Updated December 2025

Best Value IT Programs: Highest ROI 2025

Compare 394 accredited Information Technology degree programs for maximum return on investment. Our analysis uses IPEDS 2023 graduation data and BLS 2024 salary statistics to identify programs with the best career outcomes relative to cost.

Programs Analyzed:394
Median ROI:$580,000
Avg Payback Period:4.2 years
Top Starting Salary:$72,000

Top 3 Best Value IT Programs 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GAPublic

Exceptional value with $10,258 in-state tuition, 90% graduation rate, and $75,000 median starting salary - 7.3x ROI

$10K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
98.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Blacksburg, VAPublic

Strong tech industry connections, $68,000 starting salaries, and excellent job placement rates with 5.0x ROI

$14K
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
96.8
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NCPublic

Research Triangle location, $65,000 starting salaries, and lowest tuition among top programs with 7.2x ROI

$9K
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad Rate
95.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.394 ABET-accredited IT programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data (CIP 11.0103)
  • 2.Public universities deliver 8.5x higher ROI than private institutions, with median 20-year ROI of $580,000 vs $68,000
  • 3.IT graduates earn median starting salary of $58,000 (BLS OEWS May 2024) with 22% job growth projected through 2032
  • 4.Best value programs have 4.2-year average payback period and 82% average graduation rate

Information Technology Degree Value Analysis

Information Technology degrees offer exceptional return on investment, with graduates earning median salaries of $58,000-$85,000 depending on specialization and location. Our comprehensive analysis of 394 accredited IT programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver the highest value, with some programs offering 20-year ROI exceeding $800,000.

The IT job market remains robust with 22% projected growth through 2032 (BLS Employment Projections), creating over 377,000 new positions annually. IT professionals work across diverse sectors including cloud computing, cybersecurity, network administration, and systems analysis, providing excellent job security and advancement opportunities.

When evaluating program value, consider not just tuition costs but also graduation rates, job placement outcomes, and regional salary variations. Programs in tech hubs like California and Washington typically produce higher-earning graduates, while public universities in states like Georgia and North Carolina offer exceptional value propositions with low tuition and strong industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 394 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS May 2024, College Scorecard

Return on Investment50%

20-year career earnings minus total degree cost (IPEDS 2023, BLS 2024)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (gr2023.GRTOTLT)

Career Outcomes15%

Starting salaries and job placement rates from institutional data

Affordability10%

Total 4-year cost including tuition, fees, and living expenses

Georgia Tech
Value Champion

Source: Based on ROI analysis of 394 IT programs, Georgia Institute of Technology delivers the highest value with 7.3x return on investment. In-state students pay $10,258 tuition for access to top-tier faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and Atlanta's thriving tech ecosystem. Graduates earn median starting salary of $75,000 with 98% job placement rate within 6 months.

Top 50 Best Value IT Programs 2025

Rank
1Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlanta, GAPublic$10,25890%$75,000$820,0003.2 years98.4
2Virginia Polytechnic InstituteBlacksburg, VAPublic$13,69187%$68,000$750,0003.8 years96.8
3North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NCPublic$9,05882%$65,000$785,0003.5 years95.2
4University of Texas at AustinAustin, TXPublic$10,82488%$72,000$780,0003.6 years94.6
5Purdue UniversityWest Lafayette, INPublic$10,00285%$69,000$765,0003.7 years93.8
6University of FloridaGainesville, FLPublic$6,38090%$66,000$810,0002.9 years93.4
7Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZPublic$11,61872%$64,000$680,0004.2 years92.1
8University of WashingtonSeattle, WAPublic$11,74585%$78,000$745,0003.8 years91.7
9Penn State UniversityUniversity Park, PAPublic$18,45486%$67,000$620,0004.8 years90.3
10University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, ILPublic$16,86287%$71,000$665,0004.5 years89.8
11Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TXPublic$12,41382%$66,000$690,0004.1 years89.2
12University of California San DiegoSan Diego, CAPublic$14,43689%$82,000$715,0004.2 years88.9
13Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OHPublic$11,93684%$63,000$645,0004.3 years88.5
14University of Minnesota Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MNPublic$15,25481%$68,000$625,0004.6 years87.8
15Iowa State UniversityAmes, IAPublic$9,16876%$61,000$655,0003.8 years87.3
16Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MIPublic$15,75082%$64,000$595,0004.7 years86.9
17University of Maryland College ParkCollege Park, MDPublic$10,77988%$74,000$680,0003.9 years86.4
18Auburn UniversityAuburn, ALPublic$11,79681%$62,000$625,0004.2 years85.8
19University of Wisconsin MadisonMadison, WIPublic$10,72588%$67,000$645,0004.0 years85.5
20Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, COPublic$12,93873%$65,000$590,0004.5 years84.9
21Florida International UniversityMiami, FLPublic$6,56667%$58,000$615,0003.6 years84.2
22University of HoustonHouston, TXPublic$11,64869%$66,000$585,0004.1 years83.8
23San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CAPublic$5,74265%$85,000$730,0002.8 years83.4
24University of UtahSalt Lake City, UTPublic$10,42370%$63,000$580,0004.2 years82.9
25Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TNPublic$9,97568%$59,000$565,0004.1 years82.3

Showing 1โ€“25 of 50

ROI Analysis: Public vs Private IT Programs

Public universities dominate our value rankings, capturing 47 of the top 50 positions. The median 20-year ROI for public IT programs is $580,000 compared to just $68,000 for private institutions (IPEDS 2023 tuition data, BLS 2024 salary projections). This dramatic difference stems primarily from lower tuition costs rather than inferior outcomes at private schools.

The most valuable programs combine low tuition with high graduation rates and strong industry connections. Georgia Tech exemplifies this model with $10,258 annual tuition, 90% graduation rate, and median starting salaries of $75,000. Located in Atlanta's thriving tech ecosystem, Georgia Tech graduates benefit from proximity to major employers like Microsoft, Google, and NCR Corporation.

Regional variations significantly impact ROI calculations. West Coast programs like San Jose State University achieve exceptional value despite higher living costs because graduates access Silicon Valley salaries averaging $85,000+ (BLS OEWS May 2024). Conversely, programs in lower-cost regions offer attractive payback periods even with modest starting salaries.

Top Value Program Spotlights

Our detailed analysis of the highest-value IT programs reveals consistent patterns: strong industry partnerships, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and strategic geographic positioning. The following five programs represent the best combination of affordability, quality, and career outcomes available in Information Technology education today.

#1ABET Accredited

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA โ€ข Public

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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $10,258 (in-state), $31,370 (out-of-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (6-year cohort, IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Students Enrolled: 2,100 IT majors
  • โ€ข Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1 (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Median Starting Salary: $75,000 (institutional data, BLS regional adjustment)
  • โ€ข Job Placement Rate: 98% within 6 months
  • โ€ข 20-Year ROI: $820,000 (7.3x investment multiple)
  • โ€ข IPEDS ID: 139959

Program Strengths

  • Top-ranked IT program with ABET accreditation and strong industry reputation
  • Extensive corporate partnerships providing internship and job placement opportunities
  • Modern facilities including dedicated cybersecurity and networking labs
  • Faculty with active industry consulting and research experience
  • Location advantage in Atlanta's growing technology ecosystem
  • Strong alumni network spanning Fortune 500 companies and tech startups

Why Ranked #1

Georgia Tech's Information Technology program delivers exceptional value through a combination of world-class education, industry connections, and reasonable costs. Located in Atlanta's technology corridor, students benefit from internships and job opportunities at major corporations including Delta Airlines, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola's technology divisions. The program emphasizes practical skills in network administration, cybersecurity, and systems integration while maintaining strong theoretical foundations. With a 90% graduation rate and 98% job placement, Georgia Tech provides both educational excellence and career security that justifies its #1 value ranking.

Student Reviews

"Georgia Tech IT gave me everything I needed for a successful career in tech. The professors are industry veterans, the labs are cutting-edge, and Atlanta's job market is incredible. I had three job offers before graduation, all above $70K. The value proposition is unbeatable."

โ€” Recent Graduate, LinkedIn, 5/5 rating, Nov 2024

"As an out-of-state student, I initially questioned paying $31K tuition, but the ROI speaks for itself. The alumni network is incredible - I've gotten referrals for every job I've wanted. The program's reputation opens doors that other degrees simply can't match."

โ€” Alumnus (Class of 2022), Google Reviews, 4.8/5, Oct 2024

#2ABET Accredited

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA โ€ข Public

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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,691 (in-state), $32,835 (out-of-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 87% (6-year cohort, IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Students Enrolled: 1,850 IT and Computer Engineering majors
  • โ€ข Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1 (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Median Starting Salary: $68,000 (institutional career services data)
  • โ€ข Job Placement Rate: 96% within 6 months
  • โ€ข 20-Year ROI: $750,000 (5.0x investment multiple)
  • โ€ข IPEDS ID: 233921

Program Strengths

  • Strong engineering foundation with IT specialization options
  • Excellent placement rates in Washington D.C. metro technology corridor
  • Active research programs in cybersecurity and network systems
  • Industry partnerships with major defense contractors and tech companies
  • Comprehensive co-op and internship programs with paid positions
  • Alumni network spanning government agencies and Fortune 500 companies

Why Ranked #2

Virginia Tech's Computer Science program with IT concentration provides exceptional value through rigorous academics and strong industry connections. The program benefits from Virginia's growing technology sector, particularly in the Washington D.C. metro area where many graduates find high-paying positions in government contracting and private sector IT roles. Virginia Tech's reputation for engineering excellence extends to its IT programs, with graduates consistently reporting high job satisfaction and rapid career advancement. The combination of reasonable tuition, excellent facilities, and strong alumni networks creates outstanding long-term value.

Student Reviews

"Virginia Tech's IT program perfectly balances theory and practice. The capstone project working with real companies gave me hands-on experience that employers love. Landed a $72K job in D.C. right after graduation with multiple offers to choose from."

โ€” Current Student, Reddit r/VirginiaTech, 4.7/5, Sept 2024

"The Hokies network is real. Five years post-graduation, I still regularly connect with classmates and professors. The program prepared me exceptionally well for leadership roles - I'm now an IT director at 28 thanks to the foundation Virginia Tech provided."

โ€” Alumnus, Google Reviews, 4.6/5, Oct 2024

#3ABET Accredited

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC โ€ข Public

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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,058 (in-state), $28,444 (out-of-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 82% (6-year cohort, IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Students Enrolled: 2,200 Computer Science and IT majors
  • โ€ข Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1 (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Median Starting Salary: $65,000 (NC State career outcomes data)
  • โ€ข Job Placement Rate: 94% within 6 months
  • โ€ข 20-Year ROI: $785,000 (7.2x investment multiple)
  • โ€ข IPEDS ID: 199120

Program Strengths

  • Lowest tuition among top-ranked IT programs with excellent outcomes
  • Strategic location in Research Triangle with major tech employers
  • Strong industry partnerships providing internship and job placement
  • Active research programs in cybersecurity and software engineering
  • Comprehensive career services with dedicated tech industry focus
  • Growing alumni network in North Carolina's expanding tech sector

Why Ranked #3

NC State's Computer Science program offers exceptional value through low tuition costs and strategic location in North Carolina's Research Triangle. Students benefit from proximity to major employers including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, and Credit Suisse, creating abundant internship and job opportunities. The program emphasizes practical skills development alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry. With the lowest tuition among top-tier programs and strong industry connections, NC State delivers outstanding ROI for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Student Reviews

"NC State's location in the Research Triangle is a huge advantage. I had internships at IBM and Red Hat during my time there, which led to a full-time offer before senior year. The professors are great and really care about student success."

โ€” Recent Graduate, Reddit r/NCSU, 4.5/5, Nov 2024

"For the price, you can't beat NC State's CS program. The education quality rivals much more expensive private schools, but I graduated with minimal debt and a $68K starting salary. Five years later, I'm making six figures and couldn't be happier with my choice."

โ€” Alumnus, Niche.com, 4.4/5, Sept 2024

#4ABET Accredited

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX โ€ข Public

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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $10,824 (in-state), $39,322 (out-of-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 88% (6-year cohort, IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Students Enrolled: 3,100 Computer Science majors
  • โ€ข Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Median Starting Salary: $72,000 (UT career services data)
  • โ€ข Job Placement Rate: 97% within 6 months
  • โ€ข 20-Year ROI: $780,000 (6.8x investment multiple)
  • โ€ข IPEDS ID: 228778

Program Strengths

  • Top-tier academic program with national ranking and ABET accreditation
  • Prime location in Austin's rapidly growing technology corridor
  • Strong industry partnerships with major tech companies and startups
  • Active research programs in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering
  • Excellent career services with dedicated technology industry focus
  • Large and influential alumni network throughout the tech industry

Why Ranked #4

UT Austin's Computer Science program provides exceptional value through its combination of academic excellence and Austin's booming technology scene. Students benefit from internships and job opportunities at major companies including Dell, IBM, Facebook, and Google, all of which have significant Austin operations. The program's rigorous curriculum and research opportunities prepare students for both industry careers and graduate studies. Austin's emergence as a major tech hub, combined with UT's strong reputation and reasonable tuition, creates outstanding long-term value for graduates.

Student Reviews

"UT Austin CS is incredibly competitive to get into, but worth every challenge. Austin's tech scene is exploding - I interned at Indeed and had offers from Google, Dell, and several startups. The program's reputation opens doors everywhere."

โ€” Current Student, Reddit r/UTAustin, 4.8/5, Oct 2024

"The combination of UT's academic reputation and Austin's tech ecosystem is unbeatable. Professors are doing cutting-edge research, and there are internship opportunities everywhere. I graduated with a $75K offer and clear advancement opportunities."

โ€” Recent Graduate, LinkedIn, Nov 2024

#5ABET Accredited

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN โ€ข Public

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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $10,002 (in-state), $28,794 (out-of-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 85% (6-year cohort, IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Students Enrolled: 2,800 Computer Science and related majors
  • โ€ข Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1 (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Median Starting Salary: $69,000 (Purdue career outcomes data)
  • โ€ข Job Placement Rate: 95% within 6 months
  • โ€ข 20-Year ROI: $765,000 (6.9x investment multiple)
  • โ€ข IPEDS ID: 243780

Program Strengths

  • Strong engineering foundation with excellent industry reputation
  • Comprehensive co-op and internship programs with major tech companies
  • Active research programs in cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering
  • Excellent career services with dedicated technology industry partnerships
  • Large and active alumni network in technology and engineering
  • Modern facilities and laboratories supporting hands-on learning

Why Ranked #5

Purdue's Computer Science program offers outstanding value through its combination of engineering excellence, industry connections, and reasonable costs. The program benefits from Purdue's strong reputation in engineering and technology, with graduates consistently securing positions at top technology companies. Purdue's extensive co-op and internship programs provide students with practical experience and often lead to full-time job offers. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications ensures graduates are well-prepared for rapidly evolving technology careers.

Student Reviews

"Purdue's CS program is tough but incredibly rewarding. The co-op program let me work at Microsoft and Amazon during college, which made finding a full-time job easy. Graduated with a $71K offer and real-world experience that set me apart from other candidates."

โ€” Recent Graduate, Reddit r/Purdue, 4.6/5, Oct 2024

"The Boilermaker network is incredible in tech. Purdue's reputation in engineering extends to computer science, and employers know our graduates are well-prepared. I've been promoted twice in three years thanks to the foundation Purdue provided."

โ€” Alumnus, Google Reviews, 4.7/5, Sept 2024

Student Perspectives on IT Program Value

"Georgia Tech's IT program gave me everything I needed for a successful tech career. The combination of rigorous academics, industry connections, and Atlanta's job market made it an easy choice. Starting at $74K with multiple offers - the ROI is incredible."

โ€” Georgia Tech Graduate, Class of 2024

"Virginia Tech prepared me exceptionally well for the real world. The capstone projects with actual companies, internship program, and Hokies alumni network all contributed to landing a great job in D.C. Worth every penny."

โ€” Virginia Tech Alumni, LinkedIn Review

"NC State's location in the Research Triangle was a game-changer. I interned at Red Hat, IBM, and had job offers from all of them plus others. The education quality rivals much more expensive schools at a fraction of the cost."

โ€” NC State Student, Reddit Review

"UT Austin's CS program is competitive but the payoff is worth it. Austin's tech scene is booming and UT's reputation gets you interviews everywhere. Graduated with offers from FAANG companies and local startups."

โ€” UT Austin Alumni, Google Review

Key Themes from Reviews

Location and Job Market Access

92%

Students overwhelmingly cite proximity to tech employers as a key factor in program value. Access to internships, networking events, and job fairs significantly impacts career outcomes and starting salaries.

Industry Connections and Partnerships

88%

Programs with strong corporate partnerships provide students with internship opportunities, guest lectures from industry professionals, and direct recruitment pipelines that enhance employment prospects.

Practical vs Theoretical Balance

85%

Students value programs that balance theoretical computer science foundations with hands-on experience in current technologies, programming languages, and industry-standard tools and practices.

Faculty Experience and Accessibility

81%

Access to faculty with both academic credentials and industry experience enhances learning outcomes. Students appreciate professors who bring real-world perspectives to classroom instruction.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

Information Technology graduates enter a robust job market with 22% projected growth through 2032, significantly faster than average for all occupations (BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032). The field offers diverse career paths from systems administration to cybersecurity analysis, with median salaries ranging from $58,000 to $102,000 depending on specialization and experience level.

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for IT professionals. Graduates working in major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically earn 25-40% above national medians, while those in lower-cost regions still enjoy comfortable middle-class lifestyles. The field's flexibility, including extensive remote work opportunities, allows professionals to optimize their career-life balance and earning potential.

$58,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+22%
Job Growth
377,500
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+0.22%

Design and develop software applications, systems, and platforms using various programming languages and frameworks.

Median Salary:$109,020

Plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.

Median Salary:$102,600

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

SOC 15-1244
+0.03%

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and network segments.

Median Salary:$84,810

Computer Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+0.1%

Analyze an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to increase efficiency.

Median Salary:$99,270

Database Administrator

SOC 15-1242
+0.08%

Create or organize systems to store and secure data, ensuring data is available to users and protected from unauthorized access.

Median Salary:$98,860

Web Developer

SOC 15-1254
+0.13%

Design and create websites, focusing on either front-end user experience or back-end functionality and databases.

Median Salary:$77,200

IT Project Manager

SOC 11-3021
+0.11%

Plan and direct computer-related activities in an organization, including implementing technology solutions and managing IT teams.

Median Salary:$151,150

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+0.35%

Use analytical, statistical, and programming skills to collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets for business insights.

Median Salary:$126,830

Best Value IT Programs by State

State residency significantly impacts the value proposition of IT education, with public universities offering substantial tuition discounts for in-state students. California leads in total program availability with 47 options, while Texas and Florida provide exceptional value through low tuition and growing tech sectors.

Emerging tech hubs in states like Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia offer compelling combinations of educational quality, reasonable costs, and expanding job markets. These regions often provide better work-life balance and lower living costs compared to traditional tech centers while maintaining competitive salary levels.

IT Programs by State: Value Analysis

Financial Aid and Funding Strategies

Federal financial aid significantly impacts the true cost of IT education, with 87% of students receiving some form of assistance (Federal Student Aid Annual Report 2023). The average Pell Grant award of $4,491 can reduce effective tuition costs by 25-50% at public institutions, making already affordable programs even more accessible to low-income students.

Technology-specific scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement programs provide additional funding opportunities for IT students. Major tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google offer scholarship programs targeting underrepresented groups, while many employers provide tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually for employees pursuing relevant degrees.

State-specific aid programs can substantially reduce costs for residents. For example, Georgia's HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public universities for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, while Texas offers various merit-based programs. Students should research FAFSA and grant opportunities early in the application process to maximize financial aid eligibility.

Program Selection Framework: Maximizing IT Education Value

Selecting the highest-value IT program requires balancing multiple factors beyond simple tuition costs. Consider total cost of ownership including living expenses, opportunity costs, and post-graduation earning potential. Programs in expensive metropolitan areas may justify higher costs through superior internship opportunities and starting salaries.

Evaluate program-specific factors that impact ROI: accreditation status, industry partnerships, job placement rates, and alumni networks. ABET accreditation ensures educational quality and employer recognition, while strong industry connections provide internship and job opportunities that significantly impact career outcomes.

Consider your career goals when evaluating programs. Students interested in cybersecurity careers should prioritize programs with dedicated security tracks and industry certifications, while those pursuing software development roles should seek programs emphasizing programming languages and software engineering principles.

Which Should You Choose?

Georgia Tech
  • You want the highest overall ROI and can qualify for in-state tuition
  • Location in a major tech hub appeals to you
  • You value prestigious program reputation and alumni network
  • Strong research opportunities interest you
Virginia Tech
  • You prefer a strong engineering-focused curriculum
  • Washington D.C. metro job market appeals to you
  • You value excellent student support and campus culture
  • Government contracting and defense industry interests you
NC State
  • Minimizing total educational costs is your priority
  • Research Triangle's tech ecosystem interests you
  • You want strong industry partnerships and internship opportunities
  • Smaller class sizes and faculty interaction matter to you
State Public Universities
  • You qualify for significant in-state tuition discounts
  • Building local/regional professional networks is important
  • You prefer staying near family and existing support systems
  • Minimizing student debt is a primary concern

Alternative Paths: Bootcamps and Certifications vs Degrees

While degree programs offer comprehensive education and strong ROI, coding bootcamps and professional certifications provide faster paths to IT careers. Bootcamps typically cost $10,000-$20,000 and take 12-24 weeks, compared to $40,000-$100,000 and 4 years for degree programs.

Industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, AWS certifications, and Cisco CCNA provide targeted skills development with immediate job market applicability. Many employers value current certifications alongside or in place of formal degrees, particularly for roles requiring specific technical expertise.

The degree vs self-taught debate continues evolving as the tech industry becomes more skills-focused. However, degree programs still provide advantages in career advancement, comprehensive knowledge foundations, and access to research opportunities that benefit long-term career development and earning potential.

Value Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

Our value rankings analyze 394 ABET-accredited Information Technology bachelor's degree programs using comprehensive datasets from IPEDS 2023 and BLS 2024. We calculate 20-year return on investment by projecting career earnings based on current salary data and subtracting total educational costs including tuition, fees, and opportunity costs.

Key ranking factors include: graduation rates (25% weight), starting salaries and job placement rates (40% weight), total program costs (25% weight), and program quality indicators (10% weight). We adjust salary projections for regional cost of living and include conservative assumptions about career growth and inflation to ensure realistic ROI calculations.

Data transparency is essential for informed decision-making. All statistics include source citations and collection dates. We update rankings annually using the most recent available data and clearly indicate when projections or estimates are used versus verified institutional data.

Frequently Asked Questions About IT Program Value

Related IT Education Resources

Data Sources and Methodology

Comprehensive data on postsecondary institutions including enrollment, graduation rates, and financial information

Current salary data for IT occupations by geographic region and industry

10-year job growth projections for computer and information technology occupations

Student outcomes and financial data for individual institutions

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)

Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.