An online information technology degree prepares students for IT jobs as computer programmers, analysts, and developers. These jobs offer good wages right out of college.
But to qualify for these jobs, candidates need information technology degrees. A bachelor’s degree gives you the skills you need to work in the field. In an IT program, you learn basic programming skills. You also learn web design and project management. You graduate prepared to go to work in any industry that uses technology.
Featured Programs
Which college offers the best online IT degree? This article profiles some of the best online information technology degrees out there.
Methodology for Best Online Schools for Information Technology
We reviewed 205 accredited colleges and universities listed by NCES College Navigator. These schools offer online information technology degree programs for undergraduates. At these schools, you can earn a BS or BA in Information Technology or a technology-related degree.
We narrowed our original pool of schools by selecting those ranked with U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the 30 best information technology online schools and programs according to raw affordability. The most affordable school ranks #1 on our list.
Read on to learn more about the best IT degrees online and where to find them.
#30 – Northeastern University
Online BS in Information Technology
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $57,592/year
Northeastern University is one of the best online colleges for information technology. It offers a BS in Information Technology degree program with concentrations.
The information technology degree program focuses on skills you need to work in a tech career. It offers two concentrations in applications development and cybersecurity.
These focus areas teach you about mobile and computer programming. They also teach you about databases. Online students take classes that cover IT-related topics such as:
- Database administration
- Data management
- Data structures and algorithms
- Computer science and engineering
Online learners complete a total of 120 semester hours with 42 credits in major area courses.
The school ranks with U.S. News among top online schools for information technology. Its current rankings include #44 in best national universities. It also ranks #12 in most innovative and #83 in best value schools.
#29 – Drexel University
Online BS in Computing and Security Technology
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $57,136/year
Drexel University is a good school for information technology degree programs. It offers a BS in Computing and Security Technology program with a focus on cyber security.
The program is for working adults who already work in IT but want a career change. It teaches you how to analyze the impact of computing on people and society. It also helps you understand your social and ethical responsibility in the field.
Online students take courses that cover topics like:
- Database systems
- Information technology security
- Network administration
- Web development
To further increase your knowledge, you can choose from two concentrations to study. Concentrations include computing security and computing technology.
The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. It ranks #105 in best national schools and #109 in best value schools.
#28 – University of Denver
Online BA in Information Technology
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $54,810/year
University of Denver is a top school for some of the best information technology degrees. It offers a BA in Information Technology program designed for working adults with previous college credit.
You can transfer your credits to the program to help shorten your time in school. But you don’t need transfer credits to attend.
The online information technology program teaches students about different IT principles. You learn computer programming and software development. You also learn about computer technology.
Graduates of the program can qualify for the following information technology jobs:
- Computer network architects
- Computer programmer
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer systems engineer
- Game development engineer
- Information security analyst
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #105 in best national schools. It also ranks #74 in best value schools.
#27 – Regis University
Online BS in Information Technology
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $39,610/year
Regis University is a high-quality school for online information technology degree programs. One of its online programs is the BS in Information Technology.
The program is one of the few online programs accredited by ABET. It is also one of the few that offers two focus tracks in:
- Cybersecurity
- General Information Technology
- Web Application Development
In this online information technology program, you learn about computer programming and IT. You also cover topics in classes that teach you about software development. You graduate prepared to work in IT as an information security analyst.
Regis ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #250 in best national schools.
#26 – Methodist University
Online BS in Computer Information Technology
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $36,960/year
Methodist University is a top school for an information technology degree. It offers a bachelor’s degree in computer IT with career-focused concentrations.
Not only do you earn a BS in Computer Information Technology, but you can choose between two areas of focus. These include business information systems and cybersecurity and information assurance.
The information technology degree prepares you for many different careers. You can work in project management or network security. You learn about data management and how to handle real-world problems specialists face in the field.
The school ranks #70 in best regional Southern universities with U.S. News. It offers one of the best information technology degrees online.
#25 – King University
Online BS in Information Technology
Bristol, Tennessee
Undergraduate tuition: $32,838/year
One of the best online information technology schools is King University. It offers a BS in Information Technology that you can complete online.
Online students interested in IT find courses and studies that prepare them for careers in the field. Distance learners also gain skills needed for graduate degrees in IT.
The program teaches you everything from analytics to web design. You take courses that cover a wide range of topics. Your courses include:
- Cloud computing
- Computer concepts
- Database management
- Intro to web programming
- System administration
There are also two tracks of study distance learners can follow. These include cloud computing and systems administration and cybersecurity management. You take 12 credit hours to complete each focus track.
The school ranks with U.S. News as a top university. Its recent rankings include #49 in best universities in the South. It also ranks #38 in best value schools.
#24 – Tiffin University
Online BS in Computer Science
Tiffin, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $28,480/year
Tiffin University is a top school for distance learners interested in computers and programming. It offers a BS in Computer Science with a software development concentration.
In this online bachelor’s degree, you learn all aspects of computer technology. You learn different programming languages and how to use them in the workplace. You also learn how to troubleshoot problems and debug systems.
The program teaches you how to master programming and about project management. When you graduate, you have experience and skills that employers look for in candidates.
Tiffin ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #127-#166 in best universities in the Midwest.
#23 – Liberty University
Online BS in Information Technology
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $22,713/year
Liberty University offers a bachelor’s in information technology. You can earn a BS in IT in about 3.5 years.
The online bachelor program helps you get the skills you need for information technology careers. You learn about different operating systems and study management information systems. You also study database development and learn how to protect against cyber attacks.
If you want to specialize your degree, you can. There are four specializations that allow you to focus your studies on an area of interest. These areas include:
- Application and database management
- Data networking and security
- Gaming design
- Web and mobile programming
The program requires 120 credit hours of online classes. But transfer students can apply the credits they’ve earned at other schools.
U.S. News ranks Liberty University as a top national university. It ranks #330-#440 in best national schools.
#22 – University of Massachusetts
Online BS in Information Technology
Lowell, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $15,698/year
University of Massachusetts is a high-ranked school for online programs. You can earn a BS in Information Technology.
The online information technology degree program covers different areas of computer systems and IT. You learn about database administration and how computers operate. You also learn about different operating systems, such as C Programming. The program prepares students for careers in management information systems.
Your online courses equip you with technical skills. They address topics like:
- Application and database development
- Computer networking
- Data science
- Software application development
- System administration
The school ranks #176 in best national universities by U.S. News.
#21 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online BA or BS in Information Technologies
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $15,380/year
The best online IT degree helps students gain professional skills for long careers. Southern New Hampshire University offers such a degree. You can earn a BA or BS in Information Technologies online.
The online degree programs teach you about web development and system design. They also give you advanced skills that you can use in many different IT jobs.
The BS in IT degree allows you to explore niche areas of IT. These include:
- Cyber security
- Data analytics
- Information systems
- Project management for IT
- Software development
The accredited bachelor’s degree programs and school rank with major publications. SNHU ranks #133-#175 in best national schools with U.S. News.
#20 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online BS in Information Sciences and Technology
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $14,338/year
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a top-ranked school for an online information technology degree. It offers a BS in Information Sciences and Technology with certificate programs.
Online learners can earn a certificate alongside the online bachelor degree. The public university offers many different options, including certificate programs in digital arts.
The degree prepares students for professional careers in IT. You learn about network security and computer science. You also cover useful management topics that help you learn how to organize and problem solve. You can also customize your degree to fit your career goals and interests.
The accredited school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #16 in best online bachelor’s programs. This includes the school’s information technology programs.
#19 – George Mason University
Online BS in Information Technology
Fairfax, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $13,119/year
Looking for the best information technology schools online? George Mason University offers information technology degrees.
You can earn a BS in IT through the online learning option. The degree program prepares you with useful skills needed to work in the field. You learn how to apply technology to business practices. You also study interesting topics that give you insight into how tech changes over time.
Your courses cover topics like:
- Database fundaments
- IT programming
- IT project management
- Modern telecommunications
At GMU, the online education helps prepare students for jobs when they graduate. GMU ranks with U.S. News.
#18 – Colorado Technical University
Online BS in Information Technology
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $12,581/year
Colorado Technical University is a good school for an online information technology degree. It offers a BS in Information Technology with two concentrations.
You can complete the general degree or earn a concentration in network management or security. But at the foundation of the degree are courses that prepare prospective students for jobs in the field.
The online coursework covers topics such as:
- Business administration intelligence
- Computer networks and communication
- Fundamentals of networking
- Intro to project management
CTU ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #331-#440 in best national schools.
#17 – University of Minnesota
Online BS in Information Technology Management
Crookston, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $12,514/year
University of Minnesota offers one of the best online information technology degree programs. At this school, you can earn a BS in Information Technology Management.
The bachelor’s degree program helps you gain skills needed for technology-related positions. You take courses and complete projects that teach you about database systems and management. You also learn networking standards and protocol. Your courses cover topics like:
- Intro to MIS
- Messaging systems
- Microcomputer systems
Financial aid is available for eligible students, making this one of the more affordable online information technology programs.
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its recent rankings include #28 in best Midwest schools. It also ranks #1 in top public schools.
#16 – Kent State University
Online BS in Information Technology
Kent, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,934/year
Kent State University has online programs in IT. You can earn a BS in Information Technology with a concentration.
The program has seven degree concentrations that let you focus on an area of IT. Online learners can choose among the following:
- Application development
- Cybersecurity and forensics
- Database design
- Health information technology
- Integrated IT
- Internet and Multimedia
- Networking
It takes 18-19 credits to earn a concentration in an area of study. You must complete 120 total semester credit hours. You take 52-53 courses to earn your online bachelor’s degree.
KSU ranks with U.S. News. It ranks #212 in best national schools. It also ranks #199 in best value schools for student access to financial aid.
#15 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online BS in Information Technology
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $11,622/year
Oregon Institute of Technology is a high-quality school for an online information technology degree. It offers a BS in Information Technology degree program.
The program teaches you the skills you need for a career in IT. You learn about systems analysis and security. You also cover application development so you can bring emerging technologies into the workplace.
You take courses that cover topics from web design to data science. You complete a total of 120 credit hours. But if you have an associate degree, you can transfer credits and shorten your time in the program.
Graduates with online degrees in IT from OIT have landed jobs at Google, Nike, and other well-known companies.
OIT ranks #6 in best Western colleges with U.S. News. It also ranks #15 in best value schools.
#14 – Arizona State University
Online BS in Information Technology
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $11,348/year
Arizona State University is a top school for an IT degree. It offers an information technology degree online program for undergraduates.
The IT degree covers topics in information security and technology. You gain knowledge that you can bring to any employer. You take many different computer science courses and learn how to apply skills to practical applications.
You take a total of 40 classes. Each class runs 7.5 weeks. Students complete a total of 120 semester credit hours to earn the BS degree.
Your courses cover topics such as:
- Information modeling
- Operating system architecture
- Web programming
ASU ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #121 in best national universities.
#13 – University of North Texas
Online BS in Information Science
Denton, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $11,090/year
University of North Texas is an affordable school for those interested in jobs in network security. It offers a BS in Information Science degree that you can complete online.
Accredited with Colleges and Schools Commission, this degree stands out for its objectives. Students learn about information security and how to take common practices into the workplace. The IT degree program also lets you specialize your studies in an area of interest through concentrations.
Students can choose among six concentrations. These include:
- Data science
- Digital content and information systems
- Human language technology
- Information management and health informatics
- Information science and knowledge organization
- Project and knowledge management
Students complete a total of 120 credit hours and take 40 classes for the major.
UNT ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #285 in best national and #146 in top public schools.
#12 – Western Kentucky University
Online BS in Computer IT
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Undergraduate tuition: $10,992/year
Western Kentucky University is a good school for an IT degree. It offers an online BS in Computer Information Tech degree program.
This program prepares information technology degree students with the credentials needed to build a career in the field. Students take online courses and complete projects. You learn to work with teams and learn how project management operates.
While earning the IT degree, students learn technology management and systems design. They take courses such as:
- Advanced systems architecture
- Systems security
- Telecommunications
Upon graduation, you can qualify for careers in many different IT fields.
WKU ranks #331-#440 in best national schools with U.S. News. It is one of the best information technology schools online.
#11 – Old Dominion University
Online BSBA in Information Systems and Technology
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $10,800/year
Looking for the best online information technology degree? Old Dominion University offers an IT degree for those interested in blending business with technology.
The BSBA in Information Systems and Technology is a unique degree that combines business practices with information systems and tech. Your core business classes cover topics like business analytics and business policy and strategy. Your technology classes cover foundational and advanced topics. Tech courses include:
- Database concepts
- Intro to networking and security
- Object oriented programming
You need a total of 120 credit hours to complete the IT degree requirements. Students can transfer credits from associate degrees.
ODU ranks with U.S. News. Its most recent rankings include #156 in top public schools and #299 in national universities.
#10 – Purdue University Global
Online BS in Information Systems and Technology
Lafayette, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $10,125/year
Purdue University Global is a good school for an IT degree. To qualify for admission, students need a high school diploma and a strong GPA. But when enrolled, students learn necessary skills to work in IT.
The BS in Information Technology program teaches students about systems analysis and design. You also learn how e-business works and how technology impacts it. Students complete courses that cover a wide range of IT topics. These topics include:
- Database concepts
- IT consulting skills
- Software development concepts
- Technology infrastructure
Purdue Global ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #331-#440 in best national and #169-#227 in top public schools.
#9 – University of the Cumberlands
Online BS in Information Technology
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Undergraduate tuition: $9,875/year
University of the Cumberlands is a top school for undergraduate online programs. It offers a BS in Information Technology degree program.
The online information technology program teaches students about web development and technology. You learn how to use different networking systems. You also learn how to apply new techniques to different industries that use them.
Thirty semester hours make up the core courses you take. These courses cover IT degree topics like:
- Networking
- Server administration
- Web design
To tailor your degree toward career goals, you can pick up a concentration in one of four areas. These include cybersecurity, infrastructure, management, or software engineering.
The school ranks with U.S. News as a top national university.
#8 – University of Wisconsin
Online BS in Information Science and Technology
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $9,610/year
University of Wisconsin is a high-quality school for an IT degree. It offers a BS in Information Science and Technology.
The program prepares students who want to be leaders in IT. Through courses and projects, you learn the basic principles of information organization. But you also explore advanced topics, such as human factors in information science and storage and retrieval.
What makes this program stand out is the access students have to internships within the Milwaukee area. The city is home to start-ups and larger tech companies. Some Fortune 500 companies routinely hire UW graduates and students.
UW also ranks with U.S. News as a top school. Its current rankings include #331-#440 in national schools. It also ranks #169-#227 in top public schools.
#7 – Southeast Missouri State University
Online BS in Applied Technology
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $8,715/year
Southeast Missouri State University offers information technology degree programs online. You can earn a BS in Applied Technology that can prepare you for careers in IT.
The online bachelor’s degree helps you learn how to design and use technology. You also learn fundamentals that you can use in various jobs.
Your courses cover topics in data management and technical sales and estimating. You also complete a capstone course and project during your senior year. The final project helps you become career-ready by the time you graduate.
Courses you can expect to take include:
- Engineering economic analysis
- Industrial safety
- Manufacturing research
- Projects in IET
The school ranks with U.S. News. Current rankings include #89 in best regional Midwest schools and #26 in top public schools.
#6 – Colorado State University Global
Online BS in Information Technology
Aurora, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,400/year
CSU Global offers an online information technology degree. You can earn a BS in IT with a specialization in a number of areas.
Specializations are good for students looking to personalize their degree. They can also show an employer that you have knowledge in a particular area of expertise. These specializations include:
- AI and robotics
- Computer programming
- Emergency management
- Organizational leadership
- Project management
Courses also cover a wide range of topics that prepare you for a career in IT. Courses include topics that range from basic programming to human computer interaction.
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its recent rankings include #13 in best online bachelor programs.
#5 – Bellevue University
Online BS in Information Technology
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $8,310/year
Bellevue University is a good school for a bachelor’s in information technology degree. The school offers a BS in IT.
The online bachelor’s program prepares undergrads with the skills needed to work in the IT field. You take courses that teach you about network security protocols. The courses also cover topics in server management and infrastructure. You learn how network systems operate, and how to troubleshoot problems when they arise.
Through general courses to electives, the requirements help you gain useful skills for an IT career. Your courses include:
- Computer hardware management
- Computer software management
- Network risk assessment
The school is a great place for an online bachelor’s in information technology. It ranks with U.S. News as a top regional school in the Midwest.
#4 – Granite State College
Online BS in Information Technology
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $7,791/year
Granite State College is an affordable school for an IT degree. It has an online BS in Information Technology degree program with three concentrations.
Online students can earn their online information technology degree with a concentration in one of the following:
- Data analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Software development
These concentrations help you specialize your learning and align your studies to your professional goals.
But your general courses also help prepare you for a career in IT. You take classes that teach you about network systems and programming. You also learn how to use different software tools.
The accredited school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #133-#175 in best colleges in the North. It also ranks #49-#63 in top public schools.
#3 – American Public University
Online BS in Information Technology
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $7,360/year
American Public University is a top school for a degree in IT. It offers an online BS in Information Technology.
The degree program prepares you for tech careers by learning the latest tools and techniques in IT. You also practice problem-solving and trouble-shooting issues. You learn how to create computer- and web-based solutions needed for today’s problems.
Your courses cover many different IT-related topics. These include:
- Database concepts
- Human relations communication
- Securing databases
- Web development
APU ranks with U.S. News as a top national school.
#2 – Kennesaw State University
Online BS in Information Technology
Kennesaw, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,436/year
Kennesaw State University is an affordable school for information technology degrees. You can earn a BS in Information Technology with a concentration.
The concentrations allow you to specialize in an area of interest. Available focus areas include:
- Cyber operations
- Data analytics and technology
- Enterprise systems
- Technology and innovation
The program helps you gain skills needed for work or a graduate school program. Information technology degree holders can qualify for admission to a master’s in IT program.
KSU ranks with U.S. News as a top school for online degree programs. Its current school rankings include #331-#440 in national universities.
#1 – Columbus State University
Online BS in Information Technology
Columbus, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,241/year
Columbus State University is the most affordable school for online information technology degrees from a public university. It offers a BS in Information Technology degree program.
The program helps you gain skills needed to work in different IT professions. Through knowledge and hands-on projects, you learn tools that are useful for the field. Your courses combine computer science with technology practices. They cover topics such as:
- Computer organization
- Database administration
- Management information systems
- Systems analysis and design
You graduate prepared to work in many information technology jobs.
CSU ranks with U.S. News. Its most recent rankings include #67 in best universities in the South.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on for answers to common questions about the best IT degrees online.
Can you get an IT degree without going into debt?
There are ways to get an information technology degree online without going into debt. If you can’t afford to pay outright for your degree, you may qualify for financial aid. Your financial aid office can help you determine if you qualify for grants and scholarships.
You can also look for schools that have low tuition costs. Some public universities offer in-state tuition for residents of the state where they attend school. But public schools aren’t always the cheapest route. A private institution can offer attractive financial aid packages. Some schools offer awards that do not include student loans, so you can graduate debt-free.
How long does it take to get an online bachelor’s in information technology degree?
It takes most students four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology. But some online programs take less time. Why? Because there are certain things you can do to shorten the time it takes to earn your IT degree.
- Accelerate your studies
There are online IT programs that offer accelerated courses. These are classes that run for six to ten weeks in length. They move at a rigorous pace and help you finish your degree quicker than your peers in traditional programs.
- Enroll full-time
Some students work full-time while attending school. They need a part-time schedule to balance work life and education. But if you can enroll full-time, you can cut months off the time it takes for you to earn your degree. Full-time enrollment helps you take more classes in less time.
- Transfer credits
If you have an associate’s degree or have taken courses at a community college or another university, you can transfer credits. This helps you meet requirements for your online IT degree sooner. Some schools allow students to transfer up to 90 credit hours.
What are the best IT degree concentrations?
Some online information technology degree programs offer concentrations. A concentration is an area of focus or specialization. You take additional courses–up to 18 credit hours–in a niche area of IT.
Specialized areas of study allow prospective students to tailor their online learning. They prepare students for jobs after they graduate from information technology degree programs.
The most common IT concentrations include:
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- IT management
- Project management
- Software design and development
Less common concentrations include:
- Business administration
- Business management
- Network administration
- Systems administration
BDP Staff
September 2022
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