Computer Science at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities computer science program delivers strong earnings that outperform national averages by a meaningful margin, with first-year graduates earning $82,861 compared to the $70,950 national median. What makes this particularly attractive is the relatively modest debt load of $19,500—substantially lower than both the national ($23,374) and Minnesota ($23,875) medians for computer science programs. This creates an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24, meaning graduates can reasonably pay off their loans in under three years.

While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Minnesota's computer science offerings, this context is somewhat misleading given the state's competitive landscape. The program significantly outearns the Minnesota median of $72,865 and sits just below elite liberal arts colleges like Carleton and St. Olaf, but with likely lower tuition costs as a public university. The 13% earnings growth from year one to year four demonstrates solid career trajectory, reaching nearly $94,000 by the fourth year.

For families seeking strong ROI in computer science education, this program offers an compelling combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, making this a financially sound choice that balances quality education with manageable costs.