- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best value information technology 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 Maryland Global Campus, Cornell University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Maryland Global Campus offers information technology education at $7,632/year with 74% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Technology programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Best Value
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC is designated by the NSA and DHS as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and has produced over 11,500 cybersecurity graduates, making it one of the nation's largest cybersecurity education providers.
University of Maryland Global Campus Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Maryland Global Campus as the #1 in information technology degree program.
University of Maryland Global Campus's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Oracle. Support for working adults with flexible scheduling
Hakia Insight: University of Maryland Global Campus's direct partnerships with National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cybersecurity education, research activities, and industry partnerships
Location Advantages
- •Support for working adults with flexible scheduling
- •Strong government and defense industry connections in the region
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #2 in information technology degree program.
Cornell University's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Amazon, Facebook. Graduates find positions at 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 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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #3 in information technology degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing. Access to Seattle's thriving tech ecosystem Graduates find positions at Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing.
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
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Maryland-College Park as the #4 in information technology degree program.
University of Maryland-College Park's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with IBM, Google, CIA. Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnerships Graduates find positions at IBM, Google, Library of Congress.
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
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 in information technology degree program.
University of California-San Diego's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Comhear, Inc., Technosylva, RAM Photonics LLC. Proximity to San Diego biotech corridor Graduates find positions at Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm.
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
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Syracuse University as the #6 in information technology degree program.
Syracuse University's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. 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
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as the #7 in information technology degree program.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. 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
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 Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #8 in information technology degree program.
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.
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
Columbia University in the City of New York
Features an esteemed faculty including accomplished executives from the C-suites of major organizations worldwide, an in-depth Capstone Project solving real-world business challenges with technology, and access to Columbia University's Ivy League resources, networking opportunities, and global alumni base.
Columbia University in the City of New York Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #9 in information technology degree program.
Columbia University's M.S. in Technology Management provides new technology professionals and recent graduates with the key strategic and tactical skills necessary to drive enhanced organizational performance through the use of technology and to become leaders in the field. The program focuses on four pillars: Technology Strategy, Digital Transformation, User-Centric Design, and Emerging Technologies including AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing.
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Northwestern University
MSIT's unique curriculum offers a mix of technical (70 percent) and business management (30 percent) courses, preparing graduates to better translate their technology ideas into practical business solutions. Regular input from a dedicated Industry Advisory Board ensures the curriculum evolves and promotes an academic experience that's grounded in business reality.
Northwestern University Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northwestern University as the #10 in information technology degree program.
Northwestern University's Information Technology program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Walgreens, Amazon, Caterpillar Inc.. Graduates find positions at Walgreens, Amazon, Caterpillar Inc..
Hakia Insight: Students at Northwestern University benefit from active collaborations with Walgreens and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Walgreens, Amazon, Caterpillar Inc., DLA Piper, SpaceX
Admissions
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Maryland Global Campus Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Maryland Global Campus as the #1 in information technology degree program. Location: Adelphi, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,632/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Score: 84.4
What makes University of Maryland Global Campus stand out: UMGC is designated by the NSA and DHS as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and has produced over 11,500 cybersecurity graduates, making it one of the nation's largest cybersecurity education providers.
Hakia Insight: University of Maryland Global Campus's direct partnerships with National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: UMGC offers IT and Computer Science programs with $0 textbook costs for nearly every course and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from previous education, professional experience, and military training. The university has 75+ years of experience educating working adults with flexible online learning options.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Information Technology; Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs; Graduate Cybersecurity Programs
Research Labs: Center for Security Studies - Cybersecurity education, research activities, and industry partnerships
Industry Partners: National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Oracle, Maryland State Department of Education, FBI, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force Academy, Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance, Silotech Group Inc
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Dr. S.K. Bhaskar (Information Technology and Cybersecurity); Helen Barker (Cybersecurity); Dr. Jason M. Pittman (Cybersecurity); James Robertson (Information Technology and Database Systems); Bruce deGrazia (Cybersecurity Management and Policy); Loyce Pailen (Information Technology and Cybersecurity)
Admissions:
Accreditations: National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (NSA/DHS)
#2. Cornell University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #2 in information technology degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 74.1
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:
#3. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #3 in information technology degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 73.0
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
#4. University of Maryland-College Park Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Maryland-College Park as the #4 in information technology degree program. Location: College Park, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,889/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 72.4
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
#5. University of California-San Diego Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 in information technology degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 70.0
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. Syracuse University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Syracuse University as the #6 in information technology degree program. Location: Syracuse, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,310/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 67.7
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:
#7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as the #7 in information technology degree program. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $17,977/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 66.5
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. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus as the #8 in information technology degree program. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $19,672/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 66.3
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:
#9. Columbia University in the City of New York Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #9 in information technology degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,526/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 64.9
What makes Columbia University in the City of New York stand out: Features an esteemed faculty including accomplished executives from the C-suites of major organizations worldwide, an in-depth Capstone Project solving real-world business challenges with technology, and access to Columbia University's Ivy League resources, networking opportunities, and global alumni base.
Program Overview: Columbia University's M.S. in Technology Management provides new technology professionals and recent graduates with the key strategic and tactical skills necessary to drive enhanced organizational performance through the use of technology and to become leaders in the field. The program focuses on four pillars: Technology Strategy, Digital Transformation, User-Centric Design, and Emerging Technologies including AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing.
Degree Programs: MS (3 semesters); MS (6 semesters); MS
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: technology leader
Admissions:
Accreditations: STEM-designated
#10. Northwestern University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Northwestern University as the #10 in information technology degree program. Location: Evanston, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,887/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 64.0
What makes Northwestern University stand out: MSIT's unique curriculum offers a mix of technical (70 percent) and business management (30 percent) courses, preparing graduates to better translate their technology ideas into practical business solutions. Regular input from a dedicated Industry Advisory Board ensures the curriculum evolves and promotes an academic experience that's grounded in business reality.
Hakia Insight: Students at Northwestern University benefit from active collaborations with Walgreens and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Northwestern University's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program was founded on the belief that IT is at the core of every business, and that successful organizations must have IT leaders who possess a strong understanding of both technology and essential business and management principles. The program bridges the gap between technology and business strategies, preparing graduates for senior IT leadership roles.
Degree Programs: Master of Science in Information Technology (2 years (part-time) or 10-13 months (full-time)); Master of Science in Information Systems (2-5 years (part-time) or 1 year (accelerated))
Industry Partners: Walgreens, Amazon, Caterpillar Inc., DLA Piper, SpaceX, Shure Incorporated
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Walgreens, Amazon, Caterpillar Inc., DLA Piper, SpaceX | Common Roles: Systems Engineer, Business Intelligence Engineer, Senior Digital Project Manager, Enterprise Architect, Cybersecurity Analyst, Database Manager, Network Administrator, Web Developer
Admissions:
Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 84.4/100 |
| #2 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 74.1/100 |
| #3 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 73/100 |
| #4 University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 72.4/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 70/100 |
Top 50 Best Value IT Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | — | — | — |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | For-Profit | $12,100 | 89% | — | — | — | — |
| 14 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | Strayer University-Global Region | Washington, DC | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | 98% | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | — | — | — |
| 18 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | Public | $5,140 | 99% | — | — | — | — |
| 21 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | — | — | — |
| 22 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 62% | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $9,238 | 90% | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | — | — | — |
| 25 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | Public | $7,914 | 95% | — | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
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.
Understanding Value Score
Our Value Score methodology evaluates Information Technology programs by calculating quality per dollar spent. Unlike pure cost rankings, Value Score rewards programs that deliver strong outcomes at reasonable prices—helping you find the best investment for your education.
Value Score Formula:
`Value Score = Quality Score ÷ (Annual Tuition / $10,000)`
Quality Score Components:
- Graduation Rate (35%) — 6-year completion rate from IPEDS
- Program Strength (25%) — Based on annual graduates and program maturity
- Selectivity (20%) — Admission rate indicating competitive student body
- Research Activity (20%) — Carnegie classification for research opportunities
This formula means a program with a Quality Score of 80 at $10,000/year tuition scores higher than a program with Quality Score 90 at $50,000/year—because the outcomes don't justify 5x the cost.
ROI Analysis: Break-Even Time
Return on Investment (ROI) analysis helps determine how long it takes for your Information Technology degree to "pay for itself." According to Georgetown CEW, computer science degrees have among the highest lifetime ROI of any major—averaging $1.5 million in additional lifetime earnings.
Break-Even Calculation:
`Break-Even Time = Total Degree Cost ÷ (Post-Degree Salary - Pre-Degree Salary)`
Example Scenarios:
- Public university ($50K total) — With $80K starting salary vs $40K HS grad salary: 1.25 years to break even
- Private university ($200K total) — Same salaries: 5 years to break even
- Community college + transfer ($30K total) — 9 months to break even
Key Insight: For Information Technology degrees, the break-even point is typically 1-5 years post-graduation. After that, every year represents pure return on your educational investment.
Quality Metrics Explained
Quality metrics help distinguish excellent Information Technology programs from mediocre ones. We use objective, verifiable indicators rather than subjective reputation surveys.
Academic Quality Indicators:
- ABET Accreditation — Industry-recognized quality standard; required by some employers
- Faculty Research — H-index scores, grant funding, and publication rates
- Student-Faculty Ratio — Lower is better; enables mentorship and undergraduate research
- PhD Production — Programs that produce PhD students have stronger research cultures
Career Outcome Indicators:
- Employer Recruiting — Number of tech companies actively hiring from campus
- Internship Placement — % of juniors completing paid internships
- Graduate School Placement — % admitted to top-20 graduate programs
- Alumni Network — Strength and engagement of professional network
Value vs Prestige Analysis
Is a prestigious (expensive) program worth the premium? For Information Technology, skills demonstrated through projects and interviews typically matter more than school brand.
When Prestige Matters: Elite employer preferences, PhD/academic careers, strong alumni network value.
When Value Wins: Most tech employers care about skills, regional employers prefer local universities, debt burden impacts life choices.
Who Recruits from Value Programs?
Top employers actively recruit from high-value Information Technology programs. Understanding which companies recruit where helps you target schools with strong career pipelines.
Major Tech Employers and Feeder Schools:
- Google — Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, CMU, University of Washington
- Amazon — University of Washington, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, Purdue
- Microsoft — University of Washington, CMU, Stanford, UC Berkeley
- Meta — Stanford, CMU, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan
- Apple — Stanford, UC Berkeley, San Jose State, Santa Clara University
Value School Recruiting: Many high-value public universities have identical employer access to elite privates. Georgia Tech, UIUC, UT Austin, and UMich attract the same top recruiters at a fraction of the tuition.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications, systems, and platforms using various programming languages and frameworks.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and network segments.
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to increase efficiency.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Create or organize systems to store and secure data, ensuring data is available to users and protected from unauthorized access.
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Design and create websites, focusing on either front-end user experience or back-end functionality and databases.
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan and direct computer-related activities in an organization, including implementing technology solutions and managing IT teams.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Use analytical, statistical, and programming skills to collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets for business insights.
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.
Choose the Right IT Program for Your Goals
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 Program Value
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
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.