Best Online Computer Science Programs in Northfield, MN (2026)
Northfield, Minnesota has a population of about 20,678. The city’s median household income is $92,000 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 51.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Northfield, with tuition ranging from $18,252 to $34,240 per year. In Minnesota, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $171,750 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Northfield
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Northfield city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount, MN | 20.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | 26.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Academy College | Bloomington, MN | 28.4 mi | $18,252 - $34,240 | – |
| University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | 33.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Paul College | Saint Paul, MN | 34.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Northfield
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $124,540 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $106,740 |
| Computer Network Architect | $126,680 |
| Database Administrator | $97,230 |
| Database Architect | $130,420 |
| Information Security Analyst | $128,830 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $77,110 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $62,970 |
| Web Developer | $99,870 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $84,950 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,750 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Northfield at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,678 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $92,000 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 51.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Computer Science-related employment in Rice County | 42 workers, 12 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Northfield-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Faribault, MN – 12.1 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Farmington, MN – 14.0 mi away (22,656 pop)
- Lakeville, MN – 15.9 mi away (61,938 pop)
- Apple Valley, MN – 20.1 mi away (51,957 pop)
- Rosemount, MN – 20.8 mi away (23,911 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Northfield, MN?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Northfield. The closest is Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN (20.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Saint Paul College (34.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in Minnesota are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($171,750), Database Architect ($130,420), Information Security Analyst ($128,830). Wages for Northfield workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Faribault instead of Northfield?
Faribault, MN is 12.1 miles from Northfield and has its own set of local computer science programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Northfield an affordable place to study computer science?
Northfield’s median household income of $92,000 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Northfield while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Computer Science Programs in Minnesota
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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