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Key Takeaways
Best information technology degree programs: U of North Dakota, Dickinson State, Minot State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,220 to $24,000/year
North Dakota State Colleg... offers the most affordable option at $4,997/yr
Information Technology degree programs available: 5 associate's in North Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online information technology degree programs in North Dakota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
North Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 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
Information Technology 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 Information Technology programs
We rank 11 accredited information technology 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 Information Technology Degree Programs in North Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Technology Degree Rankings in North Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Information Technology programs in North Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Technology Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include North Dakota State Colleg..., United Tribes Technical C..., 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 $5,388/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 information technology schools in North Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in North Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of North Dakota, Dickinson State, Minot State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Dakota information technology 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 $12,263/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, 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 information technology degrees in North Dakota, these top-ranked information technology 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 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | Private | $19,084 | 78% | 48.9 |
Information Technology Degree Costs & Tuition in North Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,138/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $22,845/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,285/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $54,828 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $13,706 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Technology Students in North Dakota
State Aid Programs
North Dakota students pursuing Information Technology degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, beginning with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Federal Student Aid, students can explore grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to finance their education at any of the 14 institutions offering IT programs across the state. The FAFSA is the gateway to both federal and institutional aid, and completing it early maximizes eligibility for merit-based and need-based awards.
Key Programs & Amounts
The North Dakota Academic Scholarship provides merit-based awards specifically for North Dakota high school graduates, making it a valuable resource for qualifying students. Additionally, the North Dakota University System (NDUS) coordinates financial aid across all public institutions in the state, ensuring consistent access to scholarships and grants. Many IT programs at public universities, such as those at the University of North Dakota and Minot State University, offer institutional scholarships that reduce the overall cost of attendance. Students should investigate both state-level and institution-specific financial aid packages to maximize their support and minimize student debt.
Institutional Scholarships
Community college pathways offer another cost-effective entry point, with associate's programs at institutions like Bismarck State College and North Dakota State College of Science providing more affordable tuition rates. These two-year institutions allow students to complete general education requirements and foundational IT coursework before transferring to four-year programs within the NDUS system. The NDUS General Education Transfer policy ensures that general education credits transfer seamlessly across institutions, protecting student investment and time.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator, North Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology 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.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+692%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,279,487
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Information Technology 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 Information Technology Graduates in North Dakota
Find information technology jobs in North Dakota. These major employers across North Dakota metro areas are actively hiring information technology degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Technology Jobs in Fargo
NDInformation Technology Jobs in Bismarck
NDTransfer Pathways for Information Technology Degrees in North Dakota
State Transfer System
North Dakota's transfer system is designed to help seamless credit mobility between institutions, particularly from two-year to four-year colleges. The NDUS General Education Transfer Agreement (https://www.ndus.edu/) ensures that general education credits completed at one North Dakota University System institution transfer directly to another, regardless of the student's initial institution. This system is particularly valuable for IT students, as 7 two-year institutions offer associate's degrees that align with 7 four-year institutions offering bachelor's degrees. Key two-year pathways include Bismarck State College (tuition $4,167) and North Dakota State College of Science (tuition $4,997), which serve as important gateways for students beginning their IT education affordably before transferring.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing the associate-to-bachelor's pathway can begin their IT education at community colleges and transfer all general education coursework without loss of credits. This strategy reduces overall degree costs while maintaining access to quality education. For example, a student completing an associate's degree at Bismarck State College can transfer directly to the University of North Dakota (#1 ranked bachelor's program) or other four-year institutions, with most credits applying toward the bachelor's degree. The NDUS General Education Transfer system also coordinates with financial aid through Federal Student Aid, and merit-based students may qualify for the North Dakota Academic Scholarship. Students should contact their chosen transfer institution to confirm program-specific articulation agreements and upper-level course requirements. Additionally, exploring related fields like Information Systems in North Dakota or Network Administration in North Dakota can provide flexible pathways and broaden career opportunities.
Why Pursue an Information Technology Degree in North Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
North Dakota offers a strong pathway into Information Technology careers with 14 institutions offering IT programs across the state (IPEDS). In 2023, these programs produced 49 bachelor's degree completions and 17 associate's degree completions, demonstrating strong enrollment and completion rates. The state's IT education infrastructure includes 7 four-year institutions and 7 two-year institutions dedicated to preparing students for technology careers. North Dakota's commitment to IT education aligns with growing demand in the sector, and studying here provides access to quality programs without the premium costs found in other regions.
Salary Outlook
The University of North Dakota leads the state with 22 completions, followed by University of Jamestown with 9 completions and both Minot State University and North Dakota State College of Science with 7 completions each (IPEDS). Beyond academics, North Dakota's major technology hubs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks host major employers including Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and Microsoft, creating internship and employment opportunities for graduates. Average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at an affordable $6,417, making North Dakota one of the most cost-effective states for IT education. For cost-conscious students, Minot State University offers the lowest tuition at $7,168 with a 94.40% graduation rate, providing exceptional value. Students can also explore related specializations like Network Administration in North Dakota, Cybersecurity in North Dakota, and Cloud Computing in North Dakota to deepen their technical expertise.
Information Technology Program Availability in North Dakota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Technology Job Market & Salary Data in North Dakota
Employment Outlook
North Dakota's information technology job market is supported by a diverse employer base and growing demand across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state offers competitive opportunities for IT professionals in major metropolitan areas including Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. The Fargo-Moorhead metro area is a particularly strong tech hub, attracting talent and investment in software development, systems administration, and IT infrastructure roles. Similarly, the Bismarck-Mandan region continues to expand its technology sector, driven by healthcare expansion and government technology initiatives.
Salaries by Metro
The state's IT employment landscape benefits from presence of major employers like Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and partnerships with technology leaders such as Microsoft. These organizations actively recruit IT professionals for network administration, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and application development positions. North Dakota's relatively affordable cost of living combined with growing tech job opportunities makes the state increasingly attractive to IT professionals. Students pursuing IT degrees in North Dakota can leverage IPEDS data showing 14 institutions offer information technology programs, with 7 bachelor's degree options and 7 associate's degree options across the state. For comprehensive salary and employment trend data, the College Scorecard provides detailed insights into career outcomes for graduates.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in North Dakota
Online Programs
4 available in North Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Technology Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $4,900
- Total Programs
- 123
- Median Tuition
- $1,500
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $7,300
- Total Programs
- 137
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 138
- Median Tuition
- $13,800
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $27,400
Information Technology Degree Programs in North Dakota: FAQ
What are the best information technology degree programs in North Dakota?
How much do information technology degree programs cost in North Dakota?
What salary can information technology degree graduates earn in North Dakota?
Are there online information technology degree programs in North Dakota?
What companies hire information technology degree graduates in North Dakota?
Is an information technology degree program worth it in North Dakota?
How long do information technology degree programs take in North Dakota?
What financial aid is available for information technology 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.