Compare 14 Computer Science. programs in Minnesota. Average earnings: $84,588.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Computer Science tells a different story. Across 14 programs, earnings range from $62,012 to $116,048—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Carleton College's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $116,048, well above the $84,588 average. But the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers $93,994 with 77% acceptance, proving that accessible programs can compete with selective ones on outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Carleton graduates borrow $16,750 and face just a 2.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carleton CollegePrivate | $116,048 | 71 | $16,750 | Excellent | $31,271 | Excellent |
| #2 | $93,994 | 459 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #3 | Saint Johns UniversityPrivate | $93,368 | 19 | $27,000 | Excellent | $32,000 | Manageable |
| #4 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $92,637 | 9 | $26,774 | Excellent | $34,265 | Manageable |
| #5 | $91,282 | 49 | $21,058 | Excellent | $11,598 | Excellent | |
| #6 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $91,084 | 27 | $26,000 | Excellent | $40,568 | Manageable |
| #7 | University Of St ThomasPrivate | $89,771 | 34 | $23,250 | Excellent | $24,467 | Good |
| #8 | $83,553 | 73 | $22,024 | Excellent | $22,127 | Good | |
| #9 | $81,843 | 22 | $18,995 | Excellent | $11,398 | Excellent | |
| #10 | Bemidji State UniversityPublic | $81,272 | 8 | $19,750 | Excellent | $12,173 | Excellent |
| #11 | Winona State UniversityPublic | $77,981 | 58 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,316 | Good |
| #12 | $66,325 | 18 | $20,000 | Excellent | $10,000 | Good | |
| #13 | Augsburg UniversityPrivate | $63,065 | 22 | $25,347 | Good | $17,901 | Manageable |
| #14 | $62,012 | 16 | $17,832 | Excellent | $15,277 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
