Top 3 Game Development Programs in North Dakota 2025
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
80 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Valley City State University
1 game development graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
University of North Dakota
4 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.North Dakota offers 3+ accredited game development 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)
Game Development Education in North Dakota: Overview
North Dakota offers 3 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 85 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 game development programs in the state are led by North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Valley City State University, University of North Dakota, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
North Dakota Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo, ND | Public | $9,309 | — | 59.5 |
| 2 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | Public | $6,619 | 91% | 44.6 |
| 3 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 36.1 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | North Dakota State | Valley City State | U of North Dakota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,309 | $6,619 | $9,237 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 91% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 80 | 1 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 69% | 77% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 59.5/100 | 44.6/100 | 36.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in North Dakota
North Dakota offers 2 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Valley City State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $61,355 in the North Dakota market.
A bachelor's in game development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Game Development Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Dakota State | $9,309 | N/A% | 80 | 59.5 |
| #2 Valley City State | $6,619 | 91% | 1 | 44.6 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota
For graduate study, North Dakota offers 2 master's-level game development 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 game development master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.
Top 3 Game Development 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 Game Development Colleges in North Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in North Dakota are at Valley City State University ($6,619/year), University of North Dakota ($9,237/year), North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($9,309/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Valley City State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $26,476 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Valley City State | $6,619 | $26,476 | 1 years | Public |
| #2 U of North Dakota | $9,237 | $36,948 | 1.4 years | Public |
| #3 North Dakota State | $9,309 | $37,236 | 1.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in North Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 80 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 59.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 80 game development 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.
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,619 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 44.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 1 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (69% 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 36.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 36.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (77% 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.
Game Development 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
Game Development in North Dakota FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development 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.