Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
43 network administration graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Metropolitan State University
50 network administration graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Saint Cloud State University
77 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 11+ accredited network administration 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)
Network Administration Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 11 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 291 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 network administration programs in the state are led by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 65.3 |
| 2 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 62 |
| 3 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 61.8 |
| 4 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $14,436 | 13% | 58.6 |
| 5 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 47.1 |
| 6 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 46.1 |
| 7 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 46 |
| 8 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 44.7 |
| 9 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | For-Profit | $10,207 | 56% | 42.3 |
| 10 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 40.4 |
| 11 | Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $23,825 | 52% | 34.1 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | Metropolitan State | Saint Cloud State | Capella | Minnesota State Universit... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $8,571 | $8,811 | $14,436 | $8,356 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 75% | N/A% | 13% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 43 | 50 | 77 | 64 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 96% | 95% | N/A | 91% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public |
| Score | 65.3/100 | 62.0/100 | 61.8/100 | 58.6/100 | 47.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 7 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 43 | 65.3 |
| #2 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 50 | 62.0 |
| #3 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | N/A% | 77 | 61.8 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 7 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Capella University, Saint Cloud State University, 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 Network Administration Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Capella | $14,436 | 13% | 64 | 58.6 |
| #2 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | N/A% | 46 | 51.9 |
| #3 Minnesota State Universit... | $8,356 | 95% | 4 | 47.1 |
Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in Minnesota are at Minnesota State University-Mankato ($8,356/year), Metropolitan State University ($8,571/year), Saint Cloud State University ($8,811/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 Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Network Administration 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 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | $34,284 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | $35,244 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 43 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Technology Infrastructure degree program is designed for working adults with a partially online format and industry-driven curriculum. The program combines business and IT courses to develop both technical and professional skills, with instructors and advisory board providing industry perspectives to ensure current practices are taught.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5+
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 62.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 50 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,811 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 95%
- • Ranking Score: 61.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
St. Cloud State offers AACSB-accredited programs with SAP University Alliance membership, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard software platforms. The university maintains strong industry connections with major Minnesota employers and offers flexible transfer agreements for students transitioning from community colleges.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: 3M, Cargill, Equus Computer Systems, General Mills, KellyMitchell, Mayo Clinic, MN State Institutions, SPX
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 13% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 64 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 58.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 13% graduation rate
- 64 network administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 58.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (13%), program size (64 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 network and cloud computing programs provide hands-on experience with major cloud providers like AWS and Azure, include Google IT Support Professional Certificate at no additional cost, and offer flexible online learning with industry-aligned curriculum developed with advisory board guidance.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 48 quarter credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,356 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 47.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 4 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS Information Technology program offers flexibility to design coursework for either computing professional careers or doctoral preparation, with core studies in software development, networking, information security, databases and research methods. The program addresses both pre-service and occupational advancement needs with an applied computing perspective.
Admission Prerequisites
- •undergraduate degree in information technology, information systems, computer science, management information systems or a related field
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 32 credits
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 11)
- 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 science programs in Minnesota
Explore computer engineering programs in Minnesota
Network Administration Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Network Administration 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.