Top 3 Computer Science Programs in North Dakota 2025
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
80 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Dickinson State University
6 computer science graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Minot State University
7 computer science graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
- 1.North Dakota offers 8+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.North Dakota State University-Main Campus leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.North Dakota software developers earn median $87,650 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks
- 5.Cost of living index: 94.2% of US average (below average)
Computer Science Education in North Dakota: Overview
North Dakota offers 8 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 128 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, with major employers including Microsoft, Amazon, Appareo Systems.
With a median software developer salary of $87,650 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 94.2% compared to the US average, North Dakota offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Dickinson State University, Minot State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
North Dakota Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo, ND | Public | $9,309 | — | 59.5 |
| 2 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Public | $7,470 | 88% | 50.6 |
| 3 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | Public | $7,168 | 94% | 50.5 |
| 4 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | Public | $6,619 | 91% | 48.1 |
| 5 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | Private | $24,000 | 96% | 47 |
| 6 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | Public | $4,997 | — | 43.8 |
| 7 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | Private | $19,084 | 78% | 42 |
| 8 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 41.7 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | North Dakota State | Dickinson State | Minot State | Valley City State | U of Jamestown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,309 | $7,470 | $7,168 | $6,619 | $24,000 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 88% | 94% | 91% | 96% |
| Annual Graduates | 80 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 60% | 72% | 69% | 94% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 59.5/100 | 50.6/100 | 50.5/100 | 48.1/100 | 47.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in North Dakota
North Dakota offers 7 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Dickinson State University, Minot State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $61,355 in the North Dakota market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Dakota State | $9,309 | N/A% | 80 | 59.5 |
| #2 Dickinson State | $7,470 | 88% | 6 | 50.6 |
| #3 Minot State | $7,168 | 94% | 7 | 50.5 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota
For graduate study, North Dakota offers 2 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include North Dakota State University-Main Campus, University of North Dakota. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in North Dakota reaching $113,945 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Dakota State | $9,309 | N/A% | 28 | 43.8 |
| #2 U of North Dakota | $9,237 | N/A% | 4 | 36.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in North Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in North Dakota are at North Dakota State College of Science ($4,997/year), Valley City State University ($6,619/year), Minot State University ($7,168/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At North Dakota State College of Science, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,988 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Dakota State... | $4,997 | $19,988 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Valley City State | $6,619 | $26,476 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Minot State | $7,168 | $28,672 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in North Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in North Dakota, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,309 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 80 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 59.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 80 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (80 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sources
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,470 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 50.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 6 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Minot State University
Minot, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,168 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 50.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 7 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Minot State's Computer Science program offers flexible delivery with both on-campus and online options, specialized tracks in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and software development, and maintains an impressive 96% job and graduate school placement rate with comprehensive career support services.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 96% Job/Graduate School Placement Rate
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,619 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 4 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Jamestown
Jamestown, ND • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $24,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 94%
- • Ranking Score: 47.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 8 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (94% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks
- You're seeking lower cost of living (94.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Microsoft or Amazon
- You prefer North Dakota's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs North Dakota's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in North Dakota FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
North Dakota-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - North Dakota salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.