Search every cloud computing degree program by what you actually want. All 180+ accredited programs, ranked on real outcomes across bachelor's, master's, and online. $127,000 median salary with +22% projected job growth.
Quick Answer: Is a Cloud Computing Degree Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, Flexera State of Cloud Report 2024
These are the best cloud computing programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS. Many students complement their degree with a cloud computing certification from AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to boost employability.
$134,050 median salary · 73% graduation rate
$134,050 median salary · 46% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Western Governors University as the #2 in cloud computing degree program.
Western Governors University's fully online B.S. in Cloud and Network Engineering (BSCNE) covers hybrid infrastructure where cloud systems, on-premise networks, and AI-driven automation meet. You pick one of four concentration tracks (General, AWS, Azure, or Cisco), and the coursework bundles industry certifications like CompTIA Cloud+, Network+, and Security+ directly into the degree. Tuition is a flat $8,180 whether you live in Utah or anywhere else, since online erases the residency gap, and that runs about 6.1% of the $134,050 national BLS median for cloud roles. It fits self-directed working adults who want certs stacked onto a bachelor's. The honest tradeoff: WGU's overall graduation rate is 46%, so under half of enrollees finish, and its 88.9 Hakia Score (our No. 2 ranking) reflects the value more than the completion odds.
$134,050 median salary · 50% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Purdue University Global as the #3 in cloud computing degree program.
Purdue University Global's online Bachelor's in Cloud Computing and Solutions is a 100% online, 34-course program totaling 180 quarter credits, structured around virtual labs and named coursework like Advanced Cloud Security, Cloud Services Management, and Migrating Data and Applications to the Cloud. The institution is HLC-accredited, per its own page. Our Hakia Score of 87.7 ranks it third among Cloud Computing programs. In-state tuition runs $10,080/yr versus $13,356 out-of-state, a $3,276 gap, so out-of-state students pay roughly 32.5% more for the identical online degree. It fits working adults and servicemembers, given the Military Transfer Credit Estimator and PME2Degree pathway. The honest tradeoff: Purdue Global's overall graduation rate is just 50%, meaning half of enrolled students do not finish. Confirm whether the tuition figures are annual or the $371 per-credit rate before comparing.
$134,050 median salary · 40% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Ivy Tech Community College as the #4 in cloud computing degree program.
Ivy Tech's Cloud Technologies program is an Associate of Applied Science built around vendor certification prep: CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, plus AWS Solutions Architect. At the Indianapolis campus you can stack from a short-term Cloud Systems Administration or Data Center Technician certificate up through the Cloud Technologies technical certificate to the full AAS, so you can test the field before committing. In-state tuition runs $5,154 a year versus $9,935 out-of-state, and its 86.9 Hakia Score earns the No. 4 slot here. This fits Indiana residents who want a low-cost, certification-first on-ramp and value the option to exit early with a credential. The honest tradeoff is completion: the 40% graduation rate means fewer than half of entrants finish on time, so the stackable certificates matter as much as the degree itself.
$134,050 median salary · 70% graduation rate
$134,050 median salary · 32% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Dallas College as the #6 in cloud computing degree program.
Dallas College builds a stackable Cloud Computing ladder: short workforce certificates in AWS and Microsoft Azure (each $4,320 over four months) and CompTIA Cloud Foundations ($2,880 over two months), climbing up to a Cloud Computing A.A.S. at $5,940 over two years. The page frames these as Career and Technical Education credentials shaped by local Dallas-area employers, delivered on campus across seven sites including Brookhaven, Eastfield, and Richland. In-state tuition runs $4,662 versus $6,900 out-of-state, a $2,238 gap; against the $134,050 national median for Cloud Computing roles, the full program costs roughly 3.5% of one year's pay. Its 84.8 Hakia Score earns the No. 6 rank. The honest catch: the 32% graduation rate means about two-thirds don't finish on time. Best for self-directed Texas residents who want employer-aligned certificates without four-year debt.
$134,050 median salary · 69% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Laurel Business Institute as the #7 in cloud computing degree program.
Laurel Business Institute runs a 20-month online Associate's in Cloud Computing Technology that front-loads the fundamentals: required coursework in operating systems, networking, and computer architecture comes first, then cloud deployment, cybersecurity, and hands-on work with named platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It fits someone who wants a short, structured on-ramp into IT without a four-year commitment, and the school lets you try online courses free during a conditional enrollment period before you pay. At a flat $12,668 tuition (no in-state/out-of-state gap, since for-profit pricing applies to everyone), the whole program runs about 9.4 percent of the $134,050 national median for cloud roles. The honest tradeoff: a 69 percent graduation rate means roughly 3 in 10 starters don't finish, even with an open 77 percent admit rate. It ranks #7 on our board with an 83.8 Hakia Score.
$134,050 median salary · 61% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale as the #8 in cloud computing degree program.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's Associate of Science in Cloud and Computing Technology is a 60-credit, on-campus and online hybrid degree run in 4-week terms, with an estimated 20 months to finish. The curriculum walks through cloud management, network security, virtual networks, cloud storage, and disaster recovery, aiming students at cloud support associate, cloud administrator, or IT support roles. Tuition is a flat $23,856 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, so residency buys no discount; against the $134,050 national median for cloud roles, that is roughly 18% of one year's pay. This fits someone who wants a fast, stackable entry point, since Keiser positions it as a feeder into its own Cloud Engineering bachelor's. The tradeoff: admission is essentially open at a 97% admit rate, yet only 61% graduate, so nearly 4 in 10 do not finish. Ranked 8th here on an 80.4 Hakia Score.
$134,050 median salary · 30% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Laredo College as the #9 in cloud computing degree program.
Laredo College's Cloud Computing offering is a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science that stacks a required Cloud Computing Certificate in front of the two-year degree, then builds from IT fundamentals into virtualization, Windows/Linux/UNIX administration, MySQL databases, scripting, and cloud security. It ends in a capstone where you deploy and manage infrastructure in a simulated enterprise, and the page states it prepares students for AWS credentials. That earns a Hakia Score of 75.1, ninth in our ranking. In-state tuition is $2,400 a year versus $3,648 out-of-state, so the sticker price is under 2 percent of the $134,050 national median for cloud roles. The honest caveat: the college's overall graduation rate is just 30 percent, and the prerequisite certificate lengthens an already-multi-year path. This fits Texas residents who want a hands-on, on-campus AWS track and can commit to finishing.
$134,050 median salary · 84% graduation rate
Hakia ranks George Washington University as the #10 in cloud computing degree program.
George Washington University's GW Engineering school offers this as an Online Master of Engineering in Cloud Computing Management, a 30-credit program built for working professionals: one evening class per week in four nine-week sessions a year, covering cloud architecture, security, virtualization, and DevOps. The federal figures show an 84% graduation rate and a 47% admit rate, selective but not a lottery. Tuition is where it gets tricky. As a private nonprofit, GW's residency-neutral federal total is $67,420, but the program's own page quotes $1,250 per credit for 2026-2027, or roughly $37,500 for the sequence, a $29,920 gap. Its Hakia Score of 75 anchors the rank 10 slot. It fits mid-career engineers who want a management-leaning cloud credential on a part-time schedule. Confirm current per-credit pricing with GW Engineering before you bank on either number.
Hakia ranks Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College's online associate's cloud computing program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Goodland, KS | Type: Public | Graduation Rate: 73% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 88.9
Hakia ranks Western Governors University's online bachelor's cloud computing program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $8,180/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 88.9
Hakia ranks Purdue University Global's online bachelor's cloud computing program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,080/year | Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 87.7
Hakia ranks Ivy Tech Community College's associate's cloud computing program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Indianapolis, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,154/year | Graduation Rate: 40% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 86.9
Hakia ranks Central Louisiana Technical Community College's associate's cloud computing program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Alexandria, LA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,335/year | Graduation Rate: 70% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 86.5
Hakia ranks Dallas College's associate's cloud computing program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Dallas, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,662/year | Graduation Rate: 32% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 84.8
Hakia ranks Laurel Business Institute's associate's cloud computing program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Uniontown, PA | Type: Private for-profit | Tuition: $12,668/year | Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 83.8
Hakia ranks Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's associate's cloud computing program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $23,856/year | Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 80.4
Hakia ranks Laredo College's associate's cloud computing program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Laredo, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,400/year | Graduation Rate: 30% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 75.1
Hakia ranks George Washington University's master's cloud computing program #10. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,420/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 75.0
Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →
Cloud computing is ideal for students who enjoy working with large-scale systems, are interested in how modern applications scale to millions of users, and want to be at the center of digital transformation efforts. You should be comfortable with both technical concepts and business requirements.
Prior networking or programming experience is helpful but not required. Most programs start with fundamentals, though comfort with technology concepts and logical thinking are important for success.
Cloud computing education is available at multiple levels, each suited to different career goals and backgrounds. Many professionals also pursue industry certifications alongside formal degrees.
2-year programs for career entry or transfer to bachelor's programs
Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide
Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement
PhD programs for research and academic careers
Flexible online programs for working professionals
A bachelor's degree in cloud computing is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
$134,050 median salary · 46% grad rate · 356 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 50% grad rate · 34 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 41% grad rate · 3 grads/yr
4. Utah Valley University (Orem, UT) - Score: 56.9, Tuition: $5,614
5. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 55.5, Tuition: $43,379
6. Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA) - Score: 55.4, Tuition: $40,410
7. Weber State University (Ogden, UT) - Score: 54.3, Tuition: $5,471
8. Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens, OH) - Score: 53.2, Tuition: $13,746
9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC) - Score: 52.8, Tuition: $4,422
10. Stevenson University (Owings Mills, MD) - Score: 52.3, Tuition: $36,940
A master's degree in cloud computing prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
$134,050 median salary · 84% grad rate · 43 grads/yr
4. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $62,840
5. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 67.5, Tuition: $62,000
6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $6,535
7. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 64.0, Tuition: $58,680
8. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) - Score: 59.9, Tuition: $10,095
9. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) - Score: 58.9, Tuition: $55,784
10. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh, PA) - Score: 57.2, Tuition: $20,154
Online cloud computing programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
$134,050 median salary · 73% grad rate · 12 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 46% grad rate · 356 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 50% grad rate · 34 grads/yr
4. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 67.8, Tuition: $7,710
5. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $62,840
6. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 67.5, Tuition: $62,000
7. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $6,535
8. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 64.0, Tuition: $58,680
9. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) - Score: 61.4, Tuition: $14,496
10. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) - Score: 59.9, Tuition: $10,095
An associate's degree in cloud computing provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.
$134,050 median salary · 73% grad rate · 12 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 40% grad rate · 24 grads/yr
$134,050 median salary · 70% grad rate · 7 grads/yr
4. Dallas College (Dallas, TX) - Score: 55.0, Tuition: $4,050
5. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 52.5, Tuition: $5,514
6. Edmonds College (Lynnwood, WA) - Score: 52.3, Tuition: $4,073
7. Madison Area Technical College (Madison, WI) - Score: 51.9, Tuition: $4,386
8. Cypress College (Cypress, CA) - Score: 50.2, Tuition: $1,104
9. Renton Technical College (Renton, WA) - Score: 49.5, Tuition: $4,673
10. Herzing University-Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) - Score: 49.1, Tuition: $12,360
Graduate programs in cloud computing (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
$134,050 median salary · 84% grad rate · 43 grads/yr
4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 75.7, Tuition: $14,768
5. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 75.7, Tuition: $65,204
6. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 74.6, Tuition: $17,977
7. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 71.2, Tuition: $61,310
8. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) - Score: 67.0, Tuition: $9,889
9. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) - Score: 66.0, Tuition: $11,834
10. University of California-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $11,834
Looking for quality cloud computing education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value, balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeGoodland, KS · Public | Online | — | 73% | $134,050 | 88.9 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Cloud Computing Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $134,050 | 88.9 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in Cloud Computing Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN · Public | Online | $10,080 | 50% | $134,050 | 87.7 |
| #4 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IN · Public | On-campus | $5,154 | 40% | $134,050 | 86.9 |
| #5 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Central Louisiana Technical Community CollegeAlexandria, LA · Public | On-campus | $3,335 | 70% | $134,050 | 86.5 |
| #6 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Dallas CollegeDallas, TX · Public | On-campus | $4,662 | 32% | $134,050 | 84.8 |
| #7 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Laurel Business InstituteUniontown, PA · Private for-profit | On-campus | $12,668 | 69% | $134,050 | 83.8 |
| #8 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $23,856 | 61% | $134,050 | 80.4 |
| #9 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Laredo CollegeLaredo, TX · Public | On-campus | $2,400 | 30% | $134,050 | 75.1 |
| #10 | Master's in Cloud Computing George Washington UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,420 | 84% | $134,050 | 75.0 |
| #11 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Asher CollegeSacramento, CA · Private for-profit | On-campus | — | 56% | $134,050 | 73.1 |
| #12 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 29% | $134,050 | 72.7 |
| #13 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Victoria CollegeVictoria, TX · Public | On-campus | $2,904 | 29% | $134,050 | 71.8 |
| #14 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Louisiana Delta Community CollegeMonroe, LA · Public | On-campus | $3,214 | 30% | $134,050 | 71.0 |
| #15 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $25,214 | 66% | $134,050 | 70.1 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Cloud Computing Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MD · Public | On-campus | $5,698 | 41% | $134,050 | 69.5 |
| #17 | Associate's in Cloud Computing River Parishes Community CollegeGonzales, LA · Public | On-campus | $3,335 | 30% | $134,050 | 69.3 |
| #18 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Collin County Community College DistrictMcKinney, TX · Public | On-campus | $3,750 | 20% | $134,050 | 67.7 |
| #19 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Delgado Community CollegeNew Orleans, LA · Public | Online | $3,214 | 24% | $134,050 | 66.3 |
| #20 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Finger Lakes Community CollegeCanandaigua, NY · Public | On-campus | $5,376 | 30% | $134,050 | 66.3 |
| #21 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Connecticut State Community CollegeNew Britain, CT · Public | On-campus | $4,608 | 24% | $134,050 | 64.8 |
| #22 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Macomb Community CollegeWarren, MI · Public | Online | $6,360 | 18% | $134,050 | 62.0 |
| #23 | Associate's in Cloud Computing Blinn College DistrictBrenham, TX · Public | Online | $3,690 | 11% | $134,050 | 61.8 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Cloud Computing Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN · Private for-profit | Online | $14,400 | 20% | $134,050 | 56.2 |
Showing all 24 ranked programs.
Cloud computing graduates enter one of the fastest-growing technology sectors. The BLS projects 22% job growth for cloud-related roles through 2032, much faster than average. Companies across all industries need cloud expertise as they migrate systems and build scalable applications.
Design, build, and maintain cloud infrastructure and services using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Design comprehensive cloud strategies and architectures for enterprise clients and complex applications.
Ensure system reliability, performance, and scalability for large-scale cloud applications and services.
Cloud computing programs combine foundational IT concepts with modern cloud technologies. Curriculum includes networking, programming, database management, security, and hands-on experience with major cloud platforms.
Many programs integrate industry certification preparation for AWS certifications, Azure certification paths, or Google Cloud certifications.
Cloud computing is infrastructure-focused, dealing with how applications are deployed, scaled, and managed in cloud environments. The field combines networking, security, automation, and systems administration in the context of major cloud platforms.
The practical, certification-oriented nature of cloud careers distinguishes them from traditional CS paths. AWS, Azure, and GCP certifications often matter more than degrees for proving competence, and hands-on experience with real cloud infrastructure is essential.
Cloud roles range from cloud architects (designing solutions) to DevOps engineers (automating deployments) to site reliability engineers (ensuring uptime). The common thread is infrastructure, if you enjoy thinking about how systems run rather than what applications do, cloud may be a good fit.
For most students interested in technology careers, yes. Cloud computing skills are in extremely high demand as organizations continue digital transformation efforts. The combination of high salaries ($127,000 median), strong job growth (22% through 2032), and career flexibility makes cloud computing an excellent investment.
When it's worth it: You're interested in modern technology infrastructure, comfortable with both technical and business concepts, and want skills that transfer across industries. Cloud roles often offer remote work options and opportunities for rapid career advancement.
When to consider alternatives: You're only interested in basic IT support (associate degree may suffice), you prefer pure software development (computer science might be better), or you want to specialize immediately (targeted bootcamps may be faster).
Cloud computing also pairs well with certifications, many professionals combine degree education with AWS certifications or Azure certifications for maximum career impact.
While a cloud computing degree provides comprehensive preparation, several alternative paths can lead to cloud careers
Many successful cloud engineers combine approaches, starting with certifications for immediate employment, then adding formal education for advancement. For specific career guidance, see how to become a DevOps engineer.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Of the 24 cloud computing programs we rank, Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College's Associate's in Cloud Computing earns the highest Hakia Score. Each is graded on real graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition data. In-state tuition across the list spans $2,400 to $67,420.
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
National salary data for cloud computing graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.