- 1.Hakia's analysis of the most affordable 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 Florida Atlantic University, Dalton State College, University of Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Florida Atlantic University offers information technology education at $2,522/year with 77% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Information Technology programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Florida Atlantic University
This unique joint program between the College of Business and College of Engineering combines technical depth with management expertise, offering three specialized concentrations in high-demand areas of technology.
Florida Atlantic University Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Florida Atlantic University as the #1 in information technology degree program.
Florida Atlantic University provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $2,522 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 77% graduation rate. Located in Boca Raton, Florida
Hakia Insight: Located in Boca Raton, Florida
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Marketing and business research
Location Advantages
- •Located in Boca Raton, Florida
- •Multiple FAU campus locations including Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Davie
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Dalton State College
N/A information technology graduates annually
Dalton State College Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Dalton State College as the #2 in information technology degree program.
Dalton State College provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $2,563 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 98% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Mohawk Industries, Local manufacturing facilities, Regional logistics companies, Healthcare systems in northwest Georgia
Admissions
University of Florida
University of Florida's CISE department ranks among the nation's top computer science programs, combining world-class research with comprehensive education across all degree levels.
University of Florida Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Florida as the #3 in information technology degree program.
University of Florida provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $4,477 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 95% graduation rate. Gainesville research hub
Hakia Insight: University of Florida leverages partnerships with Microsoft and Google to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cybersecurity research and education
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Location Advantages
- •Gainesville research hub
- •Access to NSF and federal research funding
- •Proximity to emerging Florida tech innovation ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Google, IBM, Amazon
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Central Florida
UCF's IT program uniquely positions students at America's Space University, where they contribute to groundbreaking space technologies and work alongside NASA partnerships, while being embedded in Central Florida Research Park with over 12,300 employees collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
University of Central Florida Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #4 in information technology degree program.
University of Central Florida provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $4,478 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 93% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida graduates earn $93,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer vision and artificial intelligence research
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin
Admissions
North Carolina A & T State University
Our niche is mainframe administration and computer networking. Few programs have expertise in these areas, with a specific focus on mainframe education due to the department's acquisition of a z9 Enterprise system and the scarcity of mainframe education programs in the country.
North Carolina A & T State University Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks North Carolina A & T State University as the #5 in information technology degree program.
North Carolina A & T State University provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $3,540 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 84% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: North Carolina A & T State University's industry network — including IBM and John Deere — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IBM, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, John Deere, USAA
University of South Florida
The program is housed in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, which transforms the role of computing technologies in society by focusing on delivering high-demand academic programs, advancing research excellence, and promoting ethics and trust in technology.
University of South Florida Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of South Florida as the #6 in information technology degree program.
University of South Florida provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $4,559 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 85% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: University of South Florida graduates earn $105,993, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Jabil, ReliaQuest
Admissions
Georgia Gwinnett College
All Information Technology students must complete faculty-mentored research, internships, or service learning to demonstrate mastery of their field, with research opportunities available starting freshman year.
Georgia Gwinnett College Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Georgia Gwinnett College as the #7 in information technology degree program.
Georgia Gwinnett College provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $3,214 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 94% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: Georgia Gwinnett College graduates earn $100,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Indian River State College
The program operates a Cyber Center of Excellence providing unique research and academic training opportunities, with capstone projects involving real business cyber security challenges and virtual hackathon competitions.
Indian River State College Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Indian River State College as the #8 in information technology degree program.
Indian River State College provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $2,496 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 54% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cyber security research and academic training
Career Outcomes
AT&T, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, Pratt & Whitney, U.S. Sugar
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Middle Georgia State University
MGA's IT program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, offering innovative, flexible coursework available day, evening, online and hybrid formats.
Middle Georgia State University Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #9 in information technology degree program.
Middle Georgia State University provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $3,600 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 96% graduation rate. Most affordable state university in Georgia
Hakia Insight: Most affordable state university in Georgia
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
cybersecurity research
Location Advantages
- •Most affordable state university in Georgia
- •Multiple campus locations including Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, Macon, and Warner Robins
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Offers 7 diverse concentrations including Advanced Data and Knowledge Discovery, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Security and Privacy, and emerging technologies, with options for thesis research within concentration areas
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Information Technology Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the #10 in information technology degree program.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides budget-friendly Information Technology education at $3,812 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 76% graduation rate. Access to Charlotte's growing tech and banking sector
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte leverages partnerships with Google Inc. and Centers for Disease Control to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Machine learning algorithms and applications
Cybersecurity and privacy research for Internet applications
Clinical data integration, medical imaging, and healthcare decision support
Novel interaction technologies, privacy, and information visualization
Compilers, algorithms, parallel computing, and storage systems
Robot coordination, motion planning, and manufacturing automation
Virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital games
Interactive visualization and visual analytics applications
Genomics, infectious diseases, and environmental health risks
System resilience and automated attack recovery
Data mining, business analytics, and recommender systems
Intelligent human-computer interactions and multimedia systems
Location Advantages
- •Access to Charlotte's growing tech and banking sector
- •Proximity to major healthcare systems for health informatics research
- •Strategic location in North Carolina's Research Triangle region
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Information Technology Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. Florida Atlantic University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Florida Atlantic University as the #1 in information technology degree program. Location: Boca Raton, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,522/year | Graduation Rate: 77%
What makes Florida Atlantic University stand out: This unique joint program between the College of Business and College of Engineering combines technical depth with management expertise, offering three specialized concentrations in high-demand areas of technology.
Hakia Insight: Located in Boca Raton, Florida
Program Overview: Florida Atlantic University's Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) is a comprehensive graduate program designed for highly motivated individuals with backgrounds in information technology, information systems, data analytics, computer science and related disciplines. The program is jointly offered by the College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, preparing students for engineering and management positions in software engineering, information technology, database systems, data analytics, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. The program offers three distinct concentrations: Advanced Information Technology (AIT), Computer Science Data Analytics (CSDA), and Cybersecurity, allowing students to specialize in their area of interest while gaining both technical expertise and management skills.
Degree Programs: MS in Information Technology and Management - Advanced Information Technology Concentration (not specified); MS in Information Technology and Management - Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration (not specified); MS in Information Technology and Management - Cybersecurity Concentration (not specified)
Research Labs: Behavioral Insights Lab - Marketing and business research
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Software Engineering, Information Technology, Database Systems, Data Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence
Notable Faculty: Dr. Max Ostinelli (Marketing Department); Professor Abhijit Guha (Marketing Department)
Admissions:
#2. Dalton State College Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Dalton State College as the #2 in information technology degree program. Location: Dalton, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,563/year | Graduation Rate: 98%
Program Overview: Dalton State's IT program sits in a region known for advanced manufacturing and logistics, which means the curriculum is built around the technical skills those industries actually need—think network infrastructure, system administration, and industrial IT support. You'll graduate job-ready for positions that pay well in northwest Georgia while maintaining clear pathways to complete a bachelor's degree at the same campus. The college invests in current technology labs and maintains active connections with employers like carpet mills and distribution centers that hire IT professionals. Students appreciate the supportive learning environment and the ability to pivot between workforce-focused and transfer-focused study plans.
Degree Programs: AAS in Information Technology (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Mohawk Industries, Local manufacturing facilities, Regional logistics companies, Healthcare systems in northwest Georgia | Common Roles: Help Desk Technician, Network Support Specialist, Junior System Administrator
Admissions:
#3. University of Florida Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Florida as the #3 in information technology degree program. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 95%
What makes University of Florida stand out: University of Florida's CISE department ranks among the nation's top computer science programs, combining world-class research with comprehensive education across all degree levels.
Hakia Insight: University of Florida leverages partnerships with Microsoft and Google to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: The University of Florida's information technology programs harness the research intensity and scale of a major R1 institution to prepare students for sophisticated technical and leadership roles. Within UF's computer and information science curriculum, students develop depth across software engineering, systems architecture, cybersecurity, data science, and emerging technologies through courses taught by faculty actively engaged in research and industry consultation. A distinguishing advantage is access to specialized computing facilities, research laboratories, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities—students often engage with IT applications in domains like healthcare informatics, environmental systems, or advanced manufacturing where UF has research strengths. The program benefits from UF's location within Florida's innovation corridor and established relationships with employers in technology, healthcare, defense, and finance sectors, creating internship and career pathways. Rather than isolation within a single department, IT education at UF is enriched through partnerships across engineering, business, and domain-specific colleges, encouraging graduates to think systemically about how technology creates value. The curriculum emphasizes not just technical competency but the leadership and communication skills necessary for IT professionals to advance into strategic roles. UF's commitment to research-informed education means students encounter current problems and cutting-edge techniques throughout their studies, developing intellectual agility alongside technical skills. The university's scale enables both personalized mentoring and broad networking—students connect with peers pursuing diverse specializations while building relationships with faculty and visiting industry professionals. Graduates enter IT careers with strong theoretical foundations, practical experience, and the research fluency increasingly valuable in technical leadership positions.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research (FICS) - Cybersecurity research and education; Intelligent Machines Lab - Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Google, IBM, National Science Foundation, DARPA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Google, IBM, Amazon | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist
Notable Faculty: null (Cybersecurity); null (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#4. University of Central Florida Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida as the #4 in information technology degree program. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93%
What makes University of Central Florida stand out: UCF's IT program uniquely positions students at America's Space University, where they contribute to groundbreaking space technologies and work alongside NASA partnerships, while being embedded in Central Florida Research Park with over 12,300 employees collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida graduates earn $93,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The University of Central Florida's Information Technology program is housed within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, ranking as the third most popular major by enrollment in that college. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS IT) combines technical depth with practical application, preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Students gain hands-on experience through a structured internship program that allows junior and senior-level students to earn academic credit while working 10-20 hours per week with industry partners for one semester. The program requires foundational courses in database concepts, object-oriented programming, computer science fundamentals, and discrete mathematics, building a solid technical foundation that bridges theory and practice.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Center for Research in Computer Vision - Computer vision and artificial intelligence research
Industry Partners: NASA, Siemens, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: Computer Network Operator, Information Security Analyst, IT Professional, Network Administrator, Support Technician, System Administrator, Web Designer
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for internship eligibility
#5. North Carolina A & T State University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks North Carolina A & T State University as the #5 in information technology degree program. Location: Greensboro, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,540/year | Graduation Rate: 84%
What makes North Carolina A & T State University stand out: Our niche is mainframe administration and computer networking. Few programs have expertise in these areas, with a specific focus on mainframe education due to the department's acquisition of a z9 Enterprise system and the scarcity of mainframe education programs in the country.
Hakia Insight: North Carolina A & T State University's industry network — including IBM and John Deere — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: The Information Technology program at North Carolina A&T State University specializes in mainframe administration and computer networking, preparing students to meet computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other organizations. Students study computer networking, software and hardware support, disk storage technology, mainframe system administration, network security, information management, and mobile computing.
Degree Programs: BS; MS
Industry Partners: IBM, John Deere, First Citizens, USAA, BB&T, Bank of America, Market America, Fidelity Investment, Verizon, RedHat, Cisco Systems, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, SAS, Viacom, Chevron, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, AT&T
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: IBM, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, John Deere, USAA, BB&T, First Citizens Bank, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cisco | Common Roles: Networking Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Support Specialist, Computer System Administrator, Mainframe System Administration, Information Security Analysts, Software Developers, Web Developers
Notable Faculty: Dr. Evelyn R. Sowells-Boone (Department Chair); Dr. Li-Shiang Tsay (Program Coordinator); Dr. Qingan Zeng (Chairperson & Program Coordinator for MS)
Admissions:
#6. University of South Florida Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of South Florida as the #6 in information technology degree program. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 85%
What makes University of South Florida stand out: The program is housed in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, which transforms the role of computing technologies in society by focusing on delivering high-demand academic programs, advancing research excellence, and promoting ethics and trust in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of South Florida graduates earn $105,993, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: The Information Technology program focuses on programming, databases, networking, human-computer interaction, web systems, and cybersecurity to meet the technology requirements of business, government, healthcare, education, and other organizations. Students acquire a combination of fundamental knowledge and practical expertise to solve computing technology problems and meet user needs.
Degree Programs: B.S.I.T. (4 years)
Industry Partners: Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Jabil, ReliaQuest, Rapid7
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Jabil, ReliaQuest, Rapid7 | Common Roles: Information Security Analyst, Database Administrator, Software Developer, Web Developer, Cloud Architect
Admissions:
#7. Georgia Gwinnett College Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Georgia Gwinnett College as the #7 in information technology degree program. Location: Lawrenceville, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,214/year | Graduation Rate: 94%
What makes Georgia Gwinnett College stand out: All Information Technology students must complete faculty-mentored research, internships, or service learning to demonstrate mastery of their field, with research opportunities available starting freshman year.
Hakia Insight: Georgia Gwinnett College graduates earn $100,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information technology curriculum.
Program Overview: Georgia Gwinnett College's Information Technology program offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree with multiple specialized concentrations to prepare students for diverse technology careers. The program features five distinct concentrations: Data Science and Analytics, Digital Media, Enterprise Systems, Software Development, and Systems and Security. With over 1,500 students enrolled across all concentrations, the program requires 123 credit hours and includes a mandatory laptop requirement for junior and senior students. Students can pursue their degree through on-campus, online, or hybrid formats. A unique requirement is that all SST majors must demonstrate mastery through faculty-mentored research, internships, or service learning projects. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with integrated laboratory components in many courses, and students have access to research opportunities starting in their freshman year through STEC-2500 and continuing with STEC-4500 for upperclassmen.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Data Science and Analytics (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Digital Media (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Enterprise Systems (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Software Development (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Systems and Security (4 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Information Security Analyst, Computer and Information Technology Professional
Admissions:
#8. Indian River State College Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Indian River State College as the #8 in information technology degree program. Location: Fort Pierce, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,496/year | Graduation Rate: 54%
What makes Indian River State College stand out: The program operates a Cyber Center of Excellence providing unique research and academic training opportunities, with capstone projects involving real business cyber security challenges and virtual hackathon competitions.
Program Overview: Indian River State College offers a comprehensive Information Technology program spanning multiple degree levels and specializations. The program features expertise in cyber security, network engineering, and secure web development, with faculty who are industry experts. Students can pursue Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degrees in Computer Information Technology, or advance to a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security. The program includes hands-on training at the Cyber Center of Excellence, offering academic and research opportunities. During the capstone semester, students work with businesses on complex cyber security issues, gain experience with cutting-edge secure hardware and software, and compete in virtual hackathons. The college also offers multiple technical certificates including Computer Information Data Specialist, Help Desk Support Technician, Information Technology Support Specialist, and Computer Programming Specialist, providing flexible pathways for career advancement in the rapidly growing IT industry.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science in Computer Information Technology (60 credit hours); Associate in Arts - Computer Information Technology track (60 credit hours); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security (120 credit hours); Computer Information Data Specialist Technical Certificate (60 credit hours); Help Desk Support Technician Technical Certificate (60 credit hours); Information Technology Support Specialist Technical Certificate (18 credit hours)
Research Labs: Cyber Center of Excellence - Cyber security research and academic training
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: not specified | Top Employers: AT&T, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, Pratt & Whitney, U.S. Sugar, Northrop Grumman, Boeing | Common Roles: cyber security specialist, web developer, IT support technician, help desk support, computer programming specialist, information technology support specialist
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: not specified
Accreditations: A+ Certification Exam preparation through Computer Technology Industry Association
#9. Middle Georgia State University Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #9 in information technology degree program. Location: Macon, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,600/year | Graduation Rate: 96%
What makes Middle Georgia State University stand out: MGA's IT program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, offering innovative, flexible coursework available day, evening, online and hybrid formats.
Hakia Insight: Most affordable state university in Georgia
Program Overview: Middle Georgia State University's Information Technology program offers comprehensive BS and MS degrees focused on innovation, flexibility, and convenience. The program develops students with diversified skills in networking, information assurance, media design, application development, and informatics, emphasizing critical thinking and problem solving within an interconnected global environment.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); MS
Research Labs: Center for Cybersecurity Education and Applied Research - cybersecurity research
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: digital media designers and developers, game developers, multimedia specialists, network administrators, systems administrators, web developers, software developers, database programmers
Notable Faculty: Dr. Jed Edge (Chair of Information Technology); Dr. Valerie Mercer (Assistant Professor, MSIT Program Coordinator)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET
#10. University of North Carolina at Charlotte Information Technology Program
Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the #10 in information technology degree program. Location: Charlotte, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,812/year | Graduation Rate: 76%
What makes University of North Carolina at Charlotte stand out: Offers 7 diverse concentrations including Advanced Data and Knowledge Discovery, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Security and Privacy, and emerging technologies, with options for thesis research within concentration areas
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte leverages partnerships with Google Inc. and Centers for Disease Control to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: The M.S. in Information Technology program provides advanced skills and knowledge to plan, design, implement, evaluate, deploy, maintain and manage technology applications and systems. The program helps students solve practical challenges common to business, industry and government organizations.
Degree Programs: MS (2 years)
Research Labs: Charlotte Machine Learning Lab (CharMLab) - Machine learning algorithms and applications; CyberDNA Research Center - Cybersecurity and privacy research for Internet applications; Health Informatics Lab - Clinical data integration, medical imaging, and healthcare decision support; Human-Computer Interaction Lab - Novel interaction technologies, privacy, and information visualization; High Performance Computing and Systems Lab (HPCS) - Compilers, algorithms, parallel computing, and storage systems; Robotics Lab - Robot coordination, motion planning, and manufacturing automation; Gaming and Mixed Reality Lab - Virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital games; Ribarsky Center for Visual Analytics - Interactive visualization and visual analytics applications; Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER) - Genomics, infectious diseases, and environmental health risks; Cyber Resiliency, Security, and Trust Lab (CReST) - System resilience and automated attack recovery; Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) Lab - Data mining, business analytics, and recommender systems; Intelligent, Multimedia, and Interactive Systems (IMI) Lab - Intelligent human-computer interactions and multimedia systems
Industry Partners: Google Inc., Centers for Disease Control, Bank of America, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Dr. Heather Lipford (Program Director)
Admissions:
Best Information Technology Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | N/A |
| #2 Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | N/A |
| #3 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | N/A |
| #4 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | N/A |
| #5 North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Information Technology Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $2,522 | 251.9 | 77% |
| 2 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $2,563 | 212 | 98% |
| 3 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 204.3 | 95% |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 199.6 | 93% |
| 5 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 185.5 | 84% |
| 6 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 183.6 | 85% |
| 7 | Georgia Gwinnett College | Lawrenceville, GA | $3,214 | 174 | 94% |
| 8 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | $2,496 | 173 | 54% |
| 9 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | $3,600 | 156.9 | 96% |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 153.9 | 76% |
| 11 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | 151.2 | 94% |
| 12 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 150.8 | 84% |
| 13 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 150.4 | 82% |
| 14 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | 147.6 | 100% |
| 15 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | $3,358 | 146.1 | 65% |
| 16 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 139.6 | 66% |
| 17 | Albany State University | Albany, GA | $4,064 | 137 | 99% |
| 18 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | $3,633 | 130.7 | 78% |
| 19 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 129 | 99% |
| 20 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | Stillwater, OK | $5,417 | 127 | 83% |
| 21 | North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC | $3,728 | 125.7 | 87% |
| 22 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 124.2 | 79% |
| 23 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 119.6 | 88% |
| 24 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA | $4,197 | 118.6 | 85% |
| 25 | Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | $4,371 | 117.8 | 93% |
IT Degree Value Analysis: Finding Quality Programs at Affordable Prices
Information technology degrees offer some of the best return on investment in higher education, with graduates entering a growing field that offers median salaries of $58,000-$75,000 depending on specialization. Our analysis of 489 accredited IT programs reveals significant cost variations, with the most affordable programs charging under $5,000 annually while maintaining strong career outcomes.
Public universities dominate the affordable IT degree landscape, with 47 of the top 50 most affordable programs offered by state institutions. Students can access quality information technology education at a fraction of the cost of private alternatives while still gaining industry-relevant skills in network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and systems analysis.
The most affordable IT programs maintain strong industry partnerships and often include valuable certifications from vendors like Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA. Many graduates from these cost-effective programs successfully transition into careers in software engineering, cybersecurity analysis, and DevOps engineering with competitive starting salaries.
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a Information Technology degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce Information Technology degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce Information Technology degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a Information Technology program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and ensure network security. Strong growth in cloud and hybrid environments.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizations from cyber threats, implement security measures, and respond to security incidents. High demand across all industries.
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze computer systems and procedures to help organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. Bridge business and technology needs.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Store, organize, and manage data using specialized software. Ensure data availability, security, and performance optimization.
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1299Plan, execute, and oversee technology projects from conception to completion. Coordinate teams and resources to deliver solutions on time and budget.
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement cloud computing strategies for organizations. Growing field with high demand for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud expertise.
Most Affordable States for Information Technology Education
Financial Aid Strategies for IT Students: Maximizing Affordability
Even the most affordable IT programs become more accessible through strategic financial aid planning. Students at public institutions receive an average of $6,800 in financial aid annually, which can reduce net costs below $3,000 per year at the most affordable schools. Federal Pell Grants, state grants, and work-study programs provide the foundation for most financial aid packages.
IT students have access to specialized scholarships from technology companies, professional organizations, and diversity-focused foundations. The National Science Foundation provides STEM scholarships, while organizations like CompTIA and Cisco offer scholarships specifically for IT students. Many scholarships for women in tech are underutilized, creating opportunities for female students to reduce costs further.
Employer tuition reimbursement programs provide another avenue for cost reduction. Many IT professionals pursue degrees while working, taking advantage of employer tuition assistance that can cover 75-100% of tuition costs. This approach allows students to gain experience while earning their degree and graduate with both education and professional experience.
Which Affordable IT Program Type is Right for You?
- You want the absolute lowest cost option
- You prefer smaller class sizes and personal attention
- You plan to transfer to a 4-year university later
- You're changing careers and need quick entry to the field
- You want to graduate completely debt-free
- You want a full university experience with campus life
- You value research opportunities and faculty expertise
- You plan to pursue graduate studies in the future
- You want the broadest range of IT specialization options
- You prefer ABET-accredited programs for professional credibility
- You need maximum flexibility due to work or family commitments
- You live in an area with limited local IT program options
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning
- You want to continue working while earning your degree
- You prefer accelerated degree completion options
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
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Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable IT Degrees
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Spotlight: Top 5 Most Affordable IT Programs
The following programs represent exceptional value in IT education, combining low tuition costs with strong career outcomes and industry partnerships. Each program maintains accreditation while offering comprehensive curriculum covering network administration, cybersecurity, database management, and emerging technologies.
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.