- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best information technology bachelor's degree programs reveals that iT Managers earn a median salary of $98,740 with 15% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Technology programs include University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Maryland-College Park based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers information technology education at $11,524/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Technology programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 319 students annually with an impressive 97% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research and Clean Energy Institute. Industry connections include partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing. Access to Seattle's thriving tech ecosystem
Hakia Insight: University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn $151,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Interdisciplinary research and education in information technology materials and devices
Next-generation solar energy, battery materials and devices, and grid integration
Transform conventional and quantum optoelectronics through atomically-precise semiconductor materials
Complex nanomaterials for information processing, sensing, energy, and research tools
Scalable software libraries for simulating molecular structures on extreme-scale computing systems
Data-intensive discovery and data science techniques for large, complex, and noisy data
Design, fabrication, and integration of scalable nano-engineered devices and systems
Location Advantages
- •Access to Seattle's thriving tech ecosystem
- •Proximity to major technology companies like Amazon and Microsoft
- •Connection to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- •Access to Boeing Advanced Research Center
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Meta
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
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.
Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #2 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
Carnegie Mellon University's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 63 students annually with an impressive 98% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute and Language Technologies Institute. Industry connections include partnerships with Oracle, Microsoft, Apple.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
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
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, ServiceNow
Admissions
University of Maryland-College Park
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.
University of Maryland-College Park Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Maryland-College Park as the #3 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of Maryland-College Park's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 661 students annually with an impressive 84% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Digital Innovation, Technology & Strategy and Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory. Industry connections include partnerships with IBM, Google, CIA. Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnerships
Hakia Insight: University of Maryland-College Park's direct partnerships with IBM and Google give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Digital innovation and technology strategy
Transportation big data and data analytics
Human-computer interaction research and teaching
Understanding human behavior in urban environments using crowdsourced data
Big data, computer vision, healthcare, and financial transactions
Individual and group behavior in economic environments
Computer vision and language and media processing
Survey methods, measurement, information management, and analytics
Artificial intelligence applications for industrial use
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnerships
- •Access to Baltimore-Washington population center
- •Federal government agency collaboration opportunities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IBM, Google, Library of Congress, National Archives, Smithsonian
Admissions
Cornell University
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.
Cornell University Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #4 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
Cornell University's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 184 students annually with an impressive 95% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Artificial Intelligence and Business & Entrepreneurship. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Amazon, Facebook.
Hakia Insight: Cornell University graduates earn $94,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI research
business applications
data science
human-computer interaction
technology law
design and prototyping
cybersecurity
ethical technology
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Bloomberg
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
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 California-San Diego Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of California-San Diego's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 207 students annually with an impressive 81% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Computer Vision and Graphics Lab and Systems and Networking Group. Industry connections include partnerships with Comhear, Inc., Technosylva, RAM Photonics LLC. Proximity to San Diego biotech corridor
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer vision and graphics
Computer systems and networking
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to San Diego biotech corridor
- •Access to Qualcomm and telecommunications companies
- •Strong startup ecosystem in La Jolla
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Amazon, Facebook
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as the #6 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 107 students annually with an impressive 90% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Coordinated Science Laboratory and Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center. Industry connections include partnerships with United Airlines, Twitch, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Hakia Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $109,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Information technology at the crossroads of circuits, computing, control, and communications
Quantum computing and information science research
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
United Airlines, Twitch, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Boston Red Sox
Admissions
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
UM-Dearborn's Information Systems and Technology program uniquely positions students at the intersection of traditional engineering and digital transformation, with direct access to Detroit's automotive industry evolution and Michigan's broader technology corridor.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as the #7 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 172 students annually with an impressive 92% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Computer Science and Engineering Division, Secure Systems Laboratory. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Amazon. Proximity to Google Ann Arbor office and regional tech hub
Hakia Insight: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Systems security, cryptography, and secure software engineering
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Google Ann Arbor office and regional tech hub
- •Dense concentration of software and IT companies in southeastern Michigan
- •Access to major cloud computing and systems companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Central Florida
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.
University of Central Florida Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #8 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
University of Central Florida's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 299 students annually with an impressive 93% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Center for Research in Computer Vision. Industry connections include partnerships with NASA, Siemens, Lockheed Martin.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida graduates earn $93,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer vision and artificial intelligence research
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin
Admissions
Syracuse University
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.
Syracuse University Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Syracuse University as the #9 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
Syracuse University's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 166 students annually with an impressive 99% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Building Energy and Environmental Systems Lab (BEESL) and Smart Grid & Power System Research Lab. Industry connections include partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, Disney.
Hakia Insight: Syracuse University graduates earn $80,243, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Indoor environmental quality, building energy efficiency, and building protection technologies
Solar and wind integration into smart grid systems and emerging grid challenges
Computer vision, embedded systems, sensor networks, and wireless technologies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's College of IST was one of the first information schools in the world (opened 1999) and emphasizes solving real-world problems at the intersection of information, technology, and people through an interdisciplinary approach.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Bachelor's Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #10 bachelor's in information technology degree program.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's undergraduate Information Technology program graduates 489 students annually with an impressive 87% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics and Informatics and Intelligent Systems.
Hakia Insight: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn $76,500, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Creating and evaluating interactive systems and studying the affective aspects of user experience
Advancing the capacity to model intelligent behavior and harnessing, applying, and integrating the insights of big data
Detecting and removing threats of information misuse, enhancing predictability and trust, and understanding online privacy
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 92.5
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn $151,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
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: Bachelors in Information Technology; Master of Science in Information Systems; Master Supply Chain Management; PhD in Information Systems; PhD in Operations Management; Technology Management MBA; Full-time MBA
Research Labs: Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research - Interdisciplinary research and education in information technology materials and devices; Clean Energy Institute - Next-generation solar energy, battery materials and devices, and grid integration; Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand - Transform conventional and quantum optoelectronics through atomically-precise semiconductor materials; Molecular Engineering Materials Center - Complex nanomaterials for information processing, sensing, energy, and research tools; Center for Scalable Predictive Methods for Excitations and Correlated Phenomena - Scalable software libraries for simulating molecular structures on extreme-scale computing systems; eScience Institute - Data-intensive discovery and data science techniques for large, complex, and noisy data; Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems - Design, fabrication, and integration of scalable nano-engineered devices and systems
Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, T-Mobile, lululemon, Costco, Expedia, Nintendo, Nordstrom, NVIDIA, PACCAR, Remitly, Starbucks, Zillow, Deloitte, Apple, EY, Nestlé USA, Salesforce
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 89% | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, Deloitte, Starbucks | Common Roles: Technology Management, Operations Management, Information Systems, Consulting, Product Management
Notable Faculty: Dr. Yong Tan (Information Systems and Operations Management)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA, 2.0 minimum in each prerequisite course | Acceptance Rate: Capacity constrained - competitive admission
Accreditations: ABET
#2. Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #2 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 85.6
What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
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: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (4 years); Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS) (12-16 months); Master of Science in Health Care Analytics & Information Technology (MSHCA) (varies)
Research Labs: CyLab Security and Privacy Institute - Cutting-edge security and privacy research with experts from multiple disciplines collaborating on AI security, IoT devices, and blockchain; Language Technologies Institute - Natural language processing, computational linguistics, machine translation, speech processing, and multimodal computing; Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology - Political science and international relations with focus on technology strategy and governance
Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, ServiceNow, Barclays, Deloitte, DoorDash, Visa
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, ServiceNow, Barclays, Deloitte, DoorDash, Visa | Common Roles: Associate Product Manager, Program Manager, Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Military Cyber Operations Officer, AI and Machine Learning Engineer, Business Technology Analyst
Notable Faculty: Joe Mertz (Faculty Director); Gary DiLisio (Director of Undergraduate Education); Dr. Mark Gardner (CMIST graduate program manager)
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for MITS program
#3. University of Maryland-College Park Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Maryland-College Park as the #3 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: College Park, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,889/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 84.9
What makes University of Maryland-College Park stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Maryland-College Park's direct partnerships with IBM and Google give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: The University of Maryland-College Park offers a comprehensive Information Technology ecosystem through its College of Information Studies (iSchool) and Robert H. Smith School of Business. The flagship program is the Bachelor of Science in Information Science (InfoSci), a 4-year degree requiring 120 credits that uniquely blends technical skills in database design, cybersecurity, and web development with social sciences and humanities. The program stands out for its hands-on learning approach with over 400 industry partners and access to world-renowned research centers. For graduate students, the Smith School offers both in-person and online Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) programs - a 3-semester, 30-credit STEM-designated degree that focuses on AI, data analytics, and business-technology leadership. What sets UMD apart is its strategic location in the National Capital Region, surrounded by federal agencies like NSA, NIST, and major tech firms. The InfoSci program is the fastest-growing undergraduate program at UMD, while the university ranks #1 in the USA for producing computer science and information science bachelor's degrees among non-online universities. Students benefit from partnerships with the Laboratory for Physical Sciences, quantum computing initiatives, and direct access to government and industry professionals who regularly engage in curriculum development and project collaboration.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Information Technology; Information Systems Major (4 years); Operations Management & Business Analytics Major (4 years); MS in Information Systems; MS in Business Analytics; Online MS in Business Analytics; PhD Program
Research Labs: Center for Digital Innovation, Technology & Strategy - Digital innovation and technology strategy; Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory - Transportation big data and data analytics; Human Computer Interaction Lab - Human-computer interaction research and teaching; Urban Computing Lab - Understanding human behavior in urban environments using crowdsourced data; Center for Machine Learning - Big data, computer vision, healthcare, and financial transactions; Experimental Economics Laboratory - Individual and group behavior in economic environments; Center for Automation Research - Computer vision and language and media processing; Social Data Science Center - Survey methods, measurement, information management, and analytics; Industrial AI Center - Artificial intelligence applications for industrial use
Industry Partners: IBM, Google, CIA, National Archives, Smithsonian, Library of Congress, Laboratory for Physical Sciences, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 75% | Top Employers: IBM, Google, Library of Congress, National Archives, Smithsonian, CIA, IMF, Discovery Channel, National Agricultural Library, New York Times, National Geographic
Notable Faculty: S. Raghu Raghavan (Management Science and Operations Management); Wedad Elmaghraby (Operations Management); Kunpeng Zhang (Information Systems)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5 average GPA for MSIS program
#4. Cornell University Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #4 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 84.3
What makes Cornell University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Cornell University graduates earn $94,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: Cornell's Information Technology program spans multiple innovative degree pathways within the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, offering both technical depth and interdisciplinary breadth. The flagship Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology, housed in Cornell Engineering, uniquely combines information systems engineering with human-centered design principles. Students can also pursue Information Science degrees through the College of Arts & Sciences (BA) or College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (BS), each with distinct interdisciplinary focuses. Cornell Tech in NYC extends these opportunities with cutting-edge master's programs that blend technical rigor with entrepreneurial training through their innovative Studio curriculum. The program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on the intersection of technology and humanity, offering specialized concentrations from Data Science and Interactive Technologies to Information Ethics and UX Design. Students engage with world-class research initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and digital policy through centers like the Cornell Center for Data Science and the Program of Computer Graphics. With strong industry partnerships and a 90% employment rate for 2024 graduates earning a mean starting salary of $94,000, Cornell's IT programs prepare students to tackle real-world challenges where technology meets human needs.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Science (4 years); Bachelor of Arts in Information Science (4 years); Master of Professional Studies in Information Science (Variable); PhD in Information Science (Variable)
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence - AI research; Business & Entrepreneurship - business applications; Data & Modeling - data science; Human-Centered Computing - human-computer interaction; Law & Policy - technology law; MakerLAB - design and prototyping; Security & Privacy - cybersecurity; Technology, Society, & Ethics - ethical technology
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Uber, The New York Times, Oscar Health, ZocDoc
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Uber
Admissions:
#5. University of California-San Diego Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 79.9
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: UC San Diego's Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers comprehensive Master of Science programs that reflect the university's position as one of the world's top 15 research institutions. Students can pursue either a Computer Science or Computer Engineering major through three distinct pathways: the traditional Thesis Plan for research-focused students, the Comprehensive Standard Plan for industry preparation, or the innovative Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan that integrates coursework from other departments. The program is structured around rigorous Breadth requirements spanning Theory, Systems, and Applications, plus specialized Depth requirements that ensure expertise in chosen research areas. What sets UCSD apart is its flexibility - these programs accommodate both full-time students and working professionals, with part-time options available for industry practitioners who want to advance their careers while maintaining employment.
Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Thesis Plan (2 years); MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Comprehensive Standard (2 years); MS in Computer Science and Engineering - Comprehensive Interdisciplinary (2 years)
Research Labs: Computer Vision and Graphics Lab - Computer vision and graphics; Systems and Networking Group - Computer systems and networking
Industry Partners: Comhear, Inc., Technosylva, RAM Photonics LLC
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Amazon, Facebook | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Product Manager
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for good academic standing
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as the #6 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Champaign, IL | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,768/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 79.4
What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $109,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a robust Information Sciences program through its highly regarded School of Information Sciences (iSchool), featuring both undergraduate and graduate pathways in information technology and data management. The flagship MS in Information Management (MSIM) is a flexible 40-credit hour program that can be completed in 18-24 months, emphasizing the intersection of people, information, and technology. Students can customize their degree through various pathways including Data Science and Analytics, and Knowledge Management and Information Consulting. The program boasts impressive outcomes with 96% of graduates receiving job offers within 3 months at an average starting salary of $109K. The iSchool also offers specialized programs like MS in Information Sciences, MS in Bioinformatics, and various certificate programs, all taught by nationally recognized faculty who are leaders in information science research.
Degree Programs: MS in Information Management (18-24 months); MS in Information Sciences (2 years); BS in Information Sciences (4 years); MS in Bioinformatics (2 years)
Research Labs: Coordinated Science Laboratory - Information technology at the crossroads of circuits, computing, control, and communications; Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center - Quantum computing and information science research
Industry Partners: United Airlines, Twitch, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Boston Red Sox
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: United Airlines, Twitch, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Boston Red Sox | Common Roles: Database manager, IT analyst, Technology support specialist, Market research analyst, Product manager, Web developer, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Software Engineer
Notable Faculty: Jingrui He (AI, machine learning, information consulting)
Admissions:
#7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as the #7 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $17,977/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 79.0
What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stand out: UM-Dearborn's Information Systems and Technology program uniquely positions students at the intersection of traditional engineering and digital transformation, with direct access to Detroit's automotive industry evolution and Michigan's broader technology corridor.
Hakia Insight: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The University of Michigan-Dearborn's Information Systems and Technology graduate program, housed within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, represents a comprehensive approach to modern IT challenges. This program uniquely bridges technical engineering rigor with practical business applications, leveraging UM-Dearborn's strategic location in the Detroit metropolitan area - a region experiencing significant technological transformation in automotive and manufacturing sectors. Students can pursue focused study in areas ranging from cybersecurity and data science to industrial systems integration, with coursework that emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on implementation. What sets this program apart is its integration with Michigan's broader engineering ecosystem while maintaining strong connections to the automotive industry's digital transformation. The curriculum appears designed for working professionals and traditional students alike, with course offerings that reflect current industry needs in information systems engineering, data analytics, and emerging technologies. The program benefits from UM-Dearborn's position as part of the prestigious University of Michigan system while offering a more intimate learning environment than the flagship Ann Arbor campus.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (with IT focus) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years)
Research Labs: Computer Science and Engineering Division, Secure Systems Laboratory - Systems security, cryptography, and secure software engineering
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Barzan Mozafari (Database systems, query optimization, and data management)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#8. University of Central Florida Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #8 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 78.9
What makes University of Central Florida stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida graduates earn $93,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The University of Central Florida's Information Technology program is housed within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, ranking as the third most popular major by enrollment in that college. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS IT) combines technical depth with practical application, preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Students gain hands-on experience through a structured internship program that allows junior and senior-level students to earn academic credit while working 10-20 hours per week with industry partners for one semester. The program requires foundational courses in database concepts, object-oriented programming, computer science fundamentals, and discrete mathematics, building a solid technical foundation that bridges theory and practice.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Center for Research in Computer Vision - Computer vision and artificial intelligence research
Industry Partners: NASA, Siemens, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: Computer Network Operator, Information Security Analyst, IT Professional, Network Administrator, Support Technician, System Administrator, Web Designer
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for internship eligibility
#9. Syracuse University Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Syracuse University as the #9 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: Syracuse, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,310/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 78.6
What makes Syracuse University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Syracuse University graduates earn $80,243, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: Syracuse University's Information Management and Technology program, housed within the renowned iSchool, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree that bridges the critical gap between technical expertise and business acumen. This 4-year, 120-credit program prepares students to lead digital transformation across industries through hands-on experience with data-driven decision-making, secure information systems, and scalable cloud computing. The program stands out with its mandatory international experience requirement and six specialized concentrations including Data Science, Information Security Management, and Innovation, Design & Startups. Students benefit from real-world learning through partnerships with companies like EY, Synchrony, and Adobe, who collaborate directly on coursework involving actual ethical cases and industry challenges.
Degree Programs: B.S. in Information Management and Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Building Energy and Environmental Systems Lab (BEESL) - Indoor environmental quality, building energy efficiency, and building protection technologies; Smart Grid & Power System Research Lab - Solar and wind integration into smart grid systems and emerging grid challenges; Smart Vision Systems Lab - Computer vision, embedded systems, sensor networks, and wireless technologies
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Amazon, Disney, KPMG, EY, Synchrony, Adobe
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Consultant, Cyber Security Advisory Associate, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Global Technology Analyst, Project Manager and Game Designer, Technology Consultant, Technology Risk Consultant
Admissions:
#10. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Bachelor's Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #10 bachelor's in information technology degree program. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,672/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 77.9
What makes Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus stand out: Penn State's College of IST was one of the first information schools in the world (opened 1999) and emphasizes solving real-world problems at the intersection of information, technology, and people through an interdisciplinary approach.
Hakia Insight: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn $76,500, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The Information Technology B.S. program is a broad-based technical and theoretical degree that prepares students to implement and use information technology to solve problems across various organizations and businesses. Students acquire skills across programming, networking, databases, project management, and information security while considering how technology implementation affects social change and information delivery.
Degree Programs: BS Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics - Creating and evaluating interactive systems and studying the affective aspects of user experience; Informatics and Intelligent Systems - Advancing the capacity to model intelligent behavior and harnessing, applying, and integrating the insights of big data; Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics - Detecting and removing threats of information misuse, enhancing predictability and trust, and understanding online privacy
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 92.5/100 |
| #2 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 85.6/100 |
| #3 University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 84.9/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 84.3/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 79.9/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 92.5 |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 85.6 |
| 3 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 84.9 |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 84.3 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 79.9 |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 79.4 |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 79 |
| 8 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 78.9 |
| 9 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 78.6 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 77.9 |
| 11 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 77.7 |
| 12 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 76.8 |
| 13 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 74.2 |
| 14 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 73.6 |
| 15 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | — | 72.6 |
| 16 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 71.1 |
| 17 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | — | 70.3 |
| 18 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 70.1 |
| 19 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | — | 70.1 |
| 20 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 69.5 |
| 21 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $9,238 | 90% | — | 67.5 |
| 22 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 67.2 |
| 23 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | — | 67 |
| 24 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 67 |
| 25 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Public | $12,850 | 92% | — | 66.5 |
| 26 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 66.2 |
| 27 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $4,640 | — | — | 65.4 |
| 28 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | Public | $15,850 | 98% | — | 65.4 |
| 29 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 65.2 |
| 30 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 64.7 |
| 31 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | 64.5 |
| 32 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 64.3 |
| 33 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 62% | — | 64.2 |
| 34 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | 64.2 |
| 35 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | 98% | — | 63.6 |
| 36 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | Public | $12,656 | 88% | — | 63.6 |
| 37 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | — | 63.5 |
| 38 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 63.1 |
| 39 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | Public | $7,914 | 95% | — | 63 |
| 40 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Private | $37,400 | 99% | — | 63 |
| 41 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | — | 62.9 |
| 42 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | Public | $8,935 | 81% | — | 62.9 |
| 43 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 44 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Public | $9,206 | 67% | — | 62.7 |
| 45 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | Public | $4,450 | 66% | — | 61.8 |
| 46 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | Public | $12,288 | 80% | — | 60.5 |
| 47 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | Tacoma, WA | Public | $11,524 | 92% | — | 60.4 |
| 48 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | — | 60.4 |
| 49 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 60.3 |
| 50 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Public | $4,371 | 94% | — | 60.1 |
IT Degree Rankings Overview: Best Programs for 2026
Information Technology degree programs bridge the gap between technical expertise and business application, preparing graduates for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our comprehensive analysis of 648 ABET-accredited IT bachelor's programs reveals significant differences in quality, cost, and career outcomes across institutions.
The best IT programs combine hands-on technical training with business acumen, covering areas like network administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, database management, and project management. Graduates typically pursue careers as IT managers, systems administrators, network architects, or transition into specialized fields like cybersecurity or cloud computing.
Public universities dominate the affordable rankings, with in-state tuition averaging $9,240/year compared to $38,650 at private institutions. However, top-tier private programs like Carnegie Mellon and RIT justify higher costs through superior job placement rates (95% vs 78% average) and starting salaries that are $15,000-$20,000 higher than the national median.
Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed
A Information Technology bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.
What to Expect Your First Year:
- Introduction to programming fundamentals (typically Python or Java)
- Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
- Computer systems basics and computational thinking
- Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking
Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice—not prior experience.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor's programs typically require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Information Technology major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Common General Education Requirements:
- English Composition (6 credits) — Technical writing skills are essential; 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
- Mathematics (6-12 credits) — Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
- Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) — Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
- Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits) — Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
- Communication (3 credits) — Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings
Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Campus Resources for Students
Top Information Technology programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who utilize campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.
Essential Campus Resources:
- Computer Labs — 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
- Career Services — Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections; top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
- Tutoring Centers — Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses; many offer drop-in hours
- Student Organizations — ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
- Research Opportunities — Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations
When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.
Internships & Co-op Programs
Information Technology internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more—often 3-5x the average rate.
Top Employers for Information Technology Interns:
- Google — $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Amazon — $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Microsoft — $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Meta — $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Apple — $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer—start preparing early.
For salary expectations after graduation, see our IT manager salary guide.
Career Paths
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology teams, manage IT budgets, and oversee system implementations for organizations.
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Configure and maintain computer networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement security protocols.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Manage servers, databases, and enterprise software systems to ensure reliable IT operations.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, implement protective measures, and respond to cyber incidents.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems to ensure data integrity and performance.
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1199Design and implement cloud infrastructure, manage migrations, and optimize cloud environments.
IT Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical assistance to users, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and maintain IT documentation.
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Create custom applications, maintain existing software systems, and collaborate on development projects.
IT Programs by State
Financial Aid Options for IT Students
The average Information Technology bachelor's degree costs $40,000-$160,000 over four years depending on institution type. However, strategic use of financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs by 50-100%. According to Federal Student Aid, 85% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
Federal Aid Options (Complete FAFSA by State Deadline):
- Pell Grants — Up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with financial need; never requires repayment
- Direct Subsidized Loans — Up to $3,500-$5,500/year; government pays interest while enrolled
- Federal Work-Study — Part-time campus jobs, often in IT departments or research labs
- TEACH Grant — $4,000/year if you commit to teaching in high-need schools post-graduation
Information Technology-Specific Scholarships:
- Computing Research Association scholarships — $10,000-$25,000 for underrepresented students
- Corporate scholarships (Google, Microsoft, Intel) — $10,000-$50,000; many include internship guarantees
- Professional association awards (ACM, IEEE) — $1,000-$10,000 based on merit and involvement
- 529 Plan contributions — Tax-advantaged savings; some states offer deductions up to $10,000/year
Bachelor's vs Associate's vs Bootcamp
Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the Information Technology field.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)
- Comprehensive theoretical foundation plus hands-on skills
- Required for most senior/management positions and graduate school
- Median starting salary: $75,000 (NACE 2024)
- Best for: Students seeking long-term career growth and research opportunities
Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)
- Faster entry into entry-level positions
- Many credits transfer to 4-year programs (2+2 pathway)
- Median starting salary: $50,000-$60,000
- Best for: Career changers or those testing interest before committing to 4 years
Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)
- Intensive, job-focused training on current industry tools
- Many offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition
- Median starting salary: $65,000-$80,000 for graduates with strong portfolios
- Best for: Career changers with self-discipline; see our Information Technology bootcamp rankings
For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?
Preparing for Graduate School
A bachelor's in Information Technology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.
Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:
- Maintain GPA above 3.5 — Most competitive programs require 3.3+ minimum; top-10 programs average 3.7+
- Secure research experience — 2+ semesters with faculty dramatically improves PhD admission chances
- Build faculty relationships — You will need 3 strong recommendation letters; start early
- Take graduate-level courses — Many programs allow undergrads to enroll; demonstrates readiness
- Prepare for GRE (if required) — Quantitative scores above 165 expected for top programs
Graduate Degree Options:
- Master's (1-2 years) — Career-focused; average salary boost of $15,000-$25,000; see our best Information Technology master's programs
- PhD (4-6 years) — Research-focused; typically fully funded with $30,000-$45,000 stipend; required for professorships and research scientist roles
- Professional Master's — Industry-sponsored programs (Google, Facebook) combine coursework with company projects
Choose Your IT Program Based on Your Goals
- You want the highest starting salaries and fastest career advancement
- Small class sizes and personalized attention are important to you
- You're comfortable with higher tuition costs for premium outcomes
- You value strong alumni networks and industry connections
- Research opportunities and cutting-edge facilities matter to you
- You want excellent education at a lower cost (especially in-state)
- You prefer larger student bodies with diverse opportunities
- Location in a tech hub is important for internships and jobs
- You value school spirit and traditional college experience
- You want flexibility to explore different specializations
- Cost is your primary concern and you qualify for in-state tuition
- You want to stay close to home or have family obligations
- You prefer smaller public universities with personal attention
- You plan to work in the local or regional job market
- You want a good education without the pressure of elite institutions
- You're working full-time and need scheduling flexibility
- You have family responsibilities that require staying local
- You're changing careers and want to maintain current income
- You prefer self-paced learning and digital collaboration
- Geographic location limits access to quality on-campus programs
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 IT Bachelor's Programs
Student Experience: What Current Students Say
Student reviews provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of IT programs across different institutions. Our analysis of over 1,800 verified reviews reveals consistent themes about program quality, career preparation, and value.
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.