Best Online Computer Science Programs in Bismarck, ND (2026)
Bismarck, North Dakota has a population of about 74,146. The city’s median household income is $77,608 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 38.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Bismarck, with tuition ranging from $5,195 to $15,274 per year. In the Bismarck, ND metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $136,920 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Bismarck
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Bismarck city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 2.3 mi | $5,195 - $15,274 | – |
| University of Mary | Bismarck, ND | 6.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Dakota schools on the North Dakota computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Bismarck
Bismarck is part of the Bismarck, ND metro area (BLS area code 13900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to North Dakota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $98,510 | Bismarck, ND | $108,253 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $86,840 | Bismarck, ND | $95,429 |
| Computer Network Architect | $113,810 | Bismarck, ND | $125,066 |
| Database Administrator | $76,400 | ND statewide | $83,956 |
| Database Architect | $116,120 | ND statewide | $127,604 |
| Information Security Analyst | $104,970 | Bismarck, ND | $115,352 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $72,270 | Bismarck, ND | $79,418 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $61,950 | Bismarck, ND | $68,077 |
| Web Developer | $71,190 | ND statewide | $78,231 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $64,390 | ND statewide | $70,758 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $136,920 | Bismarck, ND | $150,462 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Bismarck at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,146 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $77,608 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 38.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Burleigh County | 312 workers, 126 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Bismarck-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Mandan, ND – 5.5 mi away (21,769 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Bismarck, ND?
Our directory lists 2 computer science programs within 100 miles of Bismarck. The closest is Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND (2.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Mary (6.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Bismarck?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Bismarck are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($136,920), Database Architect ($116,120), Computer Network Architect ($113,810). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with North Dakota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Mandan instead of Bismarck?
Mandan, ND is 5.5 miles from Bismarck and has its own set of local computer science programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Bismarck an affordable place to study computer science?
Bismarck’s median household income of $77,608 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bismarck while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Dakota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Computer Science Programs in North Dakota
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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