2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Minnesota
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Minnesota? Our ranking highlights 95 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 49 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Minnesota
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Hennepin Community College to be the best-value Science & Tech school in Minnesota. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,142 ten years out. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Hennepin Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Minnesota. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,593. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. Read more about Anoka Ramsey Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rochester Community And Technical College earned it the #3 place in Minnesota. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. Graduates carry a median of $20,291 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
A rank of #4 makes Normandale Community College one of the best values in Minnesota. This public school is set in Bloomington, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,329. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,162. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,207. That is a strong return on a $20,162 median debt. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Alexandria Technical And Community College earned it the #5 place in Minnesota. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Century College landed the #7 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Century College Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,332 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Century College report
Ridgewater College landed the #8 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. Students borrow a median of $15,556 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ridgewater College
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,249. Graduates carry a median of $14,479 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Anoka Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,267. Anoka Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,408 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $18,408 median debt. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Students borrow a median of $13,474 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. See the full Dakota County Technical College profile
Hennepin Technical College landed the #12 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,887. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,289. Graduates carry a median of $18,550 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,425 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,550 median debt. More on Northland Community And Technical College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,908. Students borrow a median of $18,197 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,591 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,197 median debt. Get the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College report
Lake Superior College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,785. Lake Superior College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,156 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,449. Set against $17,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Superior College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,650. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
South Central College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,139. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,068. That is a strong return on a $13,139 median debt. Read more about South Central College
Minnesota West Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,491 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,946 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,285 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Minnesota West Community And Technical College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,036. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. Set against $24,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #20 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Winona State University placed #21 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Winona State University report
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Saint Cloud State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Metropolitan State University placed #25 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. The median Science & Tech program debt is $30,822. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Minnesota
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Winona, MN, Minnesota State College Southeast Technical is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $22,522 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,613. Set against $22,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Minnesota State College Southeast Technical report
University Of Minnesota Crookston came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,288. University Of Minnesota Crookston Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,661 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,056. Set against $26,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #29 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Set in St. Cloud, MN, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,199. Rasmussen College Minnesota Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,723 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,723 median debt. Get the full Rasmussen College Minnesota report
Walden University placed #30 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Walden University Science & Tech students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. See the full Walden University profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,624. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
University Of Minnesota Morris placed #33 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Based in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,080. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,919 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #34 spot for value in Minnesota this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Hamline University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hamline University
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #36 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $35,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile
Bethel University Minnesota placed #38 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Crown College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,410. Students borrow a median of $29,537 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,057 ten years after entry. Set against $29,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Crown College has an acceptance rate of 23%. Get the full Crown College report
Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $27,477. Graduates carry a median of $18,973 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dunwoody College Of Technology profile
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. This private not-for-profit school is set in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. Students borrow a median of $26,755 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,934. Set against $26,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of Saint Scholastica
Augsburg College landed the #41 spot for value in Minnesota this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,319. Median earnings reach $58,829 ten years out. Set against $26,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Augsburg College profile
Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #43 spot for value in Minnesota this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moorhead, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,170. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Concordia College At Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $59,317 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,637 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia College At Moorhead
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,923 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
St Catherine University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,883. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about St Catherine University
Northwestern College Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,920. Northwestern College Minnesota Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,505 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern College Minnesota report
College Of Saint Benedict offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Saint Joseph, MN, College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,756. Graduates carry a median of $26,619 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,260 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on College Of Saint Benedict
Gustavus Adolphus College placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Minnesota. Set in Saint Peter, MN, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. Students borrow a median of $26,197 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Gustavus Adolphus College alumni report median earnings of $65,607 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,197 median debt. Gustavus Adolphus College has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Gustavus Adolphus College
St Olaf College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Science & Tech program here. St Olaf College alumni report median earnings of $65,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full St Olaf College report
Adler Graduate School offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about Adler Graduate School
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 49 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 95 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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