Location: Fargo, ND•In-State Tuition: $10,857•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,511•Admission Rate: 96%•Avg SAT: 1120
Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,426
25th percentile
Median Debt
$25,959
11% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 96 graduates

Analysis

North Dakota State's computer science program offers a textbook case of geographic arbitrage working in students' favor. While graduates earn about $10,000 less than the national median in their first year, they're actually outperforming most North Dakota tech grads—landing in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, they're carrying $6,000 less debt than the typical North Dakota CS graduate, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.43 that beats both state and national norms.

The trajectory looks solid: graduates see 23% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $74,000—respectable for a lower cost-of-living market like Fargo. The real advantage here is the combination of manageable debt and steady career progression in a region where tech opportunities are growing. When the alternative in North Dakota means either similar earnings with higher debt or leaving the state entirely, NDSU delivers practical value.

For families planning to stay in the region, this program represents a low-risk entry into tech. The debt load is reasonable enough to pay off within a couple years, and the earnings growth suggests employers value these graduates. It's not going to match what kids make jumping straight into Seattle or Silicon Valley roles, but it provides solid footing in the regional market without the financial strain.

Where North Dakota State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

North Dakota State University-Main CampusOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

North Dakota State University-Main Campus earns $60k — 25th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
North Dakota State University-Main Campus$60,426$73,998+22%
Harvard University$152,251$256,539+68%
Carnegie Mellon University$171,264$247,552+45%
Brown University$151,065$218,525+45%
Rasmussen University-North Dakota$53,832$73,463+36%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$60,426$73,998$25,9590.43
Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo$12,715$53,832$73,463$38,4090.71
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At North Dakota State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 96 graduates with reported earnings and 90 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.