Best colleges for Computer and Information Sciences in Minnesota
Ranked by graduate earnings
Macalester College, Minnesota State University - Mankato and The College of Saint Scholastica are the top bachelor's Computer and Information Sciences programs in Minnesota by graduate earnings. Macalester College leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $81,964, College Scorecard. Minnesota State University - Mankato, Metropolitan State University and University of St Thomas award the most Computer and Information Sciences degrees in Minnesota: 98, 88 and 64 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 14 Minnesota colleges offer Computer and Information Sciences and award 724 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer and Information Sciences program focuses on the intersection of computing and informatics, treating computers as essential tools for problem-solving and innovation. This program is designed for students interested in…
Top 7 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Macalester College Saint Paul Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $81,964 | 39 | 87% | $21,441 | $20,829 |
| 2 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,742 | 98 | 54% | — | $20,625 |
| 3 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $60,845 | 21 | 71% | $21,150 | $25,000 |
| 4 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,158 | 88 | 44% | — | $26,113 |
| 5 | Walden University Minneapolis Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $77,690 | 102 | — | — | $52,459 |
| 6 | Capella University Minneapolis Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $74,674 | 118 | 20% | $19,369 | $37,539 |
| 7 | Bethel University Saint Paul Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $73,942 | 8 | 71% | $25,225 | — |
Top 2 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center Minneapolis Private not-for-profit · Certificate | $39,833 | 105 | 64% | $17,453 | $9,416 |
| 2 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls Public · Associate degree Small program | $44,836 | 15 | 47% | — | $20,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer and Information Sciences degrees in Minnesota
Top 9 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato Public | 98 | $71,742 |
| 2 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul Public | 88 | $59,158 |
| 3 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 64 | Not reported |
| 4 | Macalester College Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 39 | $81,964 |
| 5 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth Private not-for-profit | 21 | $60,845 |
| 6 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona Private not-for-profit | 17 | Not reported |
| 7 | Bethel University Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 8 | $73,942 |
| 8 | Winona State University Winona Public | 8 | Not reported |
| 9 | South Central College North Mankato Public | 7 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 5 Minnesota colleges offering Computer and Information Sciences
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University (Online) | Minneapolis | Private for-profit | 118 |
| Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center | Minneapolis | Private not-for-profit | 105 |
| Walden University (Online) | Minneapolis | Private for-profit | 102 |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis | Public | 34 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Public | 15 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).
Top skills
What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Minnesota
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer and Information Sciences programs in Minnesota.
Which Minnesota colleges award the most Computer and Information Sciences degrees?+
Minnesota State University - Mankato (98 graduates a year), Metropolitan State University (88 graduates a year) and University of St Thomas (64 graduates a year) award the most Computer and Information Sciences degrees in Minnesota, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 14 Minnesota colleges offer Computer and Information Sciences.
What is the best college for Computer and Information Sciences in Minnesota?+
By graduate earnings, Macalester College leads among bachelor's Computer and Information Sciences programs in Minnesota, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $81,964, College Scorecard. Minnesota State University - Mankato and The College of Saint Scholastica follow. By degrees awarded, Minnesota State University - Mankato is the largest, with 98 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Computer and Information Sciences program in Minnesota has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Macalester College tops the list at $81,964. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Minnesota?+
The average annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Minnesota is $137,690 (median $135,850), across about 30 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Computer and Information Sciences program?+
The Computer and Information Sciences program focuses on the intersection of computing and informatics, treating computers as essential tools for problem-solving and innovation. This program is designed for students interested in…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+
The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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