Computer and Information Sciences at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's computer science program delivers exactly what most families hope for: solid tech earnings without crushing debt. Graduates start at $65,020—above the national median for CS programs and matching the state median—while carrying $25,625 in debt. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary, well within the manageable range for STEM fields.

The program's positioning is straightforward rather than exceptional. Ranking in the 60th percentile among North Dakota's seven computer science programs, it represents the middle of the state's offerings. Nationally, it sits just above average at the 59th percentile, performing slightly better than most CS programs but not competing with top-tier outcomes. For a university with a 77% admission rate, these results show the program successfully prepares accessible-admission students for the tech workforce.

The real advantage here is financial pragmaticity. In states with limited tech hubs like North Dakota, starting salaries in the mid-$60s provide genuine buying power, and the debt load won't force graduates into specific career paths or geographic locations. For North Dakota families looking to keep their student in-state, this represents a sensible path into technology careers without the financial risk of more expensive alternatives.