25 Computer Science Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Minnesota-Morris
Morris, Minnesota
|
$9,110 | $63,997 | $14,288 | 61.9% | 77.7% |
| 2 |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$17,139 | $72,286 | $16,488 | 84.8% | 74.9% |
| 3 |
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
|
$14,485 | $59,253 | $10,117 | 46.9% | 95.3% |
| 4 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
|
$17,816 | $66,325 | $10,336 | 54.6% | 56.6% |
| 5 |
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
|
$17,050 | $62,069 | $10,164 | 53.4% | 77.5% |
| 6 |
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$19,181 | $68,821 | $9,780 | 38.4% | 81.7% |
| 7 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$17,566 | $62,012 | $25,000 | 58.8% | 69.1% |
| 8 |
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
|
$18,148 | $63,335 | $10,498 | 60.9% | 73.8% |
| 9 |
St Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota
|
$22,752 | $76,460 | $56,970 | 83.5% | 56.4% |
| 10 |
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota
|
$18,464 | $61,020 | $14,318 | 64.5% | 80.7% |
| 11 |
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, Minnesota
|
$19,071 | $55,964 | $10,899 | 53.2% | |
| 12 |
Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota
|
$27,320 | $76,460 | $65,457 | 91.2% | 16.6% |
| 13 |
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, Minnesota
|
$27,018 | $68,778 | $53,942 | 75.7% | 86.2% |
| 14 |
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$30,525 | $73,321 | $52,284 | 75.2% | 77.0% |
| 15 |
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota
|
$26,895 | $64,196 | $54,310 | 75.9% | 73.9% |
| 16 |
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, Minnesota
|
$28,065 | $53,884 | 83.0% | 87.8% | |
| 17 |
Augsburg University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$23,875 | $43,942 | 52.4% | 76.5% | |
| 18 |
University of Northwestern-St Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$25,140 | $36,830 | 68.4% | 92.5% | |
| 19 |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota
|
$21,034 | $43,160 | 67.7% | 96.8% | |
| 20 |
North Central University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$23,574 | $29,460 | 63.6% | 90.8% | |
| 21 |
Bethany Lutheran College
Mankato, Minnesota
|
$17,680 | $30,010 | 59.6% | 58.5% | |
| 22 |
Concordia College at Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
|
$25,651 | $30,020 | 71.8% | 65.5% | |
| 23 |
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, Minnesota
|
$14,760 | $10,304 | 44.1% | 91.6% | |
| 24 |
Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$27,023 | $25,659 | 62.7% | 98.0% | |
| 25 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
|
$18,609 | $9,490 | 54.1% | 70.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes University of Minnesota-Morris such an outstanding Computer Science value?
Morris delivers $63,997 median earnings while charging just $9,110 net annually, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios nationwide. The campus maintains a 61.9% graduation rate with manageable $18,786 median debt loads. Despite its small size and rural location, Morris graduates successfully compete for positions at major Minnesota employers like Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M. The liberal arts approach produces well-rounded programmers who excel in both technical skills and communication.
How do private colleges justify their higher Computer Science costs in Minnesota?
Elite institutions like Carleton College charge $27,320 net but deliver $76,460 median earnings with remarkable 91.2% graduation rates. St. Olaf College matches those earnings at $22,752 net cost, demonstrating strong value among selective private schools. These colleges typically offer smaller class sizes, extensive alumni networks, and direct industry connections that can accelerate career advancement. However, students must weigh these benefits against significantly higher upfront investments compared to public alternatives.
Does graduation rate affect Computer Science job prospects in Minnesota?
Graduation rates vary dramatically across Minnesota programs, from Metropolitan State's 38.4% to Carleton's 91.2%, yet most schools maintain strong earnings outcomes. Even Saint Cloud State University, with a 46.9% completion rate, produces graduates earning $59,253 median salaries. Minnesota's solid tech job market absorbs Computer Science talent effectively regardless of institutional prestige. The key factor appears to be program completion rather than where students complete their degrees.
What role does location play in Minnesota Computer Science program value?
Twin Cities programs like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Metropolitan State University benefit from proximity to major tech employers, resulting in strong networking opportunities and internship access. However, Morris proves that rural locations can still deliver excellent value through focused programming and strategic industry partnerships. Duluth and other regional campuses maintain solid job placement rates by leveraging Minnesota's statewide economic connections. Geographic diversity actually strengthens the state's overall Computer Science education ecosystem.
Is debt load manageable for Minnesota Computer Science graduates?
Most Minnesota Computer Science programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with median amounts ranging from $18,254 at Carleton to $28,113 at Rasmussen University. Public universities consistently deliver lower debt burdens, averaging under $25,000 across major institutions. Given median earnings between $55,964 and $76,460, graduates typically achieve manageable debt-to-income ratios. The Minnesota State Grant program further reduces costs for qualifying students at public institutions.
More Computer Science Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.