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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning 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
Machine Learning degree programs available: 7 associate's, 4 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online machine learning degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
7 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 36 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community Co..., North Hennepin 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 $5,247/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 machine learning schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Minnesota.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | Public | $5,475 | — | 49.9 |
| #7 | Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | Public | $5,420 | — | 40.3 |
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 24 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 13 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 machine learning 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 $28,375/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 machine learning degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Show all 24 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 60.4 |
| #7 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private | $29,280 | 72% | 48.4 |
| #8 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 44.6 |
| #9 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 49.8 |
| #10 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 52.6 |
| #11 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 56.5 |
| #12 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 45.8 |
| #13 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 51.5 |
| #14 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 48.9 |
| #15 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 49.2 |
| #16 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private | $29,400 | — | 49.0 |
| #17 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 48.4 |
| #18 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 38.0 |
| #19 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 43.8 |
| #20 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 47.2 |
| #21 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 42.4 |
| #22 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 40.7 |
| #23 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 39.2 |
| #24 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 31.2 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 4 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State, Saint Cloud 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 $11,161/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 1 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 machine learning 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
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,152/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $57,880/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,788/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $138,912 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $34,728 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers strong financial aid options for students pursuing machine learning degrees. The Minnesota State Grant program provides need-based grants specifically for Minnesota residents, representing one of the largest state financial aid programs in the nation (Minnesota Office of Higher Education). This grant program complements federal aid options, allowing students to layer multiple funding sources to reduce out-of-pocket costs. All students, regardless of state residency, should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
In addition to state and federal programs, Minnesota institutions offering machine learning degrees provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, which leads the state with 755 completions in machine learning, offers competitive scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Community colleges, such as Normandale Community College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, often provide additional grant opportunities for low-income students. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to explore scholarships tied to computer science, technology, and STEM fields. Using resources like the College Scorecard (College Scorecard) can help compare net price and aid packages across Minnesota institutions offering machine learning programs.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$130,000
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Minnesota
Find machine learning jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's strong transfer system enables seamless progression from two-year to four-year machine learning programs. The state hosts 29 two-year institutions and 52 four-year institutions, creating abundant pathways for students starting at community colleges. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) standardizes general education requirements across all public institutions, allowing credits earned at community colleges like Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and North Hennepin Community College to transfer directly without loss (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)). This articulation system accelerates degree completion and reduces costs, as associate's programs cost significantly less, averaging $4,502 to $5,556, compared to bachelor's programs.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing an associate's degree in machine learning can smoothly transition to bachelor's programs at major universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, or Saint Cloud State University. Specific articulation agreements between community colleges and universities outline course equivalencies, ensuring that coursework in programming, mathematics, and foundational computer science counts toward bachelor's requirements. The Minnesota State Grant program provides need-based financial aid to Minnesota residents, further reducing barriers to completing a transfer pathway (Minnesota State Grant). For detailed information on transfer agreements and program articulation, contact your community college advisor or visit institutional transfer offices. Explore data science and computer science programs that offer similar transfer-friendly structures, and compare regional and national programs to identify institutions aligned with your career goals.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota is a thriving hub for machine learning education, with 41 institutions offering dedicated programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 1,199 bachelor's degree completions in machine learning, alongside 170 master's completions and 17 doctoral completions, reflecting strong educational pathways from entry-level to advanced research (IPEDS). The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads the state with 755 completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for machine learning studies in the region.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's major metropolitan areas, particularly Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, host employers investing heavily in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Companies like Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M actively recruit graduates from local programs, creating exceptional internship and career opportunities. The state's average public in-state tuition of $10,088 at four-year institutions makes quality machine learning education accessible compared to national peers. Prospective students should explore related fields through Minnesota's comprehensive higher education ecosystem, including artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science programs that complement machine learning specializations.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's machine learning job market is strong and growing, supported by a strong technology sector concentrated in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and emerging hubs in Rochester and Duluth. The state hosts major technology and healthcare employers that actively recruit machine learning professionals, creating diverse career pathways across industries. According to BLS occupational data, Minnesota continues to develop as a competitive market for data science and machine learning roles. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area serves as the primary technology hub, with secondary opportunities in Rochester and Duluth regions.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Minnesota are well-established to meet market demand. The state's 41 institutions offering machine learning programs produce 1,199 bachelor's degree completions annually, along with 170 master's degrees and 145 associate's degrees, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent (IPEDS Program Data). The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities alone contributes 755 completions, making it the dominant force in machine learning education. Students benefit from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), which enables seamless credit transfer between institutions statewide. For more information on career pathways, explore related programs such as Data Science in Minnesota and Artificial Intelligence in Minnesota, which often complement machine learning careers and expand employment opportunities.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
6 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $33,800
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $33,400
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Minnesota?
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Minnesota?
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Minnesota?
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Minnesota?
What financial aid is available for machine learning 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.