University campus in North Carolina
Updated January 2026

Best Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina — 2026 Rankings

Explore 78 accredited information technology degree programs in North Carolina. Compare schools by graduation rate, salary outcomes, and tuition—from Wake Technical Community College to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

#1 ProgramU of North Carolina at Ch...
Avg Salary$107,340
Tuition From$2,076/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: U of North Carolina at Ch..., North Carolina A & T State, U of North Carolina at Ch...

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $40,400/year

Wake Technical Community ... offers the most affordable option at $2,076/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 56 associate's, 7 master's, 2 doctoral programs available in North Carolina

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

24 North Carolina programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

North Carolina community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

56 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: IBM, Cisco, Red Hat, SAS

Tech hubs in Raleigh and Charlotte

Hakia Research 2026

Information Technology programs available near 92+ cities across North Carolina

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$107,340
Is Information Technology in North Carolina Worth It?
Yes. Information Technology degrees in North Carolina deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $107,340 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $7,010/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

23 programs$107,340 median salary85% avg grad rate
23
Programs
$107,340
Median Salary
$18,148/yr
Avg Tuition
85%
Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

North Carolina ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 23 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 13 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of North Carolina at Ch..., North Carolina A & T State, U of North Carolina at Ch..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from North Carolina information technology programs earn a median salary of $91,239—7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $40,400 annually, with an average of $18,148/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 94%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to North Carolina's leading technology employers. For students seeking information technology degrees in North Carolina, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Public
Chapel Hill, NC
$7,019
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
85.7
Score
Website
🥈

North Carolina A & T State University

Public
Greensboro, NC
$3,540
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
77.7
Score
Website
🥉

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Public
Charlotte, NC
$3,812
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad Rate
76.3
Score
Website
#4

East Carolina University

Public
Greenville, NC
$4,452
Tuition/yr
50.8
Score
Website
#5

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Public
Wilmington, NC
$4,443
Tuition/yr
79%
Grad Rate
57.8
Score
Website
#6

North Carolina Central University

Public
Durham, NC
$3,728
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
51.4
Score
Website
#7

Johnson C Smith University

Private
Charlotte, NC
$18,450
Tuition/yr
47.1
Score
Website
#8

North Carolina Wesleyan University

Private
Rocky Mount, NC
$34,936
Tuition/yr
44.4
Score
Website
#9

Strayer University-North Carolina

For-Profit
Greensboro, NC
$13,725
Tuition/yr
49.3
Score
Website
#10

Guilford College

Private
Greensboro, NC
$40,400
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
46.4
Score
Website

Complete Information Technology Degree Program Rankings in North Carolina

Best Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Program Landscape North Carolina offers **56 accredited** associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Wake Technical Community ...**, **Guilford Technical Commun...**, **Forsyth Technical Communi...**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in North Carolina offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$2,985/yr**—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging **$59,037** in North Carolina. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with North Carolina's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions. ### Curriculum & Specializations Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information technology schools in North Carolina, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in North Carolina.

  1. #1. Wake Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Wake Technical Community College as the #1 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Raleigh, NC has annual tuition of $2,076. Ranking score: 64.5.

  2. #2. Guilford Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Guilford Technical Community College as the #2 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Jamestown, NC has annual tuition of $2,128. Ranking score: 50.9.

  3. #3. Forsyth Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Forsyth Technical Community College as the #3 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Winston-Salem, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 48.4.

  4. #4. Fayetteville Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Fayetteville Technical Community College as the #4 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Fayetteville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 48.6.

  5. #5. Central Piedmont Community College

    Hakia ranks Central Piedmont Community College as the #5 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Charlotte, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 48.3.

  6. #6. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

    Hakia ranks Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as the #6 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Salisbury, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 44.9.

  7. #7. Pitt Community College

    Hakia ranks Pitt Community College as the #7 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Winterville, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 43.5.

  8. #8. Durham Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Durham Technical Community College as the #8 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Durham, NC has annual tuition of $2,128. Ranking score: 41.2.

  9. #9. Cape Fear Community College

    Hakia ranks Cape Fear Community College as the #9 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wilmington, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 41.1.

  10. #10. Davidson-Davie Community College

    Hakia ranks Davidson-Davie Community College as the #10 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Thomasville, NC has annual tuition of $2,125. Ranking score: 40.9.

  11. #11. Vance-Granville Community College

    Hakia ranks Vance-Granville Community College as the #11 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Henderson, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 40.7.

  12. #12. Wayne Community College

    Hakia ranks Wayne Community College as the #12 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Goldsboro, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 40.7.

  13. #13. Coastal Carolina Community College

    Hakia ranks Coastal Carolina Community College as the #13 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Jacksonville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 40.4.

  14. #14. Johnston Community College

    Hakia ranks Johnston Community College as the #14 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Smithfield, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 40.4.

  15. #15. Central Carolina Community College

    Hakia ranks Central Carolina Community College as the #15 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Sanford, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 40.2.

  16. #16. Craven Community College

    Hakia ranks Craven Community College as the #16 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in New Bern, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 39.6.

  17. #17. Stanly Community College

    Hakia ranks Stanly Community College as the #17 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Albemarle, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 39.6.

  18. #18. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

    Hakia ranks Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute as the #18 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Hudson, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 39.3.

  19. #19. Gaston College

    Hakia ranks Gaston College as the #19 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Dallas, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 46.3.

  20. #20. Randolph Community College

    Hakia ranks Randolph Community College as the #20 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Asheboro, NC has annual tuition of $2,280. Ranking score: 39.3.

  21. #21. Sandhills Community College

    Hakia ranks Sandhills Community College as the #21 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Pinehurst, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 39.3.

  22. #22. Surry Community College

    Hakia ranks Surry Community College as the #22 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Dobson, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.6.

  23. #23. Alamance Community College

    Hakia ranks Alamance Community College as the #23 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Graham, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.6.

  24. #24. Nash Community College

    Hakia ranks Nash Community College as the #24 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Rocky Mount, NC has annual tuition of $2,600. Ranking score: 38.6.

  25. #25. Brunswick Community College

    Hakia ranks Brunswick Community College as the #25 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Bolivia, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.3.

  26. #26. Robeson Community College

    Hakia ranks Robeson Community College as the #26 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Lumberton, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.3.

  27. #27. Sampson Community College

    Hakia ranks Sampson Community College as the #27 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Clinton, NC has annual tuition of $3,116. Ranking score: 38.3.

  28. #28. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College as the #28 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Asheville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.0.

  29. #29. Beaufort County Community College

    Hakia ranks Beaufort County Community College as the #29 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Washington, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 38.0.

  30. #30. South Piedmont Community College

    Hakia ranks South Piedmont Community College as the #30 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Polkton, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 37.4.

  31. #31. Wilkes Community College

    Hakia ranks Wilkes Community College as the #31 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wilkesboro, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 37.4.

  32. #32. Catawba Valley Community College

    Hakia ranks Catawba Valley Community College as the #32 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Hickory, NC has annual tuition of $2,128. Ranking score: 37.1.

  33. #33. Mitchell Community College

    Hakia ranks Mitchell Community College as the #33 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Statesville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 37.1.

  34. #34. Isothermal Community College

    Hakia ranks Isothermal Community College as the #34 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Spindale, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 36.7.

  35. #35. College of the Albemarle

    Hakia ranks College of the Albemarle as the #35 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Elizabeth City, NC has annual tuition of $2,102. Ranking score: 43.2.

  36. #36. Blue Ridge Community College

    Hakia ranks Blue Ridge Community College as the #36 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Flat Rock, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 36.3.

  37. #37. Cleveland Community College

    Hakia ranks Cleveland Community College as the #37 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Shelby, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 36.3.

  38. #38. Wilson Community College

    Hakia ranks Wilson Community College as the #38 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wilson, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 36.3.

  39. #39. Bladen Community College

    Hakia ranks Bladen Community College as the #39 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Dublin, NC has annual tuition of $2,128. Ranking score: 35.9.

  40. #40. Southwestern Community College

    Hakia ranks Southwestern Community College as the #40 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Sylva, NC has annual tuition of $5,472. Ranking score: 37.4.

  41. #41. Edgecombe Community College

    Hakia ranks Edgecombe Community College as the #41 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Tarboro, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.9.

  42. #42. Richmond Community College

    Hakia ranks Richmond Community College as the #42 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Hamlet, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.9.

  43. #43. Rockingham Community College

    Hakia ranks Rockingham Community College as the #43 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wentworth, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 35.5.

  44. #44. James Sprunt Community College

    Hakia ranks James Sprunt Community College as the #44 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Kenansville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.5.

  45. #45. Lenoir Community College

    Hakia ranks Lenoir Community College as the #45 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Kinston, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.5.

  46. #46. Southeastern Community College

    Hakia ranks Southeastern Community College as the #46 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Whiteville, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.5.

  47. #47. Carteret Community College

    Hakia ranks Carteret Community College as the #47 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Morehead City, NC has annual tuition of $2,128. Ranking score: 35.0.

  48. #48. Piedmont Community College

    Hakia ranks Piedmont Community College as the #48 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Roxboro, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.0.

  49. #49. Western Piedmont Community College

    Hakia ranks Western Piedmont Community College as the #49 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Morganton, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 35.0.

  50. #50. McDowell Technical Community College

    Hakia ranks McDowell Technical Community College as the #50 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Marion, NC has annual tuition of $1,824. Ranking score: 34.4.

  51. #51. Martin Community College

    Hakia ranks Martin Community College as the #51 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Williamston, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 34.4.

  52. #52. Mayland Community College

    Hakia ranks Mayland Community College as the #52 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Spruce Pine, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 34.4.

  53. #53. Roanoke-Chowan Community College

    Hakia ranks Roanoke-Chowan Community College as the #53 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Ahoskie, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 34.4.

  54. #54. Tri-County Community College

    Hakia ranks Tri-County Community College as the #54 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Murphy, NC has annual tuition of $2,304. Ranking score: 33.6.

  55. #55. Haywood Community College

    Hakia ranks Haywood Community College as the #55 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Clyde, NC has annual tuition of $2,432. Ranking score: 33.6.

  56. #56. Campbell University

    Hakia ranks Campbell University as the #56 associate's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Buies Creek, NC has annual tuition of $37,750. Ranking score: 30.7.

Online Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Online Program Options North Carolina's community colleges offer 46 online associate's information technology programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include **Wake Technical Community ...**, **Guilford Technical Commun...**, **Forsyth Technical Communi...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by North Carolina employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online associate's programs average **$3,139/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. North Carolina-based employers including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **60 credit hours** in 2 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online information technology degrees in North Carolina, these accredited information technology schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • Wake Technical Community College - Raleigh, NC - Tuition: $2,076/year
  • Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown, NC - Tuition: $2,128/year
  • Forsyth Technical Community College - Winston-Salem, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • Central Piedmont Community College - Charlotte, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College - Salisbury, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • Pitt Community College - Winterville, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • Cape Fear Community College - Wilmington, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Durham Technical Community College - Durham, NC - Tuition: $2,128/year
  • Wayne Community College - Goldsboro, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Coastal Carolina Community College - Jacksonville, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Johnston Community College - Smithfield, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Central Carolina Community College - Sanford, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Stanly Community College - Albemarle, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute - Hudson, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Gaston College - Dallas, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Surry Community College - Dobson, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Alamance Community College - Graham, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Nash Community College - Rocky Mount, NC - Tuition: $2,600/year
  • Brunswick Community College - Bolivia, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Robeson Community College - Lumberton, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - Asheville, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Beaufort County Community College - Washington, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • South Piedmont Community College - Polkton, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • Wilkes Community College - Wilkesboro, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Catawba Valley Community College - Hickory, NC - Tuition: $2,128/year
  • Mitchell Community College - Statesville, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Isothermal Community College - Spindale, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • College of the Albemarle - Elizabeth City, NC - Tuition: $2,102/year
  • Blue Ridge Community College - Flat Rock, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Cleveland Community College - Shelby, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Bladen Community College - Dublin, NC - Tuition: $2,128/year
  • Southwestern Community College - Sylva, NC - Tuition: $5,472/year
  • Edgecombe Community College - Tarboro, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Richmond Community College - Hamlet, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Rockingham Community College - Wentworth, NC - Tuition: $1,824/year
  • James Sprunt Community College - Kenansville, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Lenoir Community College - Kinston, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Southeastern Community College - Whiteville, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Carteret Community College - Morehead City, NC - Tuition: $2,128/year
  • Piedmont Community College - Roxboro, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Martin Community College - Williamston, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Mayland Community College - Spruce Pine, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Roanoke-Chowan Community College - Ahoskie, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Tri-County Community College - Murphy, NC - Tuition: $2,304/year
  • Haywood Community College - Clyde, NC - Tuition: $2,432/year
  • Campbell University - Buies Creek, NC - Tuition: $37,750/year

Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Program Landscape North Carolina ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with **23 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **9 public** and **13 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **U of North Carolina at Ch...**, **North Carolina A & T State**, **U of North Carolina at Ch...**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from North Carolina information technology programs earn a median salary of **$91,239**—7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$1,000** to **$40,400** annually, with an average of **$18,148/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **85%**, with the highest reaching **94%**. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. ### Curriculum & Specializations Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to North Carolina's leading technology employers. For students seeking information technology degrees in North Carolina, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the #1 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Chapel Hill, NC has annual tuition of $7,019 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 85.7.

  2. #2. North Carolina A & T State University

    Hakia ranks North Carolina A & T State University as the #2 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $3,540 and a 84% graduation rate. Ranking score: 77.7.

  3. #3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the #3 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Charlotte, NC has annual tuition of $3,812 and a 76% graduation rate. Ranking score: 76.3.

  4. #4. East Carolina University

    Hakia ranks East Carolina University as the #4 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Greenville, NC has annual tuition of $4,452. Ranking score: 50.8.

  5. #5. University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina Wilmington as the #5 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wilmington, NC has annual tuition of $4,443 and a 79% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.8.

  6. #6. North Carolina Central University

    Hakia ranks North Carolina Central University as the #6 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Durham, NC has annual tuition of $3,728 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 51.4.

  7. #7. Johnson C Smith University

    Hakia ranks Johnson C Smith University as the #7 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Charlotte, NC has annual tuition of $18,450. Ranking score: 47.1.

  8. #8. North Carolina Wesleyan University

    Hakia ranks North Carolina Wesleyan University as the #8 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Rocky Mount, NC has annual tuition of $34,936. Ranking score: 44.4.

  9. #9. Strayer University-North Carolina

    Hakia ranks Strayer University-North Carolina as the #9 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This for-profit institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $13,725. Ranking score: 49.3.

  10. #10. Guilford College

    Hakia ranks Guilford College as the #10 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $40,400 and a 94% graduation rate. Ranking score: 46.4.

  11. #11. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Pembroke as the #11 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Pembroke, NC has annual tuition of $1,000. Ranking score: 41.8.

  12. #12. Shaw University

    Hakia ranks Shaw University as the #12 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Raleigh, NC has annual tuition of $12,408. Ranking score: 45.1.

  13. #13. Winston-Salem State University

    Hakia ranks Winston-Salem State University as the #13 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Winston-Salem, NC has annual tuition of $3,401. Ranking score: 44.6.

  14. #14. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Greensboro as the #14 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $4,422. Ranking score: 39.6.

  15. #15. Campbell University

    Hakia ranks Campbell University as the #15 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Buies Creek, NC has annual tuition of $37,750. Ranking score: 42.9.

  16. #16. University of Mount Olive

    Hakia ranks University of Mount Olive as the #16 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Mount Olive, NC has annual tuition of $24,850. Ranking score: 39.5.

  17. #17. Livingstone College

    Hakia ranks Livingstone College as the #17 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Salisbury, NC has annual tuition of $15,917. Ranking score: 39.6.

  18. #18. Lenoir-Rhyne University

    Hakia ranks Lenoir-Rhyne University as the #18 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Hickory, NC has annual tuition of $30,000. Ranking score: 38.9.

  19. #19. Catawba College

    Hakia ranks Catawba College as the #19 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Salisbury, NC has annual tuition of $33,400. Ranking score: 37.6.

  20. #20. Saint Augustine's University

    Hakia ranks Saint Augustine's University as the #20 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Raleigh, NC has annual tuition of $10,968. Ranking score: 38.6.

  21. #21. Mars Hill University

    Hakia ranks Mars Hill University as the #21 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Mars Hill, NC has annual tuition of $37,270. Ranking score: 36.7.

  22. #22. Pfeiffer University

    Hakia ranks Pfeiffer University as the #22 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Misenheimer, NC has annual tuition of $32,580. Ranking score: 35.4.

  23. #23. Methodist University

    Hakia ranks Methodist University as the #23 bachelor's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This private institution in Fayetteville, NC has annual tuition of $38,936. Ranking score: 36.1.

Online Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Online Program Options 14 North Carolina institutions offer bachelor's information technology degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **North Carolina A & T State**, **East Carolina**, **North Carolina Wesleyan**, all regionally accredited and recognized by North Carolina employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$23,220/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. North Carolina-based employers including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online information technology degrees in North Carolina, these accredited information technology schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • North Carolina A & T State University - Greensboro, NC - Tuition: $3,540/year
  • East Carolina University - Greenville, NC - Tuition: $4,452/year
  • North Carolina Wesleyan University - Rocky Mount, NC - Tuition: $34,936/year
  • North Carolina Central University - Durham, NC - Tuition: $3,728/year
  • Strayer University-North Carolina - Greensboro, NC - Tuition: $13,725/year
  • Guilford College - Greensboro, NC - Tuition: $40,400/year
  • Winston-Salem State University - Winston-Salem, NC - Tuition: $3,401/year
  • Campbell University - Buies Creek, NC - Tuition: $37,750/year
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University - Hickory, NC - Tuition: $30,000/year
  • Catawba College - Salisbury, NC - Tuition: $33,400/year
  • Pfeiffer University - Misenheimer, NC - Tuition: $32,580/year
  • Saint Augustine's University - Raleigh, NC - Tuition: $10,968/year
  • Mars Hill University - Mars Hill, NC - Tuition: $37,270/year
  • Methodist University - Fayetteville, NC - Tuition: $38,936/year

Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Program Landscape North Carolina offers **7** master's degree programs in information technology, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of North Carolina at Ch...**, **North Carolina A & T State**, **U of North Carolina at Ch...**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in North Carolina earn a median salary of **$107,340**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with IBM, Cisco, Red Hat actively recruiting from these programs. ### Costs & Value Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages **$5,667/yr**, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals. ### Curriculum & Specializations Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among North Carolina's information technology schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the #1 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Chapel Hill, NC has annual tuition of $7,019 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 77.3.

  2. #2. North Carolina A & T State University

    Hakia ranks North Carolina A & T State University as the #2 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $3,540 and a 84% graduation rate. Ranking score: 60.8.

  3. #3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the #3 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Charlotte, NC has annual tuition of $3,812 and a 76% graduation rate. Ranking score: 77.2.

  4. #4. North Carolina Central University

    Hakia ranks North Carolina Central University as the #4 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Durham, NC has annual tuition of $3,728 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 53.1.

  5. #5. University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina Wilmington as the #5 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Wilmington, NC has annual tuition of $4,443 and a 79% graduation rate. Ranking score: 50.1.

  6. #6. Strayer University-North Carolina

    Hakia ranks Strayer University-North Carolina as the #6 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This for-profit institution in Greensboro, NC has annual tuition of $13,725. Ranking score: 43.6.

  7. #7. Winston-Salem State University

    Hakia ranks Winston-Salem State University as the #7 master's in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Winston-Salem, NC has annual tuition of $3,401. Ranking score: 38.5.

Online Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Online Program Options Working professionals can advance their careers through 4 online master's information technology programs from North Carolina universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include **North Carolina A & T State**, **North Carolina Central**, **Strayer University-North ...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by North Carolina employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online master's programs average **$6,099/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. North Carolina-based employers including IBM, Cisco, Red Hat value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **30-36 credit hours** in 18-24 months while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online information technology degrees in North Carolina, these accredited information technology schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • North Carolina A & T State University - Greensboro, NC - Tuition: $3,540/year
  • North Carolina Central University - Durham, NC - Tuition: $3,728/year
  • Strayer University-North Carolina - Greensboro, NC - Tuition: $13,725/year
  • Winston-Salem State University - Winston-Salem, NC - Tuition: $3,401/year

Best Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

### Program Landscape North Carolina is home to **2** doctoral programs in information technology, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of North Carolina at Ch...**, **U of North Carolina at Ch...** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with North Carolina PhD holders earning a median of **$134,175**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like IBM, Cisco, Red Hat. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across North Carolina programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing information technology degrees in North Carolina, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

  1. #1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the #1 doctoral in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Charlotte, NC has annual tuition of $3,812 and a 76% graduation rate. Ranking score: 46.4.

  2. #2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the #2 doctoral in information technology degree program in North Carolina. This public institution in Chapel Hill, NC has annual tuition of $7,019 and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 65.3.

Information Technology Tuition in North Carolina

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$7,010/year
Average out-of-state tuition$17,525/year
Community college tuition$1,753/year
4-year savings for residents$42,060
2+2 transfer pathway savings$10,514

Source: IPEDS 2023

Information Technology Financial Aid & Scholarships in North Carolina

State Aid Programs

The Next NC Scholarship provides transformative support.

UNC System students from families earning $80,000 or less receive at least $5,000/year, while community college students receive $3,000/year (CFNC). The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, food, and housing. Application is automatic through FAFSA with priority deadlines June 1 (UNC System) and August 15 (community colleges).

Key Programs & Amounts

NC Promise offers exceptional value at four campuses.

Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, and Western Carolina charge just $500/semester for in-state undergraduates. Combined with Pell Grants (up to $7,395 in 2024-25), many students attend at zero out-of-pocket cost.

Institutional Scholarships

Additional funding supports information technology students.

Park Scholarships and Goodnight Scholars at NC State support exceptional STEM students. Duke meets 100% of demonstrated need. Industry scholarships from technology employers supplement institutional aid. Complete FAFSA by March 1 for maximum consideration. Explore most affordable programs or best value rankings.

Calculate Your Information Technology Degree ROI in North Carolina

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree in North Carolina. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree
$

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+587%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,086,579

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

6 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$115,789

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,121,987

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Raleigh-Durham, NC)$110,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return3.7%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Career Paths

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$121,294

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$100,900

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$112,707

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$119,147

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$115,927

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$135,248
Information Technology Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in North Carolina metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Raleigh$118K
Charlotte$113K
Durham$107K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Information Technology Jobs in North Carolina: Top Employers Hiring

Find information technology jobs in North Carolina. These major employers across North Carolina metro areas are actively hiring information technology graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Information Technology Jobs in raleighDurham

NC
IBM
Enterprise Technology
Cisco Systems
Networking & Cybersecurity
SAS Institute
Analytics Software
Red Hat
Open Source Software
Epic Games
Game Development
Apple
Consumer Technology
NetApp
Data Storage
Fidelity Investments
Financial Services

Information Technology Jobs in Charlotte

NC

Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US. Bank of America and Wells Fargo drive fintech demand.

Nearby cities: Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Mooresville

Bank of America
Banking & Fintech
Coinbase
Cryptocurrency
nCINO
Banking Software

How to Apply to Information Technology Programs in North Carolina

1

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for information technology programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

2

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

3

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

4

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

5

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Information Technology Transfer Pathways in North Carolina

State Transfer System

The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) provides structured transfer pathways.

Students completing Associate degrees at NC community colleges with 2.0+ GPA receive guaranteed UNC System admission with 60-61 transfer credits (NC Community Colleges). The 2025 CAA revision—effective Spring 2026—adds enhanced protections and a Transfer Appeals Portal.

How Transfers Work

Specialized programs offer guaranteed flagship admission.

Wolfpack Connect guarantees NC State admission for students from Wake Tech, Central Piedmont, and Forsyth Tech with 3.0+ GPA. C-STEP at UNC Chapel Hill targets high-achieving community college transfers. Nearly 60% of UNC System transfers come from NC community colleges.

Transfer Planning Tips

Strategic planning maximizes transfer efficiency.

Key transferable courses include programming fundamentals, mathematics through calculus, and introductory coursework in IT support. The Common Numbering System (CNS) database covers 1,600+ courses ensuring consistent transfer. Use CFNC.org's Transfer Student Planner to verify equivalencies. Explore affordable information technology programs for transfer-friendly options.

Why Study Information Technology in North Carolina?

Industry & Workforce

North Carolina offers exceptional information technology education anchored by the Research Triangle's technology ecosystem and world-class universities. The state hosts over 300 companies and 55,000 tech workers in Research Triangle Park alone, creating abundant opportunities for information technology professionals (Research Triangle Park). Information Technology professionals in North Carolina earn median salaries of $99,702, with top earners reaching $153,733 (BLS OEWS May 2024).

Salary Outlook

The job market shows strong growth at 5% from 2022 to 2032.

Major employers including NCDIT, Duke Health, UNC Health, Bank of America actively recruit information technology talent from North Carolina universities. Research Triangle Park IT salaries average $113,000 with 90th percentile at $153,733. The state's Next NC Scholarship provides at least $5,000/year for students from households earning $80,000 or less attending UNC System schools.

Regional Tech Hubs

Duke, NC State, and UNC Chapel Hill provide top-tier programs with strong industry connections. NCDIT (NC Department of Information Technology) offers paid internships starting at $20/hour. Specialization options include IT support, systems administration, cloud computing. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.

Information Technology Job Market in North Carolina

Employment Outlook

North Carolina's information technology job market reflects strong regional demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual salaries of $99,702 statewide, with Raleigh-Durham typically paying 5-10% above state averages (BLS OEWS May 2024). Job growth is projected at 5% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than average occupations. Entry-level positions typically start at 70-80% of median salary, with rapid advancement for strong performers.

Salaries by Metro

Regional markets offer distinct opportunities.

The Research Triangle hosts the highest concentration of information technology positions, with NCDIT and Duke Health leading hiring. Charlotte's financial sector creates demand for information technology professionals in banking technology at Bank of America (investing $12 billion annually in technology), Wells Fargo, and Truist. Charlotte's tech workforce has grown 31% since 2020 with 118,000+ tech workers (Built In Charlotte).

High-Growth Sectors

Key employers shaping North Carolina's information technology landscape include: NCDIT, Duke Health, UNC Health, Bank of America, IBM, Cisco. Healthcare systems employ IT professionals for electronic health records and clinical systems. For related career paths, explore computer science degrees, software engineering programs, or cybersecurity rankings.

Information Technology Curriculum & Specializations in North Carolina

Core Requirements

North Carolina information technology programs combine theoretical foundations with practical skills.

NC State's programs—including ABET-accredited options—emphasize core competencies in IT support, systems administration, cloud computing. The curriculum includes hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and capstone experiences with real-world applications. Students can specialize based on career interests across multiple technical concentrations.

Degree Pathways

Industry partnerships distinguish North Carolina programs.

NC State's Centennial Campus hosts 100+ companies providing capstone project sponsors, internship opportunities, and mentorship. Duke's proximity to Research Triangle Park enables research collaborations. CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications provide entry-level credentials.

Specialization Tracks

Community colleges offer transfer-ready foundations.

Associate degree programs cover programming fundamentals, mathematics, and introductory coursework designed to transfer through the CAA framework. Students can complete most general education and foundational coursework at significantly lower cost before transferring. Compare curriculum options in related programs for concentration details.

Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in North Carolina

Online Program Growth

North Carolina offers diverse information technology delivery formats.

UNC Charlotte leads online options with evening programs designed for working professionals. NC State and Duke primarily offer on-campus programs with expanding online course availability. All online programs from SACSCOC-accredited institutions carry identical recognition as campus offerings.

Accredited Online Options

Community colleges provide online flexibility.

Foundational coursework in programming, mathematics, and introductory topics transfers through the CAA framework. Students can complete early coursework online before transferring to campus programs for specialized study.

Choosing Your Format

On-campus programs offer networking advantages.

Research labs, industry partnerships through RTP proximity, and in-person career fairs create valuable professional connections. NC State's Centennial Campus provides collaboration impossible to replicate online. However, remote work normalization has reduced format significance for many employers. Explore online information technology programs for comparison.

Information Technology by City in North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham (Research Triangle) dominates information technology employment.

Raleigh-Durham (Research Triangle) dominates information technology employment.

The metro hosts the highest concentration of technology jobs with 300+ companies and 55,000 workers in RTP. NC State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill provide continuous talent pipelines. Salaries typically run 5-10% above state averages (BLS OEWS May 2024).

Charlotte has emerged as the Southeast's fastest-growing tech hub

Charlotte has emerged as the Southeast's fastest-growing tech hub with 118,000+ tech workers and 31% industry growth. Bank of America and Wells Fargo drive financial technology demand. Tech job postings jumped 50% in 2024-2025. Charlotte offers competitive salaries with lower cost of living than the Triangle (Built In Charlotte).

Smaller metros offer lifestyle alternatives.

Smaller metros offer lifestyle alternatives.

The Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem) provides emerging opportunities at NC A&T—the nation's largest HBCU. Asheville attracts remote workers seeking mountain lifestyle. Fayetteville hosts defense technology near Fort Bragg with NC Promise pricing. Compare regional options in Virginia, South Carolina, or Georgia.

Compare Online Information Technology Programs in North Carolina

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Find Information Technology Programs Near You in North Carolina

Search by city to find accredited information technology programs ranked by our state methodology.

Information Technology Degree Programs by City in North Carolina

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Charlotte, North Carolina

As North Carolina's largest city and a major financial hub, Charlotte hosts significant IT operations for Bank of America and Wells Fargo, creating substantial demand for cloud architects, enterprise systems administrators, and IT security professionals managing mission-critical banking infrastructure. The city's robust tech ecosystem is supported by UNC Charlotte's computer science programs and proximity to research institutions, while competitive salaries for IT managers reflect the concentration of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters.

Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Charlotte, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 123.9 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 75.8 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 108.1 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Charlotte, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 111.9 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 85.2 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, in Charlotte. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Charlotte, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 111.9 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 128.2 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 85.2 mi from Charlotte. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Charlotte, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, in Charlotte. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh anchors the Research Triangle's innovation corridor and hosts diverse IT employers spanning government contracting (IBM, Cisco), healthcare IT (UNC Health), and software development, making it a hub for systems administrators and cloud infrastructure specialists. North Carolina State University and nearby UNC Chapel Hill provide pipelines of IT talent, while the region's established tech community and lower cost of living than comparable metros offer strong value for IT career growth.

Raleigh is located in Wake County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Raleigh, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, in Raleigh. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 71.6 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 51.6 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Raleigh, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 23.1 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 64.9 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 120.6 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Raleigh, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 23.1 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, in Raleigh. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 64.9 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Raleigh, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 120.6 mi from Raleigh. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro serves as a secondary IT employment center with growing presence from regional healthcare systems, financial services, and manufacturing IT departments, creating openings for systems administrators and IT infrastructure roles outside the Triangle's competitive salaries. University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Guilford Technical Community College offer IT certifications and degree programs aligned with local employer needs in enterprise support and business systems.

Greensboro is located in Guilford County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Greensboro, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 69.3 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 6.6 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 85.6 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Greensboro, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 45 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, in Greensboro. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 72.6 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Greensboro, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 45 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 67.6 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, in Greensboro. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Greensboro, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 72.6 mi from Greensboro. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Fayetteville, North Carolina

This military-adjacent city hosts Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), driving demand for IT professionals in federal contracting, defense IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity roles with security clearance opportunities rare elsewhere in the state. Fayetteville Technical Community College provides IT and networking certifications tailored to military and government sector hiring, making it distinct for IT careers in classified systems and compliance-heavy environments.

Fayetteville is located in Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Fayetteville, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 41.9 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 85.1 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, in Fayetteville. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Fayetteville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 58.6 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 84.1 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 103.3 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Fayetteville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 58.6 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 51.3 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 84.1 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Fayetteville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 103.3 mi from Fayetteville. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem's healthcare and financial services base—anchored by Novant Health and regional banking operations—creates mid-sized IT department opportunities for systems administrators and healthcare IT specialists without the salary inflation of larger metros. Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University offer IT and computer science programs producing local talent, while the city's lower cost of living makes IT management roles financially competitive.

Winston-Salem is located in Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 92.3 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 20.1 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 103.2 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 68.7 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 27.1 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 60.8 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 68.7 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 91.2 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 27.1 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 60.8 mi from Winston-Salem. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Durham, North Carolina

Durham's biotech and pharmaceutical cluster, home to major research institutions and companies like Biogen, generates specialized IT infrastructure demands around data management, HIPAA compliance, and scientific computing systems rarely found outside major research hubs. Duke University's engineering and computer science programs feed the region's IT talent pipeline, while proximity to the Research Triangle provides IT professionals career mobility across diverse sectors.

Durham is located in Durham County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Durham, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 26.3 mi from Durham. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 56.6 mi from Durham. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 63.9 mi from Durham. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Durham, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 9.8 mi from Durham. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 48.7 mi from Durham. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 112.8 mi from Durham. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Durham, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 9.8 mi from Durham. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 19.4 mi from Durham. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 48.7 mi from Durham. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Durham, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 112.8 mi from Durham. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a smaller mountain city (population ~95,000) with limited corporate IT employment, but its growing remote-work culture and tech startup scene, combined with lower cost of living and proximity to Appalachian State University's computer science program, attract distributed IT professionals and cloud-based consultants. Those seeking traditional enterprise IT roles should consider the Raleigh or Charlotte metros, but systems administrators and IT contractors find flexible work options here.

Asheville is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Asheville, North Carolina
  1. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 151.1 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  2. Forsyth Technical Community College (Public) — State #4, 133 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $1,824/year.
  3. Central Piedmont Community College (Public) — State #5, 100.9 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Asheville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 198.5 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 160.2 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 105 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Asheville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 198.5 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 160.2 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #4, 105 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Asheville, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 105 mi from Asheville. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Salisbury, North Carolina

Salisbury is a small Piedmont city (population ~35,000) with minimal IT service sector presence; IT professionals here typically work for educational institutions like Catawba College or commute to nearby Greensboro and Charlotte. The limited local IT infrastructure makes it better suited for remote IT roles or those in educational technology support rather than enterprise systems or data center operations.

Salisbury is located in Rowan County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Salisbury, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 99.7 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 39.1 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 96.7 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Salisbury, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 82.1 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 48.8 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 28.3 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Salisbury, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 82.1 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 101.8 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 48.8 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Salisbury, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 28.3 mi from Salisbury. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington's media production industry and growing film/entertainment tech sector create niche IT opportunities in content delivery, video infrastructure, and creative technology support, alongside standard corporate IT roles in regional healthcare and government offices. University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers computer science and IT programs, but those seeking broader enterprise IT careers should consider the Research Triangle or Charlotte metros, both within 2-3 hours.

Wilmington is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Wilmington, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 108.1 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Guilford Technical Community College (Public) — State #2, 167.1 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $2,128/year.
  3. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 82.1 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $2,432/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Wilmington, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 133.1 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 165.4 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #3, 176.9 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Wilmington, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 133.1 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 115.9 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 165.4 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs Near Wilmington, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Public) — State #1, 176.9 mi from Wilmington. Tuition: $3,812/year. Graduation rate: 76%.

Information Technology Degree Programs Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City is a small coastal city (population ~17,000) with limited IT employment outside of Coast Guard IT support, regional government offices, and College of The Albemarle's IT programs, making it primarily suited for remote IT work or those with military IT clearance aspirations. IT professionals seeking traditional data center, enterprise systems, or cloud infrastructure roles will need to relocate to Raleigh, Charlotte, or Greensboro.

Elizabeth City is located in Pasquotank County, North Carolina.

Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina
  1. Wake Technical Community College (Public) — State #1, 146.3 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $2,076/year.
  2. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Public) — State #3, 174.3 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $2,432/year.
  3. Pitt Community College (Public) — State #7, 84.5 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $1,824/year.
Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 160.5 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #2, 199 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.
  3. University of North Carolina Wilmington (Public) — State #5, 171.3 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $4,443/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Master's Information Technology Degree Programs Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Public) — State #1, 160.5 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $7,019/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Public) — State #2, 141.9 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $6,535/year. Graduation rate: 85%.
  3. North Carolina A & T State University (Public) — State #3, 199 mi from Elizabeth City. Tuition: $3,540/year. Graduation rate: 84%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in North Carolina considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

  • Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
  • Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
  • Self-taught developers seeking structured training
  • Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

  • Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
  • Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
  • Career services and interview prep included in most programs
  • Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
  • Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

  • Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
  • Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
  • Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
  • Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
  • May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
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Programs for Information Technology careers:

  • Software Engineering for Beginners
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Top Ranked Information Technology Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in California29$14,392University of the People
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Texas52$8,606The University of Texas at Dallas
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in New York66$36,122New York University
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Florida38$12,240University of Central Florida
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Washington16$7,997University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Massachusetts24$40,410Northeastern University
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Illinois30$29,850DeVry University-Illinois
Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Georgia31$7,158Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Information Technology in North Carolina: FAQ

How We Rank Information Technology Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 information technology degree programs in North Carolina using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

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 typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for information technology graduates. North Carolina median salary of $107,340 is factored into institutional scores based on local 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 2023Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

North Carolina salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

Wake Technical Community College — Raleigh, NC

Key Distinction: Wake Tech consistently ranks at the top for online instruction and has been named the No. 1 online community college in the U.S. by several sources, with nearly 100 fully online programs available.

Hakia Insight: Wake Tech's #1 online ranking masks a structural advantage: nearly 100 fully online IT programs mean students can stack multiple certificates (networking, security, development) simultaneously while completing their AAS, a modular flexibility traditional associate's degrees prohibit.

At the associate's level, wake Technical Community College's Information Technology Division offers degree, diploma and certificate programs aligned with business and industry needs. Programs are regularly evaluated and revised to prepare students for competition in the job market and meet employer expectations.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online

Location Advantages: STEM education integrationFour campus locations with specialized labsIndustry-aligned curriculumPropel funding program available

Guilford Technical Community College — Jamestown, NC

Key Distinction: Ultimate flexibility allowing students to select their own IT courses and create customized degree plans, with the option to earn multiple IT certificates alongside the AAS degree

Hakia Insight: Guilford's 'ultimate flexibility' model—students design their own course sequence—works because the college hosts a mature, stackable certificate marketplace; this means a student chasing cybersecurity doesn't waste electives on web development like fixed curricula force.

At the associate's level, the Information Technology (IT) – General Studies option at GTCC is designed for students who want the ultimate flexibility and the option to select their own IT courses to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students can create a customized degree plan based on IT courses that interest them, choosing 27 credit hours of IT classes.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
  • Michael Collins — Information Technology Instruction
  • Paul Campbell — Information Technology Instruction
Accreditations and Certifications
  • Computer Technology Integration Certificate
  • Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics Certificate
  • Simulation & Game Development Certificate
  • C++ Programming Certificate
  • JAVA Programming Certificate
  • Web Development Certificate
  • Internet Marketing & Social Media Certificate
  • Mobile Device Development Certificate
  • Cisco Network Administration Certificate
  • Security and Data Assurance Certificate
  • Linux Administration Certificate
  • Virtualization Administration Certificate
  • Windows Server Administration Certificate

Location Advantages:

Forsyth Technical Community College — Winston-Salem, NC

Key Distinction: Award-winning Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, recognized by both the National Security Administration (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security, with hands-on repair classes for real-world experience

Hakia Insight: Forsyth Tech's NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation is rare at the associate level, but the real competitive advantage lies in its Davis iTEC Center pairing cyber defense theory with hands-on hardware repair—a combination that produces $83,200 median salaries typically seen at four-year institutions.

At the associate's level, the IT Technical Support and Services program prepares students for careers as IT Help Desk Support Technicians/Professionals. Students gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, software, and network troubleshooting while preparing for industry certifications.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Davis iTEC Center
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $83,200.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA NET+
  • CompTIA Security+

Location Advantages: Work-based learning internship programsApprenticeship opportunitiesFast-track continuing education options

Fayetteville Technical Community College — Fayetteville, NC

Key Distinction: FTCC offers one of the most diverse arrays of IT specializations at the community college level, with guaranteed transfer pathways to ECU's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program and strong military partnerships through Fort Bragg connections.

Hakia Insight: With 13 specialized IT pathways and guaranteed transfer articulation to ECU's bachelor's program, FTCC uniquely positions students to either enter the workforce immediately or ladder into a four-year degree without losing credits—a flexibility most community colleges don't formalize.

At the associate's level, fayetteville Technical Community College offers comprehensive Computer Information Technology programs with 13 different degree/diploma pathways including cybersecurity, cloud management, programming, network administration, and multimedia technologies. The programs provide hands-on technical training with industry-relevant curriculum designed for career readiness.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Cisco (tech)
  • Microsoft (tech)
  • CompTIA (tech)
  • Adobe (tech)
Notable Faculty
  • Dwayne Campbell — Computer Information Technology Dean
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.0.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent

Location Advantages: Located in Fayetteville, NC near Fort BraggMilitary-affiliated student services

Central Piedmont Community College — Charlotte, NC

Key Distinction: Program content is current and curriculum evolves to respond to the changes taking place in today's business and industry. The program incorporates the competencies of many industry-recognized certification exams and connects students to real-world industry partners through employer visits and work-based, real-world projects.

Hakia Insight: Central Piedmont's deliberate curriculum evolution model means students learn tools that employers are actively hiring for today, not yesterday—a distinction that matters more at the associate level where a two-year program window leaves no room for outdated content.

At the associate's level, the Information Technology curriculum prepares graduates for employment in a variety of technology fields, including software development, networking, cybersecurity, data analysis, virtualization, and web design. Course work includes the development of a student's ability to create, store, communicate, exchange, and use the information to solve technical issues related to information support and services, network systems, programming and software development, information security, and other emerging technologies.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Information Technology Student Labs
Accreditations and Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • VMware VCP
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • Red Hat Certified System Administrator
  • Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
  • MOS Microsoft Office Specialist
  • CCNA v7 Cisco Certified Networking Associate
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

Location Advantages:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College — Salisbury, NC

Key Distinction: The program offers comprehensive IT education with four distinct specialization tracks and incorporates industry-recognized certification competencies. Students can progress through multiple credential levels from certificates to associate degrees within the same program structure.

Hakia Insight: Rowan-Cabarrus's four-track specialization structure within a single program allows students to pivot between cybersecurity, networking, or support roles mid-degree without restarting, then stack certificates into an associate—a credential stacking model that maximizes earning potential at each step.

At the associate's level, the Information Technology program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College prepares graduates for employment in the technology sector as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, or programmers. The curriculum covers database services, security, business intelligence, healthcare informatics, interactive media, network systems, programming and software development, information security and other emerging technologies. Students develop abilities to create, store, communicate, exchange and use information to solve technical issues. The program incorporates competencies of industry-recognized certification exams and qualifies graduates for entry-level positions with businesses, educational systems, and governmental agencies. The program offers multiple specialization tracks including Cybersecurity, Computer Programming and Development, Networking and Virtualization, and Business IT Support, providing flexible pathways from certificates to associate degrees.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
  • Aimee Durham — Cybersecurity Program Chair

Location Advantages:

Pitt Community College — Winterville, NC

Key Distinction: PCC's IT programs feature 24/7 access to remote lab environments with real equipment and virtual machines, plus industry partnerships with Cisco, Red Hat, CompTIA, PaloAlto, VMware, Apple, Oracle, and EC-Council for industry-relevant curriculum.

Hakia Insight: Pitt Community College's 24/7 remote lab access with real equipment mirrors the on-demand nature of IT support work itself, while partnerships with eight vendors (Cisco, Red Hat, PaloAlto, VMware, Oracle, EC-Council, CompTIA, Apple) mean students graduate with curriculum aligned to tools they'll actually use on day one.

At the associate's level, pitt Community College offers comprehensive Information Technology programs through their Computer Technologies Department, designed to provide students with solid foundations in information technologies. The department offers Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in five specialized areas: Computer Programming and Development, Cybersecurity, Network Management, Technical Support, and Simulation and Game Development. All programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art labs and remote lab environments available 24/7. The Computer Programming and Development track focuses on design, development, implementation, and maintenance of software programs using popular coding languages like C#, Java, and Python. Students can enhance their degrees with specialized certificates in C# Programming, Java Programming, Data Reporting and Analytics, or Python Programming. The programs feature industry-relevant content through academic partnerships with major technology companies and provide experiential learning opportunities including optional internships and work-based learning with academic partners.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Cisco (corporate)
  • Red Hat (corporate)
  • CompTIA (corporate)
  • PaloAlto (corporate)
  • VMware (corporate)
  • Apple (corporate)
  • Oracle (corporate)
  • EC-Council (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • C# Programming Certificate
  • Java Programming Certificate
  • Data Reporting and Analytics Certificate
  • Python Programming Certificate

Location Advantages:

Durham Technical Community College — Durham, NC

Key Distinction: Durham Tech's IT programs offer specialized tracks in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and software development, with hands-on simulated cyber attack scenarios and industry certification preparation integrated throughout the curriculum.

Hakia Insight: Durham Tech's $109,123 median salary—nearly $26,000 above Forsyth Tech despite both being associate programs—correlates directly with its proximity to the Research Triangle tech corridor and specialized tracks in high-demand software development and cybersecurity with integrated attack simulations.

At the associate's level, durham Technical Community College offers comprehensive Information Technology programs designed to prepare graduates for employment in the technology sector. The IT curriculum includes multiple specialized tracks: Software Development AAS, Cybersecurity AAS, and other pathways focusing on network management, cloud systems administration, and service support. The Software Development track prepares students as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, and programmers, with coursework covering database services, security, business intelligence, and emerging technologies. The Cybersecurity program focuses on network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and risk management with hands-on experience in simulated cyber attack scenarios. Programs incorporate industry-recognized certification exam competencies and offer both on-campus and online learning options.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Phage Hunters Lab
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $109,123.

Notable Faculty
  • Tom Murphy — Information Technology - Software Development
  • Al Leaston — Information Technology - Cybersecurity

Location Advantages: Main Campus location in Durham, NCAccess to Research Triangle technology sector

Cape Fear Community College — Wilmington, NC

Key Distinction: The program offers diverse specialization pathways including emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and incorporates industry-recognized certification competencies to ensure graduates are job-ready.

Hakia Insight: Cape Fear's inclusion of Artificial Intelligence as a specialization pathway at the associate level positions Wilmington-based students ahead of peers at schools still teaching traditional IT support, capturing demand from port authority, logistics, and regional defense contractors.

At the associate's level, cape Fear Community College's Information Technology program prepares graduates for employment in the technology sector as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, or programmers. The curriculum develops students' abilities to create, store, communicate, exchange, and use information to solve technical issues related to information support and services, interactive media, network systems, programming and software development, information security, and other emerging technologies. The program incorporates competencies of industry-recognized certification exams and offers multiple specialized pathways including Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Software Development, Systems Administration, Web Design, and CyberSecurity. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions with businesses, educational systems, and governmental agencies that rely on computer systems to design and manage information.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington
  • East Carolina University
  • North Carolina State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • IT Technician
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Location Advantages: Located in Wilmington, NC serving businesses, educational systems, and governmental agencies

Davidson-Davie Community College — Thomasville, NC

Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines traditional IT skills with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while offering extensive industry certifications including CISCO and CompTIA pathways.

Hakia Insight: Davidson-Davie's $64,930 median salary suggests the program's cloud and AI emphasis may be ahead of regional employer demand, but for students willing to relocate to growth markets, early specialization in these emerging fields creates first-mover advantage.

At the associate's level, davidson-Davie Community College's Information Technology program offers comprehensive training across multiple specializations including Cloud and Artificial Intelligence Technology, Digital Media Production, and Networking and Cyber Security. The curriculum prepares graduates for employment as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, or programmers who use computer software and hardware to design, process, implement and manage information systems. The program features flexible delivery with in-person and hybrid format options, taking 2 years to complete with 66 credit hours. Students can pursue various concentrations through A.A.S. degrees, diplomas, and certificates, including specialized tracks in animation, graphic design, photography, CISCO networking, CompTIA A+ prep, and artificial intelligence fundamentals. The program also offers High School Career and College Promise options for early college students.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $64,930.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • CISCO CCNA Prep
  • CISCO Networking
  • CISCO Security
  • CompTIA A+ Prep

Location Advantages:

Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC

Key Distinction: The field of information science is people-focused and different from computer science, which is more technology-focused. IS professionals are boundary-spanners who translate between technical and non-technical roles using a human-centric approach to technology.

Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's Information Science degree explicitly reframes IT as a people problem, not a technology problem—placing graduates at Google and LinkedIn in roles where they translate between product teams and users, a positioning that justifies the brand premium for non-traditional tech careers.

At the bachelor's level, the bachelor of science in information science is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the information industry, including information architecture, database design, Web design, business systems analysis, and information consulting. The program integrates the study of information content creation and management, user characteristics and needs, and supporting technologies.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Google, Credit Suisse, LinkedIn, Twitter, SAS, Atlantic BT, Nielsen-Norman, Red Hat, Capital One.

Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.0.

Requirements: Three prerequisite courses (specific courses not detailed in content)

Location Advantages:

North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC

Key Distinction: 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: NC A&T's z9 mainframe system and mainframe-focused curriculum fill a genuine national gap: while 60% of Fortune 500 companies run mainframes processing trillions of dollars daily, fewer than 10 universities teach it, making A&T graduates instantly recruitment targets for IBM, Northrop Grumman, and financial services.

At the bachelor's level, 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.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
  • IBM (tech)
  • John Deere (tech)
  • First Citizens (finance)
  • USAA (finance)
  • BB&T (finance)
  • Bank of America (finance)
  • Market America (tech)
  • Fidelity Investment (finance)
  • Verizon (tech)
  • RedHat (tech)
  • Cisco Systems (tech)
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield (healthcare)
  • SAS (tech)
  • Viacom (tech)
  • Chevron (tech)
  • General Electric (tech)
  • Northrop Grumman (tech)
  • AT&T (tech)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: IBM, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, John Deere, USAA, BB&T, First Citizens Bank, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cisco.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Evelyn R. Sowells-Boone — Department Chair
  • Dr. Li-Shiang Tsay — Program Coordinator
  • Dr. Qingan Zeng — Chairperson & Program Coordinator for MS
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0.

Location Advantages:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC

Key Distinction: 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: UNC Charlotte's seven specialized master's concentrations with dedicated research labs (CharMLab, CyberDNA, Health Informatics) mean students can conduct publishable research in HCI or data discovery while still completing degree requirements—a research-embedded pathway most programs reserve for PhD students.

At the bachelor's level, 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.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Charlotte Machine Learning Lab (CharMLab)
  • CyberDNA Research Center
  • Health Informatics Lab
  • Human-Computer Interaction Lab
  • High Performance Computing and Systems Lab (HPCS)
  • Robotics Lab
  • Gaming and Mixed Reality Lab
  • Ribarsky Center for Visual Analytics
  • Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER)
  • Cyber Resiliency, Security, and Trust Lab (CReST)
  • Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) Lab
  • Intelligent, Multimedia, and Interactive Systems (IMI) Lab
Industry Partners
  • Google Inc. (sponsor)
  • Centers for Disease Control (collaborator)
  • Bank of America (sponsor)
  • National Science Foundation (sponsor)
  • National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
  • U.S. Department of Education (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Heather Lipford — Program Director
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0.

Requirements: Data structures, Object-oriented programming in C++, C#, or Java

Location Advantages: Access to Charlotte's growing tech and banking sectorProximity to major healthcare systems for health informatics researchStrategic location in North Carolina's Research Triangle region

East Carolina University — Greenville, NC

Key Distinction: ECU's computer science program emphasizes real-world client projects in capstone work, directly connecting classroom learning to professional software development practice.

Hakia Insight: ECU's capstone model using real client projects rather than toy problems means graduates arrive at their first job having already debugged production-like code for actual stakeholders, a credential that typically requires 6-12 months of entry-level work elsewhere.

At the bachelor's level, east Carolina University's computer science program delivers a comprehensive technical education with particular strength in systems-level programming, database technologies, and software engineering practices that industry demands. The curriculum structure moves students from fundamental principles through increasingly sophisticated applications, culminating in capstone projects where teams tackle real problems for actual clients—a distinctive feature that bridges academic learning and professional practice. Faculty maintain research interests in areas including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development methodologies, often involving undergraduate and graduate students in ongoing work. ECU's location in Greenville and regional connections create pathways to internships and employment with a diverse range of employers: Fortune 500 companies with Eastern North Carolina operations, financial institutions, healthcare technology organizations, and government agencies. The program has invested in modern lab facilities and maintains partnerships with industry leaders who contribute to curriculum design and student mentoring. Graduates emerge prepared for software development roles, systems engineering positions, IT management tracks, and advanced study—with many pursuing competitive placements at major technology companies and established strong careers in regional organizations.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
  • Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Location Advantages: Regional technology employers throughout Eastern North CarolinaAccess to growing IT sectors in Research Triangle regionProximity to healthcare technology and financial services employers

University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC

Key Distinction: Interdisciplinary program combining perspectives from both Computer Science and Business departments, offering 8 specialized concentration areas including cybersecurity (designated as Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by NSA and DHS).

Hakia Insight: UNCW's dual-department IT program (Computer Science + Supply Chain/Analytics) creates an unusual competitive advantage: graduates can market themselves as technologists to tech firms or as supply chain specialists to logistics, retail, and manufacturing—broadening their addressable job market significantly.

At the bachelor's level, the Information Technology program is an interdisciplinary major shared by the Department of Computer Science and the Congdon School of Supply Chain, Analytics, and Information Systems. The program develops skills in critical and practical understanding of information technology, preparing students for IT-related work and graduate study.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
  • Shauna White — Program Coordinator
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.00.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Location Advantages: State's coastal university locationBeautiful campus setting that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking

North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC

Key Distinction: NCCU's computer science program leverages Research Triangle proximity and strong industry partnerships to prepare students for both technical roles and leadership positions in technology.

Hakia Insight: NCCU's explicit leverage of Research Triangle proximity and IBM/Microsoft partnerships means students attend recruiting events and plant tours as part of curriculum, converting geographic proximity into pipeline relationships that peer institutions must actively build.

At the bachelor's level, north Carolina Central University's computer science program integrates theoretical foundations with applied IT competencies, preparing students for both immediate technical roles and advanced study. The curriculum covers systems programming, database design, networking, and cybersecurity through a sequence that builds gradually in complexity and specialization. Faculty maintain active connections to the Research Triangle technology ecosystem and regional employers, bringing contemporary industry challenges into coursework and research projects. Students benefit from proximity to major tech employers in the Research Triangle and opportunities for internships with companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to growing startups. The program emphasizes not only technical skill development but also professional communication and leadership capabilities that employers consistently seek. NCCU's historically Black university mission shapes an inclusive classroom environment where diverse perspectives strengthen collaborative problem-solving. Graduates pursue roles in software development, systems administration, cybersecurity, and IT management at major technology companies, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
  • IBM (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Direct access to Research Triangle technology corridorProximity to IBM, Microsoft, and other major tech employersGrowing startup ecosystem in Durham and Raleigh regions

Johnson C Smith University — Charlotte, NC

Hakia Insight: Johnson C. Smith's $62,000 median salary reflects its Charlotte location and strong employer relationships (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Duke Energy), but the dedicated Cybersecurity and Software Development labs signal institutional commitment to specialization over generalist IT training.

At the bachelor's level, johnson C Smith University's Information Technology program provides students with comprehensive training in computer systems, networking, and emerging technologies. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical applications to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving IT industry.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Cybersecurity Research Lab
  • Software Development Lab
Industry Partners
  • IBM (Technology consulting)
  • Bank of America (Financial services)
  • Duke Energy (Utility company)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $62,000. Top Employers: Wells Fargo, Honeywell, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Atrium Health.

Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.5.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

North Carolina Wesleyan University — Rocky Mount, NC

Key Distinction: NCWU's Information Technology Management program uniquely combines business acumen with technical expertise through flexible 100% online delivery, specifically designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in technology leadership.

Hakia Insight: NCWU's dual BA/BS structure paired with faculty expertise in information security and network administration creates an unusual advantage for working professionals: you can customize your degree path while accessing specialized mentorship typically reserved for graduate programs.

At the bachelor's level, north Carolina Wesleyan University's Information Technology program offers a comprehensive Master's in Information Technology Management designed for working professionals and recent graduates. The program features 100% online and hybrid formats, providing flexibility for career advancement without interrupting current employment. As part of NCWU's School of Business & Professional Studies, the IT program combines strong liberal arts foundations with practical technology management skills essential for today's competitive marketplace. The university emphasizes career-focused education with dedicated faculty, academic advisors, and career coaches supporting students throughout their journey. Located in eastern North Carolina, NCWU provides affordable graduate education tailored to both traditional and non-traditional students seeking advancement in technology leadership roles.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
  • Anthony Boykin — Information Security
  • Allen Meszaros — Network Administration
  • Anthony Robinson — Information Systems

Location Advantages: Located in eastern North CarolinaServing North Carolina and beyond through online delivery

Strayer University-North Carolina — Greensboro, NC

Key Distinction: Strayer University's IT program stands out for its comprehensive range of specialized concentrations from AI to cybersecurity, all delivered through flexible online formats that cater to working professionals.

Hakia Insight: Strayer's concentration model—from AI to cybersecurity—allows students to signal specialization on their resume before graduation, a credential advantage that fully online competitors rarely offer despite similar flexibility.

At the bachelor's level, strayer's information technology offerings cater to working professionals seeking flexible pathways into tech careers, with online and evening formats designed around the schedules of students balancing employment and education. The curriculum progresses through foundational IT concepts, network administration, database management, and cybersecurity modules, allowing students to apply learning immediately in their current roles or transition into new ones. Rather than emphasizing pure research or theoretical depth, Strayer structures its program around competency-based learning where students demonstrate mastery of specific technical skills—this approach resonates with employers seeking candidates who can execute from day one. The program's strength lies in its accessibility: asynchronous online delivery means students can advance regardless of geographic location or work schedule, and many cohorts include peers already working in IT roles, creating peer learning networks. Strayer maintains articulation agreements with industry certifications, and students frequently complete CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ credentials alongside their degree. Career outcomes track toward IT support, help desk advancement, junior network administration, and technical specialist roles—positions that form the backbone of IT departments across organizations of all sizes. The North Carolina location provides access to both local employers and the broader job market served by Strayer's national alumni network.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • CompTIA A+ certification pathway
  • CompTIA Network+ certification pathway
  • CompTIA Security+ certification pathway

Location Advantages: Online format removes geographic barriersAccess to North Carolina employers through regional network

Guilford College — Greensboro, NC

Hakia Insight: Guilford's partnerships with enterprise vendors like Red Hat and SAS, combined with its Digital Innovation Lab, mean undergraduates can work on real infrastructure problems that IBM and Credit Suisse later hire to solve—turning a $58K median salary into a launchpad rather than a ceiling.

At the bachelor's level, guilford College's Information Technology program combines liberal arts education with technical skills in computing and information systems. The program focuses on ethical technology use and innovative problem-solving approaches within a collaborative learning environment.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Digital Innovation Lab
  • Data Analytics Center
Industry Partners
  • Red Hat (Open source software)
  • Cisco Systems (Networking technology)
  • SAS Institute (Analytics software)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $58,000. Top Employers: IBM, Credit Suisse, Cone Health, VF Corporation.

Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.0.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • Oracle Database Certification
  • Cisco CCNA
  • Google Analytics
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner

Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC

Key Distinction: The field of information science is people-focused and different from computer science, which is more technology-focused. IS professionals are boundary-spanners who translate between technical and non-technical roles using a human-centric approach to technology.

Hakia Insight: At $7,019/year with a 93% graduation rate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivers one of the strongest ROI profiles among North Carolina public universities for information technology.

At the master's level, the bachelor of science in information science is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the information industry, including information architecture, database design, Web design, business systems analysis, and information consulting. The program integrates the study of information content creation and management, user characteristics and needs, and supporting technologies.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Google, Credit Suisse, LinkedIn, Twitter, SAS, Atlantic BT, Nielsen-Norman, Red Hat, Capital One.

Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.0.

Requirements: Three prerequisite courses (specific courses not detailed in content)

Location Advantages:

North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC

Key Distinction: 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: NC A&T's z9 Enterprise mainframe system is one of fewer than a dozen on any U.S. campus; this hands-on access to legacy infrastructure that still runs 68% of Fortune 500 transactions makes its graduates immediately valuable to IBM, GE, and Northrop Grumman in ways simulation-based programs cannot replicate.

At the master's level, 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.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • IBM (tech)
  • John Deere (tech)
  • First Citizens (finance)
  • USAA (finance)
  • BB&T (finance)
  • Bank of America (finance)
  • Market America (tech)
  • Fidelity Investment (finance)
  • Verizon (tech)
  • RedHat (tech)
  • Cisco Systems (tech)
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield (healthcare)
  • SAS (tech)
  • Viacom (tech)
  • Chevron (tech)
  • General Electric (tech)
  • Northrop Grumman (tech)
  • AT&T (tech)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: IBM, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, John Deere, USAA, BB&T, First Citizens Bank, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cisco.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Evelyn R. Sowells-Boone — Department Chair
  • Dr. Li-Shiang Tsay — Program Coordinator
  • Dr. Qingan Zeng — Chairperson & Program Coordinator for MS
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0.

Location Advantages:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC

Key Distinction: 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: UNC Charlotte's CharMLab and CyberDNA Research Center aren't just training grounds—they're active research operations partnered with Google and the CDC, meaning thesis projects can yield publishable contributions that strengthen both job placement and doctoral prospects.

At the master's level, 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.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Charlotte Machine Learning Lab (CharMLab)
  • CyberDNA Research Center
  • Health Informatics Lab
  • Human-Computer Interaction Lab
  • High Performance Computing and Systems Lab (HPCS)
  • Robotics Lab
  • Gaming and Mixed Reality Lab
  • Ribarsky Center for Visual Analytics
  • Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER)
  • Cyber Resiliency, Security, and Trust Lab (CReST)
  • Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) Lab
  • Intelligent, Multimedia, and Interactive Systems (IMI) Lab
Industry Partners
  • Google Inc. (sponsor)
  • Centers for Disease Control (collaborator)
  • Bank of America (sponsor)
  • National Science Foundation (sponsor)
  • National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
  • U.S. Department of Education (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Heather Lipford — Program Director
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0.

Requirements: Data structures, Object-oriented programming in C++, C#, or Java

Location Advantages: Access to Charlotte's growing tech and banking sectorProximity to major healthcare systems for health informatics researchStrategic location in North Carolina's Research Triangle region

North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC

Key Distinction: NCCU's computer science program leverages Research Triangle proximity and strong industry partnerships to prepare students for both technical roles and leadership positions in technology.

Hakia Insight: NCCU's Research Triangle proximity is passive advantage; the active edge is its IBM and Microsoft partnerships enabling students to work on real enterprise problems during their degree, compressing the gap between graduation and senior-level technical responsibility.

At the master's level, north Carolina Central University's computer science program integrates theoretical foundations with applied IT competencies, preparing students for both immediate technical roles and advanced study. The curriculum covers systems programming, database design, networking, and cybersecurity through a sequence that builds gradually in complexity and specialization. Faculty maintain active connections to the Research Triangle technology ecosystem and regional employers, bringing contemporary industry challenges into coursework and research projects. Students benefit from proximity to major tech employers in the Research Triangle and opportunities for internships with companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to growing startups. The program emphasizes not only technical skill development but also professional communication and leadership capabilities that employers consistently seek. NCCU's historically Black university mission shapes an inclusive classroom environment where diverse perspectives strengthen collaborative problem-solving. Graduates pursue roles in software development, systems administration, cybersecurity, and IT management at major technology companies, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • IBM (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Direct access to Research Triangle technology corridorProximity to IBM, Microsoft, and other major tech employersGrowing startup ecosystem in Durham and Raleigh regions

University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC

Key Distinction: Interdisciplinary program combining perspectives from both Computer Science and Business departments, offering 8 specialized concentration areas including cybersecurity (designated as Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by NSA and DHS).

Hakia Insight: UNCW's NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation in cybersecurity carries federal credibility that independent certifications don't—employers treat graduates as pre-vetted for sensitive defense and government contracts.

At the master's level, the Information Technology program is an interdisciplinary major shared by the Department of Computer Science and the Congdon School of Supply Chain, Analytics, and Information Systems. The program develops skills in critical and practical understanding of information technology, preparing students for IT-related work and graduate study.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Notable Faculty
  • Shauna White — Program Coordinator
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.00.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Location Advantages: State's coastal university locationBeautiful campus setting that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking

Strayer University-North Carolina — Greensboro, NC

Key Distinction: Strayer University's IT program stands out for its comprehensive range of specialized concentrations from AI to cybersecurity, all delivered through flexible online formats that cater to working professionals.

Hakia Insight: Strayer's AI-to-cybersecurity concentration range, delivered fully online, lets working professionals pivot into emerging fields without career interruption—critical for students whose employers demand immediate skill application to current projects.

At the master's level, strayer's information technology offerings cater to working professionals seeking flexible pathways into tech careers, with online and evening formats designed around the schedules of students balancing employment and education. The curriculum progresses through foundational IT concepts, network administration, database management, and cybersecurity modules, allowing students to apply learning immediately in their current roles or transition into new ones. Rather than emphasizing pure research or theoretical depth, Strayer structures its program around competency-based learning where students demonstrate mastery of specific technical skills—this approach resonates with employers seeking candidates who can execute from day one. The program's strength lies in its accessibility: asynchronous online delivery means students can advance regardless of geographic location or work schedule, and many cohorts include peers already working in IT roles, creating peer learning networks. Strayer maintains articulation agreements with industry certifications, and students frequently complete CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ credentials alongside their degree. Career outcomes track toward IT support, help desk advancement, junior network administration, and technical specialist roles—positions that form the backbone of IT departments across organizations of all sizes. The North Carolina location provides access to both local employers and the broader job market served by Strayer's national alumni network.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • CompTIA A+ certification pathway
  • CompTIA Network+ certification pathway
  • CompTIA Security+ certification pathway

Location Advantages: Online format removes geographic barriersAccess to North Carolina employers through regional network

Winston-Salem State University — Winston-Salem, NC

Key Distinction: WSSU's IT program offers a unique 5-Year BS-MS track and ranks as the #2 HBCU in the US for value, with nearly 100% job placement within six months of graduation.

Hakia Insight: WSSU's 5-Year BS-MS track and nearly 100% six-month placement rate suggests a program with unusually tight employer feedback loops; the pipeline isn't just training—it's validated by continuous hiring data.

Winston-Salem State University's Information Technology program has been delivering high-quality education since 2007, establishing itself as one of the best schools for information technology. The accredited Bachelor of Science in Information Technology provides students with a bedrock of knowledge in computer systems development and the latest computing techniques and tools. Students benefit from hands-on experience through internships, industry shadowing, and study abroad opportunities. The program features a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention, and boasts exceptional career outcomes with almost all graduates finding employment or entering graduate school within six months. The program offers a unique 5-Year BS-MS (4+1) track allowing students to earn both a bachelor's in IT and master's in Computer Science and Information Technology in just five years, significantly increasing starting salary potential. Students gain access to The Ideas Lab @ The College, a multidisciplinary creative hub fostering innovation and collaboration.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • The Ideas Lab @ The College
Admissions

Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.

Requirements:

Accreditations and Certifications
  • Accredited

Location Advantages: Piedmont Triad campus location

Best Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC

Key Distinction: 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: UNC Charlotte's seven dissertation-eligible concentrations, anchored by the Health Informatics Lab's proximity to major healthcare systems, let doctoral candidates solve real clinical informatics problems before defending—positioning graduates for faculty or industry leadership roles that value both research credibility and healthcare domain knowledge.

At the doctoral level, 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.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Charlotte Machine Learning Lab (CharMLab)
  • CyberDNA Research Center
  • Health Informatics Lab
  • Human-Computer Interaction Lab
  • High Performance Computing and Systems Lab (HPCS)
  • Robotics Lab
  • Gaming and Mixed Reality Lab
  • Ribarsky Center for Visual Analytics
  • Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER)
  • Cyber Resiliency, Security, and Trust Lab (CReST)
  • Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) Lab
  • Intelligent, Multimedia, and Interactive Systems (IMI) Lab
Industry Partners
  • Google Inc. (sponsor)
  • Centers for Disease Control (collaborator)
  • Bank of America (sponsor)
  • National Science Foundation (sponsor)
  • National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
  • U.S. Department of Education (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Heather Lipford — Program Director
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0.

Requirements: Data structures, Object-oriented programming in C++, C#, or Java

Location Advantages: Access to Charlotte's growing tech and banking sectorProximity to major healthcare systems for health informatics researchStrategic location in North Carolina's Research Triangle region

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC

Key Distinction: The field of information science is people-focused and different from computer science, which is more technology-focused. IS professionals are boundary-spanners who translate between technical and non-technical roles using a human-centric approach to technology.

Hakia Insight: Chapel Hill's information science doctoral pipeline produces boundary-spanners—researchers who fluently translate between data architecture and organizational behavior—a rare profile that explains sustained hiring from Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter despite CS doctorate oversupply.

At the doctoral level, the bachelor of science in information science is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the information industry, including information architecture, database design, Web design, business systems analysis, and information consulting. The program integrates the study of information content creation and management, user characteristics and needs, and supporting technologies.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Google, Credit Suisse, LinkedIn, Twitter, SAS, Atlantic BT, Nielsen-Norman, Red Hat, Capital One.

Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.0.

Requirements: Three prerequisite courses (specific courses not detailed in content)

Location Advantages: