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Key Takeaways
Best mobile development degree programs: U of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, St Olaf College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,433 to $65,043/year
Minneapolis Community and... offers the most affordable option at $5,264/yr
Mobile Development degree programs available: 17 associate's, 4 master's, 1 doctoral in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online mobile development degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
17 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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development programs
We rank 45 accredited mobile development 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 Mobile Development Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Mobile Development Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked Mobile Development programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 17 accredited associate's degree programs in mobile development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Minneapolis Community and..., Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community Co..., 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 $6,837/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 mobile development schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their mobile development degrees in Minnesota.
Show all 17 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN | Public | $5,556 | — | 44.2 |
| #7 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | Public | $5,475 | — | 50.7 |
| #8 | Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount, MN | Public | $5,759 | — | 50.3 |
| #9 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls, MN | Public | $5,424 | — | 42.0 |
| #10 | Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | Public | $5,473 | — | 49.4 |
| #11 | Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | Public | $5,585 | — | 41.2 |
| #12 | St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $4,433 | — | 40.7 |
| #13 | Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | Public | $5,420 | — | 40.7 |
| #14 | Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona, MN | Public | $6,374 | — | 45.5 |
| #15 | Lake Superior College | Duluth, MN | Public | $4,996 | — | 44.0 |
| #16 | Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $23,825 | 52% | 35.7 |
| #17 | Herzing University-Minneapolis | St. Louis Park, MN | Private | $12,360 | 35% | 28.1 |
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for mobile development education, with 23 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 mobile development 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 $28,981/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, 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 mobile development degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked mobile development schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Show all 23 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 60.3 |
| #7 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private | $29,280 | 72% | 48.3 |
| #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 | — | 52.5 |
| #11 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 56.4 |
| #12 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 45.8 |
| #13 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 51.4 |
| #14 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 49.3 |
| #15 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 49.1 |
| #16 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private | $29,400 | — | 47.7 |
| #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 | — | 43.7 |
| #20 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 46.5 |
| #21 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 42.3 |
| #22 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 40.6 |
| #23 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 39.2 |
Best Master's Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 4 master's degree programs in mobile development, 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 mobile development schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Best Doctoral Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota is home to 1 doctoral programs in mobile development, 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 mobile development 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
Mobile Development Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,569/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $48,923/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,892/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $117,416 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $29,354 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Mobile Development Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers strong financial aid opportunities for mobile development students through both state and federal programs. The Minnesota State Grant is one of the largest need-based grant programs in the nation, providing direct financial support to eligible Minnesota residents pursuing higher education. This program complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens the door to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities for students nationwide. Minnesota residents attending in-state institutions benefit from additional institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages, particularly at the state's top-ranked schools.
Key Programs & Amounts
To access federal financial aid, all students must complete the FAFSA through StudentAid.gov, which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and other assistance programs. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers state-specific grants and can provide guidance on maximizing aid packages. Students should also explore institutional scholarships directly through their chosen school. Many Minnesota institutions, including those ranked among the best bachelor's programs and most affordable options, offer competitive merit scholarships to attract qualified applicants. Additionally, students considering related fields like web development or software engineering may find overlapping aid opportunities through technology-focused scholarship programs.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a mobile development 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.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a mobile development degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+539%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$998,017
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$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
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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development Graduates in Minnesota
Find mobile development jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring mobile development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Mobile Development Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for Mobile Development Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's transfer infrastructure is anchored by the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), a statewide system enabling seamless general education credit transfer between the state's 29 two-year institutions and 52 four-year institutions (IPEDS). This framework allows students to complete associate's programs at affordable community colleges, such as Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($5,264 tuition), Normandale Community College ($5,347), and Anoka-Ramsey Community College ($4,942), and transition directly into bachelor's programs at four-year universities with full credit recognition. The MnTC system guarantees that 275 annual associate's degree completions establish a clear educational pipeline, reducing time to degree and lowering overall costs for transfer students.
How Transfers Work
Transfer pathways into mobile development bachelor's programs at institutions like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, and Saint Cloud State University are strengthened by articulation agreements between community colleges and universities. Students should consult the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Minnesota State Grant program resources for financial aid continuity across transfers. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) eliminates redundant coursework, allowing students to complete foundational coursework affordably at two-year institutions before advancing to specialized mobile development courses. This strategic pathway maximizes affordability while maintaining quality, making Minnesota an exceptionally accessible state for mobile development education.
Why Pursue a Mobile Development Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota is a strong hub for mobile development education, with 51 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's commitment to tech talent development is evident in its offerings: 20 associate's programs, 25 bachelor's programs, 5 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program, producing 1,621 completions annually across all levels. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities alone accounts for 719 completions, establishing Minnesota as a serious player in mobile development education nationally.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's major metropolitan areas. Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities region, host employers including Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and Mayo Clinic, creating abundant career opportunities for graduates. The state's public four-year institutions offer exceptional value, with average in-state tuition of just $10,088, significantly below national averages. Top-ranked programs like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Carleton College provide pathways to high-demand careers. For students seeking affordable options, Metropolitan State University combines quality education with tuition of only $8,571, making Minnesota an attractive destination for aspiring mobile developers.
Mobile Development Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Mobile Development Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's mobile development job market is experiencing strong growth, supported by a strong technology sector concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The state hosts a diverse employer base spanning healthcare, retail, technology, and financial services industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's tech workforce continues to expand, with mobile development roles increasingly in demand across the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, Rochester, and Duluth regions. The state's economy benefits from major corporate headquarters and innovation centers that actively recruit mobile developers, creating competitive salary opportunities and career advancement pathways for graduates.
Salaries by Metro
The mobile development field in Minnesota offers graduates multiple geographic options within the state. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area remains the primary employment hub, attracting talent with its concentration of tech companies and corporate innovation centers. Rochester and Duluth provide additional professional opportunities with growing tech communities. Entry-level and experienced mobile developers can find positions across various sectors, from healthcare technology to retail innovation. Explore related fields to broaden career opportunities, check out Web Development in Minnesota, Software Engineering in Minnesota, and Computer Programming in Minnesota to see complementary career paths in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Mobile Development Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
4 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Mobile Development Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 31
- Median Tuition
- $21,000
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $9,300
- Total Programs
- 202
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Mobile Development Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best mobile development degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do mobile development degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can mobile development degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online mobile development degree programs in Minnesota?
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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.