- 1.Cloud Architects earn a median salary of $115,000 with 28% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Cloud Computing programs include Western Governors University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Kean University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers cloud computing education at $7,710/year
- 4.47 accredited Cloud Computing programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Western Governors University
WGU's Cloud and Network Engineering program is one of the few bachelor's degrees that seamlessly integrates AI-driven automation with traditional networking, offering four vendor-specific tracks and up to 11 industry certifications embedded within a single competency-based degree program.
Program Overview
Western Governors University's B.S. in Cloud and Network Engineering (BSCNE) represents a cutting-edge approach to IT education, specifically designed for today's hybrid infrastructure environments where cloud systems, on-premise networks, and AI-driven automation converge to power modern workplaces. This fully online, competency-based program allows students to progress at their own pace, with 61% of graduates finishing within 36 months at a cost of $3,915 per 6-month term. The program uniquely offers four specialized concentrations: General Track for broad foundational skills, AWS Track focusing on Amazon Web Services technologies, Azure Track specializing in Microsoft Azure environments, and Cisco Track diving deep into Cisco-based networking systems.
What sets this program apart is its integration of next-generation technologies including automation and AI for IT operations, alongside traditional network design and security skills. Students graduate not just with theoretical knowledge but with hands-on experience and multiple industry certifications embedded directly into the curriculum. The program's competency-based model means students can accelerate through material they already know while spending more time mastering challenging concepts, making it particularly attractive for working professionals looking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current employment.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
UMN's ITI program uniquely combines cloud computing with business strategy and IT infrastructure management, featuring specialized tracks in DevSecOps and cloud security that use cutting-edge tools like AWS Security Hub and Kubernetes - designed specifically for working professionals seeking career advancement.
Program Overview
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities doesn't offer a traditional 'Cloud Computing' program per se, but delivers comprehensive cloud computing education through its Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI) bachelor's degree program housed in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies. This industry-driven, 120-credit degree is specifically designed for working adults and features a partially online format with robust cloud computing components. The program stands out with its specialized subplans, including Network and Cloud Infrastructure, which trains students on AWS VPC, Azure Network Manager, and VMware ESXi, plus Applied Data Science using cloud platforms like AWS Redshift and S3. Students gain hands-on experience with modern cloud tools while learning to design hybrid-cloud deployments and manage virtualized environments.
What makes this program particularly compelling is its practical approach - students work with real-world cloud technologies from day one, using tools like Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes in the DevSecOps track. The curriculum bridges traditional IT infrastructure with next-generation cloud design, preparing graduates for immediate employment in cloud engineering, systems architecture, and IT operations management. The program's advisory board ensures students learn the latest industry practices, while the capstone experience (INET 4051) provides culminating real-world project experience.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced research computing infrastructure providing 125+ million computing hours annually with cloud resources and AI capabilities
Industry Partners
Admissions
Kean University
59 cloud computing graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Cloud Computing based on 91% graduation rate, 59 graduates, and overall score of 58.8/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 59 cloud computing graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Utah Valley University
58 cloud computing graduates annually
DePaul University
19 cloud computing graduates annually
Wentworth Institute of Technology
30 cloud computing graduates annually
Weber State University
18 cloud computing graduates annually
Ohio University-Main Campus
18 cloud computing graduates annually
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
106 cloud computing graduates annually
Stevenson University
18 cloud computing graduates annually
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 62.8/100 |
| #2 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 61.4/100 |
| #3 Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | 58.8/100 |
| #4 Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 56.9/100 |
| #5 DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 55.5/100 |
Complete Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2026
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | 62.8 |
| 2 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | $14,496 | 92% | 61.4 |
| 3 | Kean University | Union, NJ | $11,135 | 91% | 58.8 |
| 4 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 92% | 56.9 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | 55.5 |
| 6 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | $40,410 | 99% | 55.4 |
| 7 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 92% | 54.3 |
| 8 | Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | $13,746 | 88% | 53.2 |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | $4,422 | — | 52.8 |
| 10 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | $36,940 | 87% | 52.3 |
| 11 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | $2,095 | 89% | 51.5 |
| 12 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | $30,900 | 94% | 50.4 |
| 13 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | $37,686 | 94% | 49.9 |
| 14 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | $11,000 | 81% | 49.8 |
| 15 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | $22,936 | 84% | 49 |
| 16 | Southern Nazarene University | Bethany, OK | $28,000 | 81% | 45.9 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | $7,330 | — | 44.9 |
| 18 | University of Akron Main Campus | Akron, OH | $10,399 | — | 43.5 |
| 19 | Excelsior University | Albany, NY | $0 | — | 42.3 |
| 20 | Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | $36,950 | — | 41.2 |
| 21 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | $10,080 | — | 41.1 |
| 22 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | $14,140 | — | 40.8 |
| 23 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | $22,272 | — | 40.6 |
| 24 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | $8,325 | — | 40.4 |
| 25 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | $12,766 | — | 40 |
Showing 1–25 of 47
2026 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Rankings Overview
Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern technology infrastructure, driving explosive demand for skilled professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for cloud architects through 2032, far exceeding the national average.
Our analysis of 127 bachelor's programs reveals significant variation in curriculum quality, industry partnerships, and graduate outcomes. Top-tier programs like Georgia Tech and University of Washington combine rigorous computer science fundamentals with extensive hands-on cloud platform experience. These programs maintain direct recruiting relationships with major cloud providers and consistently place graduates in high-paying roles.
The strongest programs emphasize distributed systems architecture, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and infrastructure-as-code practices. Students gain practical experience through capstone projects involving real cloud deployments and often complete internships with companies like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Regional differences matter significantly in cloud computing education. Programs near major tech hubs benefit from industry partnerships and internship opportunities, while online programs from established universities provide flexibility for working professionals seeking career transitions. Many students supplement their degrees with cloud certifications to demonstrate practical skills to employers.
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement scalable cloud infrastructure for enterprise applications
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment processes and manage cloud-based development workflows
Cloud Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and compliance measures for cloud environments
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1254Ensure high availability and performance of cloud-based systems
Cloud Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Build and maintain data pipelines and analytics platforms in the cloud
What Makes a Great Cloud Computing Bachelor's Program
Exceptional cloud computing programs blend theoretical computer science foundations with intensive practical training on current cloud platforms. The best programs require coursework in distributed systems, network architecture, and database management before advancing to cloud-specific topics like containerization, microservices, and infrastructure automation.
Hands-on laboratory experience distinguishes top programs from theoretical offerings. Georgia Tech's cloud computing track includes dedicated lab time with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform environments. Students deploy real applications, manage scaling challenges, and troubleshoot distributed system failures. This practical experience proves invaluable during technical interviews and entry-level positions.
- Core computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and systems programming
- Distributed systems architecture and design patterns
- Cloud platform specialization (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- DevOps practices including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code
- Security considerations for cloud environments and data protection
- Performance optimization and cost management strategies
Industry partnerships significantly impact program quality and student outcomes. Top programs maintain formal relationships with cloud providers, enabling guest lectures from practicing engineers, early access to new technologies, and structured internship pipelines. These connections often translate directly into job offers for graduating students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 127 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for cloud computing occupations
Institutional data, graduation rates, and program offerings
Graduate earnings and employment outcomes by program
Accreditation standards and program quality assessment
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.