Best Network Administration Degree Programs

These are the best network administration programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS. Some programs are listed as a network engineering degree, particularly at the bachelor's and master's level. You may also find these listed as a computer networking degree at some institutions.

Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →

Network administration is ideal for students who enjoy technical problem-solving, have an interest in how computer networks function, and prefer hands-on work with technology infrastructure. You should be comfortable with logical troubleshooting and detail-oriented tasks.

• Technical problem solvers who enjoy diagnosing and fixing network issues
• Detail-oriented students who can manage complex system configurations
• Hands-on learners who prefer working with hardware and software
• Team players who can communicate technical issues to non-technical users
• Students seeking stable careers in essential IT infrastructure roles

Network administration programs are available at multiple levels, each suited to different career goals and experience levels.

A bachelor's degree in network administration is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC) - Score: 62.6, Tuition: $4,422

5. Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA) - Score: 60.6, Tuition: $40,410

6. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 59.7, Tuition: $43,379

7. Weber State University (Ogden, UT) - Score: 58.4, Tuition: $5,471

8. Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) - Score: 57.4, Tuition: $2,095

9. Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens, OH) - Score: 57.3, Tuition: $13,746

10. Stevenson University (Owings Mills, MD) - Score: 56.4, Tuition: $36,940

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A master's degree in network administration prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.

4. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $62,840

5. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 67.5, Tuition: $62,000

6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $6,535

7. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 64.0, Tuition: $58,680

8. North Carolina A & T State University (Greensboro, NC) - Score: 63.0, Tuition: $3,540

9. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) - Score: 59.9, Tuition: $10,095

10. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) - Score: 58.9, Tuition: $55,784

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Online network administration programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.

4. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $14,496

5. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $62,840

6. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 67.5, Tuition: $62,000

7. Kean University (Union, NJ) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $11,135

8. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) - Score: 66.2, Tuition: $6,535

9. Utah Valley University (Orem, UT) - Score: 64.2, Tuition: $5,614

10. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 64.0, Tuition: $58,680

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An associate's degree in network administration provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.

4. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 52.0, Tuition: $5,514

5. Valencia College (Orlando, FL) - Score: 50.8, Tuition: $1,984

6. Edmonds College (Lynnwood, WA) - Score: 49.7, Tuition: $4,073

7. Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) - Score: 48.6, Tuition: $2,095

8. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) - Score: 48.1, Tuition: $3,030

9. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL) - Score: 47.5, Tuition: $2,365

10. Olympic College (Bremerton, WA) - Score: 47.2, Tuition: $4,197

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Graduate programs in network administration (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.

4. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 61.2, Tuition: $62,000

5. Dakota State University (Madison, SD) - Score: 50.8, Tuition: $7,616

6. Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX) - Score: 50.0, Tuition: $5,856

7. Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Score: 42.5, Tuition: $35,880

8. St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, FL) - Score: 35.0, Tuition: $33,580

9. Capella University (Minneapolis, MN) - Score: 33.2, Tuition: $14,436

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Looking for quality network administration education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value, balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.

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Network administration graduates enter stable, well-compensated careers in essential IT infrastructure roles. The BLS projects steady 5% job growth for network administrators through 2032, driven by increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and cloud technologies. For detailed compensation data, see our analysis of network administration career paths.

Network administration programs include courses in networking fundamentals, operating systems, network security, hardware configuration, and cloud technologies. Hands-on lab work is emphasized throughout most programs.

• Networking Fundamentals: TCP/IP, OSI model, routing and switching protocols
• Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux administration, virtualization
• Network Hardware: Routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points
• Network Security: Basic security principles, VPN configuration, access control
• Cloud Technologies: AWS, Azure, cloud networking, hybrid environments
• Troubleshooting: Network monitoring tools, performance optimization, incident response

Most programs also include industry certification preparation for CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft certifications. Many programs feature dedicated networking labs with enterprise equipment for hands-on experience.

Network administration deals with the infrastructure that connects everything, routers, switches, firewalls, wireless systems, and increasingly cloud networking. Networks are foundational. When they fail, everything fails.

The field requires systematic troubleshooting skills and comfort working with physical infrastructure. Unlike software development where you can experiment freely, network changes can take down production systems, requiring careful change management.

Traditional networking is evolving toward software-defined networking and cloud-native approaches. Modern network professionals need programming skills (Python, Ansible) in addition to traditional networking knowledge.

For students interested in IT infrastructure careers, yes. Network administration offers stable employment with median salaries around $95,360, steady job growth, and essential skills that remain in demand as organizations increasingly rely on digital connectivity.

When it's worth it: You enjoy technical problem-solving, prefer hands-on work with technology, and want a specialized role in IT infrastructure. The field offers clear career progression from technician to administrator to network architect or IT manager.

When to consider alternatives: You're more interested in software development (computer science may be better), want broader IT knowledge (information technology covers more areas), or specifically want to focus on security (cybersecurity is more specialized).

While a degree provides comprehensive knowledge, alternative paths exist for those with different goals or timelines

• CompTIA Network+ Certification. Industry-standard entry-level networking certification
• Cisco CCNA Certification. Leading vendor certification for Cisco networking equipment
• CompTIA A+ Certification. Foundation certification covering basic IT and networking
• Cloud Certifications. AWS, Azure, or GCP certifications for cloud networking
• IT Bootcamps. Accelerated programs combining multiple IT disciplines

Many professionals combine formal education with industry certifications. Starting with certifications can provide entry-level opportunities while you pursue a degree for advancement.