North Dakota university campus representing network administration education
Updated December 2025

Best Network Administration Programs in North Dakota: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 5 top accredited network administration programs in North Dakota. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks.

Programs Ranked5
Median Salary$87,650
Cost of Living94.2%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Network Administration Programs in North Dakota 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, NDPublic

24 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$4K
Tuition/yr
51.7
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Minot State University

Minot, NDPublic

2 network administration graduates annually, 94% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
46.2
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Fargo, NDFor-Profit

4 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
41.5
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.North Dakota offers 5+ accredited network administration programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Bismarck State College 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)

Network Administration Education in North Dakota: Overview

North Dakota offers 5 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 38 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 network administration programs in the state are led by Bismarck State College, Minot State University, Rasmussen University-North Dakota, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

North Dakota Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Bismarck State CollegeBismarck, NDPublic$4,167โ€”51.7
2Minot State UniversityMinot, NDPublic$7,16894%46.2
3Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo, NDFor-Profit$10,957โ€”41.5
4University of MaryBismarck, NDPrivate$19,08478%39.5
5University of North DakotaGrand Forks, NDPublic$9,237โ€”38.4

Top 5 Network Administration Programs in North Dakota: Side-by-Side

SchoolBismarck State CollegeMinot StateRasmussen University-Nort...U of MaryU of North Dakota
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$4,167
$7,168
$10,957
$19,084
$9,237
Graduation Rate
N/A%
94%
N/A%
78%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
24
2
4
1
7
Acceptance Rate
N/A
72%
N/A
78%
77%
Type
Public
Public
For-Profit
Private
Public
Score
51.7/100
46.2/100
41.5/100
39.5/100
38.4/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in North Dakota

North Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Bismarck State College, Minot State University, University of Mary. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $61,355 in the North Dakota market.

A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Bismarck State College
$4,167
N/A%
21
50.6
#2 Minot State
$7,168
94%
2
46.2
#3 U of Mary
$19,084
78%
1
39.5

Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in North Dakota

For graduate study, North Dakota offers 1 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include 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 network administration master's programs for more options beyond North Dakota.

Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in North Dakota

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of North Dakota
$9,237
N/A%
7
38.4

Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in North Dakota

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in North Dakota are at Bismarck State College ($4,167/year), Minot State University ($7,168/year), University of North Dakota ($9,237/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Dakota's competitive tech salaries.

At Bismarck State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,668 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $61,355, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Network Administration Programs in North Dakota (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Bismarck State College
$4,167
$16,668
0.6 years
Public
#2 Minot State
$7,168
$28,672
1.1 years
Public
#3 U of North Dakota
$9,237
$36,948
1.4 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in North Dakota

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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.

#1

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $4,167 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 24 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 24 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.7 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Minot State University

Minot, ND โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,168 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • 2 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 46.2 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Fargo, ND โ€ข For-Profit

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $10,957 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 4 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 41.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 4 network administration graduates annually
  • For-Profit institution
  • Overall score: 41.5 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $19,084 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 78% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 1 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 39.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 78% graduation rate
  • 1 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 39.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (78%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,237 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 7 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 38.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 7 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 38.4 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($87,650), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$61,355
Starting Salary
$87,650
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
46
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$82,846

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$94,438

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$83,751
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$83,254

Database Administrator opportunities in North Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$85,058

Network Administration Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose North Dakota if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs North Dakota's 5)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Network Administration in North Dakota FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

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.