility.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+540%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$999,088
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$105,000
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,034,496
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Minneapolis, MN)$105,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return3.4%
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 Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Minnesota metro areas
Minneapolis$117K
St. Paul$112K
Bloomington$107K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $117K |
| St. Paul | $112K |
| Bloomington | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Minnesota
Find data science jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTarget
retail-tech
UnitedHealth Group
healthcare
Best Buy
retail-tech
3M
manufacturing
Medtronic
medtech
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota provides exceptional transfer pathways for data science students through the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), a statewide articulation system that enables seamless credit transfer between institutions (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum). The state has 29 two-year institutions offering associate's degrees and certificates in data science and related fields, creating an affordable entry point for students. Top community colleges including Normandale Community College (tuition: $5,347), Anoka-Ramsey Community College (tuition: $4,942), and North Hennepin Community College (tuition: $4,502) provide rigorous foundational coursework that transfers seamlessly to the state's 52 four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate's degrees in data science can transfer directly to bachelor's programs at institutions like Metropolitan State University (tuition: $8,571) and Minnesota State University-Mankato (tuition: $8,356) with credits fully recognized. The MnTC system ensures that general education requirements transfer automatically, allowing students to focus upper-level coursework on data science specialization. This pathway is particularly valuable given the cost differential: community college tuition averages significantly below four-year institutions, making degrees more affordable. The Minnesota State Grant provides need-based financial aid for eligible residents (Minnesota State Grant). For detailed transfer guidance, consult the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and explore most affordable programs that accommodate transfer pathways.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota has established itself as a premier destination for data science education, with 46 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state boasts a strong pipeline of talent development, producing 1,399 bachelor's degree completions annually, along with 271 master's completions and 152 associate's degree completions. This comprehensive educational ecosystem positions Minnesota as a leading hub for data science training and career development.
Salary Outlook
The state's major metropolitan areas, particularly the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, host employers that actively recruit data science graduates. Major employers including Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M provide exceptional career opportunities for program graduates. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 834 completions, establishing it as the dominant institution for data science education. Students benefit from competitive average public in-state tuition of $10,088 at four-year institutions, making quality education accessible. For those seeking additional pathways, explore related fields through Data Analytics in Minnesota and Machine Learning in Minnesota programs that complement data science studies. Compare Minnesota's opportunities with Data Science in California and Data Science in Texas to understand the state's competitive advantages.
Data Science Program Availability in Minnesota
35 Programs
Minnesota offers 35 accredited data science programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota has established itself as a strong hub for data science professionals, with significant employment opportunities across multiple metropolitan regions. The state's data science job market is driven by major urban centers including the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, Rochester, and Duluth, each offering distinct career pathways and employer bases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's technology and data-driven sectors continue to experience strong demand. The state's workforce development initiatives, supported by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, help ensure a steady pipeline of qualified data science graduates to meet employer needs across diverse industries.
Salaries by Metro
The educational infrastructure supporting data science careers in Minnesota is comprehensive and well-established. With 46 institutions offering data science programs across all degree levels, the state produces thousands of qualified professionals annually. Bachelor's programs alone generated 1,399 completions in 2023, while master's programs contributed 271 completions, according to IPEDS data. This substantial output demonstrates Minnesota's commitment to developing talent for the growing data science field. Students exploring education-to-career transitions should review Minnesota's transfer curriculum system, which enables seamless movement between institution types, and investigate College Scorecard for detailed employment outcome data. The state's investment in accessible, affordable education makes data science careers achievable for diverse student populations across Minnesota.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Minnesota$69,414$154,846
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
4 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$20,903/yr$23,226/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $32,800
Best Data Science Degree Programs in South Dakota
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
Best Data Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Minnesota?
The best data science degree programs in Minnesota based on our methodology are: 1) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (92% graduation rate), 2) Carleton College, and 3) St Olaf College. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Minnesota offers 35 total accredited programs across 18 public and 15 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 26 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Minnesota?
Data Science degree program costs in Minnesota vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,226/year, while private institutions average $51,097/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,807/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $92,904 at public schools to $204,389 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Data Science professionals in Minnesota earn a median salary of $106,790, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $69,414, while senior roles exceed $154,846. Salaries vary by metro area: Minneapolis ($117,469), St. Paul ($112,130) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data science degree programs in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers 4 accredited online Data Science programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Minnesota State Community and Technical College and University of Northwestern-St Paul. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Minnesota?
Major Data Science employers in Minnesota include Target, UnitedHealth, Best Buy, 3M, Medtronic. The Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Minnesota universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Minnesota's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Minnesota?
A data science degree program in Minnesota offers strong ROI with a $106,790 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,226/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($120,673), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data science degree programs take in Minnesota?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Minnesota are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Minnesota community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Minnesota university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Minnesota?
Minnesota data science degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Minnesota state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Minnesota's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Minnesota salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.