50 Most Affordable Information Technology School Programs

Get Matched With Information Technology Programs

Are you considering earning a degree in information technology (IT)? These programs tend to be good fits for individuals who are interested in working with technology in the workplace and enjoy technology in general. Information technology professions also often deal closely with communication and data usage, as well as computer system design. This makes having interests in software design, data processing, and telecommunications beneficial, as well. If you are excited by these factors and like the prospect of helping others understand and solve technical problems, it’s time to find an affordable and accredited information technology degree program.

The information technology field is best described as the study, development, and implementation of computer-based technical systems. Degrees related to it can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities. Students learn how technology can be applied to solve a plethora of issues for individuals, private businesses, corporations, organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. Ultimately, professional’s aims are to utilize resources in ways that make it easier for other people to do their jobs well.

Those enrolled in information technology degrees should expect to explore a number of disciplines within the field, from technical support to complicated engineering work. Course selections with vary, but some common topics include cyber security, networking, programming languages, data analysis, and operating systems.

As the field is highly technical, some level of higher education is generally expected in order to qualify for employment. Whether you are interested in an associate degree or a doctorate, enrolling at a college or university can be expensive. While finances should never be the sole driving factor, it’s important to keep affordability in mind as you establish your academic and career goals.

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Top 50 Affordable Information Technology College Rankings

One way you can find an affordable information technology degree program is to review published school rankings, such as this page. Rankings provide great insight that can help you find the perfect solution to help you achieve your academic and career goals.

The data we collect for our school rankings focuses specifically on colleges and universities that specialize in affordable information technology programs. By identifying and organizing the most relevant data points into a simple, easy-to-understand, and useful format, we are able to provide prospective students with information that is pertinent and applicable.

While we consider a range of data types, some of the most prominent areas of interest include cost of tuition, online programs offered, and graduating salary.

Obviously, the cost of tuition will play heavily into your decision-making process when selecting an information technology program. Prices can vary significantly between schools, making it important to compare options carefully. Knowing the total cost will help you determine which colleges and universities offer the best value for the money.

As online learning becomes more and more popular, institutions are accommodating students by offering remote education opportunities. Schools that provide distance learning programs are making a good effort to address student needs and scheduling flexibility.

It’s often difficult to determine graduating salaries, but this data can be extremely helpful for prospective students. When available, it helps project a return on investment.

South Texas College

Tuition
- In-State: $4,530
- Out-of-State: $7,500
Net Price: $1,692
Total Enrollment: 27,894
Undergrad Students: 27,894
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 26%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $50,000

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Tuition
- In-State: $2,938
- Out-of-State: $9,992
Net Price: $2,341
Total Enrollment: 20,363
Undergrad Students: 20,363
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%
Graduation Rate: 37%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $56,000

Seminole State College of Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $3,131
- Out-of-State: $11,456
Net Price: $3,144
Total Enrollment: 14,323
Undergrad Students: 14,323
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Diplomas Awarded: 110
Grads Salary: $58,000

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California State University-Dominguez Hills

Tuition
- In-State: $7,060
- Out-of-State: $18,940
Net Price: $5,068
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Diplomas Awarded: 17
Grads Salary: $73,000

Miami Dade College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Diplomas Awarded: 97
Grads Salary: $59,000

Daytona State College

Tuition
- In-State: $3,106
- Out-of-State: $11,994
Net Price: $5,674
Total Enrollment: 11,584
Undergrad Students: 11,584
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%
Graduation Rate: 49%
Diplomas Awarded: 24
Grads Salary: $56,000

California State University-Los Angeles

Tuition
- In-State: $6,805
- Out-of-State: $18,685
Net Price: $5,801
Total Enrollment: 26,460
Undergrad Students: 22,737
Graduate Students: 3,723

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Diplomas Awarded: 90
Grads Salary: $75,000

Le Moyne-Owen College

Tuition
- In-State: $12,076
- Out-of-State: $12,076
Net Price: $6,308
Total Enrollment: 609
Undergrad Students: 609
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 18%
Diplomas Awarded: 3
Grads Salary: $62,000

Purdue Global

Tuition
- In-State: $10,134
- Out-of-State: $14,445
Net Price: $6,785
Total Enrollment: 45,125
Undergrad Students: 33,510
Graduate Students: 11,615

Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 17%
Graduation Rate: 20%
Diplomas Awarded: 168
Grads Salary: $80,000

Northern Kentucky University

Tuition
- In-State: $10,592
- Out-of-State: $20,848
Net Price: $7,259
Total Enrollment: 15,801
Undergrad Students: 10,776
Graduate Students: 5,025

Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Diplomas Awarded: 67
Grads Salary: $68,000

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Tuition
- In-State: $4,536
- Out-of-State: $4,536
Net Price: $7,899
Total Enrollment: 43,023
Undergrad Students: 43,023
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Diplomas Awarded: 87
Grads Salary: $67,000

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Tuition
- In-State: $3,495
- Out-of-State: $7,495
Net Price: $8,208
Total Enrollment: 7,666
Undergrad Students: 5,643
Graduate Students: 2,023

Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Diplomas Awarded: 28
Grads Salary: $58,000

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Tuition
- In-State: $7,466
- Out-of-State: $15,736
Net Price: $8,510
Total Enrollment: 3,947
Undergrad Students: 3,236
Graduate Students: 711

Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000

The University of West Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $8,609
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291
Graduate Students: 4,230

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Diplomas Awarded: 53
Grads Salary: $67,000

Marshall University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,604
- Out-of-State: $19,658
Net Price: $8,756
Total Enrollment: 10,691
Undergrad Students: 7,952
Graduate Students: 2,739

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000

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California State University-San Bernardino

Tuition
- In-State: $7,486
- Out-of-State: $19,366
Net Price: $8,805
Total Enrollment: 19,803
Undergrad Students: 17,034
Graduate Students: 2,769

Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Diplomas Awarded: 118
Grads Salary: $70,000

Purdue University Northwest

Tuition
- In-State: $8,174
- Out-of-State: $15,165
Net Price: $9,162
Total Enrollment: 8,911
Undergrad Students: 8,176
Graduate Students: 735

Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Diplomas Awarded: 34
Grads Salary: $70,000

North Carolina A&T State University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,733
- Out-of-State: $20,243
Net Price: $9,189
Total Enrollment: 13,487
Undergrad Students: 11,833
Graduate Students: 1,654

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Diplomas Awarded: 74
Grads Salary: $77,000

Western Governors University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,010
- Out-of-State: $8,010
Net Price: $9,207
Total Enrollment: 156,935
Undergrad Students: 112,807
Graduate Students: 44,128

Student-to-faculty: 42:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 49%
Diplomas Awarded: 659
Grads Salary: $77,000

Utah Valley University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State: $17,830
Net Price: $9,346
Total Enrollment: 43,099
Undergrad Students: 42,296
Graduate Students: 803

Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000

University of Washington-Bothell

Tuition
- In-State: $12,224
- Out-of-State: $40,722
Net Price: $9,357
Total Enrollment: 5,735
Undergrad Students: 5,192
Graduate Students: 543

Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $80,000

University of Arkansas Grantham

Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State: $8,280
Net Price: $9,546
Total Enrollment: 5,436
Undergrad Students: 4,598
Graduate Students: 838

Student-to-faculty: 33:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 25%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $78,000

The University of Texas at El Paso

Tuition
- In-State: $9,744
- Out-of-State: $25,152
Net Price: $9,563
Total Enrollment: 23,880
Undergrad Students: 20,165
Graduate Students: 3,715

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Diplomas Awarded: 19
Grads Salary: $72,000

Peirce College

Tuition
- In-State: $15,060
- Out-of-State: $15,060
Net Price: $9,621
Total Enrollment: 856
Undergrad Students: 762
Graduate Students: 94

Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 5%
Diplomas Awarded: 15
Grads Salary: $68,000

Cameron University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,705
- Out-of-State: $16,125
Net Price: $9,674
Total Enrollment: 3,418
Undergrad Students: 3,133
Graduate Students: 285

Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 25%
Diplomas Awarded: 24
Grads Salary: $69,000

Florida Atlantic University

Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $9,711
Total Enrollment: 29,592
Undergrad Students: 24,191
Graduate Students: 5,401

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $70,000

Clayton State University

Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State: $15,790
Net Price: $9,792
Total Enrollment: 5,847
Undergrad Students: 5,283
Graduate Students: 564

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Diplomas Awarded: 19
Grads Salary: $65,000

Shepherd University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,282
- Out-of-State: $18,722
Net Price: $9,827
Total Enrollment: 3,235
Undergrad Students: 2,718
Graduate Students: 517

Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Diplomas Awarded: 9
Grads Salary: $71,000

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Governors State University

Tuition
- In-State: $10,468
- Out-of-State: $17,980
Net Price: $9,833
Total Enrollment: 4,427
Undergrad Students: 2,609
Graduate Students: 1,818

Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Diplomas Awarded: 31
Grads Salary: $66,000

University of North Alabama

Tuition
- In-State: $11,220
- Out-of-State: $21,420
Net Price: $9,837
Total Enrollment: 9,830
Undergrad Students: 7,214
Graduate Students: 2,616

Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Diplomas Awarded: 16
Grads Salary: $65,000

Florida International University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921

Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Diplomas Awarded: 265
Grads Salary: $68,000

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,020
- Out-of-State: $15,930
Net Price: $10,004
Total Enrollment: 5,479
Undergrad Students: 3,022
Graduate Students: 2,457

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Tuition
- In-State: $23,900
- Out-of-State: $23,900
Net Price: $10,022
Total Enrollment: 3,082
Undergrad Students: 649
Graduate Students: 2,433

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Diplomas Awarded: 4
Grads Salary: $86,000

Missouri Southern State University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,026
- Out-of-State: $16,052
Net Price: $10,061
Total Enrollment: 4,144
Undergrad Students: 4,052
Graduate Students: 92

Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $62,000

University of North Texas at Dallas

Tuition
- In-State: $9,518
- Out-of-State: $21,758
Net Price: $10,351
Total Enrollment: 3,685
Undergrad Students: 3,001
Graduate Students: 684

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Diplomas Awarded: 30
Grads Salary: $78,000

University of Illinois Chicago

Tuition
- In-State: $14,046
- Out-of-State: $28,654
Net Price: $10,384
Total Enrollment: 33,747
Undergrad Students: 21,807
Graduate Students: 11,940

Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $77,000

New Mexico State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,627
- Out-of-State: $24,751
Net Price: $10,407
Total Enrollment: 14,268
Undergrad Students: 11,591
Graduate Students: 2,677

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Diplomas Awarded: 66
Grads Salary: $72,000

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Tuition
- In-State: $9,058
- Out-of-State: $26,312
Net Price: $10,429
Total Enrollment: 1,689
Undergrad Students: 1,218
Graduate Students: 471

Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Diplomas Awarded: 4
Grads Salary: $83,000

Miami University-Hamilton

Tuition
- In-State: $7,072
- Out-of-State: $18,196
Net Price: $10,580
Total Enrollment: 2,268
Undergrad Students: 2,251
Graduate Students: 17

Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 19%
Diplomas Awarded: 23
Grads Salary: $57,000

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Tuition
- In-State: $7,930
- Out-of-State: $20,659
Net Price: $10,646
Total Enrollment: 2,110
Undergrad Students: 1,761
Graduate Students: 349

Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $98,000

University of Washington-Tacoma

Tuition
- In-State: $12,458
- Out-of-State: $40,956
Net Price: $10,680
Total Enrollment: 4,794
Undergrad Students: 4,083
Graduate Students: 711

Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Diplomas Awarded: 89
Grads Salary: $72,000

Kean University

Tuition
- In-State: $12,972
- Out-of-State: $20,364
Net Price: $10,747
Total Enrollment: 12,884
Undergrad Students: 10,845
Graduate Students: 2,039

Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000

The College of Westchester

Tuition
- In-State: $23,598
- Out-of-State: $23,598
Net Price: $10,891
Total Enrollment: 828
Undergrad Students: 828
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Diplomas Awarded: 9
Grads Salary: $69,000

Georgia Gwinnett College

Tuition
- In-State: $4,458
- Out-of-State: $13,244
Net Price: $10,981
Total Enrollment: 11,030
Undergrad Students: 11,030
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 20%
Diplomas Awarded: 141
Grads Salary: $57,000

University of South Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $11,004
Total Enrollment: 49,600
Undergrad Students: 38,047
Graduate Students: 11,553

Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Diplomas Awarded: 230
Grads Salary: $70,000

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American Public University System

Tuition
- In-State: $7,360
- Out-of-State: $7,360
Net Price: $11,172
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462

Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Diplomas Awarded: 253
Grads Salary: $76,000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Tuition
- In-State: $8,366
- Out-of-State: $18,957
Net Price: $11,173
Total Enrollment: 8,197
Undergrad Students: 5,825
Graduate Students: 2,372

Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $63,000

University of North Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State: $20,793
Net Price: $11,338
Total Enrollment: 16,406
Undergrad Students: 14,171
Graduate Students: 2,235

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Diplomas Awarded: 50
Grads Salary: $67,000

Santa Fe College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,563
- Out-of-State: $9,189
Net Price: $11,380
Total Enrollment: 12,729
Undergrad Students: 12,729
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: 51%
Diplomas Awarded: 11
Grads Salary: $55,000

Columbia Basin College

Tuition
- In-State: $5,959
- Out-of-State: $7,738
Net Price: $11,421
Total Enrollment: 6,192
Undergrad Students: 6,192
Graduate Students: 0

Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Diplomas Awarded: 5
Grads Salary: $63,000

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Why a Degree from an Affordable 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

Other benefits of pursuing a degree in information technology include a strong career outlook, good pay, and the development of skills that are highly valuable in a competitive job market.

While there are many reasons to consider this career, earning a degree of any kind can be expensive. Prospective students who lack the financial resources necessary to afford tuition may find it difficult to enroll and/or remain in college. As a result, finding an affordable academic program is often a top priority.

It’s important to keep in mind that financial aid is available to most students. There are countless scholarship and grant opportunities available, for both general studies and specific majors. These funds are particularly helpful, as they do not need to be paid back. Unfortunately, few scholarship and grants cover all the expenses related to earning a degree. Loans can offer assistance as well, although money attained through them must be paid back and interest rates can inflate debt quickly.

Financial aid can supplement expenses, but the best solution is finding an affordable information technology program. Affordability is particularly important for students who demonstrate significant financial need. Regardless of your academic goals, opting for a less expensive program is often optimal.

Choosing an Affordable Information Technology 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
You will find information technology programs throughout the world, making it possible to earn your degree almost anywhere in the world. Where you choose to study matters, however, and can impact the amount you are expected to pay in tuition and fees. Many public institutions have higher rates in place for out-of-states, which makes it even more expensive for non-residents to attend. Beyond the price tag, it’s generally recommended for students to attend an institution nearby to where they expect to work in the future. Local colleges and universities usually maintain programs that cover topics most important to employers in the area.
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
Graduation requirements can also vary from institution to institution. While they tend to be relatively similar, you should still plan to review expectations prior to enrolling. Most colleges and universities require students to complete a specified number of courses, pass certain keystone classes, adhere to various conduct regulations, and maintain a minimum grade point average in order to graduate. Generally, information regarding what is needed to graduate can be found on schools’ websites.
Instruction Methods
Whereas graduation information is usually quite easy to find, the instructional methods utilized by colleges and universities may be less obvious. It is, nonetheless, imperative to ensure your learning needs and preferences can be met prior to enrolling in an information technology program, especially if your circumstances are unique. One way to assess whether or not an institution’s instructional methods will suffice is to consider average class sizes. Many departments also disclose their entire curriculums, as well as typical assignment types and available academic resources. If additional information is necessary, consider contacting program directors personally with questions and/or concerns.

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Online Options

Information technology programs are extremely well-suited for distance learning, which is why many colleges and universities offer them online. New and returning students can complete coursework from literally anywhere in the world so long as they have an internet connection. This makes learning the necessary skills and entering the field easy for those who are unable to attend classes in person. Remote instruction is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of current professionals juggling work responsibilities, as well as people with personal obligations that make on-campus learning difficult.

Many colleges and universities also offer accelerated online programs. These are specially designed to take less time to complete. Some accelerated bachelor’s degrees, for example, condense learning into a two-year period instead of four. However, this option is generally quite intense and requires a full-time commitment.

While extremely convenient, there are some drawbacks to online information technology degree programs. Students must be exceptionally self-motivated and may have limited access to various resources often available in traditional learning settings. Additionally, remote learners often miss opportunities to network with peers and professionals in the field. To counteract these shortcomings, consider enrolling in a hybrid program; these attempt to bridge gaps by requiring short residencies on campus between extended periods of online coursework. You can also verify which services are available for distance learners with the institution.

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 and universities offer information technology degree programs. Whether you want to study on campus or online, you should have little trouble finding an option that meets your needs.

Overall, the outlook for information technology professionals working in the United States is quite promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the national average for all professions, making this a viable solution for individuals seeking stable employment. An increase of this size is expected to add about 531,200 new jobs to the market.

As more people, businesses, and organizations place greater emphasis on cloud computing, big data storage, and other facets of information technology, the demand for professionals with relevant expertise will continue to rise. Those with experience in information security will be particularly valued, as will master’s degree graduates.

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.

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Information Technology 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 $91,300 in 2020, which is well above the median annual wage of $42,000 as 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 $55,500 in 2020. Computer and information research scientists, who must usually possess a master’s degree, made a median salary of $126,800. 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. According to PayScale, those with associate of science (AS) degrees earn an average salary of $60,000 and those with bachelor’s degrees earn an average salary of $73,300. The average pay for graduates with a master’s degree in information technology have an average salary of $115,000.

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.

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Online Options

Are Information Technology Programs in High Demand?

What Can You Do with a Degree in Information Technology?

Find Your Online Information Technology Program

Information Technology Graduates Earn More After College

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