Computer Systems Analysis at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's Computer Systems Analysis program produces graduates earning just above the national median at $53,865, but the real advantage lies in the debt picture. At $27,000, graduates carry about 41% less debt than the national median for this degree, resulting in a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio. Within North Dakota's limited options for this program (only two schools offer it), UND sits at the median for both earnings and debt.

The first-year salary falls slightly short of what top programs deliver nationally—about $4,300 below the 75th percentile—but the debt savings essentially make up that difference in practical terms. For students planning to stay in the region, these earnings appear competitive with local market rates. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing considerably year to year, making them less reliable than data from larger programs.

For parents weighing this option, the key question is regional employment. If your child plans to work in North Dakota or similar Midwest markets, the combination of reasonable debt and solid starting earnings makes sense. If they're aiming for major tech hubs where salaries run higher, they might find themselves at a slight disadvantage compared to graduates from more competitive programs, though the lower debt load provides some cushion.