Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Minnesota 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
693 software engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Carleton College
80 software engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
St Olaf College
33 software engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
- 1.Minnesota offers 26+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota offers 26 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 1,337 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 software engineering 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering 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% | 69.7 |
| 3 | St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | Private | $56,970 | 95% | 55.7 |
| 4 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | 75% | 50.4 |
| 5 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | 89% | 49.2 |
| 6 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | Public | $8,840 | 94% | 48.3 |
| 7 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | Public | $8,356 | 95% | 47.1 |
| 8 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | Crookston, MN | Public | $11,478 | 82% | 45.3 |
| 9 | Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | Private | $29,280 | 72% | 44.7 |
| 10 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | 43.9 |
| 11 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Public | $8,838 | — | 42.8 |
| 12 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | 42.4 |
| 13 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $28,500 | 94% | 42.2 |
| 14 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN | Private | $53,570 | — | 41.3 |
| 15 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | 41.1 |
| 16 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | Private | $43,142 | 63% | 40.6 |
| 17 | Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | Private | $29,400 | — | 39.7 |
| 18 | University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, MN | Public | $12,932 | — | 39.1 |
| 19 | Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN | Public | $8,994 | — | 37.2 |
| 20 | Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | $10,313 | 33% | 36.2 |
| 21 | Saint Johns University | Collegeville, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 35.9 |
| 22 | Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | Public | $8,811 | — | 34.1 |
| 23 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $35,970 | — | 34.1 |
| 24 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | Private | $42,500 | — | 33.8 |
| 25 | College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, MN | Private | $52,700 | — | 32.9 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Minnesota: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Minnesota | Carleton College | St Olaf College | Metropolitan State | U of St Thomas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,496 | $65,043 | $56,970 | $8,571 | $50,788 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 97% | 95% | 75% | 89% |
| Annual Graduates | 693 | 80 | 33 | 106 | 49 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 22% | 52% | 96% | 85% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 81.2/100 | 69.7/100 | 55.7/100 | 50.4/100 | 49.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Minnesota
Minnesota offers 25 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 693 | 81.2 |
| #2 Carleton College | $65,043 | 97% | 80 | 69.7 |
| #3 St Olaf College | $56,970 | 95% | 33 | 55.7 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Minnesota
For graduate study, Minnesota offers 5 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Metropolitan State University, Saint Cloud 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 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Minnesota | $14,496 | 92% | 110 | 81.2 |
| #2 Metropolitan State | $8,571 | 75% | 10 | 44.9 |
| #3 Saint Cloud State | $8,811 | N/A% | 20 | 34.1 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Minnesota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Schools in Minnesota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 693 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 693 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 81.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (693 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Software Engineering program offers a powerful blend of software engineering theory and practice with cutting-edge, rigorous curriculum created by faculty and industry experts. Students learn from nationally recognized faculty and benefit from dedicated career support, with over 95% placement rate within six months of graduation.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 semester credits
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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 80 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 22%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 80 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 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 offers a comprehensive Computer Science program with 72 credits including advanced courses in algorithms, programming languages, and software design, culminating in a required capstone experience. The program provides flexible pathways including a dual degree option with Washington University and strong alumni networking through Career Discovery Week panels.
Admission Prerequisites
- •CS 111 with grade of C- or better
- •MATH 111
Program Details
- Credits: 72 Total Credits
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $56,970 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 33 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 52%
- • Ranking Score: 55.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 33 software engineering 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.
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,571 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 50.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 106 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (96% 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 49 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 49.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 49 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (49 graduates), state salary outcomes ($106,790), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Minnesota with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer 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 26)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Minnesota
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Software Engineering Programs in Other States
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New York
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Illinois
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Software Engineering 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.