Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
161 information systems graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Minnesota State University-Mankato
82 information systems graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Metropolitan State University
93 information systems graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 16+ accredited information systems 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)
Information Systems Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 16 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 577 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 information systems programs in the state are led by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 16 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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 Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 81.2 |
| 2 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 68.4 |
| 3 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 64 |
| 4 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 63.4 |
| 5 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 55.7 |
| 6 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 48.9 |
| 7 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 48.6 |
| 8 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 45.4 |
| 9 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | For-Profit | $10,207 | 56% | 44.9 |
| 10 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 43.7 |
| 11 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 38.5 |
| 12 | Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $47,134 | — | 37.9 |
| 13 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 37.8 |
| 14 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 36.9 |
| 15 | The College of Saint Scholastica | Duluth, MN | Private | $39,530 | — | 34.5 |
| 16 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 34.3 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | Minnesota State Universit... | Metropolitan State | U of St Thomas | Capella |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $8,356 | $8,571 | $50,788 | $14,436 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 95% | 75% | 89% | 13% |
| Annual Graduates | 161 | 82 | 93 | 55 | 84 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 91% | 96% | 85% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | For-Profit |
| Score | 81.2/100 | 68.4/100 | 64.0/100 | 63.4/100 | 55.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 13 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Metropolitan State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 161 | 81.2 |
| #2 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 82 | 68.4 |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 93 | 64.0 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 9 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of St Thomas, Minnesota State University-Mankato. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Minnesota reaching $138,827 or more.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 53 | 71.2 |
| #2 U of St Thomas | $50,788 | 89% | 55 | 63.4 |
| #3 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 22 | 56.6 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems 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 Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems 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 Information Systems Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 161 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 161 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 81.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (161 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 82 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 68.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 82 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (82 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Management Information Systems BS provides in-depth knowledge of information technology concepts and applications, preparing students to create innovative solutions for real-world problems by integrating IT infrastructure, software, and management skills with basic business concepts for interfacing with business professionals.
Admission Prerequisites
- •college preparatory courses
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0 or 2.7 with ACT 21
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 64.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 93 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (93 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Metropolitan State University offers both Computer Information Technology and Management Information Systems programs that combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on lab work. A minimum of 20 semester credits must be completed at Metro State for the CIT degree, and the programs prepare graduates for high-demand IT occupations including systems analysts, developers, and data scientists.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,788 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 55 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 63.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 55 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 63.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (55 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 13% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 55.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 13% graduation rate
- 84 information systems graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 55.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (13%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Capella's BS in IT program offers flexible online learning with hands-on experience through virtual labs and real-world capstone projects, and is accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission. The FlexPath option allows completion of a bachelor's in IT in as little as 19 months for under $19,000 based on the fastest 25% of students.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
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 16)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Minnesota
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Explore computer engineering programs in Minnesota
Information Systems Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Information Systems 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.