Updated July 28, 2026

Best Information Technology Bachelor's Degree Programs 2026

Compare 648 ABET-accredited Information Technology bachelor's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024 and BLS 2024. Our rankings analyze graduation rates, tuition costs, student-faculty ratios, and career outcomes.

Programs Ranked:648
Median Tuition:$11,820/yr
Avg Graduation Rate:64%
Median Starting Salary:$67,000
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Key Takeaways

  • 1.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 2024 completion data

Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's

🥇

Florida State University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Tallahassee, FLPublic

$134,050 median salary · 86% graduation rate

96.7
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (96.7/100): 86% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $4,640 in-state tuition, 172 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 86% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $4,640 in-state tuition
  • 172 graduates annually
🥈

University of California-San Diego

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
La Jolla, CAPublic

$134,050 median salary · 86% graduation rate

95.7
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.7/100): 86% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $12,260 in-state tuition, 234 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 86% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $12,260 in-state tuition
  • 234 graduates annually
🥉

Cornell University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Ithaca, NYPrivate nonprofit

$134,050 median salary · 95% graduation rate

95.7
Score
$68K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.7/100): 95% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $68,380 in-state tuition, 206 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $68,380 in-state tuition
  • 206 graduates annually
#4

New York University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit

$134,050 median salary · 88% graduation rate

95.5
Score
$63K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.5/100): 88% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $62,796 in-state tuition, 76 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $62,796 in-state tuition
  • 76 graduates annually
#5

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Seattle, WAPublic

$134,050 median salary · 85% graduation rate

95.3
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.3/100): 85% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $11,869 in-state tuition, 107 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 85% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $11,869 in-state tuition
  • 107 graduates annually
#6

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Orlando, FLPublic

$134,050 median salary · 78% graduation rate

95.0
Score
$4K
Tuition/yr
78%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95/100): 78% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $4,478 in-state tuition, 349 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 78% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $4,478 in-state tuition
  • 349 graduates annually
#7

Purdue University-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
West Lafayette, INPublic

$134,050 median salary · 83% graduation rate

94.3
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
83%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.3/100): 83% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $9,718 in-state tuition, 100 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $9,718 in-state tuition
  • 100 graduates annually
#8

Washington University in St Louis

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
St. Louis, MOPrivate nonprofit

$134,050 median salary · 94% graduation rate

93.8
Score
$65K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.8/100): 94% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $64,500 in-state tuition, 25 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $64,500 in-state tuition
  • 25 graduates annually
#9

Binghamton University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Vestal, NYPublic

$134,050 median salary · 82% graduation rate

93.6
Score
$7K
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.6/100): 82% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $7,070 in-state tuition, 21 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 82% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $7,070 in-state tuition
  • 21 graduates annually
#10

University of Connecticut

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Storrs, CTPublic

$134,050 median salary · 83% graduation rate

92.5
Score
$17K
Tuition/yr
83%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.5/100): 83% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $17,010 in-state tuition, 86 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $17,010 in-state tuition
  • 86 graduates annually

Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Florida State University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Florida State University's bachelor's information technology program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tallahassee, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,640/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 96.7

  2. #2. University of California-San Diego — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego's bachelor's information technology program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 95.7

  3. #3. Cornell University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Cornell University's bachelor's information technology program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $68,380/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 95.7

  4. #4. New York University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks New York University's bachelor's information technology program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $62,796/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 95.5

  5. #5. University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus's bachelor's information technology program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,869/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 95.3

  6. #6. University of Central Florida — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of Central Florida's bachelor's information technology program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 95.0

  7. #7. Purdue University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Purdue University-Main Campus's bachelor's information technology program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 94.3

  8. #8. Washington University in St Louis — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Washington University in St Louis's bachelor's information technology program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: St. Louis, MO | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,500/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 93.8

  9. #9. Binghamton University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Binghamton University's bachelor's information technology program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Vestal, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,070/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 93.6

  10. #10. University of Connecticut — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of Connecticut's bachelor's information technology program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Storrs, CT | Type: Public | Tuition: $17,010/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 92.5

Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#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

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$4,64086%$134,05096.7
#2
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26086%$134,05095.7
#3
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$68,38095%$134,05095.7
#4
Bachelor's in Information Technology
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$62,79688%$134,05095.5
#5
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
On-campus$11,86985%$134,05095.3
#6
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47878%$134,05095.0
#7
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
On-campus$9,71883%$134,05094.3
#8
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,50094%$134,05093.8
#9
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07082%$134,05093.6
#10
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
On-campus$17,01083%$134,05092.5
#11
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
On-campus$4,55977%$134,05092.5
#12
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,59694%$134,05092.0
#13
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,83892%$134,05091.7
#14
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,63988%$134,05091.5
#15
Bachelor's in Information Technology
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD · Public
On-campus93%$134,05091.3
#16
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public
On-campus$12,28879%$134,05091.1
#17
Bachelor's in Information Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX · Public
On-campus$10,63976%$134,05091.1
#18
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$63,93088%$134,05091.0
#19
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
On-campus$4,72174%$134,05090.8
#20
Bachelor's in Information Technology
United States Military Academy
West Point, NY · Public
On-campus87%$134,05090.6
#21
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$6,68881%$134,05090.1
#22
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public
On-campus$4,44371%$134,05089.9
#23
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,02087%$134,05089.6
#24
Bachelor's in Information Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
On-campus$16,33473%$134,05089.3
#25
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$62,50084%$134,05088.7
#26
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL · Public
On-campus$3,99669%$134,05088.4
#27
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$62,99082%$134,05088.4
#28
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$50,63675%$134,05088.0
#29
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,23085%$134,05088.0
#30
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX · Private nonprofit
On-campus$61,65086%$134,05087.5
#31
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$58,26070%$134,05087.4
#32
Bachelor's in Information Technology
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
On-campus$8,15080%$134,05086.4
#33
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26076%$134,05086.0
#34
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO · Public
Online$13,65875%$134,05085.9
#35
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX · Public
On-campus$8,93569%$134,05085.6
#36
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Marist University
Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$46,92080%$134,05085.5
#37
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
On-campus$3,81269%$134,05085.2
#38
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK · Private nonprofit
On-campus$48,34072%$134,05085.2
#39
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Strayer University-Florida
Tampa, FL · Private for-profit
Online$13,725100%$134,05084.8
#40
Bachelor's in Information Technology
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit
Online$8,40057%$134,05084.8
#41
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH · Public
Online$11,68575%$134,05084.7
#42
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK · Public
Online$5,41768%$134,05084.4
#43
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Washington University of Science and Technology
Alexandria, VA · Private for-profit
Online$13,36567%$134,05084.4
#44
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA · Public
On-campus$21,98975%$134,05084.3
#45
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
On-campus$51,78080%$134,05084.1
#46
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$50,08473%$134,05084.0
#47
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI · Private nonprofit
On-campus$50,07083%$134,05083.7
#48
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · Public
On-campus$3,73559%$134,05083.3
#49
Bachelor's in Information Technology
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
Online$3,54057%$134,05083.0
#50
Bachelor's in Information Technology
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
Online$10,39268%$134,05082.8

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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. An 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 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.

$67,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+0.22%
Job Growth
682,800
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Network Administrator

SOC 15-1244
+0.03%

Configure and maintain computer networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement security protocols.

Median Salary:$95,360

Systems Administrator

SOC 15-1245
+0.03%

Manage servers, databases, and enterprise software systems to ensure reliable IT operations.

Median Salary:$95,770

Database Administrator

SOC 15-1242
+0.08%

Design, implement, and maintain database systems to ensure data integrity and performance.

Median Salary:$101,000

Cloud Solutions Architect

SOC 15-1199
+0.25%

Design and implement cloud infrastructure, manage migrations, and optimize cloud environments.

Median Salary:$142,610

IT Support Specialist

SOC 15-1232
+0.06%

Provide technical assistance to users, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and maintain IT documentation.

Median Salary:$59,660

IT Programs by State

Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in California
Total Programs
67
Median Tuition
$14,200
Top Program
UC Irvine
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Texas
Total Programs
44
Median Tuition
$10,800
Top Program
University of Texas at Austin
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in New York
Total Programs
38
Median Tuition
$16,500
Top Program
Rochester Institute of Technology
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Florida
Total Programs
32
Median Tuition
$8,900
Top Program
University of South Florida
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania
Total Programs
29
Median Tuition
$15,200
Top Program
Carnegie Mellon University
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
Total Programs
24
Median Tuition
$13,400
Top Program
University of Illinois Chicago
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Ohio
Total Programs
22
Median Tuition
$10,600
Top Program
University of Cincinnati
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
19
Median Tuition
$12,800
Top Program
Virginia Tech
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
Total Programs
18
Median Tuition
$9,200
Top Program
UNC Charlotte
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Michigan
Total Programs
17
Median Tuition
$11,800
Top Program
University of Michigan
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
Total Programs
16
Median Tuition
$10,200
Top Program
Georgia Institute of Technology
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Washington
Total Programs
15
Median Tuition
$12,100
Top Program
University of Washington
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Colorado
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$13,000
Top Program
Colorado State University
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Arizona
Total Programs
13
Median Tuition
$11,300
Top Program
Arizona State University
Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Massachusetts
Total Programs
12
Median Tuition
$18,900
Top Program
UMass Lowell

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

Choose Your IT Program Based on Your Goals

Top-Tier Private Programs (CMU, RIT, Drexel)

  • 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 advanced facilities matter to you

Top Public Universities (UW, Georgia Tech, UT Austin)

  • 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

Regional Public Universities (UNC Charlotte, Colorado State)

  • 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

Online Programs (Penn State World Campus, ASU Online)

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions About IT Bachelor's Programs

What's the difference between IT and Computer Science degrees?
IT degrees focus on applying technology to solve business problems, including network administration, systems management, and user support. Computer Science emphasizes programming, algorithms, and software development. IT graduates work in enterprise technology environments, while CS graduates often pursue software engineering or research roles. Many concepts overlap, but It's more business-oriented while CS is more development-focused.
Do I need programming skills for an IT degree?
Basic programming knowledge is helpful but not required for most IT programs. You'll learn scripting languages like Python and PowerShell for automation tasks, but won't need the deep programming skills required for software development. Most IT programs introduce programming concepts gradually and focus more on configuration, troubleshooting, and system administration.
What certifications should I pursue during my IT degree?
Popular certifications include CompTIA A+ for fundamentals, Network+ for networking, and Security+ for cybersecurity basics. Cloud certifications (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) are increasingly valuable. Many programs incorporate certification preparation into coursework. Focus on certifications that align with your career interests and local job market demands.
Can I complete an IT degree entirely online?
Many accredited universities offer fully online IT degrees. Top online programs include Penn State World Campus, Arizona State University Online, and Southern New Hampshire University. Online programs offer flexibility but may lack hands-on lab experiences. Look for programs that provide virtual labs or require brief on-campus intensives for practical skills.
What's the job outlook for IT graduates?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth in IT occupations from 2022-2032, much faster than average. Cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management roles show the strongest demand. Starting salaries range from $55,000-$75,000 depending on location and specialization, with significant advancement potential. Remote work opportunities are abundant in IT compared to many other fields.
Is an IT degree worth it compared to just getting certifications?
A degree provides broader business knowledge, critical thinking skills, and credibility for advancement to management roles. Certifications demonstrate specific technical skills but may limit career growth. Most successful IT professionals combine both - using a degree for foundation knowledge and certifications for specialized skills. Degree holders earn 15-25% more over their careers.
What specializations are available in IT programs?
Common specializations include cybersecurity, network administration, database management, cloud computing, web development, and IT project management. Some programs offer concentrations in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), or digital forensics. Choose specializations based on local job market demands and personal interests.
How important is ABET accreditation for IT programs?
ABET accreditation ensures programs meet industry standards and is preferred by many employers, especially government agencies and large corporations. While not all excellent IT programs are ABET-accredited, it provides quality assurance and may be required for certain career paths. Check with your target employers about their accreditation preferences.
Can I transfer from a community college to a 4-year IT program?
Most universities accept transfer credits from accredited community colleges, especially for general education requirements and basic IT courses. Articulation agreements between community colleges and universities can guarantee transfer pathways. This route can save significant money on the first two years of education while maintaining access to top universities for degree completion.

Student Experience: What Current Students Say

Student reviews provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of IT programs across different institutions. Over 1,800 verified reviews reveal consistent themes about program quality, career preparation, and value.

How We Rank Information Technology Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

Ranking 50 bachelor's information technology programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, Florida State University's Bachelor's in Information Technology comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $134,050.

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 2024Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Taylor Rupe

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.