- 1.Information Technology professionals earn a median salary of $104,600/year, with 15% job growth projected through 2032—much faster than average.
- 2.Our top-ranked information technology programs are Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Washington-Seattle Campus—selected based on graduation rates, program size, and career outcomes.
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers information technology degrees at just $4,478/year with a 93% graduation rate.
- 4.556 accredited information technology programs available nationwide, with options at every degree level from associate's to doctoral.
- 5.Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree; master's degrees unlock senior roles with 20-40% higher salaries and leadership opportunities.
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, IPEDS 2023
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10
These are the best information technology 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.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10
Carnegie Mellon University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
CMU's IT programs uniquely leverage the university's position as birthplace of many transformational technologies—from artificial intelligence and robotics to machine learning and neural networks—providing students unparalleled access to the researchers and labs where tomorrow's digital innovations are created today.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon's Information Technology programs represent a convergence of the university's world-renowned computer science leadership with practical business applications and social impact. The flagship Information Systems (IS) undergraduate program, jointly offered between Heinz College and Dietrich College, combines rigorous technical training with humanities and social sciences to produce graduates who can envision and drive technological change in organizations. For graduate students, CMU offers the Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS), a STEM-designated 12-16 month program that creates IT strategy leaders through four specialization tracks: Data Analytics, Information Security, Technology Strategy & Governance, and Software and Networked Systems. The Master of Science in Health Care Analytics & Information Technology (MSHCA) targets the rapidly growing healthcare informatics sector, while specialized programs through the Language Technologies Institute advance natural language processing and computational linguistics research.
What sets CMU's IT programs apart is their integration across multiple top-tier colleges and institutes, allowing students unprecedented access to cutting-edge research in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. The programs emphasize real-world application through required capstone projects where student teams partner with companies to solve strategic problems. With an average starting salary of nearly $120,000 for MITS graduates and strong placement rates across all programs, CMU's IT education combines academic rigor with immediate professional relevance in an increasingly digital world.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cutting-edge security and privacy research with experts from multiple disciplines collaborating on AI security, IoT devices, and blockchain
Natural language processing, computational linguistics, machine translation, speech processing, and multimodal computing
Political science and international relations with focus on technology strategy and governance
Location Advantages
- •Access to Pittsburgh's growing tech corridor
- •Strong connections to government contractors and consulting firms
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Oracle, Microsoft, Barclays, Deloitte, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Berkeley
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Berkeley's School of Information is uniquely positioned as both a global bellwether in information science and a bridge between world-class laboratory research and Silicon Valley innovation, with deep connections to state policymakers and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Overview
UC Berkeley's School of Information stands as a global bellwether in the information age, offering four graduate degrees that bridge technology with social impact. The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) is a two-year full-time program based in the iconic South Hall, training interdisciplinary information professionals who combine computer science, cognitive science, psychology, economics, and policy. The Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) delivers a 20-month online program for working professionals, distinguished by its disciplinary breadth that goes beyond mathematics and modeling to include social science and policy research. The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is also a 20-month online program preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex challenges in both private and government sectors. The school also offers a Ph.D. in Information Science for next-generation scholars.
What sets Berkeley's I School apart is its commitment to translating fundamental research into real-world solutions. The school houses several active research centers including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC), the Center for Technology, Society & Policy, and the BioSENSE Lab. Faculty and doctoral students conduct cutting-edge research across areas from human-computer interaction to information policy, keeping the school at the vanguard of contemporary information needs. The school's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides unparalleled access to Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem while maintaining the rigorous academic standards of a top-tier research university.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Long-term cybersecurity research and policy
Technology policy and societal impact research
Biosensing and health technology research
Location Advantages
- •Located in UC Berkeley's South Hall
- •Deep ties to Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem
- •Connections to state and national policymakers
- •Access to San Francisco Bay Area tech companies
Career Outcomes
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UW's Information School uniquely combines technical expertise with social science perspectives, offering one of the few undergraduate programs that equally emphasizes the human side of technology alongside technical skills, while UW Tacoma provides the only ABET-accredited IT program in the region with mandatory industry internships.
Program Overview
The University of Washington's Information School offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Informatics, uniquely positioned at the intersection of people, information, and technology. Located in Mary Gates Hall, this program prepares students to design, build, manage, and secure information systems through an experiential learning approach emphasizing problem-solving, group work, and real-world applications. Students can choose from three specialized tracks: the standard Informatics degree, Biomedical and Health Informatics (developed in partnership with UW Medicine's BIME department), or Data Science. The curriculum combines technical skills with social science perspectives, requiring courses from computer science, statistics, and information architecture. Meanwhile, UW Tacoma offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, focusing on practical, application-based learning in system design, networking, security, and web development. This program emphasizes hands-on experience including mandatory internships and real-world problem-solving.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Seattle tech hub with direct access to major technology companies
- •Strong connections to Pacific Northwest technology ecosystem
- •Government and research institution partnerships
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Salesforce, DocuSign
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Illinois operates one of the nation's premier information schools with a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced technical skills with deep understanding of organizational and social challenges, producing graduates who work at major tech companies and organizations worldwide.
University of Maryland-College Park
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UMD is #1 in the USA for producing computer science and information science bachelor's degrees among non-online universities, with unique access to 400+ top industry partners and federal agencies in the National Capital Region including NSA, NIST, and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences.
Cornell University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Cornell pioneered the interdisciplinary study of information science with its unique approach of examining technology through social, cultural, and human lenses - combining technical mastery with critical thinking about technology's impact on society.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
279 information technology graduates annually
University of California-San Diego
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UCSD's CSE program operates within the prestigious Jacobs School of Engineering at a top-10 public university, offering unique access to cutting-edge research facilities including the Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space where students can collaborate directly with industry startups and established companies in a 6,000-square-foot incubation facility.
University of Central Florida
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UCF's IT program uniquely positions students at America's Space University, where they contribute to groundbreaking space technologies and work alongside NASA partnerships, while being embedded in Central Florida Research Park with over 12,300 employees collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
Syracuse University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Syracuse University's iSchool boasts the highest job placement rate (96%) and starting salaries of any school at the university, with graduates earning an average of $80,243 upon graduation - significantly above the national average for IT programs.
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 →
Who Should Study Information Technology?
Information technology is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on work with technology, prefer practical problem-solving over theoretical concepts, and want to work directly with systems that support business operations. You don't need extensive programming background—IT focuses more on configuration, administration, and troubleshooting than software development.
- Hands-on learners who prefer configuring systems over writing code from scratch
- Problem solvers who enjoy troubleshooting and fixing technology issues
- Organized thinkers who can manage complex infrastructure and documentation
- People-focused technologists who want to support users and business operations
- Career-focused students seeking stable, well-paying jobs with clear advancement paths
IT is perfect for students who want technology careers without heavy mathematics requirements. While some programming is taught, the emphasis is on using and managing existing systems rather than building new software from scratch.
Information Technology Degree Levels Compared
IT degrees are available at multiple levels, each designed for different career goals and experience levels. Many programs integrate industry certifications into coursework.
Information Technology Programs by Degree Level
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
Best Information Technology Programs - Bachelor's
A bachelor's degree in information technology is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
319 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 92.5
Carnegie Mellon University
63 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 85.6
University of Maryland-College Park
661 graduates, 84% grad rate, Score: 84.9
4. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 84.3, Tuition: $65,204
5. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.9, Tuition: $11,834
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 79.4, Tuition: $14,768
7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 79.0, Tuition: $17,977
8. University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) - Score: 78.9, Tuition: $4,478
9. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 78.6, Tuition: $61,310
10. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) - Score: 77.9, Tuition: $19,672
Best Information Technology Programs - Master's
A master's degree in information technology prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 3 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
847 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 100.0
University of California-Berkeley
599 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 100.0
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
405 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 95.0
4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 92.8, Tuition: $14,768
5. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 83.9, Tuition: $65,204
6. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 83.0, Tuition: $17,977
7. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 77.7, Tuition: $61,310
8. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX) - Score: 75.8, Tuition: $14,564
9. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) - Score: 74.4, Tuition: $9,889
10. University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) - Score: 73.4, Tuition: $7,070
Best Information Technology Programs - Online
Online information technology programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 3 Online
University of California-Berkeley
599 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 100.0
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
319 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 92.5
Carnegie Mellon University
63 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 85.6
4. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) - Score: 84.9, Tuition: $9,889
5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 84.4, Tuition: $14,768
6. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 84.3, Tuition: $65,204
7. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.9, Tuition: $11,834
8. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 79.0, Tuition: $17,977
9. University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) - Score: 78.9, Tuition: $4,478
10. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 78.6, Tuition: $61,310
Best Information Technology Programs - Associate's
An associate's degree in information technology 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.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 3 Associate's
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
171 graduates, 84% grad rate, Score: 57.7
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
14 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 56.1
Utah State University
4 graduates, 100% grad rate, Score: 51.5
4. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 50.9, Tuition: $5,514
5. The University of Montana (Missoula, MT) - Score: 50.2, Tuition: $5,736
6. Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) - Score: 49.5, Tuition: $2,095
7. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College (Blue Ash, OH) - Score: 49.4, Tuition: $6,161
8. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 48.2, Tuition: $1,104
9. Valencia College (Orlando, FL) - Score: 48.1, Tuition: $1,984
10. Dakota State University (Madison, SD) - Score: 47.4, Tuition: $7,616
Best Information Technology Programs - Graduate
Graduate programs in information technology (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 3 Graduate
Carnegie Mellon University
12 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 85.4
University of California-Berkeley
3 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 82.8
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
13 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 81.5
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-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $11,834
10. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) - Score: 65.8, Tuition: $10,095
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs
Looking for quality information technology 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.
Top 5 Most Affordable Information Technology Programs
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 157.8 | 93% |
| 2 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 148.4 | 85% |
| 3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $4,640 | 130.8 | — |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 125.8 | 76% |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 123.6 | 66% |
Information Technology Career Outcomes
IT graduates enter a diverse field with strong job security and growth prospects. The BLS projects 15% overall growth for computer and information technology occupations through 2032—much faster than average. IT careers span from hands-on technical roles to management positions overseeing technology strategy.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Configure, manage, and maintain computer networks, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational information systems from security threats and cyber attacks.
Computer Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers for organizations.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems to store and organize organizational data.
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
Computer Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical assistance and support for computer systems, hardware, and software.
Information Technology Curriculum Overview
IT programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning with real-world technology systems. Coursework balances technical skills with business understanding and communication abilities essential for supporting organizational technology needs.
- Networking Fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, network design and troubleshooting
- Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux administration, virtualization technologies
- Database Systems: SQL, database design, backup and recovery, data management
- Cybersecurity: Security principles, risk assessment, incident response, compliance
- Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud platform administration and migration
- Project Management: IT project lifecycle, budgeting, vendor management, team leadership
- Help Desk & Support: Troubleshooting methodology, customer service, ticketing systems
Most programs integrate industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and vendor-specific credentials from Microsoft, Cisco, or Amazon. Many require capstone projects, internships, or practicum experiences. For detailed curriculum breakdown, see our IT curriculum guide.
Information Technology Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Information Technology vs Related Fields
IT focuses on managing and maintaining technology infrastructure rather than creating new software. IT professionals ensure systems run reliably, users can work productively, and organizations can leverage technology effectively.
The skill set emphasizes breadth over depth—IT professionals need working knowledge of networking, security, databases, operating systems, cloud services, and end-user support. This generalist approach suits people who enjoy variety and problem-solving across different technical domains.
IT career paths often lead to management earlier than development roles. IT managers, directors, and CIOs need to understand technology broadly, communicate with non-technical stakeholders, and align technology with business goals—skills IT programs emphasize.
Which Should You Choose?
- You prefer managing and maintaining technology over creating it
- You want hands-on work with networks, servers, and infrastructure
- You enjoy troubleshooting and supporting business operations
- You prefer practical skills over theoretical computer science
- You want to develop software and create new technology
- You enjoy algorithms, programming, and mathematical problem-solving
- You want maximum career flexibility across tech roles
- You're comfortable with theoretical foundations and abstract thinking
- You're specifically interested in protecting systems from threats
- You want to specialize in security analysis and incident response
- You're detail-oriented and enjoy investigating security breaches
- You want to work in the fastest-growing area of IT
- You want to bridge technology and business strategy
- You're interested in data analysis and business intelligence
- You prefer business applications of technology over infrastructure
- You want management and consulting opportunities
Is an Information Technology Degree Worth It?
For most students interested in technology careers, yes. IT offers excellent job security, competitive salaries, and clear career progression paths. Unlike some tech fields, IT has consistent demand across all industries since every organization needs technology infrastructure and support.
When it's worth it: You enjoy hands-on technology work, prefer practical problem-solving, and want stable career prospects with advancement opportunities. IT degrees provide structured learning, industry connections, and credential recognition that self-taught paths often lack.
Consider alternatives if: You're primarily interested in software development (consider computer science or coding bootcamps), you have extensive IT experience and just need certifications, or you're certain about a specific specialization like cybersecurity.
The combination of steady 15% job growth, $101,510 median salary, and 377,500 annual job openings makes IT degrees one of the most reliable paths to middle-class technology careers.
Alternative Paths to IT Careers
While an IT degree provides comprehensive preparation, alternative paths exist for those with different goals, timelines, or experience levels
- Industry Certifications — CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and vendor-specific credentials
- CompTIA A+ Certification Guide — Entry-level hardware and software fundamentals
- CompTIA Network+ Guide — Networking skills for infrastructure roles
- CompTIA Security+ Guide — Security fundamentals for all IT roles
- AWS Certifications Roadmap — Cloud skills for modern infrastructure
- CISSP Certification Guide — Advanced security for senior roles
Many IT professionals combine formal education with certifications throughout their careers. Starting with certifications while pursuing a degree can accelerate career entry and provide practical experience employers value.
Information Technology Degree FAQ
Based on 485 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES 2024, NSA CAE Database
Number of information technology graduates from IPEDS 2023, indicating program resources and faculty depth
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, measuring student success
State-level salary data from BLS OES 2024 for relevant occupations
Carnegie Classification with bonus for R1 research universities
NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation for cybersecurity programs, ABET accreditation for engineering
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Completeness of reported metrics to IPEDS
Related Resources
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.