On this page
Key Takeaways
Best database management degree programs: Minot State, U of North Dakota, North Dakota State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,167 to $24,000/year
Lake Region State College offers the most affordable option at $4,250/yr
Database Management degree programs available: 3 associate's, 1 master's in North Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online database management degree programs in North Dakota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
North Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 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
Database Management 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 Database Management programs
We rank 10 accredited database management 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 Database Management Degree Programs in North Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Database Management Degree Rankings in North Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Database Management programs in North Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Database Management Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in database management, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Lake Region State College, Bismarck State College, 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 $6,458/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 database management schools in North Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their database management degrees in North Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Database Management Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for database management education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Minot State, U of North Dakota, North Dakota State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Dakota database management 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 $24,000 annually, with an average of $10,634/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 92%, with the highest reaching 96%. 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 database management degrees in North Dakota, these top-ranked database management schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | Public | $6,619 | 91% | 51.2 |
Best Master's Database Management Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 1 master's degree programs in database management, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Minot State, 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 $7,168/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 database management schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Database Management Degree Costs & Tuition in North Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,242/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $23,105/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,311/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $55,452 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $13,862 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Database Management Students in North Dakota
State Aid Programs
North Dakota students pursuing database management degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The North Dakota Academic Scholarship provides merit-based awards specifically for North Dakota high school graduates, making it an excellent option for qualifying students entering bachelor's and associate's programs (North Dakota University System). At the federal level, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through participating institutions across the state (Federal Student Aid). Most public four-year institutions in North Dakota participate in federal student aid programs, ensuring that database management students can access need-based and merit-based support regardless of their enrollment status.
Key Programs & Amounts
Many of North Dakota's leading database management institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to program enrollees. Students should explore funding options through the North Dakota University System, which coordinates financial aid across 11 public higher education institutions (North Dakota University System). Beyond merit scholarships and grants, students can investigate employer-sponsored tuition assistance through major regional employers like Sanford Health and Essentia Health, which frequently support workforce development in technology fields. Community college students pursuing associate's degrees benefit from lower overall tuition costs, which can reduce borrowing needs. It's advisable for all prospective students to complete the FAFSA, consult with institutional financial aid offices, and review state-specific scholarship opportunities to maximize their funding packages.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator, North Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a database management 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.
Database Management Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a database management 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
Database Management 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 Database Management Graduates in North Dakota
Find database management jobs in North Dakota. These major employers across North Dakota metro areas are actively hiring database management degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Database Management Jobs in Fargo
NDDatabase Management Jobs in Bismarck
NDTransfer Pathways for Database Management Degrees in North Dakota
State Transfer System
North Dakota's NDUS General Education Transfer system (NDUS General Education Transfer) ensures seamless credit transfer among the state's public institutions, making it straightforward for students to begin at one of 4 associate degree programs and progress to one of 8 bachelor's programs. Institutions like North Dakota State College of Science (#1 ranked associate program, $4,997 tuition), Bismarck State College ($4,167 tuition), and Lake Region State College offer structured pathways explicitly designed for students seeking to complete a bachelor's degree after earning their associate credential. The transfer system guarantees that general education courses completed at two-year institutions apply toward bachelor's degree requirements, eliminating redundancy and reducing time-to-degree.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing the associate-to-bachelor transfer route benefit from the NDUS General Education Transfer agreement, which simplifies transitions between North Dakota's 7 two-year institutions and its 15 four-year institutions (NDUS). For example, graduates from United Tribes Technical College ($3,220 tuition, ranked #2 for associate programs) or Sitting Bull College ($3,600 tuition) can transfer directly into bachelor's programs at Minot State University ($7,168 tuition, ranked #3), University of North Dakota ($9,237 tuition, ranked #2), or North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($9,309 tuition, ranked #1) with credits fully recognized. Additionally, students can explore complementary transfer opportunities in information systems, database administration, and data science at similar institutions, maximizing flexibility. Merit-based financial aid through the North Dakota Academic Scholarship (NDUS) further supports transfer students' completion of bachelor's degrees.
Why Pursue a Database Management Degree in North Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
North Dakota offers a strong foundation for database management education, with 14 institutions across the state providing specialized programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state's higher education ecosystem includes 8 bachelor's-granting institutions and 4 associate degree programs dedicated to database management, producing 56 completions annually across all degree levels. This concentration of programming reflects strong regional demand and employer investment in data infrastructure talent within North Dakota's growing tech sector.
Salary Outlook
Leading institutions like North Dakota State University-Main Campus and the University of North Dakota consistently rank among the nation's top database management programs while maintaining affordability. With average public in-state tuition at $6,417 for four-year institutions, North Dakota provides exceptional value compared to national averages (College Scorecard). The state's major employment hubs. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot, host major employers including Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and Microsoft, creating direct pathways from classroom to career. Students can explore related specializations through programs in data analytics, database administration, and information systems at comparable institutions.
Database Management Program Availability in North Dakota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Database Management Job Market & Salary Data in North Dakota
Employment Outlook
North Dakota's database management job market is supported by a growing technology sector concentrated in key metropolitan areas. The state's major employment hubs include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and West Fargo, where healthcare, education, and tech companies actively recruit database professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Dakota offers competitive opportunities for database managers and administrators across multiple industries. The Fargo-Moorhead metro area and Bismarck-Mandan region represent the strongest job markets, driven by major employers in healthcare and technology sectors. Students graduating from North Dakota's 14 institutions offering database management programs find strong local career pathways, particularly in these metropolitan centers.
Salaries by Metro
The state's database management education pipeline is strong, with 38 bachelor's degree completions and 12 master's degree completions annually across North Dakota institutions (IPEDS). Leading programs at North Dakota State University-Main Campus, University of North Dakota, and Minot State University produce the majority of qualified graduates. For comprehensive salary and employment trend data specific to database administrators and related roles, the BLS Occupational Outlook provides current wage information and regional employment statistics. Students interested in related fields may also explore Database Administration in North Dakota or Data Analytics in North Dakota for expanded career opportunities in the state's technology sector.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Database Management Programs in North Dakota
Online Programs
2 available in North Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Database Management Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $5,300
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $12,200
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 76
- Median Tuition
- $7,500
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $46,200
Database Management Degree Programs in North Dakota: FAQ
What are the best database management degree programs in North Dakota?
How much do database management degree programs cost in North Dakota?
What salary can database management degree graduates earn in North Dakota?
Are there online database management degree programs in North Dakota?
What companies hire database management degree graduates in North Dakota?
Is a database management degree program worth it in North Dakota?
How long do database management degree programs take in North Dakota?
What financial aid is available for database management 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.