On this page
Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: North Dakota State, Valley City State, U of North Dakota
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,619 to $19,084/year
North Dakota State offers the most affordable option at $9,309/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's, 2 doctoral in North Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
North Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems, Packet Digital
Tech hubs in Fargo and Bismarck
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 18+ cities across North Dakota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked North Dakota Computer Engineering programs
We rank 9 accredited computer engineering programs in North Dakota using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in North Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in North Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in North Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Rasmussen University-Nort..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in North Dakota offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $10,957/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $48,208 in North Dakota.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with North Dakota's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer engineering schools in North Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in North Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are North Dakota State, Valley City State, U of North Dakota, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Dakota computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $74,503, 24% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,619 to $19,084 annually, with an average of $11,062/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 91%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to North Dakota's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in North Dakota, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 2 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, North Dakota State, U of North Dakota, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in North Dakota earn a median salary of $87,650, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $9,273/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among North Dakota's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota is home to 2 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at North Dakota State, U of North Dakota are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with North Dakota PhD holders earning a median of $109,563, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across North Dakota programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in North Dakota, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in North Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $11,041/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $27,603/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,760/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $66,248 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,562 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in North Dakota
State Aid Programs
North Dakota students pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to multiple funding pathways, starting with the federal FAFSA process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Federal Student Aid) enables students to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, North Dakota offers merit-based support through the North Dakota Academic Scholarship, which targets high school graduates and provides competitive awards to help offset tuition costs at institutions across the state. This scholarship program is administered through the North Dakota University System and represents a key resource for qualifying students entering computer engineering programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, students should explore institutional scholarships offered directly by their chosen school. North Dakota's computer engineering programs are spread across 11 institutions, including major universities like North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, many of which offer discipline-specific scholarships for engineering students. Prospective students are encouraged to contact financial aid offices at their target institutions to inquire about departmental scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer-sponsored programs. For comprehensive financial planning, the College Scorecard provides data on average aid packages and net price across North Dakota institutions, helping students make informed decisions about their education investment.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, North Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in North Dakota. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in North Dakota metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $96K |
| Bismarck | $92K |
| Grand Forks | $88K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in North Dakota
Find computer engineering jobs in North Dakota. These major employers across North Dakota metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Fargo
NDComputer Engineering Jobs in Bismarck
NDTransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in North Dakota
State Transfer System
North Dakota's transfer system is highly streamlined for students pursuing computer engineering degrees. The NDUS General Education Transfer framework (North Dakota University System) guarantees that general education credits completed at any two-year institution within the system transfer directly to four-year universities, eliminating course repetition and saving time and tuition. The state operates 7 two-year institutions, including North Dakota College of Science, which offers an associate's degree in computer engineering, and Rasmussen University-North Dakota. Students can complete foundational mathematics, physics, and general education courses at these community colleges, often at significantly lower tuition costs, before transferring to bachelor's programs at North Dakota State University-Main Campus, University of North Dakota, or other four-year institutions (NDUS General Education Transfer).
How Transfers Work
Community college pathways offer clear advantages: tuition savings through the $4,997 rate at North Dakota College of Science compared to $9,309 at NDSU-Main, smaller class sizes in foundational courses, and individualized support during the transition to university-level engineering coursework. The transfer process is facilitated through explicit articulation agreements between community colleges and universities within the NDUS system, ensuring smooth progression toward the bachelor's degree. Students completing the associate's degree in computer engineering from North Dakota College of Science or related programs have clear pathways to bachelor's and master's programs. For additional academic options, explore Computer Science in North Dakota and Information Technology in North Dakota as complementary transfer pathways. Reference the College Scorecard for detailed institutional transfer data and outcomes.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in North Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
North Dakota offers a strong pathway to a computer engineering degree with 11 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state awarded 215 bachelor's degrees, 49 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees in computer engineering, demonstrating strong institutional support for the discipline. North Dakota State University-Main Campus leads the state with 219 total completions, followed by the University of North Dakota with 45 completions, making these institutions well-established leaders in computer engineering education. The state's four-year public institutions maintain an average in-state tuition of just $6,417, significantly below the national average, making North Dakota an affordable option for pursuing this high-demand degree.
Salary Outlook
The state's growing tech hubs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks create abundant career opportunities for graduates. Major employers including Microsoft, Sanford Health, and Essentia Health actively recruit computer engineering talent in the region. The tech-forward culture across the Red River Valley and Fargo-Moorhead metro area provides internship and career placement advantages. Students in North Dakota computer engineering programs benefit from proximity to Fortune 500 companies and innovative healthcare systems that leverage advanced computing solutions. Explore related programs like Computer Science in North Dakota and Software Engineering in North Dakota to understand complementary career pathways. For national context, review national best bachelor's programs and most affordable programs.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in North Dakota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in North Dakota
Employment Outlook
North Dakota's computer engineering job market is supported by a strong higher education pipeline, with 11 institutions offering computer engineering programs across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 215 bachelor's degree completions and 49 master's degree completions, creating a steady stream of qualified professionals entering the workforce. The state's average public in-state tuition of $6,417 at four-year institutions makes computer engineering education accessible, supporting workforce development across major metropolitan areas including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot (North Dakota University System).
Salaries by Metro
The job market landscape reflects strong demand across the state's key regions. The Fargo-Moorhead metro area, Bismarck-Mandan region, and Grand Forks corridor represent the strongest employment centers for computer engineering professionals. North Dakota State University-Main Campus dominates the talent pipeline with 219 total completions across all degree levels, while the University of North Dakota contributes 45 completions, positioning these institutions as primary sources for regional talent (IPEDS). For comprehensive salary data and employment trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed occupational employment statistics for North Dakota. Students exploring computer engineering can also review related fields through programs in Computer Science in North Dakota and Software Engineering in North Dakota to understand the broader tech career landscape.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in North Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in North Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in North Dakota: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in North Dakota?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in North Dakota?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in North Dakota?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in North Dakota?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in North Dakota?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in North Dakota?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in North Dakota?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in North Dakota?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
North Dakota salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.