What is an IT Degree? IT stands for “information technology.” Many colleges and universities have information technology programs. However, degrees in computer science and computer information systems could also be considered IT degrees because they prepare graduates to enter the field of information technology.
What Can I Do With an IT Degree?
Graduates of IT degree programs have a wider variety of potential career paths. Many go to work as tech support specialists. Many organizations of all sizes have tech support positions. There are also quite a few companies that specialize in tech support for businesses who do not have in-house positions. Graduates of IT degree programs can even start their own tech support businesses.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida |
| 2 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida |
| 3 | California State University – Fullerton | Fullerton, California |
| 4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, Florida |
| 5 | Florida International University | Miami, Florida |
Tuition can be expensive, and many institutions have raised their tuition rates significantly in recent years. However, it is still possible to find affordable IT degrees. People who are looking for cheap IT degrees should first focus on public colleges and universities. These institutions usually have tuition rates that are significantly cheaper than the rates charged by private institutions. Furthermore, prospective IT students should look at the public universities within their state. Public institutions usually charge students from out of state much higher tuition rates than they charge in-state students. To put it simply, students can find the cheapest IT degrees at public universities in their state.
Florida State University
Florida State University offers the leading Bachelor’s in Information Technology on our list. Students learn teamwork and communication along with technical knowledge. They also have the opportunity to intern at local businesses and non-profits to gain hands-on experience in the field.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida gets pipped to the top spot by FSU, but it still offers one of the best affordable IT programs in the country. Students have the opportunity to sign up for the college’s programming team, which is one of the best in the country. Students also have the opportunity to complete paid internships in the field.
California State University – Fullerton
California State University – Fullerton has the leading IT degree program in California. This particular program is actually a Business Administration Bachelor’s with a specialization in Information Systems. This prepares students for management positions in tech companies.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is the third program from the Sunshine State to feature on our list. USF’s Bachelor’s in Information Technology can be taken completely online or on campus. Students can concentrate in Web Design, System Administration, Networking, or Information Security.
Florida International University
Florida International University offers a top-notch Information Technology program. This program and FIU’s Master’s in Engineering Management can be completed on an accelerated schedule. Students can also choose the IT Software specialization to broaden their educations.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. This course blends business and systems management to give students a well-rounded education. SDSU offers numerous undergraduate tech-focused organizations that give students valuable networking opportunities.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University is a public, historically black university with a leading IT Bachelor’s degree program. Its degree program is technically called Computer Information Systems. Even though the school is historically black, they will consider applicants of other races. Florida A&M University offers students high-tech classrooms to enhance their learning experience.
California State University – Fresno
California State University – Fresno, often called Fresno State, has one of the best IT programs in the state. Its IT program is actually a Computer Information Systems specialization within the Business Administration program. This ensures that students get a well-rounded education in both computer systems and business.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University has an excellent Bachelor’s degree program in Information and Computer Technology. Students can choose to concentrate in Security, Networking, or Information Technology. Internships are available with leading tech companies.
New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University offers a unique Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering Technology. This program blends elements of computer engineering with information technology. Students are encouraged to become part of professional tech societies for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Purdue University
Purdue University offers a top-notch IT program through a school called the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. The major is Computer and Information Technology. Students can concentrate in Network Engineering Technology or Systems Analysis and Design.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has the top-ranked IT program in the state. Its Bachelor’s in Information Systems is offered completely online. All online students pay the same tuition rate, no matter where they live.
If you’ve been looking for the cheapest IT degree, we can help you find the right program.
University of Washington
The University of Washington’s leading IT program includes a Bachelor’s degree in Informatics. This program essentially blends data science and information technology. Students can choose from concentrations in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Architecture, Data Science, or Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.
University of Missouri – Kansas City
The University of Missouri – Kansas City offers a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. This program features instruction in both IT and business. Students have ample opportunity to complete internships.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas has the leading IT program in the state. Its Bachelor’s in Information Technology can be completed entirely over the Internet. Students can choose from concentrations in information systems, security, networking, technical communications, and management.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee may not be as well-known as the main University of Wisconsin campus, but it does offer a highly ranked IT program. The Bachelor’s in Information Science and Technology can be completed entirely over the Internet. Students can benefit from the abundant opportunities to study abroad and do internships.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati has the top-ranked IT program in the state. Its Bachelor of Science in Information Technology can be completed online. Students can specialize in networking, cybersecurity, software application development, and game development and simulation.
Washington State University
Washington State University offers an affordable IT bachelor’s degree. Its unique program is a Business Administration major with a specialization in Management Information Systems. This program can be completed entirely over the Internet.
George Mason University
George Mason University has the leading IT program in Virginia. Its Bachelor’s in Information Technology can be completed in its entirety over the Internet. Students can choose concentrations in health information technology, cybersecurity, database technology and programming, network and telecommunications, and web development.
University of Texas – Dallas
The University of Texas – Dallas has an affordable and innovative IT program. Its Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Systems has a dual focus in business and information technology. Students have quite a few opportunities to intern with tech companies.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University’s program focuses on designing, implementing and maintaining computer systems. You will also learn how to design and operate networks and databases, as you work to become a computer user support specialist, IT project manager, or network and/or computer systems administrator. Students can even earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years if they enroll in the accelerated program.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is considered to be one of the top public universities in the country, so its appearance on this list should come as no surprise. UMN’s Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management can be completed totally online. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live.
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University may be one of the lesser-known universities on this list, but their IT program is well-regarded. There are specializations available in Database, Interactive Multimedia Design, Data Communication and Networking, and Web Application Development. Students can even design their own specialization.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the few public technical institutes in the country. Their IT program offers many unique specializations, including gaming, systems integration, criminal justice, and architectural design. Students have the opportunity to work in the school’s IT labs.
Temple University
Temple University has a top-notch undergraduate IT program. Students can choose from the B.S. or B.A. degree tracks. The B.S. program gives students a wider choice of electives.
How We Formulated These Rankings
Our formula takes two statistics into account: tuition and graduation rate. Schools with different yearly tuition rates for in-state and non-resident students have only their in-state tuition rates taken into account. To come up with each school’s rating, we took their yearly tuition rate and added a multiplier from the percentage of students who did not graduate. Example: School A has a yearly tuition rate of $40,000 and a graduation rate of 80%. Their rating would be 48,000 (40,000 x 120%). Lower ratings are better.
For more programs, check out our information technology certificates page.
Representatives of the colleges and universities on this list can contact us with any corrections or questions they may have.
Are you looking for the cheapest IT degree programs? We can help you find the school that meets all of your criteria.
