Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Minnesota

University of Minnesota-Morris breaks traditional patterns by charging just $9,110 net for Computer Science while delivering the state's second-highest graduation rate at 61.90%. This small public liberal arts campus competes directly with major research universities on affordability, creating an unusual value proposition in Minnesota's tech education market. The state's Computer Science graduates earn between $55,964 and $76,460, with St Olaf College topping earnings despite charging $22,752 net annually. Minnesota's tech sector, anchored by companies like Target's digital operations and UnitedHealth's technology divisions, provides strong employment prospects for new graduates. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state schools. The Minnesota State Grant system particularly benefits low-income students pursuing technical degrees, making programs like Saint Cloud State's $14,485 net cost even more accessible. Private colleges show dramatic price variation, from Concordia University-Saint Paul at $17,566 to St Olaf at nearly $23,000, yet both maintain similar Computer Science career outcomes.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$66,286

Avg. Program Earnings

64.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
9	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
10	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
11	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
12	Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota	$19,071	$10,899	53.2%
13	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
14	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
15	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
16	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
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	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
20	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
21	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
22	Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, Minnesota	$27,023	$25,659	62.7%	98.0%
23	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
24	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
25	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable for Computer Science?

Morris charges just $9,110 net cost while maintaining a 61.90% graduation rate, making it the cheapest Computer Science program in Minnesota. The school combines liberal arts education with technical training on a small campus. As part of the University of Minnesota system, Morris offers quality academics without the higher costs of flagship campuses. Graduates earn an average of $63,997, providing solid return on investment.

How do public university Computer Science costs compare to private schools in Minnesota?

Public universities average around $15,000-18,000 net cost for Computer Science, while private schools range from $17,566 to $22,752. Saint Cloud State offers the lowest in-state tuition at $10,117, compared to St Olaf's $56,970 sticker price. Even with financial aid, private schools typically cost $3,000-8,000 more annually. However, St Olaf graduates earn $76,460 on average, the highest in the state.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost for Computer Science in Minnesota?

Not necessarily - University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves 84.80% graduation rates at $17,139 net cost, while more expensive programs like Concordia University-Saint Paul show 58.80% rates. The cheapest option, UMN-Morris, maintains 61.90% graduation rates despite charging only $9,110. Metropolitan State University shows just 38.40% graduation rates at $19,181 net cost. Success depends more on student preparation and support systems than price alone.

What career prospects do Minnesota Computer Science graduates have locally?

Minnesota graduates earn between $55,964 and $76,460 in Computer Science roles, with strong demand from local employers. Target's headquarters drives retail technology jobs, while UnitedHealth creates healthcare IT opportunities. The Mayo Clinic system also hires extensively for medical software development positions. Even graduates from the most affordable programs like UMN-Morris earn $63,997 on average, showing strong regional job market support.

Is student debt manageable for affordable Computer Science programs in Minnesota?

Most affordable programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with UMN-Twin Cities graduates averaging just $18,577 despite strong earning potential of $72,286. UMN-Morris keeps debt at $18,786 while charging the lowest net cost. However, private schools like Rasmussen University show higher debt at $28,113 with lower earnings of $55,964. The Minnesota State Grant system helps reduce borrowing for qualified students across all public institutions.

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