Computer Science in Minnesota 2026
Discover the best Computer Science programs in Minnesota for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Computer Science in Minnesota 2026
The tech industry's demand for software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals continues to surge. Minnesota's computer science programs prepare students for careers at both established tech companies and innovative startups.
We analyzed 54 colleges and universities in Minnesota offering Computer Science programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.
Quick Comparison: Top Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton College | 20.4% | $68,892 | 9:1 | Unranked |
| Crown College | 22.8% | $31,410 | 18:1 | Unranked |
| Macalester College | 28.5% | $68,104 | 10:1 | Unranked |
| St Olaf College | 48.3% | $59,760 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) | 52% | $13,058 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Bemidji State University (BSU) | 56% | $10,237 | 21:1 | Unranked |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | 58.8% | $10,428 | 19:1 | Unranked |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | 61% | $56,076 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | 62.2% | $10,361 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| Concordia College at Moorhead | 62.7% | $31,170 | 12:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Carleton College
Location: Northfield, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 20.4%
- In-State Tuition: $68,892 | Out-of-State: $68,892
- Enrollment: 2,086 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
- Average Financial Aid: $36,499
View full Carleton College profile →
2. Crown College
Location: Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota • Setting: Rural
- Acceptance Rate: 22.8%
- In-State Tuition: $31,410 | Out-of-State: $31,410
- Enrollment: 796 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,300
- Average Financial Aid: $14,862
View full Crown College profile →
3. Macalester College
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 28.5%
- In-State Tuition: $68,104 | Out-of-State: $68,104
- Enrollment: 2,131 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,200
- Average Financial Aid: $37,267
View full Macalester College profile →
4. St Olaf College
Location: Northfield, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 48.3%
- In-State Tuition: $59,760 | Out-of-State: $59,760
- Enrollment: 3,093 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,700
- Average Financial Aid: $31,436
View full St Olaf College profile →
5. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN)
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- In-State Tuition: $13,058 | Out-of-State: $30,438
- Enrollment: 50,734 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,800
- Average Financial Aid: $9,521
View full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) profile →
6. Bemidji State University (BSU)
Location: Bemidji, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- In-State Tuition: $10,237 | Out-of-State: $10,237
- Enrollment: 3,139 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
- Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,300
- Average Financial Aid: $5,241
View full Bemidji State University (BSU) profile →
7. Minnesota State University Moorhead
Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
- In-State Tuition: $10,428 | Out-of-State: $10,428
- Enrollment: 3,072 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
- Average Financial Aid: $4,802
View full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile →
8. Gustavus Adolphus College
Location: Saint Peter, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- In-State Tuition: $56,076 | Out-of-State: $56,076
- Enrollment: 1,878 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,700
- Average Financial Aid: $31,858
View full Gustavus Adolphus College profile →
9. Southwest Minnesota State University
Location: Marshall, Minnesota • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
- In-State Tuition: $10,361 | Out-of-State: $10,361
- Enrollment: 2,315 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
- Average Financial Aid: $5,850
View full Southwest Minnesota State University profile →
10. Concordia College at Moorhead
Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 62.7%
- In-State Tuition: $31,170 | Out-of-State: $31,170
- Enrollment: 1,829 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,200
- Average Financial Aid: $26,148
View full Concordia College at Moorhead profile →
How to Choose the Right Computer Science Program in Minnesota
Selecting the best Computer Science program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
- Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
- Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
- Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Minnesota residents.
- Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Computer Science.
Explore More
Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Computer Science programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Computer Science in Minnesota?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Computer Science programs in Minnesota include Carleton College, Crown College, and Macalester College.
How much does a Computer Science degree cost in Minnesota?
In-state tuition for Computer Science programs in Minnesota averages around $35,949 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Computer Science degree from a Minnesota school?
Graduates from Minnesota's Computer Science programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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