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Key Takeaways
Best ux design degree programs: Bemidji State, U of St Thomas, Hamline
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,996 to $50,788/year
Minneapolis Community and... offers the most affordable option at $5,264/yr
UX Design degree programs available: 8 associate's, 1 master's in Minnesota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online ux design degree programs in Minnesota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Minnesota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
8 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
UX Design 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 UX Design programs
We rank 15 accredited ux design 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 UX Design Degree Programs in Minnesota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
UX Design Degree Rankings in Minnesota
Compare the top-ranked UX Design programs in Minnesota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's UX Design Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 8 accredited associate's degree programs in ux design, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Minneapolis Community and..., Hennepin Technical College, Riverland Community College, 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 $7,681/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 ux design schools in Minnesota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their ux design degrees in Minnesota.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Lake Superior College | Duluth, MN | Public | $4,996 | — | 48.4 |
| #7 | Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $23,825 | 52% | 40.6 |
| #8 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | Public | $5,475 | — | 45.1 |
Best Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota ranks among the nation's top destinations for ux design education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Bemidji State, U of St Thomas, Hamline, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Minnesota ux design 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 $8,838 to $50,788 annually, with an average of $30,649/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 73%, with the highest reaching 89%. 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 ux design degrees in Minnesota, these top-ranked ux design schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of St Thomas
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 41.8 |
Best Master's UX Design Programs in Minnesota
Program Landscape
Minnesota offers 1 master's degree programs in ux design, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Minneapolis College of Ar..., 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 $43,374/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 ux design schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
UX Design Degree Costs & Tuition in Minnesota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,248/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $48,120/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,812/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $115,488 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $28,872 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for UX Design Students in Minnesota
State Aid Programs
Minnesota offers strong financial aid opportunities for UX Design students pursuing degrees at the state's institutions. The cornerstone of state support is the Minnesota State Grant, a need-based grant program administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education that ranks among the largest state grant programs in the nation. Eligible Minnesota residents attending approved institutions can access these grants regardless of whether they pursue an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in UX Design. To begin the financial aid process, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for both federal and state aid packages.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Minnesota institutions offering UX Design programs provide institutional scholarships and aid packages tailored to their student populations. Many schools participating in Minnesota's higher education system participate in federal loan programs, Pell Grants, and work-study opportunities outlined on StudentAid.gov. For students exploring community college pathways, a cost-effective entry point with 9 institutions offering associate's degrees in UX Design, financial aid counselors can help navigate both federal funding and institutional aid. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides comprehensive information on state-specific aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. Students should also investigate scholarships from related fields like Web Development in Minnesota, Game Development in Minnesota, and Information Technology in Minnesota, as many employers and educational foundations support students across these interconnected tech disciplines.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator, Minnesota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a ux design 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.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+435%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$804,358
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
7 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$95,000
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
UX Design 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 UX Design Graduates in Minnesota
Find ux design jobs in Minnesota. These major employers across Minnesota metro areas are actively hiring ux design degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
UX Design Jobs in Minneapolis-St. Paul
MNTransfer Pathways for UX Design Degrees in Minnesota
State Transfer System
Minnesota's strong transfer system simplifies the pathway from community college to four-year universities for UX Design students. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is a statewide general education framework that enables seamless transfer of credits across 29 two-year institutions and 52 four-year institutions (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum). Under this system, students completing an associate's degree or designated MnTC general education courses at a community college can transfer without losing credits, allowing them to efficiently progress toward a bachelor's degree. This is particularly valuable for UX Design students, as 9 associate's programs in Minnesota provide strong foundational training in design, technology, and communication skills.
How Transfers Work
Top transfer feeder institutions include Minneapolis Community and Technical College (39 UX Design completions), Hennepin Technical College (11 completions), and North Hennepin Community College, which have established articulation agreements with four-year universities. Students completing associate degrees at these institutions can transfer into bachelor's programs at schools like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, and Southwest Minnesota State University with junior status. The Minnesota State Grant, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, supports both two-year and four-year institutions, providing need-based financial aid that follows students through their transfer journey. For comprehensive information on transfer agreements and planning, prospective students should consult their community college's transfer counselor and visit the MnTC website. Related technical pathways through Web Development in Minnesota and Information Technology in Minnesota also feature strong transfer options.
Why Pursue an UX Design Degree in Minnesota?
Industry & Workforce
Minnesota offers a strong ecosystem for UX Design education with 16 institutions currently offering UX Design programs across associate, bachelor, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state's 9 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's programs, and 1 master's program demonstrate a comprehensive pathway for students at every educational stage. This diversity means aspiring UX designers can choose from community colleges, four-year universities, and specialized institutions to match their academic goals and financial circumstances.
Salary Outlook
Minnesota's major tech hubs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area are home to significant employers including Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and the University of Minnesota, all of which actively seek UX Design talent. Beyond the corporate sector, Rochester's Mayo Clinic represents another major employment hub for designers in healthcare technology. Students benefit from proximity to these employers and the networking opportunities they provide. For affordability, Minnesota's public four-year institutions average $10,088 in in-state tuition, significantly below the national average (College Scorecard). The state also administers the Minnesota State Grant, one of the nation's largest need-based financial aid programs (Minnesota Office of Higher Education), making education more accessible. Explore related design and technology programs like Web Development in Minnesota and Game Development in Minnesota to expand your career options within the state.
UX Design Program Availability in Minnesota
Source: IPEDS 2024
UX Design Job Market & Salary Data in Minnesota
Employment Outlook
Minnesota's UX design job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong technology sector and major corporate headquarters throughout the state. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area serves as the primary hub for UX design employment, with additional opportunities emerging in Rochester and Duluth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's tech and digital design sectors continue to expand, creating demand for skilled UX professionals across multiple industries. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions sits at $10,088, making education in the field accessible for many aspiring designers.
Salaries by Metro
UX design programs in Minnesota are preparing graduates for careers in one of the nation's most dynamic tech regions. With 16 institutions offering UX design programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels, students have diverse pathways to enter the field. Minnesota's commitment to education is reflected in financial support mechanisms like the Minnesota State Grant, which provides need-based assistance to residents. Students can explore related fields through programs in Web Development, Game Development, and Information Technology to develop complementary skills for the evolving job market.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus UX Design Programs in Minnesota
Online Programs
1 available in Minnesota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare UX Design Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $5,500
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,300
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $4,200
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
- Total Programs
- 61
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
UX Design Degree Programs in Minnesota: FAQ
What are the best ux design degree programs in Minnesota?
How much do ux design degree programs cost in Minnesota?
What salary can ux design degree graduates earn in Minnesota?
Are there online ux design degree programs in Minnesota?
What companies hire ux design degree graduates in Minnesota?
Is an ux design degree program worth it in Minnesota?
How long do ux design degree programs take in Minnesota?
What financial aid is available for ux design 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.