Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's Computer and Information Sciences programs show stark cost differences, with Southwest Minnesota State University charging just $14,760 compared to Macalester College's $29,980 net price. The 12 schools span graduation rates from 33% to an unusual 100% at Academy College. Target headquarters and UnitedHealth Group create strong demand for computer science graduates across the Twin Cities metro area, while graduates earn between $53,984 and $71,575 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four of the five cheapest programs offered through the Minnesota State system.

Programs

$14,760 – $31,307

Net Price Range

$65,257

Avg. Program Earnings

63.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
2	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
3	Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$18,305	$14,436	33.3%
4	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
5	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
6	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
7	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
8	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
9	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
10	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
11	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
12	Academy College Bloomington, Minnesota	$31,307	$18,252	100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southwest Minnesota State University the cheapest option at $14,760?

Southwest Minnesota State offers the lowest net price through a combination of state funding and rural location advantages. The school maintains a 91.59% acceptance rate with in-state tuition of just $10,304, making it accessible to most applicants seeking affordable computer science education.

How do graduation rates vary among Minnesota's most affordable programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 33.3% at Capella University to 100% at Academy College. Traditional four-year schools like Bethel University and University of St Thomas achieve 75.2% graduation rates, while some state universities fall between 38% and 61%.

Does Macalester College justify its higher cost with better outcomes?

Macalester graduates earn $71,575 annually, the highest among these programs, and achieve a 90.4% graduation rate. However, the school accepts only 28.42% of applicants, making it the most selective option on this list.

Where do computer science graduates find jobs in Minnesota?

Target, UnitedHealth Group, and Mayo Clinic lead Minnesota's tech hiring, particularly in the Twin Cities area. The state's strong healthcare and retail sectors create demand for software developers, data analysts, and IT professionals with median debt loads around $20,000 to $26,000.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

Best Value Computer and Information Sciences, General in Minnesota Computer and Information Sciences, General Under $20,000 in Minnesota

All Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs Best Colleges in Minnesota Best Computer and Information Sciences, General in Minnesota

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.