- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best online cloud computing degree programs reveals that 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 Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Irvine, University of Southern California based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Irvine offers cloud computing education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Cloud Computing programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Online
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone master's degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year master's for their own undergraduates, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 in cloud computing degree program.
The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering operates as one of the nation's premier computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. The school offers a comprehensive graduate education ecosystem that uniquely serves different student populations without a traditional standalone master's degree. Instead, UW provides a research-intensive Ph.D. program where students earn both master's and doctoral degrees with full financial support, a Combined B.S./M.S. program (also called the Fifth Year Master's Program) exclusively for current Allen School undergraduates, and a Professional Master's Program designed as a part-time evening option for working professionals in the Puget Sound region. The school recently launched a Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods starting fall 2025, designed for working professionals across industries seeking to leverage cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Core AI research and applications
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences
Technology design and human-computer interaction
Location Advantages
- •Home to Amazon headquarters and engineering offices
- •Proximity to Microsoft Puget Sound region headquarters
- •Google Cloud region presence in Seattle
- •Dense cloud computing job market with 10,000+ tech workers within region
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Major technology companies, Academic institutions, Research laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with specialized AWS Academy curriculum, providing students access to industry-standard cloud certification pathways while earning their degree at a top-10 public research university.
University of California-San Diego Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #2 in cloud computing degree program.
UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department offers comprehensive cloud computing education through its BS in Computer Science program (CS26), the department's largest major. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, programming methodology, and computer organization at the lower-division level, progressing to algorithm design and building software systems at scale in upper-division coursework. Students can specialize through elective tracks in Systems (covering hardware, software, and networking security), Theory/Abstraction (mathematical and formal computational tools), or Applications of Computing. Additionally, UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies is an AWS Academy member institution, offering AWS Certified curriculum including the Cloud Computing Architecture using AWS (CSE-41280) course that prepares students for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification exam.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Google, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Distributed systems, cloud computing, and networking research
Cloud infrastructure and networked systems research
Location Advantages
- •San Diego tech hub with Qualcomm headquarters nearby
- •Strong biotech and defense industry presence
- •Access to La Jolla's innovation ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell combines Ivy League research excellence with Cornell Tech's NYC industry connections, offering both theoretical foundations and practical cloud infrastructure experience through partnerships with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and leading tech companies.
Cornell University Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #3 in cloud computing degree program.
Cornell University delivers cloud computing education through its renowned Computer Science department and the innovative Cornell Tech campus in New York City. The CS5412 Cloud Computing course, taught by Prof. Ken Birman in Gates Hall, provides rigorous training in distributed systems, scalability, and cloud architectures. Students benefit from Cornell Tech's Master of Engineering programs which integrate cloud technologies with data science and AI applications. The university's Data Science Center offers AWS and Azure Cloud Computing Grants, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms.
Hakia Insight: With a 8% acceptance rate, Cornell University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI research
data science and modeling
human-computer interaction
cybersecurity and privacy
maker technologies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta
Admissions
George Mason University
GMU cloud curriculum developed with AWS Educate designers. Located in Northern Virginia near AWS headquarters (Arlington) and major cloud employers. Strong government and defense industry connections for cloud security roles.
George Mason University Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #4 in cloud computing degree program.
George Mason offers BAS with cloud computing concentration developed with AWS Educate curriculum designers. Ensures curriculum provides skills needed for cloud workforce. Northern Virginia location near AWS headquarters and major cloud employers.
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's direct partnerships with AWS and Booz Allen give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AWS cloud technologies
Location Advantages
- •Near AWS headquarters
- •Northern Virginia tech corridor
- •Government cloud opportunities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
AWS, Capital One, Booz Allen, Microsoft, Google
Admissions
Towson University
Towson IT offers accelerated bachelors-to-masters pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Towson University Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #5 in cloud computing degree program.
Towson University offers BS in Information Technology with Data Management and Analytics track. The program equips students with skills to manage, analyze, and interpret large datasets for data-driven decision-making and business intelligence careers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT research
Location Advantages
- •Baltimore metro
- •DC proximity
- •Maryland state jobs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Houston
Bauer MIS benefits from Houston energy corridor connections, with graduates working at major oil/gas companies and healthcare organizations in IT roles.
University of Houston Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Houston as the #6 in cloud computing degree program.
University of Houston Bauer College offers a BBA in Management Information Systems preparing students for IT leadership roles. The curriculum covers systems analysis, database management, business intelligence, and IT project management.
Hakia Insight: University of Houston's Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Houston energy companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Business analytics
Location Advantages
- •Houston energy corridor
- •Texas Medical Center proximity
- •Fortune 500 headquarters
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Memorial Hermann, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Admissions
University of Central Florida
UCF Hack@UCF won 3 back-to-back National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition championships. Students intern at companies in Central Florida Research Park and downtown Orlando.
University of Central Florida Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #7 in cloud computing degree program.
University of Central Florida offers BS in Information Technology through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students work to drive business efficiency through innovative IT solutions, maintaining systems and improving business processes.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida's CECS Research Centers creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Central Florida Research Park, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT and cybersecurity research
Location Advantages
- •Orlando tech hub
- •Simulation and defense industry
- •Theme park technology
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin
Admissions
The University of Texas at Dallas
UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.
The University of Texas at Dallas Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Dallas as the #8 in cloud computing degree program.
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a comprehensive Software Engineering graduate program through its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, featuring both Master's and Doctoral pathways. The MS in Software Engineering requires 33 semester credit hours and can be completed through traditional full-time study or the innovative Executive Master's in Software Engineering (EMSE) format, designed specifically for working professionals with classes meeting Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for just three weekends per month, enabling degree completion in 20 months. The program emphasizes real-world application with core courses in Object-Oriented Software Engineering, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture and Design, and Software Testing and Verification, culminating in an Advanced Software Engineering Project.
UT Dallas maintains specialized research laboratories for software engineering, high-performance computing, and distributed systems, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas including AI and machine learning techniques for software engineering, software quality and reliability, and knowledge mining-based approaches. The program benefits from the university's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, recently rated by Forbes as the #1 'Best City for Jobs,' providing exceptional access to industry partnerships and internship opportunities with major technology employers.
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Dallas's direct partnerships with Texas Instruments and Microsoft give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Requirements engineering, architecture design, testing and verification, software maintenance
Advanced cutting-edge testing technologies and user-friendly tool support
Programming language security and software systems research
Location Advantages
- •Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by Forbes
- •Access to major technology employers and Fortune 500 companies
- •Strong alumni network of over 5,000 graduates across 40+ states
- •Proximity to technology corridors and emerging tech companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, Government contractors, Consulting firms
Certifications & Designations
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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as the #9 in cloud computing degree program.
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.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with AWS and Microsoft Azure, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced research computing infrastructure providing 125+ million computing hours annually with cloud resources and AI capabilities
Location Advantages
- •Twin Cities hub for cloud and data center companies
- •Proximity to multiple Fortune 500 cloud adopters
- •Regional tech talent clustering
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Liberty University
Liberty IT integrates biblical worldview with applied technology training. Online tuition ranks in top 35% for affordability with free electronic textbooks. Military students receive additional discounts.
Liberty University Cloud Computing Program Overview
Hakia ranks Liberty University as the #10 in cloud computing degree program.
Liberty University offers BS in Information Technology with specializations in Application & Database Development, Data Networking & Security, Gaming Design, and Web & Mobile Programming. 100% online with 8-week courses.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, Liberty University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Fully online
- •Affordable tuition
- •Free e-textbooks
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Government agencies, Healthcare systems, Financial services, Defense contractors
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Online — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone master's degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year master's for their own undergraduates, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering operates as one of the nation's premier computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. The school offers a comprehensive graduate education ecosystem that uniquely serves different student populations without a traditional standalone master's degree. Instead, UW provides a research-intensive Ph.D. program where students earn both master's and doctoral degrees with full financial support, a Combined B.S./M.S. program (also called the Fifth Year Master's Program) exclusively for current Allen School undergraduates, and a Professional Master's Program designed as a part-time evening option for working professionals in the Puget Sound region. The school recently launched a Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods starting fall 2025, designed for working professionals across industries seeking to leverage cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques.
Degree Programs: Full-time Ph.D. Program (5-7 years); Combined B.S./M.S. Program (Fifth Year Master's) (1 year beyond bachelor's); Professional Master's Program (PMP) (Variable); Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods (Variable)
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research - Core AI research and applications; Computing + Biology Research - Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences; Human-Centered Computing Research - Technology design and human-computer interaction
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Toyota Research Institute
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Major technology companies, Academic institutions, Research laboratories | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Academic Faculty, Technology Leadership
Notable Faculty: Professor Noah Smith (Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing); Professor Sheng Wang (AI applications in healthcare); Professor Shyam Gollakota (Mobile Intelligence)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited Computer Engineering degree program
#2. University of California-San Diego Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #2 in cloud computing degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 94.2
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with specialized AWS Academy curriculum, providing students access to industry-standard cloud certification pathways while earning their degree at a top-10 public research university.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Google, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department offers comprehensive cloud computing education through its BS in Computer Science program (CS26), the department's largest major. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, programming methodology, and computer organization at the lower-division level, progressing to algorithm design and building software systems at scale in upper-division coursework. Students can specialize through elective tracks in Systems (covering hardware, software, and networking security), Theory/Abstraction (mathematical and formal computational tools), or Applications of Computing. Additionally, UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies is an AWS Academy member institution, offering AWS Certified curriculum including the Cloud Computing Architecture using AWS (CSE-41280) course that prepares students for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification exam.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Systems and Networking Group - Distributed systems, cloud computing, and networking research; Center for Networked Systems - Cloud infrastructure and networked systems research
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Apple | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect
Notable Faculty: Ravi Ramamoorthi (Computer graphics and computer vision); Stefan Savage (Computer security and systems)
Admissions:
Accreditations: AWS Academy Member Institution
#3. Cornell University Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #3 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 89.5
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell combines Ivy League research excellence with Cornell Tech's NYC industry connections, offering both theoretical foundations and practical cloud infrastructure experience through partnerships with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and leading tech companies.
Hakia Insight: With a 8% acceptance rate, Cornell University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: Cornell University delivers cloud computing education through its renowned Computer Science department and the innovative Cornell Tech campus in New York City. The CS5412 Cloud Computing course, taught by Prof. Ken Birman in Gates Hall, provides rigorous training in distributed systems, scalability, and cloud architectures. Students benefit from Cornell Tech's Master of Engineering programs which integrate cloud technologies with data science and AI applications. The university's Data Science Center offers AWS and Azure Cloud Computing Grants, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms.
Degree Programs: M.S. Information Systems (2 years); Master of Engineering in Computer Science; Master of Engineering in Computer Science (2 years); Master of Engineering in Data Science and Decision Analytics; Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1 year); Master of Engineering in Operations Research and Information Engineering; PhD Studies
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence - AI research; Data & Modeling - data science and modeling; Human-Centered Computing - human-computer interaction; Security & Privacy - cybersecurity and privacy; MakerLAB - maker technologies
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Uber, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Datadog, Intersection, Oscar Health, ZocDoc, The New York Times
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95 | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 8%
#4. George Mason University Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #4 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 89.4
What makes George Mason University stand out: GMU cloud curriculum developed with AWS Educate designers. Located in Northern Virginia near AWS headquarters (Arlington) and major cloud employers. Strong government and defense industry connections for cloud security roles.
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's direct partnerships with AWS and Booz Allen give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: George Mason offers BAS with cloud computing concentration developed with AWS Educate curriculum designers. Ensures curriculum provides skills needed for cloud workforce. Northern Virginia location near AWS headquarters and major cloud employers.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Applied Science with Cloud Computing Concentration; Cloud Computing Accelerated Master's
Research Labs: Cloud Computing Research - AWS cloud technologies
Industry Partners: AWS, Booz Allen, Capital One
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: AWS, Capital One, Booz Allen, Microsoft, Google | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 90%
#5. Towson University Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #5 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Towson, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,382/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 86.4
What makes Towson University stand out: Towson IT offers accelerated bachelors-to-masters pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Program Overview: Towson University offers BS in Information Technology with Data Management and Analytics track. The program equips students with skills to manage, analyze, and interpret large datasets for data-driven decision-making and business intelligence careers.
Degree Programs: BS in Information Technology (with cloud specialization) (4 years); MS in Information Technology Management (with cloud concentration) (2 years)
Research Labs: Computer and Information Sciences Department - IT research
Industry Partners: Baltimore employers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 79%
Accreditations: Industry-aligned certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator
#6. University of Houston Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks University of Houston as the #6 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Houston, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,685/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 86.1
What makes University of Houston stand out: Bauer MIS benefits from Houston energy corridor connections, with graduates working at major oil/gas companies and healthcare organizations in IT roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Houston's Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Houston energy companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: University of Houston Bauer College offers a BBA in Management Information Systems preparing students for IT leadership roles. The curriculum covers systems analysis, database management, business intelligence, and IT project management.
Degree Programs: BBA in Management Information Systems (4 years)
Research Labs: Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting - Business analytics
Industry Partners: Houston energy companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Memorial Hermann, Hewlett Packard Enterprise | Common Roles: Business Analyst, IT Manager, Systems Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 66%
#7. University of Central Florida Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #7 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 85.1
What makes University of Central Florida stand out: UCF Hack@UCF won 3 back-to-back National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition championships. Students intern at companies in Central Florida Research Park and downtown Orlando.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida's CECS Research Centers creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Central Florida Research Park, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: University of Central Florida offers BS in Information Technology through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students work to drive business efficiency through innovative IT solutions, maintaining systems and improving business processes.
Degree Programs: BS Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: CECS Research Centers - IT and cybersecurity research
Industry Partners: Central Florida Research Park
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Systems Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 41%
#8. The University of Texas at Dallas Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Dallas as the #8 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Richardson, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,564/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Score: 83.3
What makes The University of Texas at Dallas stand out: UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Dallas's direct partnerships with Texas Instruments and Microsoft give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: The University of Texas at Dallas offers a comprehensive Software Engineering graduate program through its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, featuring both Master's and Doctoral pathways. The MS in Software Engineering requires 33 semester credit hours and can be completed through traditional full-time study or the innovative Executive Master's in Software Engineering (EMSE) format, designed specifically for working professionals with classes meeting Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for just three weekends per month, enabling degree completion in 20 months. The program emphasizes real-world application with core courses in Object-Oriented Software Engineering, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture and Design, and Software Testing and Verification, culminating in an Advanced Software Engineering Project. UT Dallas maintains specialized research laboratories for software engineering, high-performance computing, and distributed systems, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas including AI and machine learning techniques for software engineering, software quality and reliability, and knowledge mining-based approaches. The program benefits from the university's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, recently rated by Forbes as the #1 'Best City for Jobs,' providing exceptional access to industry partnerships and internship opportunities with major technology employers.
Degree Programs: MS in Software Engineering (2 years); Executive MS in Software Engineering (EMSE) (20 months); PhD in Software Engineering (4-6 years)
Research Labs: Software Engineering Research Lab - Requirements engineering, architecture design, testing and verification, software maintenance; Center for Software Testing - Advanced cutting-edge testing technologies and user-friendly tool support; Applied Logic, Programming-Languages and Systems Lab - Programming language security and software systems research
Industry Partners: Texas Instruments, Microsoft, AT&T, CISCO, NSF
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, Government contractors, Consulting firms | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Engineer, Data Scientist, Program Analyst, Systems Analyst
Notable Faculty: Dr. W. Eric Wong (Software testing and verification); Dr. Farokh B. Bastani (Software reliability and fault-tolerant computing); Dr. Andrian Marcus (Software maintenance and evolution); Dr. Shiyi Wei (Software engineering and program analysis)
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum overall, 3.3 in quantitative courses
Accreditations: NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE), NSA/DHS CAE in Research
#9. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as the #9 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Minneapolis, MN | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,496/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 81.8
What makes University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with AWS and Microsoft Azure, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
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: BS in Computer Science (Systems and Cloud track available) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (Distributed Systems and Cloud specialization) (2 years)
Research Labs: Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) - Advanced research computing infrastructure providing 125+ million computing hours annually with cloud resources and AI capabilities
Industry Partners: AWS, Microsoft Azure, VMware
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, Systems Administrator, IT Operations Manager
Notable Faculty: undefined (Industry practitioners and advisory board members)
Admissions: GPA: 2.5+ GPA
Accreditations: Program prepares students for Security+ and CISSP certifications through Cybersecurity and Governance track
#10. Liberty University Cloud Computing Program
Hakia ranks Liberty University as the #10 in cloud computing degree program. Location: Lynchburg, VA | Type: Private | Tuition: $15,015/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Score: 81.7
What makes Liberty University stand out: Liberty IT integrates biblical worldview with applied technology training. Online tuition ranks in top 35% for affordability with free electronic textbooks. Military students receive additional discounts.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, Liberty University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Liberty University offers BS in Information Technology with specializations in Application & Database Development, Data Networking & Security, Gaming Design, and Web & Mobile Programming. 100% online with 8-week courses.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Cloud Computing specialization) (4 years); Master of Science in Information Technology (Cloud specialization) (2 years)
Industry Partners: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Government agencies, Healthcare systems, Financial services, Defense contractors | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Web Developer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 92%
Accreditations: AWS Certified Associate-level certifications embedded, Microsoft Azure certifications available
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 94.2/100 |
| #3 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 89.5/100 |
| #4 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 81% | 89.4/100 |
| #5 Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 86.4/100 |
Top 50 Online Cloud Computing Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 94.2 |
| 3 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 89.5 |
| 4 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 81% | — | 89.4 |
| 5 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | — | 86.4 |
| 6 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | — | 86.1 |
| 7 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 85.1 |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 83.3 |
| 9 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 81.8 |
| 10 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Private | $15,015 | 78% | — | 81.7 |
| 11 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | — | 81.4 |
| 12 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 100% | — | 80.6 |
| 13 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | Tacoma, WA | Public | $11,524 | 92% | — | 80.3 |
| 14 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | Public | $8,935 | 81% | — | 80 |
| 15 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | — | 80 |
| 16 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 79.7 |
| 17 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | Boston, MA | Public | $14,905 | 75% | — | 79.7 |
| 18 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 79.5 |
| 19 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 79.5 |
| 20 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 79.5 |
| 21 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | — | 79 |
| 22 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | Private | $48,670 | 93% | — | 78.6 |
| 23 | The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | Public | $7,704 | 99% | — | 78.3 |
| 24 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 78.2 |
| 25 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | Public | $5,742 | 95% | — | 78.1 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
How Much Does a Cloud Computing Online Degree Cost?
The total cost of a online's degree in Cloud Computing and cloud certification ranges from $34,544 at public universities to over $180,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (Research.com, WGU, ITCareerFinder).
- Public University (In-State): $8,636/year × 4 years = $34,544 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $20,565/year × 4 years = $82,260 total
- Private University: $45,000/year × 4 years = $180,000 total
- Online Programs: $15,000/year × 4 years = $60,000 total
With median starting salaries of $130,390, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Online Cloud Computing Degrees: Complete Guide
Online cloud computing degrees have become increasingly popular as organizations migrate to cloud-first infrastructures. With remote work normalizing and cloud skills in high demand, online programs offer flexibility without sacrificing education quality. Our analysis of 184 accredited programs reveals that online graduates achieve comparable career outcomes to their on-campus counterparts, with (BLS OEWS May 2024).
The best online cloud computing programs integrate hands-on labs, industry certifications, and real-world projects. Top programs partner with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to provide students direct access to cloud platforms and certification pathways. Many graduates pursue additional AWS certifications or Azure certification paths to enhance their credentials further.
Public universities dominate our rankings, offering quality education at lower costs. The median online tuition of $14,850 is 18% lower than on-campus programs, making cloud computing education more accessible to working professionals and career changers seeking to enter this high-growth field.
Online Learning Formats Explained
Online Cloud Computing programs offer multiple learning formats to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. Understanding these formats helps you choose a program that fits your lifestyle.
Synchronous (Live) Learning:
- Real-time video lectures at scheduled times (often evenings/weekends)
- Live interaction with professors and classmates
- Immediate Q&A and discussion; feels most like traditional classroom
- Requires reliable internet and schedule commitment
Asynchronous (Self-Paced) Learning:
- Pre-recorded lectures watched on your schedule
- Weekly deadlines but flexible daily timing
- Discussion forums replace live interaction
- Ideal for working professionals with irregular schedules
Hybrid/Blended Programs:
- Combines online coursework with periodic in-person sessions
- Typically 1-2 weekend residencies per semester
- Best of both worlds: flexibility plus networking opportunities
- Often required for programs with lab components
How to Verify Accreditation
Accreditation verification is critical when choosing an online Cloud Computing program. Degrees from unaccredited institutions may not be recognized by employers or other universities. According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, only properly accredited degrees qualify for federal financial aid and professional licensure.
How to Verify Accreditation:
- Check regional accreditation — Look up the institution at CHEA Database or Department of Education Database
- Verify ABET accreditation — For engineering/CS programs, ABET accreditation signals program quality
- Confirm identical credential — Online degrees should state the same institution as on-campus degrees (e.g., "Arizona State University" not "ASU Online")
- Check employer recognition — Review job postings in your target field for degree requirements
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Accreditation from agencies not recognized by CHEA or DOE
- "Accredited" only by an agency the school itself created
- Degrees offered in weeks rather than months/years
- No faculty credentials listed; "life experience" credits
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Employer perception of online Cloud Computing degrees has shifted dramatically. According to a SHRM survey, 83% of HR managers now view online degrees from accredited institutions as equivalent to traditional degrees—up from 50% a decade ago.
What Employers Actually Care About:
- Institution reputation matters more than delivery format; a Georgia Tech online degree carries the same weight as on-campus
- Skills demonstration — Portfolio projects, GitHub contributions, and certifications often outweigh degree format
- Major tech companies (Google, Apple, Meta) have removed degree requirements entirely for many roles
- Consistency — Degree should list the institution name, not "Online Division" or similar
The COVID Shift: The pandemic normalized remote work and online education. Gallup research shows that 72% of executives who managed remote teams reported equal or higher productivity, reducing stigma around online credentials.
Best Practice: Don't mention "online" on your resume—simply list the degree and institution. If asked in interviews, emphasize the rigor and self-discipline required for online study.
Technology Requirements
Online Cloud Computing programs require specific technology to participate effectively. Meeting these requirements before enrollment prevents frustrating technical issues during coursework.
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
- Computer — Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+; 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended for development work)
- Processor — Intel i5/AMD Ryzen 5 or better; critical for compiling code and running VMs
- Storage — 256GB SSD minimum; software development requires significant disk space
- Webcam/Microphone — Required for proctored exams and group projects
- Internet — 25 Mbps download minimum; wired connection recommended for exams
Software Typically Provided:
- Free access to development tools (JetBrains IDEs, Visual Studio, etc.) via student licenses
- Cloud computing credits (AWS, Azure, GCP) — typically $100-$500 per course
- Virtual lab environments for networking, security, or systems courses
- Collaboration tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) included with enrollment
Proctored Exams: What to Expect
Most online Cloud Computing programs use proctored exams to ensure academic integrity. Understanding what to expect reduces test anxiety and technical issues.
Common Proctoring Methods:
- AI-proctored (ProctorU, Examity) — Software monitors via webcam; flags suspicious behavior for human review
- Live proctored — Real person watches via video throughout the exam
- Lockdown browser — Prevents accessing other applications; may combine with AI monitoring
- In-person testing centers — Some programs offer or require local testing site options
Preparing for Proctored Exams:
- Test your setup early — Run system checks 24-48 hours before; most services offer practice sessions
- Prepare your environment — Clean desk, good lighting, no one else in room, pets secured
- Valid ID required — Government-issued photo ID; check name matches enrollment exactly
- Stable internet — Wired connection preferred; have phone hotspot as backup
- Know the rules — No headphones, no leaving frame, no reading questions aloud (varies by exam)
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1244Design and implement cloud infrastructure for organizations. Lead cloud migration projects and optimize cloud spending.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment pipelines and manage cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code practices.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and monitor cloud environments for threats and compliance requirements.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain data pipelines using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1252Ensure high availability and performance of cloud applications and infrastructure systems.
Cloud Consultant
SOC 15-1299Advise organizations on cloud strategy, migration planning, and technology selection.
Financial Aid for Online Cloud Computing Students
Online students are eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many schools offer additional scholarships specifically for online learners and working professionals. Military students benefit from GI Bill coverage and Yellow Ribbon programs at participating institutions.
Several cloud computing programs offer unique funding opportunities through industry partnerships. AWS provides scholarships and credits for students in AWS Academy partner programs, while Microsoft offers similar benefits through Azure for Students initiatives. These partnerships can significantly reduce the total cost of education while providing valuable hands-on experience. For comprehensive financial aid guidance, see our FAFSA guide for STEM majors.
Choose Your Program Type
- You want the highest-rated online experience
- 24/7 support is critical for your success
- You can afford slightly higher tuition for premium services
- You value innovation in online learning technology
- You're military or a veteran seeking military-friendly options
- You want the most affordable quality program
- You need maximum credit transfer flexibility
- You're interested in federal/government cloud roles
- You value the prestige of a well-known university brand
- Alumni networking is important for your career goals
- You want access to research university resources
- You prefer programs with long-established reputations
- You want the most affordable option
- You can learn quickly and want to accelerate graduation
- You prefer competency-based education
- You already have significant IT experience
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative to a Cloud Computing Degree
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers, typically lasting 3-6 months. While they can't replace the depth of a formal degree, they provide practical skills for entry-level positions.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program designed to teach practical programming and tech skills. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus on job-ready skills and real-world projects.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking for a fast entry into tech
- Professionals wanting to add coding skills
- Those who prefer hands-on learning over academics
- Budget-conscious learners
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Explore Bootcamps with Springboard
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund.
Programs for Cloud Computing careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
- Data Science Career Track
- Cybersecurity Career Track
We may earn a commission when you use our affiliate link and coupon.
Software Engineering Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·9 months
- Curriculum designed by Colt Steele, industry veteran
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
Affiliate link · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloud Computing Degrees
Data Sources and Methodology
Institution type, enrollment, tuition and fees data
Six-year graduation rates for distance education students
Salary data for cloud computing and related occupations
Online program enrollment and outcomes data
Verification of cloud platform partnerships
Taylor Rupe
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.