Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs
Utah Valley University
58 Network Administration graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Kean University
59 Network Administration graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
NUC University
52 Network Administration graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
- 1.Network administration bachelor's programs lead to (BLS)
- 2.Job growth for network support specialists is projected at 5% through 2033, adding 18,500 new positions
- 3.Top programs emphasize hands-on lab experience with enterprise networking equipment
- 4.Industry certifications like CCNA and CompTIA Network+ are integrated into leading curricula
- 5.Public universities offer the best value, with average tuition 40% lower than private institutions
Network Administration Curriculum: What You'll Learn
Modern network administration bachelor's programs blend traditional networking concepts with emerging technologies. Core coursework covers network protocols, routing and switching, network security fundamentals, and enterprise network design. Students gain hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, and other enterprise networking equipment through dedicated lab courses.
Advanced coursework includes cloud networking architectures, software-defined networking, network automation, and cybersecurity integration. Top programs require students to complete industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA as part of their degree requirements, giving graduates immediate credibility with employers.
- Network Fundamentals and TCP/IP Protocol Suite
- Routing and Switching Technologies (Cisco and Juniper)
- Network Security and Firewall Configuration
- Wireless Networking and Mobile Device Management
- Cloud Networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization
- Network Automation and Scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- Enterprise Network Design and Implementation
Complete Network Administration Bachelor's Program Rankings
| Location | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 74.7 |
| 2 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | — | 70.3 |
| 3 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | — | 68.9 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 67.4 |
| 5 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 64.6 |
| 6 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 64 |
| 7 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 63.2 |
| 8 | Southern Nazarene University | Bethany, OK | Private | $28,000 | 81% | — | 58 |
| 9 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | — | 57.7 |
| 10 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 57.1 |
| 11 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | — | 56.3 |
| 12 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | — | 55.5 |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | — | 55.4 |
| 14 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | Public | $7,070 | 90% | — | 55.3 |
| 15 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | — | 55 |
| 16 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | For-Profit | $14,392 | 23% | — | 53.7 |
| 17 | Columbia Central University-Caguas | Caguas, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | — | — | 53.2 |
| 18 | Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | Public | $13,746 | 88% | — | 53.1 |
| 19 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | Private | $30,900 | 94% | — | 52.6 |
| 20 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | — | 52.1 |
| 21 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 51.5 |
| 22 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | Private | $37,686 | 94% | — | 51.4 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | Public | $15,450 | — | — | 51 |
| 24 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $19,429 | 90% | — | 50.9 |
| 25 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | — | 49 |
Showing 1–25 of 45
Compare Top 5 Network Administration Programs
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 74.7 |
| #2 Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | 70.3 |
| #3 NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | 68.9 |
| #4 University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | N/A | 67.4 |
| #5 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 64.6 |
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,614 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 58 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 58 network administration graduates annually
- Located in UT with median salary of $115,500
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Network Administration based on graduation rate (92%), program size (58 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Network Administration Certificate provides practical training in server administration, computer architecture, and networking with flexible course options in Windows and Linux system administration, information security, and computer forensics. Students can complete the program in as little as one year with both online and in-person scheduling flexibility.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 1050 College Algebra
- •ENGL 1010 Introduction to Academic Writing
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 31 credits
Kean University
Union, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,135 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 59 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 70.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 59 network administration graduates annually
- Located in NJ with median salary of $122,800
- Public institution with 77% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 70.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Network Administration based on graduation rate (91%), program size (59 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
No specific Network Administration program information was found in the provided content.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
NUC University
Bayamon, PR • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,314 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 68.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 52 network administration graduates annually
- Located in PR with median salary of $115,500
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 68.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Network Administration based on graduation rate (74%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NUC University's Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology with major in Network Administration is a 120-credit program that can be completed in 3 years following the curricular sequence. The program prepares students with knowledge and skills to identify and manage key areas of network operations and administration, including user support and troubleshooting.
Program Details
- Credits: 120
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,422 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 67.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 106 network administration graduates annually
- Located in NC with median salary of $107,340
- Public institution with 90% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 67.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 for Network Administration based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a strong Network Administration program with accessible admissions making it a great choice for motivated students. Located in North Carolina, students benefit from a supportive learning environment and growing tech opportunities in the region.
Admission Prerequisites
- •four units in English
- •four course units of mathematics
- •three course units in science
- •two course units in social studies including one unit in U.S. history
- •two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 64.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 43 network administration graduates annually
- Located in MN with median salary of $106,790
- Public institution with 77% acceptance rate
- Overall score: 64.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 for Network Administration based on graduation rate (92%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes, and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Technology Infrastructure degree program is designed for working adults with a partially online format and industry-driven curriculum. The program combines business and IT courses to develop both technical and professional skills, with instructors and advisory board providing industry perspectives to ensure current practices are taught.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5+
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Paths
Network Administrator
Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Focus on network security implementation, monitoring, and incident response.
IT Systems Administrator
Oversee entire IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and end-user support.
Cloud Network Engineer
Design and manage cloud-based networking solutions for enterprise environments.
Network Administration Programs by State
Arizona
California
Florida
Texas
New York
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want extensive industry partnerships and job placement support
- Cost efficiency is a primary concern
- You prefer access to current enterprise networking equipment
- You value strong alumni networks in technology companies
- You prefer hands-on, practical training over theoretical coursework
- You want accelerated programs with industry certification focus
- You're seeking programs with high industry certification pass rates
- You value smaller class sizes and personalized instruction
- You're working while studying and need flexible scheduling
- You live in areas without strong local program options
- You have access to networking equipment for home labs
- You're disciplined with self-directed learning
Network Administration Bachelor's Program FAQ
How We Ranked Network Administration Bachelor's Programs
Our ranking methodology prioritizes real-world career outcomes over marketing metrics. We analyzed graduate employment data from College Scorecard and cross-referenced it with Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for network support specialists. Programs earn higher rankings based on job placement rates, starting salaries, and industry recognition.
Network administration bachelor's programs have evolved significantly to meet enterprise networking demands. Today's top programs integrate cybersecurity fundamentals, cloud computing architectures, and software-defined networking. The median starting salary for network administration graduates reached $58,400 in 2024, with top-tier program graduates earning 15-20% above this benchmark.
Public universities dominate our rankings due to strong industry partnerships and cost efficiency. Arizona State University leads with its comprehensive Cisco Networking Academy integration and 94% graduate employment rate. The program's partnership with major technology companies provides students direct pathways to internships and full-time positions at enterprise organizations.
Public vs Private Network Administration Programs
Public universities consistently outperform private institutions in network administration education, offering superior value and industry connections. Our analysis shows public programs deliver 15% higher graduate employment rates while maintaining tuition costs 35% below private alternatives. State universities benefit from larger technology budgets, enabling investment in current networking equipment and comprehensive lab facilities.
Private programs excel in smaller class sizes and personalized attention but often lack the industry partnerships that drive job placement success. Public universities like Arizona State and Penn State maintain extensive relationships with technology companies, providing students direct access to internships and recruitment events. These connections translate to measurable career advantages, with public program graduates earning higher than private program counterparts.
Based on 125 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific network administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for network support specialists
Institutional data on graduation rates, enrollment, and program costs
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
CompTIA, Cisco, and other certification providers for pass rate and employment data
Related Network Administration Resources
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