Online ITPrograms
2027 State Guide
Best Online IT Programs in North Dakota (2027)
Online IT programs in North Dakota start with two degrees at two schools based here: one bachelor's degree and one associate degree. Computer systems design firms in North Dakota pay an average of $75,812, across 2,447 jobs.
- 2online programs
- $86,450network and computer systems administrator median
- 6,920computer jobs
Key Points
- University of Mary's Cybersecurity, BS ranks first in North Dakota and places #7 of 26 in our national cybersecurity ranking.
- North Dakota has 6,920 people working in computer occupations, at a $81,970 median.
- North Dakota's largest tracked IT jobs are help desk technicians (1,400), network and systems administrators (930) and IT managers (850).
Ordered by each program’s place in its national ranking. How we rank.
The Two Best Online IT Programs in North Dakota for 2027
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University of Mary
Cybersecurity, BS
Bismarck, North Dakota is home base for University of Mary, and this bachelor's in cybersecurity is its online route into the field. It is designed around four stackable certificates that can each count toward the degree, so a student can collect credentials on the way: Secure Network Administration, Systems Administration, Cybersecurity Analyst and Cybersecurity Foundations.
Exam preparation covers ISC2 Cybersecurity, CYSA+, PCNSA and Network+. Lab activities take place in realistic environments, online study stays flexible, starts come in Fall, Spring and Summer, and students with transfer credits may finish in 2.5 years or less. Prior learning credit can be requested through a portfolio review, and the school carries the CAE-CD designation.
- Online tuition
- $510 per credit
- Graduation rate
- 67%school-wide
- Graduates in this field
- 22023-24, all formats
- Accreditation
- HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
- Starts
- Fall, Spring, Summer
- Prepares for
- ISC2 Cybersecurity, CYSA+, PCNSA, Network+ (stackable Cybersecurity Credential Program)
-
Bismarck State College
Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS
Bismarck is home to this associate degree in cybersecurity and computer networks, and the campus there is one way to take it. The other is online, since each class in the program can be completed either way. Public Bismarck State College starts students in Fall and Summer.
The curriculum merges cybersecurity with system and network administration. Hardware comes first in the core, followed by networking, security, programming and the Windows and Linux operating systems. The school holds the CAE-CD designation, and the program lines up with CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA and CEH. People who are logical, detail-oriented and fond of methodical troubleshooting tend to be a good match. Co-op or internship credit is possible.
- Graduation rate
- 47%school-wide
- Graduates in this field
- 422023-24, all formats
- Accreditation
- HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
- Starts
- Fall, Summer
- Prepares for
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA, CEH
How Much an Online IT Degree Costs in North Dakota
Published online rates at schools based in North Dakota run from $510 per credit, using the in-state rate where a school charges residents less. Fees, transfer credit and rate changes move these totals, so check each school’s tuition page before you apply.
Online IT Bachelor's Degrees in North Dakota
One bachelor's program is based in North Dakota: the Cybersecurity, BS at University of Mary. Compare them with the national field in our online IT bachelor's degree rankings.
Online IT Associate Degrees in North Dakota
One associate program is based in North Dakota: the Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS at Bismarck State College. Compare them with the national field in our online IT associate degree rankings.
Tuition Discounts for North Dakota Residents
State Aid for North Dakota Residents
The North Dakota State Grant from the North Dakota University System is up to $1,375 per semester. Ask the agency whether your online program qualifies before you count on it.
Regional Tuition Exchanges for North Dakota Students
Two exchanges reach North Dakota. Ask each school whether its online IT programs take part.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE, run by WICHE): no more than 150% of the school’s resident tuition at participating public colleges. It covers undergraduate study.
- Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP, run by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact): no more than 150% of in-state tuition at public schools, and 10% off at private ones, for the programs each campus opens.
Online IT Programs Near North Dakota
Minnesota has six programs and South Dakota has two programs, and Montana has none of its own.
-
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Information Technology, AAS
One rate for everyone: $13,110. It leads toward North Dakota's 500 network support specialists. 47% graduation rate.
- Online tuition
- $218.50 per credit$13,110 total for 60 credits
- Credits
- 60
- Graduation rate
- 47%school-wide
- Graduates in this field
- 112023-24, all formats
- Accreditation
- HLCHigher Learning Commission
-
Walden University
MS in Information Technology
One rate for everyone: $25,875. It leads toward North Dakota's 850 IT managers. Up to 20 of 45 credits can transfer.
- Online tuition
- $575 per quarter credit$25,875 total for 45 credits
- Credits
- 45quarter credits
- Median earnings
- $78,0401 year after
- Graduates in this field
- 242023-24, all formats
- Accreditation
- HLCHigher Learning Commission
- Transfer credits
- Up to 20
- Starts
- November
-
Fox Valley Technical College
Computer Support Specialist, AAS
Budget $9,604 in tuition. Network support specialists run 1.24 times the national share in North Dakota. 65% graduation rate.
- Online tuition
- $157.45 per credit$157.45 in state · $9,604 total for 61 credits
- Credits
- 61
- Graduation rate
- 65%school-wide
- Median earnings
- $43,9091 year after
- Graduates in this field
- 112023-24, all formats
- Accreditation
- HLCHigher Learning Commission
- Starts
- Fall, Spring, Summer
North Dakota Programs in Our National Rankings
| Program | National ranking | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity, BS, University of Mary | With Certifications | 3rd of 43 |
| Cybersecurity, BS, University of Mary | Cybersecurity | 7th of 26 |
| Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS, Bismarck State College | Networking | 10th of 17 |
| Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS, Bismarck State College | Associate in IT | 17th of 31 |
| Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS, Bismarck State College | With Certifications | 18th of 43 |
| Cybersecurity, BS, University of Mary | CAE-CD Schools | 20th of 66 |
| Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS, Bismarck State College | CAE-CD Schools | 43rd of 66 |
IT Jobs and Salaries in North Dakota
North Dakota’s best-paid IT role: IT managers, at $149,130; North Dakota’s lowest is $61,310, for help desk technicians. North Dakota’s largest IT group: 1,400 help desk technicians.
| Role | Median pay | vs U.S. | Typical range | Jobs | Entry education | Salary guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT Manager | $149,130 | −15% | $94,820 to $192,560 | 850 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Network Engineer | $108,990 | −19% | $76,320 to $146,550 | 230 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Information Security Analyst | $107,540 | −17% | $69,480 to $139,360 | 310 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,470 | 0% | $77,770 to $130,730 | 280 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $86,450 | −13% | $60,980 to $120,650 | 930 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Database Administrator | $78,730 | −25% | $57,320 to $122,360 | 80 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide |
| Network Support Specialist | $73,550 | −4% | $55,590 to $111,490 | 500 | Associate's degree | Salary guide |
| Web Developer | $72,190 | −22% | $51,770 to $85,590 | Bachelor's degree | Salary guide | |
| Help Desk Technician | $61,310 | −1% | $45,310 to $92,430 | 1,400 | Some college, no degree | Salary guide |
Median and percentile pay and local employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, North Dakota statewide (Sources; BLS OEWS). Typical entry education: BLS Employment Projections. The range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
No North Dakota role tops the U.S. median; nearest: $105,470 for computer systems analysts (0%). Weakest in North Dakota: database administrators, at $78,730 (−25%).
Next in North Dakota: network and computer systems administrators (930 jobs, $86,450) and IT managers (850 jobs, $149,130). In North Dakota, bachelor’s-level roles are 59% of IT jobs; North Dakota students can compare online IT bachelor’s degrees. Below a bachelor’s in North Dakota: help desk technicians (1,400 jobs, $61,310) and network support specialists (500 jobs, $73,550). For those North Dakota roles, see online IT associate degrees.
Living costs work in a worker's favor in North Dakota, where a price level of 89.0 makes a $86,450 administrator median worth $97,180.
IT Pay by Metro Area in North Dakota
Bismarck, ND pays network and systems administrators the most, at $95,350.
| Metro area | Computer jobs | Network and computer systems administrator median | Security analyst median | Help desk median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | 3,380 | $86,700 | $103,910 | $61,260 |
| Bismarck, ND | 1,650 | $95,350 | $116,920 | $64,390 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 690 | $84,130 | $60,090 | |
| Minot, ND | 320 | $80,630 | $61,110 |
North Dakota IT Pay vs. Neighboring States
Minnesota pays network and computer systems administrators more than North Dakota; Montana and South Dakota pay less.
| State | Network and computer systems administrator median | All computer jobs median | Computer jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $86,450 | $81,970 | 6,920 |
| Minnesota | $101,870 | $104,140 | 95,850 |
| Montana | $80,950 | $80,240 | 9,460 |
| South Dakota | $75,010 | $81,420 | 9,670 |
IT Job Concentration in North Dakota
| IT job | Per thousand jobs | Vs. national share |
|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | 3.26 | 0.71× |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | 2.17 | 1.08× |
| IT Manager | 1.97 | 0.46× |
| Network Support Specialist | 1.17 | 1.24× |
| Information Security Analyst | 0.73 | 0.59× |
| Computer Systems Analyst | 0.66 | 0.20× |
| Network Engineer | 0.54 | 0.46× |
| Database Administrator | 0.18 | 0.40× |
Employment and location quotients: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Cybersecurity Jobs in North Dakota
North Dakota’s labor market office projects the job to grow 31.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 openings a year.
Compare online cybersecurity degrees or read the security analyst salary guide.
Tech Jobs in North Dakota: The Industries Behind Them
The information sector employs 7,401 people in North Dakota, at 376 business locations.
Industry employment, establishments and payroll: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023. Average pay is annual payroll divided by employment.
IT Job Growth in North Dakota Through 2034
North Dakota’s labor market office projects information security analysts to grow fastest, by 31.4% from 2024 to 2034, and network and computer systems administrators to grow slowest, at -1.3%. Across the nine IT jobs below, it expects about 300 openings a year, from growth and from workers who retire or change fields. Nationally, the same job is projected to grow 28.5%.
| IT job | 2024 | 2034 | Growth | Openings a year | U.S. growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | 330 | 440 | +31.4% | 30 | +28.5% |
| IT Manager | 690 | 800 | +16.4% | 60 | +15.2% |
| Network Engineer | 280 | 320 | +16.2% | 20 | +11.9% |
| Web Developer | 250 | 280 | +11.2% | 20 | +7.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | 210 | 220 | +6.2% | 10 | +8.7% |
| Database Administrator | 90 | 100 | +4.3% | 0 | -0.6% |
| Network Support Specialist | 570 | 590 | +2.4% | 40 | +1.8% |
| Help Desk | 1,320 | 1,340 | +1.1% | 80 | -3.7% |
| Network Administrator and Systems Administrator | 940 | 930 | -1.3% | 40 | -4.2% |
State projections, 2024 to 2034: Projections Central, from North Dakota’s labor market information office. U.S. growth is the national projection on the same basis.
How to Choose an Online IT Program in North Dakota
North Dakota students can start from $13,110 at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Largest IT occupation: 1,400 computer user support specialists.
Our guide to choosing by state covers cost, residency, authorization and accreditation.
Online IT Programs in Other States
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Online IT Programs in North Dakota FAQ
How many online IT programs are based in North Dakota?
Two fully online IT programs, at two schools: one bachelor's degree and one associate degree. One of them is at public schools.
Can North Dakota residents get a tuition discount at out-of-state schools?
North Dakota takes part in WUE and MSEP. WUE offers no more than 150% of the school’s resident tuition at participating public colleges; MSEP offers no more than 150% of in-state tuition at public schools, and 10% off at private ones, for the programs each campus opens. Ask the school whether its online IT programs count.
How big is tech in the North Dakota economy?
16.1 of every thousand jobs in North Dakota are in computer occupations, against 0.0 nationally.
Which IT jobs pay best in North Dakota compared with the U.S.?
North Dakota pays computer systems analysts best against U.S. medians and database administrators worst.
Are there cybersecurity jobs in North Dakota?
Security analyst jobs are thinner on the ground in North Dakota, at 0.59 times the national share, and pay $107,540.
Keep researching
Related Rankings and Guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state and metropolitan area estimates
- Projections Central, long-term occupational projections by state (base year 2024, projected to 2034), produced by state labor market information offices
- North Dakota labor market information office, long-term occupational projections
- BEA, Regional Price Parities by state (SARPP), all items, 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023, by state
- WICHE, Western Undergraduate Exchange
- Midwestern Higher Education Compact, Midwest Student Exchange Program
- NC-SARA, State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
- Program pages for each North Dakota program ranked above, linked from its card