Information Technology Degree in Saint Paul, MN — Salary & ROI 2026
Information Technology degree analysis for Saint Paul, MN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$71K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$102K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
3.1 yrs
in Saint Paul
Cost of Living
101.5
index (100 = avg)
Information Technology in Saint Paul, MN Overview
Saint Paul, Minnesota (pop. 311,527) has 11 colleges offering Information Technology programs. The local cost of living index of 101.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $795/month. Information Technology has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Networking and Cloud Computing skills. The adjusted starting salary in Saint Paul is approximately $71,050.
Category
STEM
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$14,200/yr
Private Tuition
$38,000/yr
Room & Board
$13,171/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,478/yr
Unemployment
2.9%
Graduation Rate
47%
Information Technology Salary in Saint Paul (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Saint Paul's cost of living index of 101.5 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Information Technology salary: $70,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $125,000 senior level.Saint Paul adjustment factor: 1.01x based on the local cost of living index.
Information Technology ROI Calculator for Saint Paul
Estimate your return on investment for a Information Technology degree using local Saint Paul tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,200 | Private avg: $38,000
Saint Paul avg aid: $13,478/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$109,484
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$35,525
vs HS diploma in Saint Paul
ROI Payback Period
3.1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Saint Paul
$753,266
Lifetime earnings premium ($862,750) minus total education cost ($109,484)
Student Loan Payoff for Information Technology in Saint Paul
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Saint Paul for Information Technology
Saint Paul State University
public
$13,811/yr
$55,244 total
University of Saint Paul
public
$13,351/yr
$53,404 total
Saint Paul Institute of Technology
private
$43,387/yr
$173,548 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Saint Paul Community College
$5,443/yr
Minnesota Technical College - Saint Paul
$5,156/yr
Top Employers for Information Technology in Saint Paul
Saint Paul offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Information Technology graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Saint Paul Hiring Sectors for STEM
Tech companies
Research labs
Government agencies
Startups
Consulting firms
Common Information Technology Job Titles
Information Technology in Nearby Minnesota Cities
Minneapolis, MN
$68K starting · COL 97
15 colleges
St. Paul, MN
$76K starting · COL 108
20 colleges
Rochester, MN
$74K starting · COL 105
8 colleges
Duluth, MN
$70K starting · COL 100
5 colleges
Bloomington, MN
$70K starting · COL 100.2
4 colleges
Brooklyn Park, MN
$69K starting · COL 98.8
4 colleges
Plymouth, MN
$75K starting · COL 107.3
4 colleges
Maple Grove, MN
$75K starting · COL 107.4
4 colleges
Other STEM Majors in Saint Paul
Prompt Engineering
$51K starting · 1.5 yr ROI
Computational Linguistics
$96K starting · 2 yr ROI
Computer Science
$86K starting · 2.8 yr ROI
Software Engineering
$89K starting · 2.7 yr ROI
Data Science
$83K starting · 3 yr ROI
Astrophysics
$86K starting · 3 yr ROI
Actuarial Science
$51K starting · 3 yr ROI
Cybersecurity
$81K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Information Technology degree outcomes in Saint Paul, MN: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Information Technology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Minnesota.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Saint Paul using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Information Technology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Information Technology career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Information Technology grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Saint Paul Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Minnesota students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Minnesota programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "minnesota higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Information Technology Degree in Saint Paul — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Information Technology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Saint Paul.