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Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: Bismarck State College, Minot State, U of Mary
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,167 to $19,084/year
Bismarck State College offers the most affordable option at $4,167/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 2 associate's, 1 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
2 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs
We rank 6 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in North Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in North Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in North Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Bismarck State College, 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 $7,562/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 network administration schools in North Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in North Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Bismarck State College, Minot State, U of Mary, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from North Dakota network administration 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 $4,167 to $19,084 annually, with an average of $10,140/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 94%. 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 network administration degrees in North Dakota, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in North Dakota
Program Landscape
North Dakota offers 1 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, 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 $9,237/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 network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in North Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,123/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,308/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,531/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $60,740 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,184 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in North Dakota
State Aid Programs
North Dakota students pursuing network administration degrees have access to multiple funding opportunities at both state and federal levels. The North Dakota Academic Scholarship provides merit-based awards specifically for North Dakota high school graduates, making it an excellent resource for qualifying students. All students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The (North Dakota University System) administers the state scholarship program and ensures coordinated financial aid processes across public institutions offering network administration programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond merit scholarships, students should explore institutional financial aid packages offered by schools like North Dakota State University-Main Campus and University of North Dakota, which rank among the (best bachelor's programs nationally). Two-year institutions such as Bismarck State College provide affordable entry points with lower upfront costs, and many offer transfer pathways through the (NDUS General Education Transfer) system, which ensures general education credits transfer seamlessly within North Dakota's public higher education system. Students attending community colleges can complete foundational coursework before transferring to four-year universities, spreading costs over time while maintaining progress toward their degree. Federal financial aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships combine to make network administration education accessible across North Dakota's diverse institutional landscape.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, North Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in North Dakota
Find network administration jobs in North Dakota. These major employers across North Dakota metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Fargo
NDNetwork Administration Jobs in Bismarck
NDTransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in North Dakota
State Transfer System
North Dakota's structured transfer system makes it seamless for associate's degree holders to advance to bachelor's programs. The NDUS General Education Transfer framework ensures that general education credits earned at two-year institutions automatically transfer to four-year universities within the North Dakota University System, eliminating lost credits and reducing time-to-degree. With 7 two-year institutions and 15 four-year institutions in the state, students have abundant options for building their education progressively. A student completing an associate's degree in network administration at Bismarck State College (the state's leading program with 45 completions) can smoothly transition to bachelor's programs at institutions like North Dakota State University or the University of North Dakota while maintaining full credit value for their lower-division coursework.
How Transfers Work
The NDUS General Education Transfer agreement guarantees that core academic requirements completed at two-year institutions satisfy bachelor's degree general education requirements, allowing students to focus upper-level coursework on specialized network administration topics. Articulation agreements between specific community colleges and universities further streamline program-to-program transitions, with many institutions offering formalized 2+2 pathways. Prospective students should consult with academic advisors at institutions like United Tribes Technical College, North Dakota State College of Science, and Williston State College to confirm transfer-friendly network administration pathways. For additional career flexibility, explore related programs like Cloud Computing in North Dakota and Cybersecurity in North Dakota, many of which participate in the same transfer agreements, allowing you to pivot or complement your network administration credential with additional IT specializations aligned with regional employer needs.
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in North Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
North Dakota offers a strong network administration education landscape with 12 institutions delivering programs across multiple degree levels, including 5 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's programs, and 1 master's program (IPEDS). The state's strong commitment to IT education is reflected in these offerings, making North Dakota an accessible destination for students pursuing careers in network infrastructure and systems management. Whether you're seeking a quick entry into the field through an associate's degree or advancing to a bachelor's or master's credential, North Dakota institutions provide diverse pathways suited to various educational goals and timelines.
Salary Outlook
The state's major tech hubs and employers create excellent career opportunities for network administration graduates. Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks host thriving technology sectors, with major employers such as Sanford Health, Essentia Health, Microsoft, and the University of North Dakota actively recruiting IT professionals. Top-ranked programs like North Dakota State University-Main Campus and the University of North Dakota provide nationally competitive education at reasonable costs, with average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions at just $6,417 annually (IPEDS). This combination of affordability, quality instruction, and regional job growth makes North Dakota an attractive choice for aspiring network administrators. Explore related fields like Cloud Computing in North Dakota and Cybersecurity in North Dakota to see complementary career paths in the state's growing tech ecosystem.
Network Administration Program Availability in North Dakota
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in North Dakota
Employment Outlook
North Dakota's network administration job market is supported by a growing technology sector concentrated in key metropolitan areas. The state's major employment hubs include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and West Forks, where organizations increasingly rely on skilled network professionals to manage their IT infrastructure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for network administrators continues to grow as businesses and institutions expand their digital operations. The Fargo-Moorhead metro area, in particular, is a technology corridor, attracting investment from major national employers and creating strong career pathways for network administration graduates.
Salaries by Metro
North Dakota's higher education institutions have responded to market demand by offering 12 institutions providing network administration programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. According to IPEDS data, the state produced 57 total completions in network administration programs in 2023, distributed across 5 associate's programs (28 completions), 6 bachelor's programs (22 completions), and 1 master's program (7 completions). This diverse educational landscape ensures that students can find programs aligned with their career goals and timeline. The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions in North Dakota is $6,417, significantly below national averages, making degree completion more accessible for North Dakota residents while maintaining educational quality.
High-Growth Sectors
For detailed career and salary information specific to your region, visit the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for North Dakota to explore current wage data and employment projections. Students interested in related IT fields should explore Cloud Computing in North Dakota and Cybersecurity in North Dakota to understand complementary career opportunities that often overlap with network administration roles. Additionally, reviewing Information Technology in North Dakota programs can provide broader context for IT career pathways in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in North Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in North Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $4,800
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $48,600
Network Administration Degree Programs in North Dakota: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in North Dakota?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in North Dakota?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in North Dakota?
Are there online network administration degree programs in North Dakota?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in North Dakota?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in North Dakota?
How long do network administration degree programs take in North Dakota?
What financial aid is available for network administration 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.