Top 3 Data Science Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
687 data science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Carleton College
101 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
St Olaf College
33 data science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 27+ accredited data 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)
Data Science Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 27 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 1,481 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 data science 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.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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 Data 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% | 71.3 |
| 3 | St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | Private | $56,970 | 95% | 55.7 |
| 4 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 55.6 |
| 5 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 51 |
| 6 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | Public | $8,840 | 94% | 48.4 |
| 7 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 47.4 |
| 8 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 46.7 |
| 9 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 45.7 |
| 10 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private | $29,280 | 72% | 44.8 |
| 11 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 43 |
| 12 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 42.8 |
| 13 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 42.2 |
| 14 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 41.2 |
| 15 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 40.6 |
| 16 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 39.7 |
| 17 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private | $29,400 | — | 39.7 |
| 18 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 37.2 |
| 19 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 36.8 |
| 20 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 36 |
| 21 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 34.1 |
| 22 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 33.8 |
| 23 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 33.7 |
| 24 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 33 |
| 25 | Bethel University | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $42,760 | — | 30.8 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | Carleton College | St Olaf College | U of St Thomas | Metropolitan State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $65,043 | $56,970 | $50,788 | $8,571 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 97% | 95% | 89% | 75% |
| Annual Graduates | 687 | 101 | 33 | 95 | 114 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 22% | 52% | 85% | 96% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 81.2/100 | 71.3/100 | 55.7/100 | 55.6/100 | 51.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 26 bachelor's-level data science 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 687 | 81.2 |
| #2 Carleton College | $65,043 | 97% | 101 | 71.3 |
| #3 St Olaf College | $56,970 | 95% | 33 | 55.7 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 6 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of St Thomas, 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 Data Science Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 133 | 81.2 |
| #2 U of St Thomas | $50,788 | 89% | 95 | 55.6 |
| #3 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 10 | 43.9 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data 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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data 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 Data Science Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 687 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 687 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 81.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (687 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The M.S. Data Science program offers a comprehensive 31-credit curriculum with specialized tracks in statistics, algorithmics, and infrastructure computing, taught by nationally recognized faculty. Students benefit from undergraduate research opportunities and learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields at a program ranked among the best in the country.
Program Details
- Credits: 31 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Carleton College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,043 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 101 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 22%
- • Ranking Score: 71.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 101 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (101 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (22% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Carleton offers Computer Science as a major with #1-ranked teaching faculty nationally and is a top 10 STEM PhD-producing college. The program features a 9:1 student/faculty ratio with 77% of students pursuing research opportunities.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 99% of 2024 graduates were employed, attending graduate or professional school, or participating in a fellowship or service activity within six months of graduation
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $56,970 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 33 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 52%
- • Ranking Score: 55.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 33 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.7 / 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.
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,788 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 95 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 55.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 95 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (95 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (85% 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 51.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 114 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1252Data Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence 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
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Minnesota
Explore machine learning programs in Minnesota
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Explore information security programs in Minnesota
Explore software engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore computer science programs in Minnesota
Explore computer engineering programs in Minnesota
Explore information technology programs in Minnesota
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Data 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.