Top 3 Information Technology Programs in North Dakota 2025
Dickinson State University
8 information technology graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Minot State University
7 information technology graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
Valley City State University
4 information technology graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
- 1.North Dakota offers 11+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in North Dakota: Overview
North Dakota offers 11 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 70 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 information technology programs in the state are led by Dickinson State University, Minot State University, Valley City State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
North Dakota Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Public | $7,470 | 88% | 51.9 |
| 2 | Minot State University | Minot, ND | Public | $7,168 | 94% | 50.5 |
| 3 | Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | Public | $6,619 | 91% | 48.1 |
| 4 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown, ND | Private | $24,000 | 96% | 47.6 |
| 5 | United Tribes Technical College | Bismarck, ND | Private | $3,220 | 73% | 46.2 |
| 6 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Public | $9,237 | — | 45.5 |
| 7 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | Public | $4,997 | — | 43.8 |
| 8 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | Private | $19,084 | 78% | 42 |
| 9 | Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | For-Profit | $10,957 | — | 41.5 |
| 10 | Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND | Public | $3,600 | — | 39.5 |
| 11 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | Public | $4,167 | — | 38 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dickinson State | Minot State | Valley City State | U of Jamestown | United Tribes Technical... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,470 | $7,168 | $6,619 | $24,000 | $3,220 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% | 94% | 91% | 96% | 73% |
| Annual Graduates | 8 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% | 72% | 69% | 94% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 51.9/100 | 50.5/100 | 48.1/100 | 47.6/100 | 46.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in North Dakota
North Dakota offers 6 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dickinson State University, Minot State University, 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 information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dickinson State | $7,470 | 88% | 8 | 51.9 |
| #2 Minot State | $7,168 | 94% | 7 | 50.5 |
| #3 Valley City State | $6,619 | 91% | 4 | 48.1 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota
Master's-level information technology 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 information technology master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in North Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in North Dakota are at United Tribes Technical College ($3,220/year), Sitting Bull College ($3,600/year), Bismarck State College ($4,167/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At United Tribes Technical College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,880 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 United Tribes Technical... | $3,220 | $12,880 | 0.5 years | Private |
| #2 Sitting Bull College | $3,600 | $14,400 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Bismarck State College | $4,167 | $16,668 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in North Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 8 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (8 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 50.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 7 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,619 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 4 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 94%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 9 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (94% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
United Tribes Technical College
Bismarck, ND • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,220 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 3 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (3 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.
Information Technology 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 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in North Dakota FAQ
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.