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Victor Valley College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Victorville, CAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 62% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 62% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,402 in-state tuition
- 33 graduates annually
On this page
Key Takeaways
- 1.An associate's degree in information technology costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs, averaging $3,009/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Northern Virginia Community College, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, Bellevue College, selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level information technology technician positions start at $35,000 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working, many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Quick Answer: Is an Associate's Degree in Information Technology Worth It?
Answer
Yes - $45,500 starting salary, 60% lower cost
Source: An associate's degree in information technology is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Information Technology?
An associate's degree in information technology offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists earn a median salary of $60,340 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $38,780.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: -3% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 729,500 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level information technology positions start at $38,780, with experienced professionals earning up to $98,010 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs - Top 10
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Santa Fe College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Gainesville, FLPublic
$134,050 median salary · 53% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 53% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,872 in-state tuition
- 25 graduates annually
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Gaston College
Associate's in Information TechnologyFully online
Dallas, NCPublic
$134,050 median salary · 63% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 63% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $2,432 in-state tuition
- 32 graduates annually
#4
Eastern Florida State College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Melbourne, FLPublic
$134,050 median salary · 52% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 52% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $2,048 in-state tuition
- 17 graduates annually
#5
Miami Dade College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Miami, FLPublic
$134,050 median salary · 46% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 46% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,987 in-state tuition
- 42 graduates annually
#6
Valencia College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Orlando, FLPublic
$134,050 median salary · 48% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 48% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $2,467 in-state tuition
- 52 graduates annually
#7
NUC University
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profit
$134,050 median salary · 54% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 54% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $11,885 in-state tuition
- 32 graduates annually
#8
Chabot College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Hayward, CAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 47% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 47% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,104 in-state tuition
- 25 graduates annually
#9
San Diego Miramar College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
San Diego, CAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 48% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 48% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,104 in-state tuition
- 11 graduates annually
#10
Diablo Valley College
Associate's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Pleasant Hill, CAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 49% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 49% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $1,288 in-state tuition
- 7 graduates annually
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data
#1. Victor Valley College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Victor Valley College's associate's information technology program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Victorville, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,402/year | Graduation Rate: 62% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 93.8
#2. Santa Fe College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Santa Fe College's associate's information technology program #2. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,872/year | Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 92.2
#3. Gaston College — Associate's Information Technology (Online)
Hakia ranks Gaston College's online associate's information technology program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Dallas, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,432/year | Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.6
#4. Eastern Florida State College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Eastern Florida State College's associate's information technology program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Melbourne, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,048/year | Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.4
#5. Miami Dade College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Miami Dade College's associate's information technology program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Miami, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,987/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.4
#6. Valencia College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Valencia College's associate's information technology program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,467/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.3
#7. NUC University — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks NUC University's associate's information technology program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Bayamon, PR | Type: Private for-profit | Tuition: $11,885/year | Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.0
#8. Chabot College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Chabot College's associate's information technology program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Hayward, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 90.2
#9. San Diego Miramar College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks San Diego Miramar College's associate's information technology program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 89.1
#10. Diablo Valley College — Associate's Information Technology
Hakia ranks Diablo Valley College's associate's information technology program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pleasant Hill, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 89.0
Full Information Technology Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Information Technology Victor Valley CollegeVictorville, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,402 | 62% | $134,050 | 93.8 |
| #2 | Associate's in Information Technology Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,872 | 53% | $134,050 | 92.2 |
| #3 | Associate's in Information Technology Gaston CollegeDallas, NC · Public | Online | $2,432 | 63% | $134,050 | 91.6 |
| #4 | Associate's in Information Technology Eastern Florida State CollegeMelbourne, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,048 | 52% | $134,050 | 91.4 |
| #5 | Associate's in Information Technology Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,987 | 46% | $134,050 | 91.4 |
| #6 | Associate's in Information Technology Valencia CollegeOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,467 | 48% | $134,050 | 91.3 |
| #7 | Associate's in Information Technology NUC UniversityBayamon, PR · Private for-profit | On-campus | $11,885 | 54% | $134,050 | 91.0 |
| #8 | Associate's in Information Technology Chabot CollegeHayward, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 47% | $134,050 | 90.2 |
| #9 | Associate's in Information Technology San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 48% | $134,050 | 89.1 |
| #10 | Associate's in Information Technology Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 49% | $134,050 | 89.0 |
| #11 | Associate's in Information Technology El Camino Community College DistrictTorrance, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 42% | $134,050 | 88.6 |
| #12 | Associate's in Information Technology Cuesta CollegeSan Luis Obispo, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 48% | $134,050 | 88.0 |
| #13 | Associate's in Information Technology Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce, FL · Public | Online | $2,496 | 45% | $134,050 | 87.9 |
| #14 | Associate's in Information Technology Mt San Antonio CollegeWalnut, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 45% | $134,050 | 87.3 |
| #15 | Associate's in Information Technology Sandhills Community CollegePinehurst, NC · Public | On-campus | $1,824 | 53% | $134,050 | 86.9 |
| #16 | Associate's in Information Technology Las Positas CollegeLivermore, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 53% | $134,050 | 86.8 |
| #17 | Associate's in Information Technology Vance-Granville Community CollegeHenderson, NC · Public | Online | $1,824 | 53% | $134,050 | 86.7 |
| #18 | Associate's in Information Technology Isothermal Community CollegeSpindale, NC · Public | Online | $1,824 | 55% | $134,050 | 86.6 |
| #19 | Associate's in Information Technology Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,968 | 39% | $134,050 | 86.2 |
| #20 | Associate's in Information Technology Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IN · Public | On-campus | $5,154 | 40% | $134,050 | 86.2 |
| #21 | Associate's in Information Technology Wilkes Community CollegeWilkesboro, NC · Public | On-campus | $2,432 | 55% | $134,050 | 86.0 |
| #22 | Associate's in Information Technology Wayne Community CollegeGoldsboro, NC · Public | Online | $2,432 | 49% | $134,050 | 85.7 |
| #23 | Associate's in Information Technology Montgomery Community CollegeTroy, NC · Public | On-campus | $2,432 | 84% | $134,050 | 85.6 |
| #24 | Associate's in Information Technology Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville, NC · Public | Online | $1,824 | 46% | $134,050 | 85.4 |
| #25 | Associate's in Information Technology Coastal Carolina Community CollegeJacksonville, NC · Public | On-campus | $2,432 | 49% | $134,050 | 85.3 |
| #26 | Associate's in Information Technology East Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,196 | 37% | $134,050 | 85.2 |
| #27 | Associate's in Information Technology Randolph Community CollegeAsheboro, NC · Public | Online | $2,280 | 58% | $134,050 | 84.9 |
| #28 | Associate's in Information Technology Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UT · Public | On-campus | $6,186 | 61% | $134,050 | 84.9 |
| #29 | Associate's in Information Technology Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, CO · Private nonprofit | Online | $27,631 | 64% | $134,050 | 84.8 |
| #30 | Associate's in Information Technology Saint Johns River State CollegePalatka, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,892 | 49% | $134,050 | 84.7 |
| #31 | Associate's in Information Technology Durham Technical Community CollegeDurham, NC · Public | On-campus | $2,078 | 45% | $134,050 | 84.7 |
| #32 | Associate's in Information Technology College of Central FloridaOcala, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,987 | 44% | $134,050 | 84.5 |
| #33 | Associate's in Information Technology St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL · Public | Online | $1,943 | 38% | $134,050 | 84.5 |
| #34 | Associate's in Information Technology Butte CollegeOroville, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 45% | $134,050 | 84.4 |
| #35 | Associate's in Information Technology Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,095 | 37% | $134,050 | 84.4 |
| #36 | Associate's in Information Technology Santiago Canyon CollegeOrange, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 48% | $134,050 | 84.3 |
| #37 | Associate's in Information Technology Chaffey CollegeRancho Cucamonga, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 36% | $134,050 | 84.2 |
| #38 | Associate's in Information Technology Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,072 | 43% | $134,050 | 84.2 |
| #39 | Associate's in Information Technology Cosumnes River CollegeSacramento, CA · Public | On-campus | — | 40% | $134,050 | 84.1 |
| #40 | Associate's in Information Technology Skyline CollegeSan Bruno, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 44% | $134,050 | 83.9 |
| #41 | Associate's in Information Technology Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH · Public | On-campus | $9,790 | 50% | $134,050 | 83.9 |
| #42 | Associate's in Information Technology Mission CollegeSanta Clara, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,380 | 39% | $134,050 | 83.5 |
| #43 | Associate's in Information Technology Columbia CollegeVienna, VA · Private for-profit | Online | — | 80% | $134,050 | 83.5 |
| #44 | Associate's in Information Technology College of the SequoiasVisalia, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 39% | $134,050 | 83.4 |
| #45 | Associate's in Information Technology Blue Ridge Community CollegeFlat Rock, NC · Public | Online | $2,432 | 50% | $134,050 | 83.4 |
| #46 | Associate's in Information Technology Utah State UniversityLogan, UT · Public | On-campus | $7,627 | 59% | $134,050 | 83.4 |
| #47 | Associate's in Information Technology Lake-Sumter State CollegeLeesburg, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,292 | 48% | $134,050 | 83.2 |
| #48 | Associate's in Information Technology Craven Community CollegeNew Bern, NC · Public | On-campus | $1,824 | 48% | $134,050 | 83.2 |
| #49 | Associate's in Information Technology Tri-County Community CollegeMurphy, NC · Public | On-campus | $2,304 | 54% | $134,050 | 83.0 |
| #50 | Associate's in Information Technology Imperial Valley CollegeImperial, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 45% | $134,050 | 82.9 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
Top States for Information Technology Associate's Programs
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $16,700
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $13,700
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $19,700
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Maryland
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $9,200
Best Information Technology Associate's Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $35,700
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job with just an associate's degree in information technology?
Yes. Entry-level information technology (IT) technician and support roles are available to associate's degree holders. Median starting salary is $45,500 (BLS, 2024). However, advancement to senior roles requires a bachelor's degree or significant experience.
How much does an associate's degree cost?
Community college tuition averages $3,500-5,000 per year for in-district students. Total program cost is $7,000-15,000, compared to $45,500-50,50 for a bachelor's degree.
Can I transfer my associate's credits to a 4-year university?
Yes. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with state universities. 33% of associate's graduates transfer agreements before enrolling.
How long does it take to complete an associate's degree?
Full-time students complete in 2 years (4 semesters). Part-time students may take 3-4 years. Accelerated programs can finish in 18 months with year-round enrollment.
Is an associate's degree better than a bootcamp?
It depends on your goals. Associate's degrees offer broader education, transfer pathways, and wider employer recognition. Bootcamps are faster but limited to specific roles. Associate's is better for long-term career flexibility.
How We Rank Information Technology Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Victor Valley College's Associate's in Information Technology tops our list of 50 associate information technology programs. We fold federal graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition figures into a single 0 to 100 score applied identically to every school. 11 of them can be earned fully online.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for information technology graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
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.