Top 3 Database Administration Programs in North Dakota 2025
Dickinson State University
3 database administration graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
University of North Dakota
12 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Bismarck State College
1 database administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.North Dakota offers 3+ accredited database administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.Dickinson State University leads with 88% 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)
Database Administration Education in North Dakota: Overview
North Dakota offers 3 accredited database administration programs, producing approximately 16 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 database administration programs in the state are led by Dickinson State University, University of North Dakota, Bismarck State College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
North Dakota Database Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Public | $7,470 | 88% | 48.1 |
| 2 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 41.3 |
| 3 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | Public | $4,167 | — | 38 |
Top 5 Database Administration Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dickinson State | U of North Dakota | Bismarck State College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,470 | $9,237 | $4,167 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 3 | 12 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% | 77% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 48.1/100 | 41.3/100 | 38.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Administration in North Dakota
North Dakota offers 2 bachelor's-level database administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dickinson State University, University of North Dakota. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $61,355 in the North Dakota market.
A bachelor's in database administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Database Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Database Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dickinson State | $7,470 | 88% | 3 | 48.1 |
| #2 U of North Dakota | $9,237 | N/A% | 12 | 41.3 |
Top Database Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota
Master's-level database administration programs are limited in North Dakota. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best database administration master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.
Most Affordable Database Administration Colleges in North Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable database administration programs in North Dakota are at Bismarck State College ($4,167/year), Dickinson State University ($7,470/year), University of North Dakota ($9,237/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Bismarck State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,668 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Database Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Database Administration Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bismarck State College | $4,167 | $16,668 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Dickinson State | $7,470 | $29,880 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 U of North Dakota | $9,237 | $36,948 | 1.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Database Administration Schools in North Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 database administration 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.
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,470 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 3 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,237 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 41.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,167 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Database Administration Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 38.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 database administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.
Database Administration 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 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Database Administration in North Dakota FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Database Administration 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.