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Best 19 Bachelor’s in Network Administration in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Best bachelor's in network administration programs badge

Almost every business relies on computer networks. These networks need skilled network administrators to install, organize, and maintain them. Demand for careers in network administration is expected to increase over the next 10 years, with professionals making a median annual salary of $83,510.

What Do Network Administrators Do?

Network administrators install network hardware and software according to an organization’s needs. They also are responsible for repairing, upgrading, and otherwise maintaining networks. Depending on the type of business they are working for, they may be in charge of adding users, assigning security permissions, and training users in how to use certain software and hardware.

Top 5 Bachelor’s in Network Administration

Rank School Location
1Central Washington UniversityKittitas County, Washington
2Touro CollegeNew York City, New York
3Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, Michigan
4Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, Louisiana
5University of CincinnatiCincinnati, Ohio

Is There A Difference Between Network Administration And Systems Administration?

On a technical level, yes, there is a difference. Network administration by definition usually refers to overseeing a network such as a group of computers or servers that are linked together. Systems administration refers to the computer itself and everything that makes a computer system operate. 

Many employers, however, use these terms interchangeably without any distinction. It’s important for prospective administrators to research what their expected responsibilities will be in a position to make sure they have the skills the employer is looking for. Likewise, many schools that offer IT degrees may call their programs different variations of “network”, “systems”, or “network systems”.

The following list is for traditional in-person degree programs. You can search for online education options with our Degree Finder tool!

We ranked 19 schools that offer bachelor-level degree programs suitable for those wishing to become network administrators. Our data included aspects important to the average student such as tuition cost, class size, and graduation rate. Check out the results below!

Best 19 Bachelor’s In Network Administration Program

1

Central Washington University

  • Kittitas County, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 58%

Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Network Management. This program is available at the Ellensburg campus. The school also offers degrees in Administrative Management, Cybersecurity, and Web and Database Management which may be appealing to students wishing to specialize in a certain area. CWU’s first-time full-time graduation rate is 58%.

School Overview

Tuition: $3,237 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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2

Touro College

  • New York City, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 61%

Touro College is a private Jewish university with campuses in New York and Illinois. They offer many IT programs for men and women, including Network Administration and Security. The school features programs separated into male and female cohorts, but taught with equal curriculum. The graduation rate at Touro College is 61%.

School Overview

Tuition: $4,462 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
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3

Michigan Technological University

  • Houghton, Michigan
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

The Computer Network and System Administration program at Michigan Tech boasts a 95% job placement rate. Students may choose between three focus areas: Cybersecurity, IT Management, and Network Engineering. A minor is available in Cybersecurity. Undergraduates can earn an accelerated master’s in Cybersecurity or Health Informatics. Michigan Tech has a 72% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $8,327 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
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4

Tulane University

  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Graduation Rate: 86%

The Information Technology major at Tulane University offers a concentration in Systems and Network Administration. The program is offered through the School of Professional Advancement. The school features the lowest class sizes and the highest graduation rate at 86%.

School Overview

Tuition: $576 per credit (Fall 2021)
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
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5

University of Cincinnati

  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

The University of Cincinnati awards a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Networking and Systems Administration. Students may take this program on-campus or online. Students participate in a paid, full-time co-op work experience program with local, regional, and international placements. UC’s undergrad graduation rate is 71%.

School Overview

Tuition: $6,069 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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6

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

  • Alfred, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

The Bachelor of Technology in Network Administration at SUNY at Alfred provides the foundation needed for students who wish to achieve certification in CCNA, MCTS, COMP TIA A+, and Network +. 100% of graduates find employment. The graduation rate at SUNY Alfred is 60%.

School Overview

Tuition: $3,535 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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7

SUNY Morrisville

  • Morrisville, New York

Students enrolled in SUNY Morrisville’s Bachelor of Technology degree program in Network Administration learn networking fundamentals both in a classroom setting and through hands-on experiences, all conducted in the college’s own state-of-the-art data center. The program, which also offers a minor in Cybersecurity, culminates with a 12-credit professional internship, where students earn 480 hours of direct, hands-on work experience. This experiential approach provides graduates the tools they need to be successful in a competitive and rapidly changing workforce.

School Overview

Tuition: $3,535 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
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8

Seattle Central College

  • Seattle, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 33%

Seattle Central College features a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Networking. Students may begin at associate’s level with an AAS in Network Design & Administration, or apply prior learning credits and experience to enter the bachelor’s program right away. SCC has a 33% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $2,227 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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9

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

The BAS in Applied Computing at the University of Arizona features an emphasis area in Network Operations. Courses are delivered in traditional and online formats at campuses across the state and virtually. Online sessions are live and synchronous with on-campus classes, though all lectures are recorded for students who cannot attend live sessions. The UofA has a graduation rate of 65%.

School Overview

Tuition: $6,300 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
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10

St. Ambrose University

  • Davenport, Iowa
  • Graduation Rate: 64%

St. Ambrose University is a private Roman Catholic university associated with the Diocese of Davenport. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Network Administration. Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree can enroll in the 4+1 program to complete a bachelor and master degree in as little as 5 years. SAU has a 64% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $16,645 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
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11

Yakima Valley College

  • Yakima, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 28%

Yakima Valley College features a BAS of IT Networking with a concentration in System Administration. This program is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s degree and need a bachelor’s pathway. At full-time enrollment, students can earn this degree within two years. YVC’s graduation rate is 28%.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,395 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
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12

Central Connecticut State University

  • New Britain, Connecticut
  • Graduation Rate: 57%

The Networking Information Technology BS at Central Connecticut State University prepares students for local and wide network administration and design. Students will also receive training on teamwork and communication. CCSU has a graduation rate of 57%.

School Overview

Tuition: $5,731 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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13

Regis University

  • Denver, Colorado
  • Graduation Rate: 64%

Regis University is a private Jesuit University and member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. They award a BS in Information Technology with systems administration as a targeted career path. Students may attend this program entirely online. Transfer credit opportunities are available. Regis University has a 64% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $19,104 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
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14

Dakota State University

  • Madison, South Dakota
  • Graduation Rate: 43%

Dakota State University offers a BS in Network and Security Administration. This program combines administrative education with cybersecurity fundamentals. The school features a 4+1 program for students who wish to pursue a master’s degree. DSU has a graduation rate of 43%.

School Overview

Tuition: $4,371 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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15

Champlain College

  • Burlington, Vermont

Champlain’s Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program provides the cutting-edge skills required to maintain the security of our internet and digital lives. Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college overlooking Lake Champlain and Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. Their career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for their professional life from their very first semester.

School Overview

Tuition: $21,392 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
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16

Middle Georgia State University

  • Macon, Georgia
  • Graduation Rate: 23%

Middle Georgia State University offers a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Networking Technologies & Administration. Students will learn administration skills for Windows as well as Linux systems. Additionally, their concentration courses will cover network security, virtual computing, and data communications. MGSU has a 23% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $2,021 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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17

Kansas Wesleyan University

  • Salina, Kansas
  • Graduation Rate: 42%

Kansas Wesleyan University is a private Christian university associated with the United Methodist Church. The Department of Computer Studies features a BS in Network Management and System Administration. Available minors include Computer Programming, Database Management, Science Technology, and Webpage Administration. KWU’s graduation rate is 42%.

School Overview

Tuition: $15,510 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
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18

Rogers State University

  • Claremore, Oklahoma
  • Graduation Rate: 22%

The BS in Business Information Technology at Rogers State University features a focus option in Computer Network Administration. This degree may be completed on-campus or online. Students have the opportunity to minor in Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Esports, or Justice Administration. Not all minors are available online. RSU has a graduation rate of 22%.

School Overview

Tuition: $3,735 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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19

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 24%

Bellevue University offers a BS in Systems and Network Administration that is available on-campus or fully online. Students with an existing associate’s degree, eligible prior learning assessment scores, or military experience can enter the accelerated program to earn their degree faster. Bellevue University has a 24% graduation rate.

School Overview

Tuition: $5,100 per semester
Student-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
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Earn your network administration degree with more online opportunities through our degree-finding tools.

Our Ranking Methodology

We ranked the above schools across three categories. Average semester tuition made up 40% of the ranking and consisted of tuition rates as stated on each school’s website. The average did not include other costs such as housing, meals, or personal expenses. 40% of the ranking included graduation rates for first-time, full-time undergraduate students. Student-faculty ratio made up the remaining 20% of the ranking. Graduation rate and class size data was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Reporting Errors

Persons who work for the schools listed above are welcome to contact us to make corrections to the data represented in this article.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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