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Florida State University
Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Tallahassee, FLPublic
$134,050 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $4,640 in-state tuition
- 172 graduates annually
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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
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University of California-San Diego
Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
La Jolla, CAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $134,050 median salary
- $12,260 in-state tuition
- 234 graduates annually
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Bachelor's in Information TechnologyOn-campus
Seattle, WAPublic
$134,050 median salary · 85% graduation rate
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
| 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 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Top 50 Best Value IT Programs 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,640 | 86% | $134,050 | 96.7 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $134,050 | 95.7 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA · Public | On-campus | $11,869 | 85% | $134,050 | 95.3 |
| #4 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,478 | 78% | $134,050 | 95.0 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN · Public | On-campus | $9,718 | 83% | $134,050 | 94.3 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Binghamton UniversityVestal, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 82% | $134,050 | 93.6 |
| #7 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of South FloridaTampa, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,559 | 77% | $134,050 | 92.5 |
| #8 | Bachelor's in Information Technology The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX · Public | On-campus | $10,639 | 76% | $134,050 | 91.1 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Florida International UniversityMiami, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,721 | 74% | $134,050 | 90.8 |
| #10 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $6,688 | 81% | $134,050 | 90.1 |
| #11 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington, NC · Public | On-campus | $4,443 | 71% | $134,050 | 89.9 |
| #12 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of North FloridaJacksonville, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,996 | 69% | $134,050 | 88.4 |
| #13 | Bachelor's in Information Technology James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA · Public | On-campus | $8,150 | 80% | $134,050 | 86.4 |
| #14 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of California-RiversideRiverside, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 76% | $134,050 | 86.0 |
| #15 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX · Public | On-campus | $8,935 | 69% | $134,050 | 85.6 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC · Public | On-campus | $3,812 | 69% | $134,050 | 85.2 |
| #17 | Bachelor's in Information Technology American Public University SystemCharles Town, WV · Private for-profit | Online | $8,400 | 57% | $134,050 | 84.8 |
| #18 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | Online | $11,685 | 75% | $134,050 | 84.7 |
| #19 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK · Public | Online | $5,417 | 68% | $134,050 | 84.4 |
| #20 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of West FloridaPensacola, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,735 | 59% | $134,050 | 83.3 |
| #21 | Bachelor's in Information Technology North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC · Public | Online | $3,540 | 57% | $134,050 | 83.0 |
| #22 | Bachelor's in Information Technology George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · Public | Online | $10,392 | 68% | $134,050 | 82.8 |
| #23 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA · Public | On-campus | $9,252 | 75% | $134,050 | 82.7 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of North TexasDenton, TX · Public | On-campus | $8,319 | 61% | $134,050 | 81.7 |
| #25 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,152 | 53% | $134,050 | 81.5 |
| #26 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO · Public | On-campus | $11,750 | 55% | $134,050 | 81.2 |
| #27 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Valencia CollegeOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,467 | 48% | $134,050 | 81.0 |
| #28 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA · Public | Online | $4,560 | 52% | $134,050 | 80.8 |
| #29 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN · Public | Online | $10,080 | 50% | $134,050 | 80.7 |
| #30 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Towson UniversityTowson, MD · Public | On-campus | $7,530 | 69% | $134,050 | 80.6 |
| #31 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,872 | 53% | $134,050 | 79.9 |
| #32 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $134,050 | 79.7 |
| #33 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,987 | 46% | $134,050 | 79.3 |
| #34 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN · Public | On-campus | $9,518 | 54% | $134,050 | 78.7 |
| #35 | Bachelor's in Information Technology East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC · Public | Online | $4,452 | 63% | $134,050 | 78.6 |
| #36 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Boise State UniversityBoise, ID · Public | On-campus | $6,119 | 60% | $134,050 | 78.4 |
| #37 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma, WA · Public | On-campus | $11,869 | 63% | $134,050 | 78.4 |
| #38 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,818 | 45% | $134,050 | 78.1 |
| #39 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of KansasLawrence, KS · Public | On-campus | $10,968 | 69% | $134,050 | 77.8 |
| #40 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Brigham Young University-HawaiiLaie, HI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $6,630 | 53% | $134,050 | 77.4 |
| #41 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce, FL · Public | Online | $2,496 | 45% | $134,050 | 77.0 |
| #42 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Winona State UniversityWinona, MN · Public | On-campus | $8,388 | 57% | $134,050 | 77.0 |
| #43 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Weber State UniversityOgden, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,621 | 46% | $134,050 | 76.8 |
| #44 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY · Public | On-campus | $10,704 | 52% | $134,050 | 76.7 |
| #45 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Utah State UniversityLogan, UT · Public | On-campus | $7,627 | 59% | $134,050 | 76.5 |
| #46 | Bachelor's in Information Technology State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 59% | $134,050 | 76.4 |
| #47 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Inter American University of Puerto Rico-AguadillaAguadilla, PR · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $4,968 | 43% | $134,050 | 76.4 |
| #48 | Bachelor's in Information Technology University of South AlabamaMobile, AL · Public | On-campus | $8,976 | 53% | $134,050 | 76.3 |
| #49 | Bachelor's in Information Technology Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,968 | 39% | $134,050 | 76.3 |
| #50 | Bachelor's in Information Technology California State University-ChicoChico, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 63% | $134,050 | 76.1 |
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.
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
$58,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+22%
Job Growth
377,500
Annual Openings
Career Paths
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.
Median Salary:$84,810
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to increase efficiency.
Median Salary:$99,270
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Create 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 15-1254Design and create websites, focusing on either front-end user experience or back-end functionality and databases.
Median Salary:$77,200
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan 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
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $10,824
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $6,380
Best Value Information Technology Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 31
- Median Tuition
- $10,560
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $18,454
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $16,862
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $11,936
Best Value Information Technology Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $9,058
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $10,258
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $13,691
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Michigan
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $15,750
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $11,745
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Arizona
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $11,618
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $12,938
Best Value Information Technology Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $16,632
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 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs 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
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.