Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
612 computer science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Carleton College
80 computer science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Macalester College
72 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 27+ accredited computer science 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)
Computer Science Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 27 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,357 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 computer science programs in the state are led by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, Macalester College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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 Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 81.2 |
| 2 | Carleton College | Northfield, MN | Private | $65,043 | 97% | 70.5 |
| 3 | Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $64,678 | — | 56.2 |
| 4 | St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | Private | $56,970 | 95% | 56.2 |
| 5 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 51.2 |
| 6 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | Public | $8,840 | 94% | 48.6 |
| 7 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 48.5 |
| 8 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 45.7 |
| 9 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private | $29,280 | 72% | 44.9 |
| 10 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 44.6 |
| 11 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 44.1 |
| 12 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 43.2 |
| 13 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 42.9 |
| 14 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 42.3 |
| 15 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 41.7 |
| 16 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 41.5 |
| 17 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 40.9 |
| 18 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private | $29,400 | — | 40 |
| 19 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 39.5 |
| 20 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 37.4 |
| 21 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 36.4 |
| 22 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 34.4 |
| 23 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 34 |
| 24 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 34 |
| 25 | The College of Saint Scholastica | Duluth, MN | Private | $39,530 | — | 33.8 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | Carleton College | Macalester College | St Olaf College | Metropolitan State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $65,043 | $64,678 | $56,970 | $8,571 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 97% | N/A% | 95% | 75% |
| Annual Graduates | 612 | 80 | 72 | 33 | 105 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 22% | 28% | 52% | 96% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 81.2/100 | 70.5/100 | 56.2/100 | 56.2/100 | 51.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 27 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carleton College, Macalester College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,753 in the Minnesota market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 612 | 81.2 |
| #2 Carleton College | $65,043 | 97% | 80 | 70.5 |
| #3 Macalester College | $64,678 | N/A% | 72 | 56.2 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 5 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Walden University, Metropolitan 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 Computer Science Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 98 | 80.8 |
| #2 Walden | $10,313 | 33% | 55 | 45.7 |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 10 | 45.4 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science 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 Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science 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 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 Computer Science Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 612 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 612 computer science 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.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree options to suit different career paths, with the B.S. providing deeper technical specialization through upper division tracks and the B.A. offering broader liberal arts foundation. Students benefit from strong career outcomes with over 95% job placement or graduate school enrollment within six months.
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: More than 95 percent of CSE graduates have a job in their field or are pursuing a graduate degree within six months of graduation
Carleton College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,043 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 80 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 22%
- • Ranking Score: 70.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 80 computer science 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.
Why Choose This Program
Carleton College's Computer Science program requires a comprehensive 72-credit curriculum with a mandatory capstone experience featuring team-based projects. The program emphasizes technical communication through junior seminars and provides strong alumni networking opportunities with 45 alumni participating in career discovery panels.
Program Details
- Credits: 72 Total Credits
Sources
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,678 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 28%
- • Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 72 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 56.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (72 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (28% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Macalester's Computer Science program offers a well-structured curriculum with three core courses and required capstone experience. The program provides opportunities for advanced students to pursue honors research projects with elevated standards and expectations beyond typical coursework.
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $56,970 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 33 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 52%
- • Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 33 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 56.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 105 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 51.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 105 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (105 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Metropolitan State's computer science program provides a firm foundation in computing principles with preparation for graduate school, and most graduates are successfully employed in the industry. The program requires a minimum of 16 semester credits to be completed at Metro State and follows systematic approaches for software design and development.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0 for automatic admission
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
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 27)
- 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 engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore information technology programs in Minnesota
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Science 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.