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Key Takeaways
Best mobile development degree programs: North Dakota State, ,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,167 to $9,309/year
Bismarck State College offers the most affordable option at $4,167/yr
Mobile Development degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's in North Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
North Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development programs
We rank 4 accredited mobile development 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 Mobile Development Degree Programs in North Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Mobile Development Degree Rankings in North Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Mobile Development programs in North Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Mobile Development Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in mobile development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Bismarck State College, 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 $4,167/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 mobile development schools in North Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their mobile development degrees in North Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for mobile development education, with 1 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are North Dakota State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Dakota mobile development 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 $9,309 to $9,309 annually, with an average of $9,309/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 mobile development degrees in North Dakota, these top-ranked mobile development schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Mobile Development Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 2 master's degree programs in mobile development, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, North Dakota State, U of North Dakota, 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 $9,273/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 mobile development schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Mobile Development Degree Costs & Tuition in North Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $7,571/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $18,928/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,893/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $45,428 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $11,356 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Mobile Development Students in North Dakota
State Aid Programs
North Dakota students pursuing mobile development degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways to support their education. The primary starting point for federal aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through Federal Student Aid. This application unlocks access to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited programs across the state's 9 institutions offering mobile development degrees.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal aid, North Dakota offers the North Dakota Academic Scholarship, a merit-based award specifically designed for North Dakota high school graduates pursuing higher education within the state system. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides meaningful support for students attending institutions within the North Dakota University System. Students should also explore institutional scholarships offered directly by their chosen school, as many programs provide additional aid packages to qualified applicants in STEM fields like mobile development.
Institutional Scholarships
The College Scorecard provides transparency on financial aid availability and outcomes at individual institutions, helping students compare aid packages and graduation rates across North Dakota's mobile development programs. Whether attending a public university or community college, students should maximize all available resources, including the North Dakota University System transfer pathways that can reduce overall educational costs. Related technical programs such as Web Development in North Dakota and Computer Programming in North Dakota also offer similar financial aid opportunities within the state system.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator, North Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a mobile development 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.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a mobile development degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+749%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,385,336
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.
$119,048
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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development Graduates in North Dakota
Find mobile development jobs in North Dakota. These major employers across North Dakota metro areas are actively hiring mobile development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Mobile Development Jobs in Fargo
NDMobile Development Jobs in Bismarck
NDTransfer Pathways for Mobile Development Degrees in North Dakota
State Transfer System
North Dakota's transfer system provides seamless pathways for students beginning at two-year institutions and advancing to four-year bachelor's degree programs. The state offers 3 institutions with mobile development associate's degree programs, including Bismarck State College and North Dakota College of Science, serving as ideal entry points for students seeking affordable pathways to technical education (IPEDS). The NDUS General Education Transfer agreement ensures that general education credits completed at two-year institutions transfer directly to four-year universities within the North Dakota University System, preventing duplication and streamlining degree completion.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate's degrees in mobile development at institutions like Bismarck State College (tuition $4,167) can transfer directly to bachelor's programs at universities like North Dakota State University-Main Campus or University of North Dakota. This pathway significantly reduces overall educational costs while maintaining academic quality and momentum. Two-year institutions in the state benefit from articulation agreements that guarantee junior standing upon transfer for students completing specific degree requirements. The lower associate's degree tuition, ranging from $4,167 to $4,997 annually, makes this pathway particularly attractive for students managing education costs.
Transfer Planning Tips
Students should leverage the North Dakota University System website to explore transfer agreements and program articulation details. Connect with academic advisors at community colleges and four-year universities to plan course sequences that maximize credit transfer. Explore related transfer opportunities in Web Development in North Dakota, Software Engineering in North Dakota, and Computer Programming in North Dakota, which often follow similar transfer pathways. Financial aid transfers smoothly under Federal Student Aid provisions, making multi-institution enrollment financially viable.
Why Pursue a Mobile Development Degree in North Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
North Dakota offers a growing landscape for mobile development education with 9 institutions offering programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's mobile development programs produced 80 bachelor's degree completions and 32 master's degree completions in 2023, demonstrating solid growth in this technical field. North Dakota State University-Main Campus leads the state with 108 total completions across all degree levels, establishing itself as the premier destination for aspiring mobile developers in the region.
Salary Outlook
The cost of education in North Dakota remains highly competitive, with average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions at just $6,417 annually (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs like Valley City State University and Minot State University offer tuition below $7,200, making quality mobile development education accessible. The state's major technology hubs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, combined with major employers like Microsoft and Sanford Health, create excellent networking and employment opportunities for graduates. Students can also leverage the North Dakota Academic Scholarship for merit-based financial aid support.
Regional Tech Hubs
Prospective students should explore complementary technical programs in the state. Related degrees in Web Development in North Dakota, Software Engineering in North Dakota, and Computer Programming in North Dakota offer pathways to expand technical expertise. For those interested in the user-facing aspects of development, UX Design in North Dakota provides valuable specialization options that integrate well with mobile development careers.
Mobile Development Program Availability in North Dakota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Mobile Development Job Market & Salary Data in North Dakota
Employment Outlook
North Dakota's mobile development job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple regions. The state's tech sector is concentrated in key metropolitan areas including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot, where major healthcare and technology employers actively recruit mobile developers. According to BLS occupational data, the state offers competitive opportunities for software developers and mobile specialists. The Fargo-Moorhead metro area serves as North Dakota's largest tech hub, while the Bismarck-Mandan region and Red River Valley also contribute significantly to regional employment demand. These geographic centers provide pathways for graduates from top programs like North Dakota State University-Main Campus, which leads the state with 108 completions in mobile development.
Salaries by Metro
Education and healthcare sectors drive much of the mobile development demand in North Dakota. Major employers including Sanford Health and Essentia Health represent significant hiring markets for mobile development professionals in the state. Additionally, technology companies and research institutions contribute to job creation across the Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks regions. The state's IPEDS data shows 80 bachelor's degree completions annually across the state, with 32 master's degree completions, indicating a strong pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce. Students exploring career pathways should consider related fields like Web Development in North Dakota and Software Engineering in North Dakota, which often overlap with mobile development roles and expand employment opportunities.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Mobile Development Programs in North Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in North Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Mobile Development Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 202
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 68
- Median Tuition
- $44,500
Mobile Development Degree Programs in North Dakota: FAQ
What are the best mobile development degree programs in North Dakota?
How much do mobile development degree programs cost in North Dakota?
What salary can mobile development degree graduates earn in North Dakota?
Are there online mobile development degree programs in North Dakota?
What companies hire mobile development degree graduates in North Dakota?
Is a mobile development degree program worth it in North Dakota?
How long do mobile development degree programs take in North Dakota?
What financial aid is available for mobile development 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.