The Top 10 Best Colleges in Minneapolis for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Minneapolis is the place to be if you're into the tech scene in 2024! This city is straight-up killin' it with a booming startup vibe and heavy hitters like Best Buy, Cargill, 3M, and Target callin' it home.

According to the folks at CompTIA, the Twin Cities region had over 145,000 tech workers back in 2023, makin' it one of the biggest tech hubs in the Midwest! With the industry blowin' up like that, the demand for tech pros is through the roof.

That's where Minneapolis' top-notch colleges come in, offerin' cutting-edge programs to nurture the next wave of innovators. This city's commitment to tech education is no joke, just peep these moves:

• The University of Minnesota dropped a cool $115 million on their computer science department, focusin' on AI, cybersecurity, and data science.
• The Minneapolis Regional Workforce Innovation Network (MN-RWIN) is a coalition of educators, businesses, and community leaders dedicated to developin' a diverse tech talent pipeline.
• The Minneapolis Tech Hire initiative is an industry-led program providin' tech training and job placement assistance to underrepresented groups.

As Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, put it,

"Investing in STEM education and fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem is crucial for Minneapolis to remain competitive in the digital age."

With such a strong commitment to innovation and learning, this city is locked and loaded to produce the next generation of tech pioneers.

If you're lookin' to level up your tech game, Minneapolis is definitely the move.

Here's the revised article:

Ranking the hottest colleges for you code-crazy folks in Minneapolis for 2024 was no easy task. We had to dig deep and check out every detail that makes a tech education straight fire.

First off, we scoped out the courses to see if they're keeping it real with the latest tech trends like AI, cybersecurity, and data crunching. These schools better be giving you skills to thrive in the ever-changing tech world.

But it's not just about the classes.

We looked at how tight these schools are with major tech companies. The top dogs had partnerships on lock, hooking students up with dope internships and networking events to make those crucial industry connections.

And let's not forget the campus facilities – we're talking cutting-edge labs, sick software, and beastly computing power to fuel your tech dreams.

Here's the real deal:

• Curriculum Quality: We evaluated the curriculum quality, checking if they're covering emerging tech and giving you hands-on skills.
• Industry Connections: Strong partnerships were a must, 'cause who doesn't want to get their foot in the door with the big players?
• Campus Facilities: Facilities had to be on point too, with the latest gear to keep you ahead of the game.
• Tech Specializations: We also looked at the range of tech specializations on offer, from computer science to cybersecurity and everything in between.

With all these factors in mind, our ranking is the ultimate guide for tech-hungry students in Minneapolis.

We've got your back, helping you find the schools that'll take your skills to new heights and set you up for success in the fast-paced tech world.

The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a tech paradise, and their computer science program is on fire! Just check out these rankings from U.S. News & World Report ranking it #12 nationally in 2024.

It's a must-visit destination for anyone obsessed with technology.

These nerds are doing some mind-blowing research in AI and data science that'll make your head spin.

They've got this AI research lab staffed by modern-day Einsteins working on crazy algorithms for natural language processing and machine learning apps that could change the game.

And their Data Science Initiative is a multi-department dream team crunching massive datasets to uncover insights that'll blow your mind across different industries.

But that's not all! The University of Minnesota went all out and built the Center for Computing and Data Sciences, a tech wonderland equipped with:

• High-Performance Computing Cluster: A supercomputer that can process insane amounts of data and run simulations that'll melt your brain.
• AI Computing Lab: Equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software for training deep learning models that could eventually become self-aware and take over the world (just kidding... or am I?).
• Immersive Visualization Lab: A next-level facility with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tech that'll make data visualization so immersive, you'll feel like you're living inside the matrix.

As Dr. Patricia Johnson, the center's director, put it, "Our goal is to give students and researchers access to the sickest tools and resources, so they can push the boundaries of what's possible in tech."

Sounds like a dream come true for any self-respecting tech geek out there!

Check this out! For all you creative peeps looking to make it big in the tech world, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is where it's at in 2024.

They've totally revamped their digital design game to give you the skills that'll make those big tech companies go crazy over you.

First off, MCAD's got specialized tracks tailored for the hottest fields out there, like User Experience (UX) Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Development, and Interactive Media Production.

You'll be learning the latest and greatest in those areas, so you can hit the ground running when you land that dream job.

Through their partnerships with major players like Adobe and Target, you'll get hands-on experience with the same tools and processes used in the industry.

Talk about being prepared for the real deal!

And let's not forget about those capstone projects. In your final year, you'll team up with actual tech companies to tackle real-world design challenges.

By the time you're done, you'll have a portfolio that'll make recruiters drool and beg to hire you.

According to MCAD's latest grad report, a whopping 92% of digital design grads landed jobs within six months, with an average starting salary of $65,000.

As Sarah Johnson, the Head of the Digital Design Department, puts it,

"Our commitment is to bridge the gap between academic excellence and industry demands, empowering our students to thrive as digital pioneers in an ever-evolving tech landscape."

If that doesn't get you pumped, I don't know what will!

Augsburg University is a real standout when it comes to tech programs. They've got a legit Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science that covers everything from coding languages to software development and database management.

Their curriculum is all about hands-on learning, so you get to apply what you learn to actual projects.

One of the coolest things about Augsburg is the Censen Experience.

It's like an internship on steroids, where you collaborate with real companies and work on real-world challenges. 92% of their grads land jobs or continue their education within six months after graduating.

That's some serious job-ready skills right there!

But what really sets Augsburg apart is their focus on sustainable tech solutions. They've got courses like Green Computing, Sustainable Software Engineering, and Renewable Energy Technologies.

So, you learn how to create cutting-edge tech while also being eco-friendly. As Linda Brown, the Director of their Science, Tech, and Environmental Center, says,

"Our programs empower students to harness technology's power while minimizing its environmental impact, shaping a more sustainable world."

Pretty cool, right?

Alright, let me lay it down for you about Dunwoody College of Technology - it's the real deal for tech enthusiasts like us.

This private, nonprofit school in Minneapolis is all about hands-on learning and prepping students to crush it in the workforce. Their labs and facilities are on point, replicating actual industry setups so we can get our hands dirty with the same equipment and software used by the pros.

Now, let's talk about their Computer Technology programs.

You'll be building networks, coding websites, and diving deep into cloud engineering tech. They've even brought cloud infrastructure onto campus, so we're not just messing with simulations but getting legit experience in a real-world cloud environment.

All students score laptop access and tools to create, deploy, and test projects from day one.

But that's not all - Dunwoody stays tight with major industry players like Cisco, Microsoft, and Rockwell to keep their curriculum and equipment game strong.

We're talking the latest and greatest tech that companies are actually using. Plus, they hook us up with internships, part-time gigs, and real client projects to buff up those resumes before graduation.

So when a recent alum says "the best part was the practical experience," you know they're speaking facts.

If you're looking to level up your tech skills and land a killer job after college, Dunwoody is seriously worth checking out.

Check out North Central University's College of Business and Technology.

This place is straight fire for all you tech nerds out there! They've got a dope blend of business and tech programs that'll set you up for success in the digital game.

We're talking degrees like Computer Science with a focus on Business Analytics or an MBA in Information Systems Management. You'll be a certified boss at crunching numbers and coding like a pro.

But it's not just about the classes.

NCU's got a legit tech playground with state-of-the-art labs and studios. You can get your hands dirty in the Cybersecurity Lab, where you'll learn to hack ethically and defend networks like a ninja.

Or flex your data skills in the Analytics Lab, equipped with dope tools like Tableau for visualizing all those juicy stats.

They've even got an Augmented/Virtual Reality Studio where you can explore the future of tech.

Imagine creating mind-blowing AR/VR experiences that'll make your friends' jaws drop!

With small class sizes and a tight-knit community, you'll get that personalized attention you need to thrive.

The professors here are more than just teachers – they're mentors who'll guide you every step of the way. Plus, they've got connections in the industry, so you'll be set up for a killer career after graduation.

St. Mary's University of Minnesota is a top spot for tech geeks! They've got a sick lineup of courses covering all the hot topics, from cybersecurity and ethical hacking to cloud computing and data analytics.

It's like they know exactly what skills we'll need to land those dream tech jobs after graduation.

But it's not just about the classes – St. Mary's gets that flexibility is key.

That's why they've got a ton of online tech programs where we can study from anywhere, like their Bachelor's in Information Technology or Master's in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics.

Pretty sweet deal, right?

What really sets them apart, though, is their commitment to making tech accessible to everyone. Through programs like the Tech Access Program, they're helping underrepresented students break into the industry with financial aid, mentorship, and career guidance.

It's great to see a school that's all about empowering the next generation of tech leaders, no matter their background.

Overall, if you're looking for a place that's gonna give you the skills and support to thrive in the ever-evolving tech world, St.

Mary's is definitely worth checking out. With their cutting-edge curriculum and inclusive approach, they're setting the bar high for what a tech-focused education should look like in 2024.

Check this out - Macalester College in Saint Paul is seriously killing the game when it comes to merging old-school liberal arts vibes with cutting-edge tech innovation.

These guys get that interdisciplinary learning is key to tackling the complex digital landscape we're dealing with nowadays.

Their computer science program is top-notch, teaching you to think critically and solve problems creatively, prepping you for whatever curveballs the tech world throws your way.

But it's not just about coding and algorithms here.

Macalester keeps it global, offering sick opportunities to study abroad and collaborate with students from different cultures on tech projects.

Imagine working with peers from China on designing synthetic biological systems - that's some next-level, future-forward stuff right there.

What really sets Macalester apart, though, is how they weave emerging tech into all kinds of disciplines.

The Digital Humanities Program lets you explore the intersection of computing and the humanities, using data analysis and digital storytelling to uncover mind-blowing insights.

And if you've got the entrepreneurial spirit, their program will give you the tools to turn your tech-driven ideas into thriving businesses. As Professor Emily Ronning puts it,

"At Macalester, we believe that technology should be woven into the fabric of a well-rounded education."

Sounds like these guys are preparing you to conquer the digital age with confidence, creativity, and a deep understanding of how it all impacts society.

St. Kate's University is serious when it comes to empowering women in tech. They're all about that inclusive life, making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported in the male-dominated tech world.

Their Women and Coding program is giving female students the skills to thrive in the ever-changing digital scene.

But that's not all - they've got this mentorship thing called Women in STEM where students can get guidance from industry pros.

It's like having your own personalized squad of tech gurus backing you up. And their Diversity in Tech speaker series is amplifying the voices of those who've smashed barriers in the tech world.

Seriously inspiring stuff.

St. Kate's isn't playing around when it comes to industry connections either. They've teamed up with major players like Microsoft's Women in Cloud initiative, hooking students up with hands-on experience and connections.

Plus, their partnership with Technovation is nurturing the next generation in tech entrepreneurship. With connections like these, you're basically set for success before you even graduate.

The stats speak for themselves - more and more women are enrolling in STEM fields at St.

Kate's, and their alumnae network is full of incredible role models in the tech game. St. Kate's is leading the charge, making diversity and inclusion more than just buzzwords, but real driving forces behind innovation.

They're creating a future where everyone has a seat at the table, and that's just awesome.

Check it out! Hamline University's got some seriously wicked tech programs that are all about blending different subjects together.

It's like they get that in the real world, you gotta be able to mix and match skills to tackle complex problems. Like their Digital Media Arts major? You get to flex your creative muscles while also learning dope stuff like 3D modeling, motion graphics, and building interactive media experiences.

Pretty rad, right?

But it's not just about the classes. Hamline's research game is on point too. They've got students and professors teaming up on projects that cover everything from sustainable energy solutions to using data analytics to tackle real-world social issues.

They even have a whole Digital Humanities program dedicated to mixing humanities subjects with computer science techniques. Talk about interdisciplinary brilliance!

And when it comes to facilities, Hamline's not playing around.

The new Jacobsen STEM Building is a tech paradise. We're talking an Immersive Visualization Lab with virtual and augmented reality setups for some next-level learning experiences.

Then there's the Maker Space, which has 3D printers, laser cutters, and all sorts of gadgets for bringing your wildest ideas to life. And let's not forget the computer labs packed with beastly workstations and software that'll make any code monkey drool.

As Dr. Sarah Bunton from Hamline puts it, "Our goal is to empower students with the technological skills and interdisciplinary mindset to drive innovation and create positive change in the world." And if that's not a solid reason to check out Hamline, I don't know what is.

Minneapolis is a total hotspot for getting your tech game on point! The city is brimming with amazing colleges that'll take your skills to the next level and prep you for slaying it in the ever-changing digital realm.

Educational opportunity centers like the one at Minneapolis College are a clutch resource for getting guidance on applying to programs, securing financial aid, and exploring career options.

Recent stats show that 92% of grads from Minneapolis tech programs land jobs within six months of finishing up.

That's straight fire! On top of that, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development predicts a 21% surge in tech job openings by 2026.

So, investing in a legit tech education is pretty much a no-brainer if you want to secure that bag in a lucrative career.

The colleges in this list are serving up some seriously dope programs that cover everything from computer science and AI to digital design and sustainable tech solutions.

They're all about hands-on learning, industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities, so you'll be armed with the practical skills and real-world experience to crush it in the fast-paced tech world.

Just peep these standout offerings:

• Fullstack Academy's immersive programs and industry partnerships will take your coding prowess to new heights. Learn more here
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design hooks you up with industry-specific digital design courses.
• Augsburg University's experiential learning opportunities are all about sustainable tech solutions.
• Dunwoody College of Technology brings the heat with cutting-edge labs and a focus on practical experience.

As Albert Einstein said,

"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."

Minneapolis' top tech colleges are all about fostering that critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation mindset, empowering you to be an adaptable, forward-thinking pro in the ever-changing tech landscape.

If you're a tech enthusiast looking to unlock your full potential and embark on a rewarding career path, Minneapolis has your back.

By snagging a quality tech education at one of these renowned institutions, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities to become a future leader and innovator in the digital world, shaping the tech of tomorrow.