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To be eligible, a school must offer at least one online information technology bachelor鈥檚 degree. That initial requirement alone does not qualify a program for inclusion, however. Institutions must also be institutionally accredited and report online enrollment data to NCES/IPEDS, which are maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs delivered primarily online can be eligible but only if they include very limited in-person components.

OnlineU evaluates affordability using consistent, standardized criteria to support fair, apples-to-apples comparisons. Only schools that apply a global tuition rate are included. Partner institutions are reviewed using the same methodology as all other schools. Advertising relationships never ever influence rankings.

After meeting eligibility and tuition requirements, schools are ranked solely by in-state annual tuition. All tuition figures are manually collected and verified from official institutional sources, with citations provided by the OnlineU research team to provide the utmost transparency and accuracy.

Information technology blends theory with practical applications in the fields of computer science, business, and communication. Online IT degree programs are designed to give graduates a comprehensive understanding of the way information and data management systems work within industries.

Once you enroll in an online IT degree program, you can expect to learn a variety of technical skills. These include computer programming, network management, database administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Course assignments give you the opportunity to work on real-world projects, such as creating and managing databases, developing and implementing security strategies, programming software, and troubleshooting network issues.

In the process of completing these assignments, you'll start to develop creative problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. You'll also be asked to collaborate with classmates so that you can learn to function effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Online bachelor's degrees in IT typically require the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Full-time students often earn their degree in four or five years, while part-time students may need five or six years to finish. In addition to all of the general education and major-related courses, IT programs may also include an internship and a senior project before graduation.

Looking for more online IT programs? Discover additional options on our list of the best online IT degrees.

In general, the curriculum for an online IT bachelor's degree teaches you how to create systems and networks, develop faster processes, and improve software. Many courses are project-oriented labs, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with specific IT functions. These projects can later be used in your portfolio to demonstrate your skills and experience to prospective employers. 

Some schools allow you to customize your degree by taking courses that focus on a specialization within IT, such as information security, systems administration, project management, or web development. Among the core courses often included in an online IT program are the following:

• Introduction to Computer Systems: Often one of the first courses in a program, this class provides foundational knowledge of computer hardware and software. Students discover how they work together to process, store, and communicate information.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: This course delves into the design, implementation, and analysis of data structures. Coursework also covers the algorithms associated with data structures.
• Networks and Communications: In this course, students learn the fundamentals of network design and management, as well as data communication principles.
• Introduction to Cybersecurity: This course covers the two core functions of cybersecurity: identifying cyber threats and breaches of security, and applying tools and techniques for protecting systems and data
• Database Design and Management: Projects in this course give students the opportunity to design, implement, and manage databases by using various data management technologies.
• Basic Software Development: Another project-based class, this course covers programming concepts, data structures, and design techniques for developing quality software.

Earning a bachelor's degree is a significant financial investment, but there are steps you can take to minimize your expenses. Consider some of the following cost-saving choices:

Earn your degree online. Colleges often charge in-state tuition rates or possibly slightly reduced tuition rates for distance education students, regardless of where they live. Our list above highlights the most affordable online programs, but there are many more accredited schools offering less expensive options. Also, as an online learner, you won't have to pay for room, board, and transportation. 

Enroll in a public university. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the for an in-state student attending a public school in the 2022-23 school year was $9,750, as compared to $35,248 for attending a private school.

Attend community college first. Community colleges are generally less expensive, so you can complete many of your general education courses at a lower price before transferring to a four-year university to finish your degree. Additionally, most community colleges offer online courses.  

Pick an economic place to live. Although online students don't have to pay for room and board, you'll still need to pay for housing, food, and other living expenses. As an online learner, however, you can choose to live someplace that's affordable. 

Work while you attend school. You can use the income you earn from a full-time or part-time job to help pay for your college education. It may mean taking fewer courses each semester and needing a little additional time to finish your degree, but it's a trade-off that may be worth making.

One of the most common ways many students reduce college expenses is by obtaining financial aid. Funding for financial aid comes from many sources, including the federal and state government and the schools themselves. There are also many organizations that provide private scholarships based on need, merit, or other criteria, such as your chosen major. 

Grants and scholarships are the preferred forms of financial aid because they generally don't have to be repaid. However, if you don't qualify for enough grant or scholarship funding, you may need to take out a student loan. Keep in mind, however, that the interest on a federal or private student loan can add a significant amount to the total cost of your degree. Before accepting a student loan, use a student loan repayment calculator to calculate the full amount of the loan. 

Online learners enrolled in accredited online degree programs are eligible for financial aid. Simply fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your application has been reviewed, you'll be notified if you qualify for aid and, if so, how much aid you will receive from the various schools where you've submitted admissions applications.

Although an online degree can be a more affordable higher education option, it is still a significant financial investment, and prospective IT students may be interested in funding their higher education. Because of the importance of technology in our current and future economy, many organizations encourage students to study information technology by sponsoring private scholarships, a few of which are listed below. 

: This scholarship awards $10,000 to students pursuing a degree in computer science or a related technical field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong leadership skills.

: To encourage diversity in the tech field, Microsoft offers several different scholarships in varying amounts for students majoring in computer science and other STEM subjects.

: The AFCEA awards scholarships of $5,000 to students pursuing a degree in a range of STEM fields, including IT. The cybersecurity scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in at least their second year of college.

: (ISC)2 offers 20 awards annually, ranging $1,000-$5,000, to high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing an online bachelor's degree related to cybersecurity or information assurance. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.3 GPA.

Curious to explore a similar online bachelor's degree? Check out our list of the best online information systems programs. 

As you're reviewing the many possible options for earning an IT degree online, you'll want to take several factors into consideration. 

One of the most important qualities to look for in an online program is accreditation. Enrollment in an accredited program is required for you to qualify for financial aid, and it may be needed if you decide to transfer to another school or apply for graduate school. Other significant factors include the school's tuition rate and financial aid opportunities, as well as curriculum, specializations, faculty, and student services.

Overall, an online IT degree may be cheaper than an in-person degree, especially if you select one of the most affordable schools listed above. Many schools charge the same or possibly lower tuition rates for fully online learners. Additionally, earning a degree online eliminates college room and board fees and expenses related to commuting to and from school.

No, in today's work environment you do not necessarily need a bachelor's degree to land a job in IT. You may qualify for many entry-level positions with just a boot camp certificate, diploma, or associate degree. In fact, research shows that even the biggest employers in tech . However, a bachelor's degree can be a valuable long-term asset if you want to advance in your career, especially into management positions with higher salaries.

In the tech industry, many companies do not require job applicants to have a bachelor's degree for an entry-level IT position. Instead, they are willing to hire individuals with only a certificate or hands-on experience. Some of these employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who want to further their education in a related field. Check with your employer to see if the company is willing to help fund your IT bachelor's degree.

An online information technology degree can open the door to a wealth of career opportunities. Naturally, graduates are likely to find employment in the tech industry, but there are plenty of additional options in other industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. The BLS has identified many high-paying, in-demand career paths for IT students, including the following:

, also called systems architects, valuate an organization's computer systems and implement improvements that enhance functionality. They may also look for ways to improve procedures and training.

• Median Annual Salary: $103,790
• Job Growth: 9% (remains steady year after year)

play an essential role in protecting an organization's computer systems, networks, and data. They continuously monitor their systems for threats and security breaches, and they look for ways to minimize issues and install the appropriate solutions. Some students interested in this aspect of IT may be interested in earning a degree in cybersecurity.

• Median Annual Salary: $124,910 
• Job Growth: 29% (way faster than average)

use their programming and user experience skills to develop the look and functionality of websites. While some may work directly for large organizations, most work for business service providers or as freelance consultants.

• Median Annual Salary: $95,380 
• Job Growth: 7%

Although an online degree in information technology will prepare you for a range of job opportunities, you may also want to train for specific positions by pursuing additional education. Both certification and an advanced degree may make you a more competitive job candidate, depending on your career goals.

Certification programs are fairly affordable and can often be completed in a year or two. Not only does certification demonstrate your commitment to professional development, it shows employers that you have current skills and expertise in a specific area, such as digital security or cloud computing. Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA are just a few of the organizations that offer certification in an array of IT topics.

You may also want to consider going to graduate school. Master's programs allow you to study an aspect of IT, such as project management or cybersecurity, in-depth. There are also MBA programs in information systems that combine IT courses with business management courses if you're hoping to land higher-level managerial positions in the future. If theoretical research and academia interest you, consider earning a Ph.D. in information technology.

Are you thinking about earning a master's degree in IT? Discover the possibilities on our lists of best master's programs in IT and most affordable master's degrees in IT.

Although an online IT degree requires a significant investment of time and money, pursuing a degree through one of these affordable options is likely to pay off in terms of better career opportunities and the potential for a higher lifetime income. 

In the process of earning an IT degree, you'll develop the technical skills and broad base of knowledge employers are looking for. You'll also acquire valuable soft skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning may help you balance your studies with other personal and professional responsibilities. 

Given all of the benefits of earning an affordable online degree in IT, it seems well worth the cost.