- 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 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
N/A information technology graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Information Technology based on 77% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Dalton State College
N/A information technology graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Information Technology based on 98% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Florida
N/A information technology graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Information Technology based on 95% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
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.
North Carolina A & T State University
N/A information technology graduates annually
University of South Florida
N/A information technology graduates annually
Georgia Gwinnett College
N/A information technology graduates annually
Indian River State College
N/A information technology graduates annually
Middle Georgia State University
N/A information technology graduates annually
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
N/A information technology graduates annually
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.
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
North Carolina
Georgia
Florida
Oklahoma
Nebraska
New Mexico
New York
Wisconsin
Texas
Utah
Arkansas
Maryland
South Dakota
Washington
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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable IT Degrees
Based on 200 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Information Technology graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics
Salary data and employment projections for IT occupations
Graduate earnings and program outcomes
Educational statistics and program classifications
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.