University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs for information technology.
Compare Popular Online Information Technology Programs
If you're considering a degree in information technology (IT), it's a good fit if you're interested in working with technology, enjoy problem-solving, and have a passion for software design, data processing, and telecommunications. IT careers often involve communication, data usage, and computer system design, making these areas of interest valuable.
IT is the study and implementation of computer-based systems, and degrees in this field can lead to a variety of career paths. Students learn how to apply technology to solve problems for businesses, government agencies, and non-profits, ultimately making work processes more efficient.
Expect to explore topics such as cybersecurity, networking, programming languages, data analysis, and operating systems. While the field is technical, higher education is typically required, and programs range from associate degrees to doctorates. Cost is an important factor to consider when selecting an accredited and affordable IT degree program.
Get Matched With Information Technology Programs
Top 50 Affordable Information Technology Colleges and Universities
Purdue University
Score: 85.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-State:$28,794
- Net Price: $12,576
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 51,528
- Undergrad Students: 38,593
- Graduate Students: 12,935
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Brigham Young University
Score: 81.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State:$6,496
- Net Price: $13,521
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 34,464
- Undergrad Students: 31,411
- Graduate Students: 3,053
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Florida State University
Score: 81.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,656
- Out-of-State:$18,786
- Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 44,161
- Undergrad Students: 32,936
- Graduate Students: 11,225
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of South Florida
Score: 78.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Washington-Bothell
Score: 78.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,559
- Out-of-State:$41,913
- Net Price: $9,357
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 5,735
- Undergrad Students: 5,192
- Graduate Students: 543
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Score: 77.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,058
- Out-of-State:$26,312
- Net Price: $10,429
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 1,689
- Undergrad Students: 1,218
- Graduate Students: 471
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Score: 76.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,278
- Out-of-State:$31,678
- Net Price: $14,023
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 7,080
- Undergrad Students: 5,498
- Graduate Students: 1,582
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Central Florida
Score: 76.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
Florida A&M University
Score: 76.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,785
- Out-of-State:$17,725
- Net Price: $11,583
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,215
- Undergrad Students: 7,709
- Graduate Students: 1,506
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 75.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,338
- Out-of-State:$29,360
- Net Price: $10,384
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 33,747
- Undergrad Students: 21,807
- Graduate Students: 11,940
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
The University of Texas at Dallas
Score: 75.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,564
- Out-of-State:$40,064
- Net Price: $13,555
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 31,570
- Undergrad Students: 21,617
- Graduate Students: 9,953
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
North Carolina A&T State University
Score: 75.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State:$20,408
- Net Price: $9,189
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 13,487
- Undergrad Students: 11,833
- Graduate Students: 1,654
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Florida International University
Score: 75.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Score: 75.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,944
- Out-of-State:$31,360
- Net Price: $12,444
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 8,223
- Undergrad Students: 6,116
- Graduate Students: 2,107
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Rutgers University-Newark
Score: 75.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,586
- Out-of-State:$35,348
- Net Price: $16,578
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 11,017
- Undergrad Students: 7,511
- Graduate Students: 3,506
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Score: 75.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,570
- Out-of-State:$35,396
- Net Price: $17,240
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 17,153
- Undergrad Students: 12,389
- Graduate Students: 4,764
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Score: 73.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,978
- Out-of-State:$26,388
- Net Price: $16,262
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 5,478
- Undergrad Students: 4,932
- Graduate Students: 546
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
California State University-Northridge
Score: 73.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,095
- Out-of-State:$18,975
- Net Price: $8,936
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 37,579
- Undergrad Students: 32,181
- Graduate Students: 5,398
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Arizona State University
Score: 72.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
California State University-Los Angeles
Score: 72.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State:$18,698
- Net Price: $5,801
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 26,460
- Undergrad Students: 22,737
- Graduate Students: 3,723
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of North Florida
Score: 72.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State:$20,793
- Net Price: $11,338
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 16,406
- Undergrad Students: 14,171
- Graduate Students: 2,235
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Wayne State University
Score: 71.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,297
- Out-of-State:$30,419
- Net Price: $15,347
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 23,630
- Undergrad Students: 15,958
- Graduate Students: 7,672
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Towson University
Score: 71.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,306
- Out-of-State:$28,326
- Net Price: $14,443
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 19,793
- Undergrad Students: 16,861
- Graduate Students: 2,932
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 71.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
American Public University System
Score: 71.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of Washington-Tacoma
Score: 70.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,817
- Out-of-State:$42,171
- Net Price: $10,680
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 4,794
- Undergrad Students: 4,083
- Graduate Students: 711
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Oklahoma State University
Score: 70.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,234
- Out-of-State:$25,754
- Net Price: $16,718
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 25,372
- Undergrad Students: 20,786
- Graduate Students: 4,586
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Score: 70.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State:$18,944
- Net Price: $5,068
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 16,426
- Undergrad Students: 13,969
- Graduate Students: 2,457
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 70.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 70.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State:$26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
New Mexico State University
Score: 70.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State:$25,271
- Net Price: $10,407
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 14,268
- Undergrad Students: 11,591
- Graduate Students: 2,677
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
California State University-San Bernardino
Score: 70.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,675
- Out-of-State:$19,555
- Net Price: $8,805
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 19,803
- Undergrad Students: 17,034
- Graduate Students: 2,769
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 70.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Score: 70.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,988
- Out-of-State:$28,788
- Net Price: $14,739
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 15,703
- Undergrad Students: 10,179
- Graduate Students: 5,524
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Montclair State University
Score: 70.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,766
- Out-of-State:$24,126
- Net Price: $13,742
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 21,784
- Undergrad Students: 17,290
- Graduate Students: 4,494
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan
Score: 69.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,822
- Out-of-State:$35,822
- Net Price: $16,030
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 7,285
- Undergrad Students: 5,380
- Graduate Students: 1,905
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Minnesota-Crookston
Score: 69.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,120
- Out-of-State:$13,120
- Net Price: $12,894
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 2,303
- Undergrad Students: 2,303
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,449
- Out-of-State:$33,717
- Net Price: $11,462
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 25,979
- Undergrad Students: 17,727
- Graduate Students: 8,252
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Tennessee Technological University
Score: 69.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,084
- Out-of-State:$20,116
- Net Price: $15,188
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,902
- Undergrad Students: 8,537
- Graduate Students: 1,365
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
East Carolina University
Score: 69.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State:$23,638
- Net Price: $14,410
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 27,151
- Undergrad Students: 21,688
- Graduate Students: 5,463
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Oakland University
Score: 69.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,694
- Out-of-State:$23,188
- Net Price: $15,161
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 16,108
- Undergrad Students: 12,841
- Graduate Students: 3,267
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of North Texas at Dallas
Score: 69.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,590
- Out-of-State:$22,189
- Net Price: $10,351
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 3,685
- Undergrad Students: 3,001
- Graduate Students: 684
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Score: 68.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,930
- Out-of-State:$20,947
- Net Price: $10,646
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,110
- Undergrad Students: 1,761
- Graduate Students: 349
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Score: 68.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,884
- Out-of-State:$20,559
- Net Price: $15,377
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 938
- Undergrad Students: 838
- Graduate Students: 100
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Score: 68.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,438
- Out-of-State:$6,438
- Net Price: $15,835
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 2,735
- Undergrad Students: 2,735
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Central Michigan University
Score: 68.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,190
- Out-of-State:$14,190
- Net Price: $15,605
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 14,557
- Undergrad Students: 10,401
- Graduate Students: 4,156
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Score: 68.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,250
- Out-of-State:$17,916
- Net Price: $13,322
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 11,079
- Undergrad Students: 9,367
- Graduate Students: 1,712
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Score: 68.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,900
- Out-of-State:$23,900
- Net Price: $10,022
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 3,082
- Undergrad Students: 649
- Graduate Students: 2,433
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Score: 67.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,150
- Out-of-State:$24,464
- Net Price: $12,967
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 9,070
- Undergrad Students: 6,604
- Graduate Students: 2,466
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Kean University
Score: 67.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,426
- Out-of-State:$21,076
- Net Price: $10,747
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 12,884
- Undergrad Students: 10,845
- Graduate Students: 2,039
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Why an Information Technology School?
Many students choose to pursue an information technology degree because they are interested in and proficient with computers. Overall, this career path is dynamic and rewarding, offering opportunities to work in a variety of industries. Graduates often enjoy employment opportunities as software developers, information technology consultants, computer forensic analysts, computer network architects, and computer programmers, among others.
- Web Developer
- Digital Designer
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Technology Consultant
- Information Technology Specialist
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
Pursuing a degree in information technology offers benefits such as a strong career outlook, good pay, and valuable skills for a competitive job market. However, earning a degree can be expensive, and prospective students may struggle with tuition costs. Finding an affordable program is a priority for many, especially for those with limited financial resources.
Financial aid is available to most students through scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants, which don't need to be repaid, can help, but they often don't cover all expenses. Loans can offer additional support, but they must be repaid with interest. While financial aid can help, the best solution is to find an affordable IT program. This is especially important for students with significant financial need, as choosing a more affordable option is often the most practical approach.
Choosing a College
There are several factors you should consider when looking for an affordable information technology program. Every college and university is different, and by comparing and contrasting these important features, you will be able to better identify the institution that fits your unique needs best.
- Cost
As previously mentioned, the cost of earning an information technology degree can be significant. It does, however, vary between schools. Several key elements often impact how much colleges and universities choose to charge students including institution type, location, reputation, and available financial aid options. Taking time to familiarize yourself with these factors can make it easier to find an affordable program. Public schools, for example, tend to have lower tuition rates than private ones. Likewise, highly reputable schools are often more expensive than lesser-known community colleges. - Location
Information technology programs are available globally, but where you study can affect tuition costs. Public institutions often charge higher rates for out-of-state students, making it more expensive for non-residents. It’s also recommended to attend a local school, as they typically offer programs aligned with the needs of employers in the area where you plan to work. -
Accreditation
You should also verify schools’ accreditation statuses prior to selecting and enrolling in an information technology program. Academic institutions are not required to be accredited, but it does show that their degrees meet certain educational standards as set by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
CHEA recognizes the following regional accrediting agencies:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCACS)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC ACS)
- Graduation Requirements
While graduation rates are easy to find, understanding a program's instructional methods is crucial. It's important to ensure the teaching style aligns with your learning preferences before enrolling, especially if you have unique needs. Consider class sizes, the curriculum, assignment types, and available resources. If needed, reach out to program directors for further details. - Instruction Methods
Graduation requirements can vary by institution. While they are generally similar, it’s important to review the specific expectations before enrolling. Most schools require a set number of courses, key classes, adherence to conduct rules, and a minimum GPA to graduate. This information is typically available on school websites.
Online Options
Information technology programs are ideal for distance learning, with many colleges offering them online. Students can complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection, making it a flexible option for those who can’t attend in person due to work or personal commitments. Some schools also offer accelerated online programs, which condense degree timelines, such as a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four. However, this requires full-time commitment and is quite intense.
While online programs offer convenience, they come with challenges. Students must be highly self-motivated and may have limited access to resources and networking opportunities. To address this, hybrid programs require short on-campus residencies, and students should inquire about available services for distance learners.
Career development departments often provide the following support to current students and recent graduates:
- Interview Preparation
- Resume Development
- Career Coaching Services
- Internship Opportunities
- Job Fairs
Are Information Technology Programs in High Demand?
Many colleges offer information technology degree programs, both on-campus and online, making it easy to find an option that fits your needs.
The outlook for IT professionals is strong, with employment in computer and information technology occupations expected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the national average. This growth is expected to add about 531,200 jobs. As demand for cloud computing, big data, and information security increases, professionals with these skills, especially those with a master’s degree, will be in high demand.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Information Technology?
There are many career paths available after students earn a degree in information technology. Your prospects will depend greatly upon the level of education you achieve, with the most prominent positions available to those who successfully complete master’s and doctoral programs. Identifying preferred employment now will help determine which degree type is ultimately necessary. Some common career paths include computer science, information systems, computer programming, telecommunications, and web development.
- Web Developers:
Web developers design and maintain websites. They ensure the site functions appropriately and is easy for visitors to use. These professionals so track and improve performance. - Computer Support Specialists:
Computer support specialists assist users when they experience computer and/or network problems. They solve issues quickly so workers can maintain productivity. - Network Administrators:
Network administrators ensure business and organization networks are running efficiently. These professionals handle all day-to-day operations and address any issues that may arise. - Information Security Analysts:
Information security analysts help maintain systems that keep sensitive information safe. They work to prevent cyber-attacks and provide additional security after data breaches. - Database Administrators:
Database administrators organize and maintain efficient information storage databases. These professionals keep data secure so that it can be easily accessed by people who need it.
Information technology graduates often work for computer systems businesses, financial companies, management enterprises, administrative service providers, educational entities, insurance carriers, and data processing hosts. In 2019, the largest employer for information technology specialists was computer systems design and services companies.
Find Your Online Information Technology Program
Graduates Earn More After College
The earning potential for professionals working in information technology trends above average, although it does vary depending on the type of position held. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in 2023, which is well above the median annual wage reported for all occupations. Even computer support specialists, who sit toward the bottom of the pay scale for this field, still made a median salary of $59,240 in 2023. Computer and information research scientists, who must usually possess a master’s degree, made a median salary of $145,080. Both examples demonstrate that this career field provides professionals with significant pay potential.
Education level often has an impact on pay. Individuals who graduate from an information technology degree program do tend to have higher earnings. In most cases, those with an associate degree earn less than those with bachelor's and significantly less than those with master's degrees.
FAQs
-
What are the admission requirements for information technology students?
Colleges and universities have varying admissions requirements, so it’s imperative that you research each school thoroughly before submitting applications. That said, some expectations are relatively standard.
As an incoming freshman student, you should generally expect to provide the following:
- Official High School Transcripts or College Transcripts
- Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Application and Fees
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement or Supplemental Essay
- Academic Work Samples
- Scores from College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT etc.)
-
How long will it take to complete an information technology degree?
How long you will need to complete your information technology program will depend on the type of degree you select. An associate degree, for example, consists of about 60 credit hours and will take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Bachelor’s degree programs are made up of 120 credit hours and require about four years to complete. Those seeking master’s degrees should expect to take another 30 to 60 credit hours after graduating from a bachelor’s program.
It’s worth noting that some colleges and universities do offer accelerated programs that can be completed in less time. Additionally, prior work experience that can be converted into course hours is sometimes accepted and can decrease the time it takes to graduate. Credit hours from advanced placement classes or previous degrees can also be applied.
Sources:
- Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on July 28, 2021 from:
- Computer and Information Research Scientists. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on July 28, 2021 from:
- Computer Support Specialists. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on July 28, 2021 from:
- Associate of Science (AS), Information Technology (IT) Degree. PayScale. Retrieved on July 28, 2021 from:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Information Technology (IT) Degree. PayScale. Retrieved on July 28, 2021 from:
- https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master%27s_Degree%2C_Information_Technology_(IT)/Salary
Related Top College Resources
Search All Programs