Top 3 Information Technology Programs in North Carolina 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
72 Information Technology graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
117 Information Technology graduates annually, 76% graduation rate
North Carolina A & T State University
72 Information Technology graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.North Carolina has 35+ accredited Information Technology bachelor's programs across UNC system, private universities, and community colleges
- 2.UNC Chapel Hill leads with 91% graduation rate and strong Research Triangle Park industry connections
- 3.NC State offers excellent value at $9,101 in-state tuition with specialized cybersecurity and network administration tracks
- 4.North Carolina IT professionals earn median $89,240 annually—10% above national median with lower cost of living
- 5.Research Triangle Park, Charlotte, and Greensboro provide 89,000+ technology jobs with companies like Red Hat, IBM, SAS, and Bank of America
Information Technology Education in North Carolina
North Carolina has emerged as a major technology hub, anchored by the Research Triangle Park—one of the largest research parks in the world. This growth has created strong demand for IT professionals and excellent educational opportunities across the state's university systems.
The state offers diverse IT education options from the prestigious UNC Chapel Hill program to practical community college pathways. For national perspective, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Budget-conscious students should explore our most affordable IT programs guide, while career-focused students can review IT salary data for North Carolina opportunities.
North Carolina's technology sector spans from fintech in Charlotte to software development in the Triangle, creating opportunities across cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering disciplines.
Complete North Carolina IT Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 81.6 |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | — | 76.3 |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 65.6 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 57.8 |
| 5 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | Public | $4,452 | — | — | 56.7 |
| 6 | Strayer University-North Carolina | Greensboro, NC | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | — | 49.3 |
| 7 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | Public | $1,000 | — | — | 47.4 |
| 8 | Johnson C Smith University | Charlotte, NC | Private | $18,450 | — | — | 45.1 |
| 9 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, NC | Public | $3,401 | — | — | 44.6 |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 44.1 |
| 11 | Campbell University | Buies Creek, NC | Private | $37,750 | — | — | 42.9 |
| 12 | University of Mount Olive | Mount Olive, NC | Private | $24,850 | — | — | 42.8 |
| 13 | North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC | Public | $3,728 | 87% | — | 42.7 |
| 14 | Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | Private | $30,000 | — | — | 39.6 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in North Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | UNC Chapel Hill | North Carolina A & T State | U of North Carolina at... | East Carolina | North Carolina Central |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,019 | $3,540 | $3,812 | $4,452 | $3,728 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 84% | 76% | N/A% | 87% |
| Annual Graduates | 74 | 72 | 117 | 72 | 42 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19% | 46% | 80% | 90% | 90% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 86.1/100 | 77.7/100 | 76.3/100 | 59.5/100 | 59.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in North Carolina
North Carolina offers 23 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina A & T State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,138 in the North Carolina market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UNC Chapel Hill | $7,019 | 93% | 72 | 85.7 |
| #2 North Carolina A & T State | $3,540 | 84% | 72 | 77.7 |
| #3 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 117 | 76.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in North Carolina
For graduate study, North Carolina offers 7 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina A & T State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in North Carolina reaching $139,542 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UNC Chapel Hill | $7,019 | 93% | 74 | 86.1 |
| #2 North Carolina A & T State | $3,540 | 84% | 40 | 68.6 |
| #3 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 62 | 68.5 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in North Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in North Carolina are at University of North Carolina at Pembroke ($1,000/year), Winston-Salem State University ($3,401/year), North Carolina A & T State University ($3,540/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a 4-year degree costs approximately $4,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,138, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in North Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of North Carolina at... | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Winston-Salem State | $3,401 | $13,604 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 North Carolina A & T State | $3,540 | $14,160 | 0.4 years | Public |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,019 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 74 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 86.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 74 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 86.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (74 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Science program at UNC Chapel Hill integrates the study of information content creation and management, user needs analysis, and supporting technologies to prepare graduates for careers in information architecture, database design, web development, and business systems analysis.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.000
Program Details
- Credits: 30
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 77.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 72 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (72 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 76% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 117 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 76.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- 117 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (76%), program size (117 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC Charlotte's M.S. in Information Technology program offers 8 specialized concentrations and has been ranked #27 nationally for career outcomes and ROI for international students. Graduates earn an average salary of $151,346, which is 22% higher than the national average for OPT graduates.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Data structures
- •Object-oriented programming in C++, C#, or java
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 graduate credit hours
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $151,346
Available Specializations / Concentrations
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,452 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 59.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 72 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (72 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ECU offers comprehensive IT programs with formal industry partnerships that provide certification opportunities built into the curriculum, along with required internships and capstone projects. The programs are accredited by recognized bodies and offer both on-campus and online options with strong employment outcomes.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Statistics course (3 semester hours minimum)
- •ECON 2113 - Principles of Microeconomics
- •MATH 1065 - College Algebra or MATH 1066 - Applied Mathematics for Decision Making
- •PHYS 1250 - General Physics I
- •PHYS 1251 - General Physics Laboratory I
- •PHYS 1260 - General Physics II
- •PSYC 1000 - Introductory Psychology
- •PSYC 3241 - Personnel and Industrial Psychology
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% of graduates were employed in a healthcare or related field or were enrolled in a master's level program within one year of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,728 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 42 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 59.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 42 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (42 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NCCU offers top-ranked online Information Technology programs with multiple specialized concentrations including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Health Informatics. The program provides both business and technical aspects of IT with hands-on experiences in high-demand skillsets.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Program Details
- Credits: 36 semester hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations across Research Triangle Park and Charlotte
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational data and systems, with strong demand in banking and healthcare sectors
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1243Design and maintain database systems for major corporations and government agencies
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology implementation projects across diverse industries
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications for businesses and organizations
North Carolina University Systems and IT Education
North Carolina's public university system provides excellent IT education options at affordable prices. The University of North Carolina system includes 16 campuses, with UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and UNC Charlotte offering the strongest IT programs.
The UNC system benefits from state funding and Research Triangle Park partnerships, creating pathways from education to employment. Students can transfer between UNC campuses and often complete their first two years at community colleges through the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
- UNC Chapel Hill: Premier research university with top-tier IT program
- NC State: Engineering-focused with strong cybersecurity emphasis
- UNC Charlotte: Urban campus with excellent industry connections
- Appalachian State: Mountain campus with growing tech program
- East Carolina: Strong regional program serving eastern NC
Private universities like Duke and Wake Forest offer smaller classes and extensive resources, while regional universities provide affordable options for students seeking practical IT skills. Many programs offer online and evening options for working professionals.
Other Tech Degree Programs in North Carolina
IT Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
Virginia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Research Triangle Park tech opportunities
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Strong job market with 15% projected IT growth
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York
- Proximity to major employers like Red Hat, SAS, and IBM
- Mild climate and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Strong community college transfer pathways
- Maximum salary potential (California, New York pay more)
- Larger tech ecosystems with more startup opportunities
- Specialized programs in emerging technologies
- Major tech company headquarters (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
- More diverse industry sectors beyond fintech and enterprise
- Extensive public transportation systems
- International tech hub exposure
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina IT Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data
State-specific salary and employment data
State economic development and employment statistics
Regional employer and industry information
Source: NC Department of Commerce 2024
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.