Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (2024)

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (2)

Doug WintemuteEducation Writer

For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.

  • Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (4)

Doug Wintemute

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (5)

Doug WintemuteEducation Writer

For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.

  • Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (7)

Education Writer

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (9)

Veronica BeagleManaging Editor

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

  • Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (11)

Reviewed

Veronica Beagle

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (12)

Veronica BeagleManaging Editor

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

  • Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (14)

Managing Editor

Reviewed

Updated: Aug 4, 2023, 2:41pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Information technology (IT) plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, driving much of our communication, improving our productivity, and taking center stage in many businesses and industries. IT’s rapid growth has advanced efficiency and effectiveness in many fields, including education, manufacturing and healthcare.

As IT becomes more complex, however, the industry’s skills gap expands. Computer and information sciences bachelor’s degrees more than doubled in popularity between the 2010-11 and 2020-21 academic years, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Even so, employers still face a shortage of qualified IT professionals.

An online information technology degree equips you with an in-demand skill set, setting you up for a successful IT career.

Through distance learning, online IT degrees can reach more students and help close the IT skills gap. Here, we list the 10 best U.S. universities offering online IT degrees. We also highlight each program’s unique elements and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision when it’s time to pick a school.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

  • 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  • 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
  • All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
  • Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
  • Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Read more

Best IT & Tech Degree Programs

  • Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees
  • Best Master’s In Computer Science Online
  • Best Online Data Science Master’s Degrees
  • Online Master’s In Computer Engineering

Show Summary

  • Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education
  • Our Methodology
  • Best Online Information Technology Degree Options
  • Featured partners
  • Should You Enroll in an Online Information Technology Degree?
  • Accreditation for Online Information Technology Degrees
  • How To Find the Right Online Information Technology Degree for You
  • Cost of Earning an IT Degree Online
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Information Technology Degrees

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

The Forbes Advisor Education team is committed to bringing our readers unbiased rankings and trustworthy, informative articles covering higher learning institutions, individual degree programs, bootcamps, professional credentials and various career paths.

Our team sources data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also pull information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ direct websites. Our rankings use a strict methodology to determine the best schools, programs or bootcamps for each category.

Moreover, an expert advisory board of experienced professionals and educators reviews and verifies Forbes Advisor Education content to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Our Methodology

We scored 24 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online information technology degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Median earnings 10 years after graduation
  • Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
  • Retention rate
  • Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate

Affordability:

  • Average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
  • Median federal student loan debt
  • Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
  • Percentage of students who take out federal loans

Student Experience:

  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Socioeconomic diversity
  • Program being ranked has 100% coursework available online

Credibility:

  • Fully accredited
  • Nonprofit status

Application Process:

  • Acceptance rate
  • Uses Common App

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 85.2% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here.

Best Online Information Technology Degree Options

  • New Mexico State University
  • Indiana University
  • Bellevue University
  • University of Arizona
  • Saint Leo University
  • Indiana State University
  • Vincennes University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Western Governors University
  • Park University

New Mexico State University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (15)

Undergraduate Tuition

$395/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

74%

Overall Graduation Rate

53%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (16)

$395/credit (in state)

74%

53%

Editor's Take

Along with its main campus in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University (NMSU) has three additional campuses spread throughout the state, plus an online campus. The Hispanic-serving institution offers more than 180 programs, including an online bachelor of information and communication technology (ICT).

Run through the engineering college, the ICT program offers hands-on training via virtual machines and networking simulation equipment. During their senior year, ICT majors complete a project management capstone assignment. In addition to tuition, ICT students must pay an engineering tech fee adding up to $145 per semester for full-time students.

NMSU also offers an online bachelor of business administration in information systems.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Admission Rate: 57%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Linux system administration, Windows enterprise administration
  • Concentrations Available: Cyber defense, network technologies, software development
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Indiana University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (17)

Undergraduate Tuition

$250/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

72%

Overall Graduation Rate

54%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (18)

$250/credit (in state)

72%

54%

Editor's Take

Rooted in Indianapolis, Indiana, Indiana University (IU) offers more than 200 online degree programs, including a BS in informatics. Informatics majors at IU can choose from five degree tracks in business, health information management, legal informatics, sustainability and enterprise resource planning. Graduates go on to work in tech startups, health information systems and sustainability, among other fields.

Along with core and concentration courses, students may integrate a research project or an internship into the program, which IU encourages.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Admission Rate: 84%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Human computer interaction, system design
  • Concentrations Available: Business, health information management, legal informatics, sustainability, enterprise resource management
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Bellevue University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (19)

Undergraduate Tuition

$449/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

62%

Overall Graduation Rate

51%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (20)

$449/credit (in state)

62%

51%

Editor's Take

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Bellevue University features more than 80 flexible online programs, including a BS in information technology. Information technology majors at Bellevue complete courses in core areas, electives and the Kirkpatrick signature series, which focuses on active citizenship.

Bellevue also works with learners to integrate a capstone practical or research project, an internship, or a certification pathway into their degree program. Incoming students can transfer a full associate degree to shorten their bachelor’s degree timeline.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn Around Your 9-to-5
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Admission Rate: 100%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 127 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Network management and infrastructure, cloud computing and governance
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

University of Arizona

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (21)

Undergraduate Tuition

$500/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

85%

Overall Graduation Rate

65%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (22)

$500/credit (in state)

85%

65%

Editor's Take

Founded in Arizona before it had even become a state, the University of Arizona now features more than 150 majors and enrolls nearly 47,000 students. The Hispanic-serving institution does not charge out-of-state tuition rates for its distance-learning programs, regardless of where students live and study from.

The online BA in information science and e-society covers several areas of interest, including computer and information science, engineering, psychology and behavioral sciences. Exceptional graduates can continue their studies with an accelerated MA in library and information science.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $65
  • Admission Rate: 87%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Digital engagement, digital storytelling and culture
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Saint Leo University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (23)

Undergraduate Tuition

$410/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

61%

Overall Graduation Rate

42%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (24)

$410/credit (in state)

61%

42%

Editor's Take

The oldest Catholic university in Florida, Saint Leo University was founded in 1889. The school offers more than 110 majors and minors, including over 65 online options. The online BS in computer information systems prepares you to integrate computer applications and solutions for businesses, helping to keep their data safe and ensure the businesses meet their goals.

Along with research and coursework, this program includes practical training through internships, networks and information assurance lab experiences. In addition to tuition, Saint Leo students pay a $40 technology fee per course.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Admission Rate: 71%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Systems analysis and design, decisions support systems
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Indiana State University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (25)

Undergraduate Tuition

$351/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

65%

Overall Graduation Rate

45%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (26)

$351/credit (in state)

65%

45%

Editor's Take

Since opening in 1865, Indiana State University (ISU) has grown to offer more than 100 programs, including over 70 online programs. Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, this online BS in information technology features a senior project and a culminating experience class.

ISU offers free tuition for all Pell Grant-eligible students from Indiana and Illinois, plus up to $3,000 in grants. As an online student, however, you must pay an online education delivery fee of $30 per course.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $25
  • Admission Rate: 94%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Digital computer logic, mobile system design technology
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Vincennes University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (27)

Undergraduate Tuition

$243/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

46%

Overall Graduation Rate

27%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (28)

$243/credit (in state)

46%

27%

Editor's Take

Vincennes University (VU) was founded in 1801, making it the oldest university in Indiana and one of the oldest in the country. The school’s BS in information technology focuses on networking, software development and gaming. It features a capstone research project and a technology applications internship. Graduates go on to work as computer programmers, technology support technicians, network administrators and systems analysts.

Students from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky have access to in-state rates at VU.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Admission Rate: 100%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits (including applicable credits from associate degree)
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Current issues in technology, ethical hacking and cybersecurity
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Southern Illinois University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (29)

Undergraduate Tuition

$321/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

78%

Overall Graduation Rate

55%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (30)

$321/credit (in state)

78%

55%

Editor's Take

Founded as the state’s second teacher’s college in 1869, Southern Illinois University (SIU) now enrolls more than 11,000 students across many disciplines. The school’s online BS in information technology focuses on finding business solutions through IT. As part of their coursework, IT majors must complete an internship, capstone project and virtual lab work.

To help learners cover tuition costs, SIU provides more than $20 million in scholarships, including $6 million to incoming first-year students.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $40
  • Admission Rate: 95%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Web-based apps in IT, operating systems
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Western Governors University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (31)

Undergraduate Tuition

$3,625/term (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

66%

Overall Graduation Rate

54%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (32)

$3,625/term (in state)

66%

54%

Editor's Take

Founded in Utah by 19 governors, Western Governors University (WGU) enrolls more than 110,000 students. The school’s online BS in information technology allows learners to complete the program at their own pace. The program features 36 courses, including a practical IT capstone project.

IT graduates qualify for several professional IT certifications, including Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner and multiple CompTIA credentials, and the tuition covers the certification cost. WGU school granted nearly $20 million in scholarships in 2022.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $65
  • Admission Rate: 100%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Emerging technologies, user interface design
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Park University

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (33)

Undergraduate Tuition

$550/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

64%

Overall Graduation Rate

25%

Best Online Information Technology Degree Of 2024 (34)

$550/credit

64%

25%

Editor's Take

Based in Parkville, Missouri, Park University offers a flexible BS in information systems. Learners can complete this degree online or at any of 15 Park campus centers located around the country.

Information systems majors at Park learn the skills they need to manage, process and analyze data. Graduates go on to work in a wide variety of industries, including business and the nonprofit sector. All information systems majors must select a minor to complete this degree program; suggested minors include leadership, project management, graphic design and management.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn On Your Schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Admission Rate: 100%
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Developing the user experience, data management concepts
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Should You Enroll in an Online Information Technology Degree?

Many online information technology degrees provide maximum schedule flexibility, allowing you to complete your coursework at your convenience. Some programs feature synchronous delivery, requiring set class times, but synchronous online programs often schedule lectures during evenings and weekends to accommodate working learners.

Online programs can also reduce commuting time and allow you to consider faraway schools that might otherwise be out of reach.

Yet, distance learning does not suit everyone. Online courses require more independence and self-motivation. They do not provide a traditional classroom environment, which some learners prefer. If you desire peer-to-peer engagement and regular interaction with your instructors, you might consider an in-person or hybrid program instead.

Accreditation for Online Information Technology Degrees

Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation—which validates the quality of a school’s faculty, resources and student outcomes—comes from an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Institutional accreditation is particularly critical, as it can impact your financial aid eligibility and your ability to transfer credits.

Programmatic accreditation, which is specific to degree programs or departments within a university, may not be mandatory for IT programs, but it can help you find jobs and qualify for professional engineering licensure down the road. Accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET demonstrates a high-quality degree program and could improve your employment opportunities after graduation.

How To Find the Right Online Information Technology Degree for You

Consider Your Future Goals

Where you want to land after graduating can help you choose your path and your school. Before settling on a degree program, think about your ideal career, and seek a school and program that can adequately prepare you for that field.

Evaluate how well each prospective program’s curriculum, faculty, internship offerings and school partnerships align with your desired career path. Prioritize programs that offer concentrations in your preferred field or lead to relevant certifications.

If you plan on continuing your education in graduate school, you could save time and money with an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program, which allows you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter overall time frame.

Know Your Financing Options

Evaluating tuition prices can help you narrow down your program choice, but you should also look at the financing options available to you before deciding against an expensive program. Along with federal financial aid, you may have access to scholarships and grants through your school, a professional organization, a nonprofit or another third party. Some schools also provide tuition breaks, flexible tuition payment plans and loan forgiveness programs to students in need.

Cost of Earning an IT Degree Online

College costs vary depending on your school, program and location. According to NCES, the average in-state public college student paid $9,375 in tuition and fees in 2020-21, while private college students paid $32,825. Out-of-state learners paid an average of $27,091 that same year.

Annual in-state tuition prices for the schools on this list range between $2,760 and $15,000. Many online programs extend discounted or in-state tuition rates to all distance learners regardless of their state residency status.

That said, distance students should be aware of extra fees associated with online course delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Information Technology Degrees

What can you do with a degree in information technology?

An online information technology degree can take you in many directions. These broad programs often explore many IT-related disciplines. An IT degree can help lay the foundation for careers and advanced degrees in fields like computer science, software, engineering and networks.

What degree is best for information technology?

The best degree for information technology depends on your interests. If you’re unsure about your future direction, a more general bachelor’s in information technology or computer science might be best. If you have a specific target in mind, you might choose an IT degree with a relevant concentration or minor.

How difficult is an IT degree?

An online IT degree program can be challenging because of the highly technical and specialized material it covers. However, most programs incorporate practical training into the education, which lets you apply your learning as you go. If you approach the program with commitment and effort, you should have as much success as you would any other technical program.

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