Updated June 28, 2026

Best Value Information Technology Degree Programs 2026

Compare 394 accredited Information Technology degree programs for maximum return on investment. Rankings use IPEDS 2024 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
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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 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 2024 completion data

Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Best Value

🥇

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
🥉

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 #3

Ranked #3 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
#4

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 #4

Ranked #4 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
#5

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 #5

Ranked #5 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.

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Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $9,718 in-state tuition
  • 100 graduates annually
#6

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 #6

Ranked #6 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.

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Program Strengths

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

University of South Florida

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Tampa, FLPublic

$134,050 median salary · 77% graduation rate

92.5
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
77%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.5/100): 77% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $4,559 in-state tuition, 67 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 77% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $4,559 in-state tuition
  • 67 graduates annually
#8

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Richardson, TXPublic

$134,050 median salary · 76% graduation rate

91.1
Score
$11K
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (91.1/100): 76% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $10,639 in-state tuition, 304 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 76% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $10,639 in-state tuition
  • 304 graduates annually
#9

Florida International University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Miami, FLPublic

$134,050 median salary · 74% graduation rate

90.8
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
74%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (90.8/100): 74% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $4,721 in-state tuition, 191 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 74% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $4,721 in-state tuition
  • 191 graduates annually
#10

Brigham Young University

Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Provo, UTPrivate nonprofit

$134,050 median salary · 81% graduation rate

90.1
Score
$7K
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad Rate
$134K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among information technology bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (90.1/100): 81% graduation rate, $134,050 median salary, $6,688 in-state tuition, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 81% graduation rate
  • $134,050 median salary
  • $6,688 in-state tuition
  • 10 graduates annually

Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Best Value, 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. University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus's bachelor's information technology program #3. 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

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

    Hakia ranks University of Central Florida's bachelor's information technology program #4. 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

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

    Hakia ranks Purdue University-Main Campus's bachelor's information technology program #5. 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

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

    Hakia ranks Binghamton University's bachelor's information technology program #6. 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

  7. #7. University of South Florida — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks University of South Florida's bachelor's information technology program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 92.5

  8. #8. The University of Texas at Dallas — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Dallas's bachelor's information technology program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Richardson, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,639/year | Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 91.1

  9. #9. Florida International University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Florida International University's bachelor's information technology program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Miami, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,721/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 90.8

  10. #10. Brigham Young University — Bachelor's Information Technology

    Hakia ranks Brigham Young University's bachelor's information technology program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Provo, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $6,688/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Median Salary: $134,050 | Score: 90.1

Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#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

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

Top 50 Best Value IT Programs 2026

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
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
On-campus$11,86985%$134,05095.3
#4
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47878%$134,05095.0
#5
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
On-campus$9,71883%$134,05094.3
#6
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07082%$134,05093.6
#7
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
On-campus$4,55977%$134,05092.5
#8
Bachelor's in Information Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX · Public
On-campus$10,63976%$134,05091.1
#9
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
On-campus$4,72174%$134,05090.8
#10
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$6,68881%$134,05090.1
#11
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public
On-campus$4,44371%$134,05089.9
#12
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL · Public
On-campus$3,99669%$134,05088.4
#13
Bachelor's in Information Technology
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
On-campus$8,15080%$134,05086.4
#14
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26076%$134,05086.0
#15
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX · Public
On-campus$8,93569%$134,05085.6
#16
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
On-campus$3,81269%$134,05085.2
#17
Bachelor's in Information Technology
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit
Online$8,40057%$134,05084.8
#18
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH · Public
Online$11,68575%$134,05084.7
#19
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK · Public
Online$5,41768%$134,05084.4
#20
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · Public
On-campus$3,73559%$134,05083.3
#21
Bachelor's in Information Technology
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
Online$3,54057%$134,05083.0
#22
Bachelor's in Information Technology
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
Online$10,39268%$134,05082.8
#23
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
On-campus$9,25275%$134,05082.7
#24
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
On-campus$8,31961%$134,05081.7
#25
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$3,15253%$134,05081.5
#26
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Public
On-campus$11,75055%$134,05081.2
#27
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Valencia College
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$2,46748%$134,05081.0
#28
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA · Public
Online$4,56052%$134,05080.8
#29
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN · Public
Online$10,08050%$134,05080.7
#30
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Towson University
Towson, MD · Public
On-campus$7,53069%$134,05080.6
#31
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL · Public
On-campus$1,87253%$134,05079.9
#32
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
Online$8,18046%$134,05079.7
#33
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL · Public
On-campus$1,98746%$134,05079.3
#34
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN · Public
On-campus$9,51854%$134,05078.7
#35
Bachelor's in Information Technology
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public
Online$4,45263%$134,05078.6
#36
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Boise State University
Boise, ID · Public
On-campus$6,11960%$134,05078.4
#37
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA · Public
On-campus$11,86963%$134,05078.4
#38
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT · Public
On-campus$5,81845%$134,05078.1
#39
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
On-campus$10,96869%$134,05077.8
#40
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, HI · Private nonprofit
On-campus$6,63053%$134,05077.4
#41
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL · Public
Online$2,49645%$134,05077.0
#42
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Winona State University
Winona, MN · Public
On-campus$8,38857%$134,05077.0
#43
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Weber State University
Ogden, UT · Public
On-campus$5,62146%$134,05076.8
#44
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY · Public
On-campus$10,70452%$134,05076.7
#45
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Utah State University
Logan, UT · Public
On-campus$7,62759%$134,05076.5
#46
Bachelor's in Information Technology
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07059%$134,05076.4
#47
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla
Aguadilla, PR · Private nonprofit
On-campus$4,96843%$134,05076.4
#48
Bachelor's in Information Technology
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL · Public
On-campus$8,97653%$134,05076.3
#49
Bachelor's in Information Technology
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Public
On-campus$1,96839%$134,05076.3
#50
Bachelor's in Information Technology
California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public
On-campus$6,08463%$134,05076.1

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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. Data from 394 accredited IT programs shows that public universities consistently deliver the highest value, with some programs offering 20-year ROI exceeding $800,000.

The IT job market remains strong 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 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 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 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.

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

Career Paths

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

IT Programs by State: Value Analysis

Best Value Information Technology Programs in California
Total Programs
47
Median Tuition
$5,742
Top Program
San Jose State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Texas
Total Programs
28
Median Tuition
$10,824
Top Program
University of Texas at Austin
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Florida
Total Programs
22
Median Tuition
$6,380
Top Program
University of Florida
Best Value Information Technology Programs in New York
Total Programs
31
Median Tuition
$10,560
Top Program
SUNY Buffalo
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania
Total Programs
24
Median Tuition
$18,454
Top Program
Penn State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Illinois
Total Programs
22
Median Tuition
$16,862
Top Program
University of Illinois
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Ohio
Total Programs
19
Median Tuition
$11,936
Top Program
Ohio State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in North Carolina
Total Programs
16
Median Tuition
$9,058
Top Program
NC State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Georgia
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$10,258
Top Program
Georgia Institute of Technology
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
12
Median Tuition
$13,691
Top Program
Virginia Tech
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Michigan
Total Programs
18
Median Tuition
$15,750
Top Program
Michigan State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Washington
Total Programs
11
Median Tuition
$11,745
Top Program
University of Washington
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Arizona
Total Programs
9
Median Tuition
$11,618
Top Program
Arizona State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Colorado
Total Programs
8
Median Tuition
$12,938
Top Program
Colorado State University
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Massachusetts
Total Programs
15
Median Tuition
$16,632
Top Program
UMass Amherst

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About IT Program Value

How do you calculate 20-year ROI for IT programs?
We calculate ROI by projecting total career earnings over 20 years based on BLS salary data and industry growth projections, then subtract total educational costs including tuition, fees, and opportunity costs. Our calculations use conservative assumptions about salary growth (3% annually) and include regional cost-of-living adjustments. For example, Georgia Tech's $820,000 ROI reflects projected earnings of $1.85 million minus total costs of $41,032 over 4 years plus opportunity costs.
Why do public universities dominate the value rankings?
Public universities offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students, while maintaining educational quality comparable to private institutions. The median annual tuition at public universities is $9,450 versus $38,200 at private institutions, creating different ROI profiles. However, graduates from both types of programs earn similar starting salaries, making public universities significantly better value propositions for most students.
Should I consider out-of-state public universities for better value?
Out-of-state tuition significantly impacts ROI calculations, but top programs may still justify the additional cost. For example, Georgia Tech charges $31,370 for out-of-state students versus $10,258 in-state, but strong job placement and high starting salaries can offset the difference. Compare the total 4-year cost difference against potential salary premiums and career advancement opportunities when making this decision.
How important is ABET accreditation for IT program value?
ABET accreditation ensures educational quality standards and employer recognition, particularly important for government jobs and certain corporate positions. All programs in our rankings maintain ABET accreditation or equivalent industry recognition. Non-accredited programs may offer lower costs but could limit career options and employer acceptance, potentially reducing long-term ROI despite lower upfront costs.
Do online IT programs offer comparable value to on-campus programs?
Top online IT programs can offer excellent value through reduced costs and scheduling flexibility, but may lack some networking and hands-on learning opportunities. Online program graduates earn starting salaries within 5-10% of on-campus counterparts. Consider online programs if you need scheduling flexibility or want to minimize living expenses while attending highly-ranked institutions.
How do location and regional job markets impact IT program value?
Location significantly impacts both educational costs and career outcomes. Programs in major tech hubs like California and Washington produce higher-earning graduates but involve higher living costs. Programs in emerging tech centers like Austin, Raleigh, and Atlanta offer optimal combinations of reasonable costs and strong job markets. Consider both immediate post-graduation opportunities and long-term career mobility when evaluating location factors.
Is an IT degree still worth it compared to bootcamps and certifications?
IT degrees provide superior long-term ROI despite higher upfront costs and time investment. Degree holders earn $15,000-$25,000 more annually than bootcamp graduates and have better advancement opportunities. Degrees also provide comprehensive knowledge foundations that benefit career transitions and leadership roles. Consider bootcamps for rapid skill acquisition, but degrees for long-term career development and earning potential.
How can I minimize costs while maximizing IT education value?
Strategies include: prioritizing in-state public universities with strong programs, applying for technology-specific scholarships and grants, considering community college transfers for general education requirements, and maximizing federal financial aid eligibility. Many top-value programs like NC State and Georgia Tech offer exceptional education at reasonable costs for in-state students.

How We Rank Information Technology Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

Florida State University's Bachelor's in Information Technology leads our ranking of 50 best-value information technology programs, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, career outcomes, and cost using IPEDS 2024 and BLS data. 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

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

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.