Updated December 2025

Best Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 23 top accredited mobile development programs in Minnesota. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington.

Programs Ranked:23
Median Salary:$106,790
Cost of Living:98.8%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MNPublic

612 mobile development graduates annually, 92% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad Rate
81.2
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Carleton College

Northfield, MNPrivate

80 mobile development graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$65K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
70.5
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

St Olaf College

Northfield, MNPrivate

33 mobile development graduates annually, 95% graduation rate

$57K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
56.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Minnesota offers 23+ accredited mobile development 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)

Mobile Development Education in Minnesota: Overview

Minnesota offers 23 accredited mobile development programs, producing approximately 1,207 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 mobile development programs in the state are led by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 23 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Mobile Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Minnesota-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Minnesota Mobile Development Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MNPublic$14,49692%81.2
2Carleton CollegeNorthfield, MNPrivate$65,04397%70.5
3St Olaf CollegeNorthfield, MNPrivate$56,97095%56.2
4Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul, MNPublic$8,57175%51.3
5Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall, MNPublic$8,84094%48.6
6University of St ThomasSaint Paul, MNPrivate$50,78889%48.4
7Bethany Lutheran CollegeMankato, MNPrivate$29,28072%44.9
8University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth, MNPublic$12,766โ€”44.6
9Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MNPublic$8,35695%44.1
10Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MNPublic$8,838โ€”43.2
11Winona State UniversityWinona, MNPublic$8,388โ€”42.9
12North Central UniversityMinneapolis, MNPrivate$28,50094%42.3
13Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter, MNPrivate$53,570โ€”41.7
14Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul, MNPrivate$25,00066%41.6
15Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis, MNPrivate$43,14263%40.9
16Concordia College at MoorheadMoorhead, MNPrivate$29,400โ€”40
17University of Minnesota-MorrisMorris, MNPublic$12,932โ€”39.5
18Bemidji State UniversityBemidji, MNPublic$8,994โ€”37.4
19Saint Johns UniversityCollegeville, MNPrivate$52,700โ€”36.4
20University of Northwestern-St PaulSaint Paul, MNPrivate$35,970โ€”34.4
21Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud, MNPublic$8,811โ€”34
22Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona, MNPrivate$42,500โ€”34
23College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph, MNPrivate$52,700โ€”33.2

Top 5 Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side

SchoolU of MinnesotaCarleton CollegeSt Olaf CollegeMetropolitan StateSouthwest Minnesota State
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$14,496
$65,043
$56,970
$8,571
$8,840
Graduation Rate
92%
97%
95%
75%
94%
Annual Graduates
612
80
33
106
9
Acceptance Rate
77%
22%
52%
96%
69%
Type
Public
Private
Private
Public
Public
Score
81.2/100
70.5/100
56.2/100
51.3/100
48.6/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Mobile Development in Minnesota

Minnesota offers 23 bachelor's-level mobile development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.

A bachelor's in mobile development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Minnesota
$14,496
92%
612
81.2
#2 Carleton College
$65,043
97%
80
70.5
#3 St Olaf College
$56,970
95%
33
56.2

Top Mobile Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota

For graduate study, Minnesota offers 4 master's-level mobile development programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Minnesota reaching $138,827 or more.

Top 3 Mobile Development Master's Programs in Minnesota

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Minnesota
$14,496
92%
98
80.8
#2 Metropolitan State
$8,571
75%
10
45.4
#3 Saint Cloud State
$8,811
N/A%
17
34.0

Most Affordable Mobile Development Colleges in Minnesota

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable mobile development 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 Mobile Development Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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 Mobile Development Schools in Minnesota

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 mobile development 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.

#1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $14,496 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 612 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 612 mobile development graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 81.2 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (612 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Carleton College

Northfield, MN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $65,043 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 80 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 22%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 70.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 80 mobile development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 70.5 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (80 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (22% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $56,970 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 33 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • 33 mobile development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 56.2 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (33 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (52% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

St. Olaf's Computer Science program is nationally recognized as a leader in parallel and distributed computing instruction, offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities from foundation to capstone courses, and uniquely integrates liberal arts perspectives including teamwork, communication skills, and ethical analysis in computing.

#4

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 106 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 75% graduation rate
  • 106 mobile development graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.3 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,840 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 9 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 48.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • 9 mobile development graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 48.6 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$74,753
Starting Salary
$106,790
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,419
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,328

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$98,503

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$97,227

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$99,011
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,462

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Minnesota if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Minnesota's 23)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Mobile Development Programs in Other States

Mobile Development 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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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