Best Online Communications Programs in North Dakota (2026)

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North Dakota Communications At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Communications Salary$72,348
Salary OutlookNorth Dakota offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Dakota Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online communications degree in North Dakota offers a flexible path into communications careers. North Dakota offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, North Dakota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Communications Schools in North Dakota

The following schools offer accredited online communications programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Dakota.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND BOC Score 76.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 52%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,277
Avg net price $10,270/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 74%
  • Programs offered: 50

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND BOC Score 69.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 64%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,203
Avg net price $15,543/yr
Tuition
In‑state$11,110
Out‑of‑state$15,764
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 78%
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND BOC Score 66.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 60%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,909
Avg net price $17,770/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 52

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in North Dakota

Communications professionals in North Dakota experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for North Dakota.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Dakota)
Public Relations Specialist$70,280
Public Relations Manager$114,110
News Analyst, Reporter and Journalist$43,420
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist$61,580

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Communications Degree in North Dakota?

Choosing a program in North Dakota can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Dakota offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the North Dakota economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online communications programs in North Dakota accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Communications pay in North Dakota compare to other states?

North Dakota offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes North Dakota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for communications in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Dakota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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