Best colleges for Computer Science in Minnesota
Ranked by graduate earnings
Carleton College, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St Olaf College are the top bachelor's Computer Science programs in Minnesota by graduate earnings. Carleton College leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $88,132, College Scorecard. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Minnesota-Duluth and Metropolitan State University award the most Computer Science degrees in Minnesota: 743, 118 and 102 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 32 Minnesota colleges offer Computer Science and award 1,705 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
Top 10 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 | Carleton College Northfield Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $88,132 | 93 | 90% | $18,669 | $18,233 |
| 2 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis Public · Bachelor's degree | $82,861 | 743 | 85% | — | $19,500 |
| 3 | St Olaf College Northfield Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $82,278 | 23 | 84% | $18,124 | $23,875 |
| 4 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $73,301 | 43 | 76% | $28,888 | $23,704 |
| 5 | University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,224 | 118 | 65% | — | $23,375 |
| 6 | Concordia University - Saint Paul Saint Paul Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $72,875 | 28 | 46% | $17,328 | $29,180 |
| 7 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,865 | 102 | 44% | — | $27,008 |
| 8 | Saint Johns University Collegeville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $69,964 | 22 | 75% | $19,900 | $24,384 |
| 9 | Winona State University Winona Public · Bachelor's degree | $65,817 | 40 | 57% | — | $23,250 |
| 10 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud Public · Bachelor's degree | $63,287 | 56 | 40% | — | $27,360 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Science degrees in Minnesota
Top 10 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 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis Public | 743 | $82,861 |
| 2 | University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth Public | 118 | $73,224 |
| 3 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul Public | 102 | $72,865 |
| 4 | Carleton College Northfield Private not-for-profit | 93 | $88,132 |
| 5 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud Public | 56 | $63,287 |
| 6 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 43 | $73,301 |
| 7 | Winona State University Winona Public | 40 | $65,817 |
| 8 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato Public | 33 | Not reported |
| 9 | Augsburg University Minneapolis Private not-for-profit | 31 | $63,065 |
| 10 | Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter Private not-for-profit | 30 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 22 Minnesota colleges offering Computer Science
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 Science programs in Minnesota.
Which Minnesota colleges award the most Computer Science degrees?+
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (743 graduates a year), University of Minnesota-Duluth (118 graduates a year) and Metropolitan State University (102 graduates a year) award the most Computer Science degrees in Minnesota, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 32 Minnesota colleges offer Computer Science.
What is the best college for Computer Science in Minnesota?+
By graduate earnings, Carleton College leads among bachelor's Computer Science programs in Minnesota, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $88,132, College Scorecard. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St Olaf College follow. By degrees awarded, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the largest, with 743 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Computer Science program in Minnesota has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Carleton College tops the list at $88,132. 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 Science program?+
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
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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