Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota 2025
Bismarck State College
21 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Minot State University
2 cybersecurity graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
Williston State College
5 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.North Dakota offers 6+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Bismarck State College 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)
Cybersecurity Education in North Dakota: Overview
North Dakota offers 6 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 40 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Bismarck State College, Minot State University, Williston State College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
North Dakota Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | Public | $4,167 | — | 50.6 |
| 2 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | Public | $7,168 | 94% | 46.2 |
| 3 | Williston State College | Williston, ND | Public | $3,310 | — | 42.4 |
| 4 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | For-Profit | $10,957 | — | 41.5 |
| 5 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | Private | $19,084 | 78% | 39.5 |
| 6 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 38.4 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Bismarck State College | Minot State | Williston State College | Rasmussen University-Nort... | U of Mary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,167 | $7,168 | $3,310 | $10,957 | $19,084 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 94% | N/A% | N/A% | 78% |
| Annual Graduates | 21 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 72% | N/A | N/A | 78% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 50.6/100 | 46.2/100 | 42.4/100 | 41.5/100 | 39.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in North Dakota
North Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Bismarck State College, Minot State University, University of Mary. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $61,355 in the North Dakota market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bismarck State College | $4,167 | N/A% | 21 | 50.6 |
| #2 Minot State | $7,168 | 94% | 2 | 46.2 |
| #3 U of Mary | $19,084 | 78% | 1 | 39.5 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota
For graduate study, North Dakota offers 1 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include 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 cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of North Dakota | $9,237 | N/A% | 7 | 38.4 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in North Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in North Dakota are at Williston State College ($3,310/year), Bismarck State College ($4,167/year), Minot State University ($7,168/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Williston State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,240 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Williston State College | $3,310 | $13,240 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Bismarck State College | $4,167 | $16,668 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Minot State | $7,168 | $28,672 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in North Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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.
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,167 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 50.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 21 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% 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)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 2 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Williston State College
Williston, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,310 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 42.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 42.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Fargo, ND • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,957 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 41.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 41.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,084 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 78% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 39.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 39.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (78%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity 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 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in North Dakota FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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.