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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
Best information security degree programs: Saint Cloud State, Metropolitan State, Capella
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,178 to $42,500/year
Hennepin Technical College offers the most affordable option at $5,341/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 16 associate's, 7 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online information security degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
16 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
Information Security degree programs near 53+ cities across Minnesota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 27, 2026
How we ranked Minnesota Information Security programs
We rank 29 accredited information security 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 Information Security Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Answer
$106,790
Yes. The best information security degree programs in Minnesota deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $106,790 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $9,665/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Minnesota
10
Programs ranked
$5,319
Avg tuition/yr
40%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 16 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis Community and..., Century College, 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 $5,635/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 information security schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Minnesota.
#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 Information Security Programs in Minnesota
6
Programs ranked
$12,738
Avg tuition/yr
47%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Saint Cloud State, Metropolitan State, Capella, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota information security 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 $8,571 to $23,825 annually, with an average of $13,170/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 49%, with the highest reaching 75%. 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 information security degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, MNPrivate for-profit
$10,595
Tuition/yr
53%
Grad rate
73.8
Hakia Score
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Capella University
Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profit
What Makes a Great Therapist | Around the Table, Episode 3 | Capella University$14,400
Tuition/yr
20%
Grad rate
68.9
Hakia Score
#4
$8,811
Tuition/yr
40%
Grad rate
68.1
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 Information Security Programs in Minnesota
7
Programs ranked
$17,240
Avg tuition/yr
45%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Saint Cloud State, Capella, Minnesota State Universit..., 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 $16,855/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 information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MNPrivate nonprofit
$44,400
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
68.3
Hakia Score
#4
Capella University
Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profit
What Makes a Great Therapist | Around the Table, Episode 3 | Capella University$14,400
Tuition/yr
20%
Grad rate
67.6
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 Information Security Programs in Minnesota
1
Programs ranked
$14,400
Avg tuition/yr
20%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 1 doctoral programs in information security, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at 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 information security 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.
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,665/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,163/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,416/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $57,992 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,498 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota students pursuing information security degrees have access to one of the nation's most strong state financial aid programs. The Minnesota State Grant is a need-based grant program administered through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and represents one of the largest state-funded aid initiatives in the country. This program prioritizes support for Minnesota residents attending eligible institutions, making it a critical resource for both undergraduate and graduate students in the field. Additionally, all federal financial aid options available through FAFSA apply to Minnesota institutions, including federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Work-Study programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Students should explore both federal and institutional funding sources to maximize financial support. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains the gateway to all federal aid, while individual Minnesota institutions often offer merit-based scholarships specific to information security and technology programs. Many public universities, including those ranked among the best bachelor's programs in information security, provide additional institutional aid packages. Graduate students pursuing master's degrees at Minnesota institutions frequently qualify for assistantships and tuition waivers, particularly at research-focused universities. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) also facilitates cost savings by enabling seamless credit transfer between institutions, allowing students to complete general education requirements at more affordable community colleges before transferring to four-year programs.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security 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.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
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
$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
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)$2,325,139
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)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
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
Information Security 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 Information Security Graduates in Minnesota
Find information security jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTarget
retail-tech
UnitedHealth Group
healthcare
Best Buy
retail-tech
3M
manufacturing
Medtronic
medtech
Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer ecosystem is designed to help seamless credential transition from two-year to four-year institutions. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) establishes standardized general education requirements across the state's college system, enabling students who complete associate degrees at one of 29 two-year institutions (IPEDS) to transfer general education credits without duplication (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum). The state's 17 associate's degree programs in information security provide affordable pathways ($4,942–$5,475 annual tuition) with articulation agreements to bachelor's programs at four-year institutions. Top feeders include Hennepin Technical College (43 completions), Minneapolis Community and Technical College (33 completions), and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, which partner with universities like Metropolitan State University and Saint Cloud State University to ensure credit portability.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing a two-to-four-year pathway benefit from reduced overall costs, completing general education at community college before pursuing bachelor's coursework at state universities where public tuition averages $10,088 in-state (College Scorecard). Many Minnesota State System institutions, including Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356 tuition) and Saint Cloud State University ($8,811 tuition), maintain formal agreements with their two-year counterparts, guaranteeing junior standing for graduates. The Minnesota State Grant program supports resident students financially throughout their transfer journey (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). For detailed articulation agreements and transfer eligibility, consult your community college advisor. Explore Information Technology in Minnesota and Network Administration in Minnesota for complementary transfer pathways.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring information security professionals, with 33 institutions offering dedicated programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's strong educational infrastructure includes 7 bachelor's-granting institutions, 8 master's programs, and a doctoral option, producing 183 bachelor's completions, 134 master's completions, and 30 doctoral completions annually (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities consistently rank among national leaders, while institutions such as Capella University and Saint Cloud State University lead the state in program completions, demonstrating strong industry alignment and student demand.
Salary Outlook
The Twin Cities metropolitan area, home to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington, hosts major technology employers including Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M, creating strong career pathways for graduates. Beyond the metro region, Rochester's Mayo Clinic and northern Minnesota's growing tech sectors provide diverse employment opportunities. Public four-year institution tuition averages $10,088 in-state, making Minnesota education accessible compared to national counterparts (College Scorecard). The state's commitment to affordability is further reinforced through the Minnesota State Grant program, a need-based financial aid initiative supporting resident students (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). Explore related fields like Cybersecurity in Minnesota and Network Administration in Minnesota to expand your career perspective.
Information Security Program Availability in Minnesota
24 Programs
Minnesota offers 24 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's information security job market is strong and growing, supported by a strong tech presence across the state's major metropolitan areas. The Twin Cities region, encompassing Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington, serves as the primary hub for cybersecurity employment, attracting talent from both local universities and national talent pools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota maintains competitive salary ranges for information security professionals, with opportunities spanning multiple industry sectors. Rochester and Duluth also represent emerging markets for security roles, particularly given the presence of major healthcare and technology employers in these regions. The state's four-year institutions have produced 183 bachelor's degree completions in information security, while two-year institutions have generated 214 associate's degree completions, creating a steady pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
The demand for information security professionals in Minnesota continues to outpace national averages, driven by digital transformation initiatives across healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors. Entry-level positions are widely available through community colleges and bachelor's programs, with 33 institutions statewide offering information security credentials at various levels (IPEDS). Career advancement opportunities extend to master's and doctoral levels, with 8 institutions offering master's programs and 1 institution offering doctoral education in the field. Professionals should explore resources from the College Scorecard and BLS occupational data to understand salary progression and job outlook trends. For context on related field opportunities, see our guides on cybersecurity programs in Minnesota and network administration careers to understand complementary career pathways.
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 Information Security Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
6 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$8,699/yr$9,665/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 Information Security Programs in Other States
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
Best Information Security Degree Programs in South Dakota
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Information Security Degree Programs in North Dakota
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,200
Best Information Security Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
Best Information Security Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 57
- Median Tuition
- $17,800
Information Security Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Minnesota?
The best information security degree programs in Minnesota based on our methodology are: 1) Saint Cloud State University (highly ranked), 2) Metropolitan State University, and 3) Capella University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Minnesota offers 24 total accredited programs across 18 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 5 bachelor's programs.
How much do information security degree programs cost in Minnesota?
Information Security degree program costs in Minnesota vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $9,665/year, while private institutions average $21,263/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,416/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $38,660 at public schools to $85,052 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 information security degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Information Security 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 information security degree programs in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers 6 accredited online Information Security 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 Rasmussen University-Minnesota and Minnesota State College Southeast. 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 information security degree graduates in Minnesota?
Major Information Security 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 an information security degree program worth it in Minnesota?
An information security degree program in Minnesota offers strong ROI with a $106,790 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $9,665/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 information security degree programs take in Minnesota?
Standard completion times for information security 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 information security degree students in Minnesota?
Minnesota information security 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.