Key Numbers: 100 online IT degree programs analyzed. Average total cost: $71,308. Most affordable: Columbus State University at $22,440. Most expensive: George Mason University at $177,000. BLS projects 11% employment growth in computer and IT occupations from 2024 to 2034 — adding approximately 356,700 new jobs.
Why an IT Degree Still Matters
Information technology roles have never been more numerous, more varied, or better compensated. And yet the supply of qualified professionals consistently falls short of demand — which is why organizations across every sector are actively competing for people with legitimate IT credentials.
A bachelor's degree in IT isn't the only path into the field. But it's the most reliable one. It provides the breadth of technical knowledge — networking, systems administration, database management, security, software fundamentals — that makes graduates genuinely versatile rather than narrowly specialized.
An associate's degree can open some doors, especially for support and technician roles. But the data is consistent: bachelor's-degree holders access more roles, at higher starting salaries, with clearer promotion pathways.
The online format has made this calculus even more favorable. You can now earn a fully accredited IT bachelor's degree from a recognized institution without relocating, without commuting, and often at significantly lower total cost than a campus-based program.
Choosing Your Specialization Before Choosing a Program
Information technology is not a single career track — it's a family of related disciplines. Choosing the right program means first identifying which direction you're headed.
High-growth specializations worth considering:
Cybersecurity and systems security — One of the fastest-growing IT specializations, with 29% projected job growth for information security analysts. If security interests you, some programs combine IT and security coursework into a unified track.
Data analytics and database management — Organizations are drowning in data and desperately need people who can manage databases and extract meaningful insights. Database administrators earn a median of around $110,000.
Network engineering and administration — The backbone of every organization's digital operations. Network and computer systems administrators earned a median of $96,800 in 2024 (BLS).
AI and machine learning — One of the most rapidly evolving areas in IT. The number of specialists in this field has reportedly tripled since 2015. Entry-level salaries and career trajectories are exceptional for prepared graduates.
Cloud computing — Migration to cloud infrastructure has created sustained demand for engineers and architects with cloud-specific skills. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications pair naturally with an IT degree.
Mobile applications and web development — For IT students with programming interests, application development tracks provide a path into software-adjacent roles with strong salary prospects.
2026 Rankings: Best Online IT Degree Programs
Data from IPEDS and College Navigator, February 2026.
- Regent University — Virginia Beach, VA
- Champlain College — Burlington, VT
- University of the Cumberlands — Williamsburg, KY
- American Public University — Charles Town, WV
- Liberty University — Lynchburg, VA
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, GA
- Cedarville University — Cedarville, OH
- New Mexico State University — Las Cruces, NM
- Seminole State College — Sanford, FL
- Saint Leo University — Saint Leo, FL
- Franklin University — Columbus, OH
- Southern New Hampshire University — Manchester, NH
- Columbus State University — Columbus, GA
- University of Massachusetts–Lowell — Lowell, MA
- University of North Texas — Denton, TX
- Bellevue University — Bellevue, NE
- Georgia Southern University — Statesboro, GA
- Florida International University — Miami, FL
- East Carolina University — Greenville, NC
- Loyola University Chicago — Chicago, IL
- Colorado Technical University — Colorado Springs, CO
- North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, OH
- Excelsior University — Albany, NY
- Kent State University — Kent, OH
Admission Requirements: What to Expect
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Programs
Most online IT bachelor's programs don't have unique admission requirements for the IT major itself — applicants simply need to meet the university's general undergraduate admission standards, then declare IT as their area of study.
Common requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts (high school; college transcripts if transferring)
- GPA minimum: ranges from 2.0 to 3.5 depending on the institution
- Standardized test scores: some schools require SAT/ACT; many have gone test-optional
- Letters of recommendation (varies by institution)
- Personal statement
Example requirements:
DePaul University (acceptance rate ~67.5%, average accepted GPA ~3.65) looks for four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, two years of social science, and two years of language study. SAT/ACT optional.
East Carolina University's direct-entry IT program (for transfer students with an existing associate's degree) requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 24 transferable credit hours plus an AAS degree in a technical field.
Graduate Programs
Master's in IT programs are meaningfully more selective. Common requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or related field (experience may substitute)
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE or equivalent scores (increasingly waived)
- Professional experience in IT or related field
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal or professional goals statement
What You'll Actually Study
IT programs blend technical coursework with business and communication fundamentals. The technical core covers:
Core technical subjects (most programs):
- Programming fundamentals (Python, Java, or similar)
- Networking fundamentals and protocols
- Operating systems and systems administration
- Database design and management
- Cybersecurity and information security principles
- Web technologies and development
Business and professional development:
- Technical writing and professional communication
- Project management
- IT management and leadership
- Business analysis
Electives by specialization:
The depth of elective options varies significantly by program. Larger universities offer more diverse tracks; smaller programs may offer one or two concentrations. Match your specialization goals to the program's actual elective offerings before committing.
Cost Breakdown for Online IT Programs
Based on analysis of 100 online IT programs (out-of-state tuition rates):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Most affordable | $22,440 — Columbus State University |
| Average total cost | $71,308 |
| Most expensive | $177,000 — George Mason University |
Context: The average annual tuition for on-campus programs runs $35,087 for private schools, $21,184 for out-of-state public schools, and $9,687 for in-state public schools. On-campus programs also add housing costs. An online IT degree, even at average pricing, typically represents substantial savings once housing is factored out.
In-state vs. out-of-state for online programs:
Many public universities charge the same rate regardless of where an online student lives. Some (like Florida programs extending in-state rates to neighboring-state residents) have broader pricing exceptions. Always verify the applicable tuition rate before applying — it can significantly change your cost calculation.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
IT-specific scholarships:
- AFCEA Cyber Security Scholarship — $5,000 for students studying cybersecurity or IT at four-year colleges
- O-I, Inc. Scholarship — $3,000 annual merit-based scholarship for information systems and engineering students
General approaches:
- Check with each university's financial aid office directly — institutional scholarships are often not well-publicized
- Federal student aid (FAFSA) applies to accredited online programs exactly as it does for campus programs
- Many employers offer tuition assistance programs that cover partial or full tuition for employees pursuing IT degrees
- Look for state-level scholarship programs in your state of residence; many target high-demand technical fields
Career Outlook: What the Data Says
BLS projections for IT occupations (2024–2034):
- Computer and IT occupations overall: 11% growth, approximately 356,700 new jobs
- Computer systems analyst: median annual wage of $103,790 (2024)
- Network and computer systems administrator: median of $96,800 (2024)
- Software developers and QA analysts: strong growth projected
- AI and machine learning specialists: rapid growth, above average compensation
Growth is driven by cloud computing adoption, expanded data infrastructure, cybersecurity requirements, and AI/ML integration across industries. IT professionals are no longer concentrated in technology companies — every hospital, bank, retailer, government agency, and manufacturer employs IT staff.
Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Program
1. Does the faculty have real-world experience?
Academic credentials matter, but IT faculty who've worked in the industry bring a practical dimension that purely academic staff can't provide. Check faculty bios for industry backgrounds.
2. What does the program cost per credit — and what are the total fees?
Per-credit rate is the cleanest comparison metric. Total tuition quotes sometimes obscure lab fees, technology fees, or other charges. Calculate the full cost.
3. What is the program's reputation among employers in your target market?
Regional employers often have established relationships with specific programs. If you want to work in a particular city or industry sector, research which programs those employers recruit from.
4. How long will it actually take?
Online programs often allow year-round enrollment, which can accelerate a four-year degree. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline but allows full-time work. Know which schedule you're committing to.
5. What internship and career placement support exists?
Online programs vary significantly in how actively they support career development. Look for programs with dedicated career counseling, employer partnerships, and documented placement rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online IT degree as credible as an on-campus one?
Yes, at accredited institutions. Employers have broadly accepted online credentials, particularly as remote work has become normalized. The institution's accreditation and reputation matter more than delivery format.
What careers can an IT degree lead to?
Common roles include software developer, network administrator, database administrator, systems analyst, IT manager, cloud engineer, and cybersecurity analyst. The broad nature of the degree gives graduates flexibility across roles and industries.
How does online coursework work?
Most programs use a learning management system (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, or similar) for course materials, assignments, and discussions. Some courses are fully asynchronous; others include scheduled video sessions. Lab exercises happen in virtualized environments.
Can I complete it while working full-time?
Yes — most online IT programs are designed for this. Expect 12–18 hours per week of study per semester at full-time enrollment pace.
Complete List of Online IT Degree Programs
Abilene Christian University (Abilene, TX) | American InterContinental University (Chandler, AZ) | American Public University (Charles Town, WV) | Arizona State University (Scottsdale, AZ) | Ball State University (Muncie, IN) | Bellevue University (Bellevue, NE) | Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg, ID) | California Baptist University (Riverside, CA) | Capella University (Minneapolis, MN) | Cedarville University (Cedarville, OH) | Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA) | Champlain College (Burlington, VT) | Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, CO) | Colorado State University Global (Aurora, CO) | Colorado Technical University (Colorado Springs, CO) | Columbia Southern University (Orange Beach, AL) | Columbus State University (Columbus, GA) | Concordia University–Saint Paul (Saint Paul, MN) | DePaul University (Chicago, IL) | DeVry University–Illinois (Lisle, IL) | East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) | Eastern Oregon University (La Grande, OR) | Empire State University (Saratoga Springs, NY) | Excelsior University (Albany, NY) | Fisher College (Boston, MA) | Florida International University (Miami, FL) | Franklin University (Columbus, OH) | George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) | Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA) | Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (Harrisburg, PA) | Herzing University (Milwaukee, WI) | Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA) | Kent State University (Kent, OH) | LeTourneau University (Longview, TX) | Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) | Lindenwood University (Saint Charles, MO) | Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL) | Middle Georgia State University (Macon, GA) | Missouri State University–Springfield (Springfield, MO) | New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) | North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC) | North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC) | Northeastern University (Boston, MA) | Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights, KY) | Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) | Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls, OR) | Pennsylvania State University–World Campus (University Park, PA) | Rasmussen University (Bloomington, MN) | Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA) | Saint Leo University (Saint Leo, FL) | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) | Seminole State College (Sanford, FL) | Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL) | Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH) | Strayer University–New Jersey (Piscataway, NJ) | SUNY Delhi (Delhi, NY) | Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) | Texas A&M University–Central Texas (Killeen, TX) | The University of Tennessee–Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) | Thomas Edison State University (Trenton, NJ) | Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) | Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) | University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) | University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) | University of Denver (Denver, CO) | University of Kansas (Overland Park, KS) | University of Massachusetts Global (Irvine, CA) | University of Massachusetts–Lowell (Lowell, MA) | University of Memphis (Memphis, TN) | University of Missouri–St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) | University of New Hampshire at Manchester (Manchester, NH) | University of North Texas (Denton, TX) | University of South Carolina–Columbia (Columbia, SC) | University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS) | University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY) | University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI) | University of Wisconsin–Stout (Menomonie, WI) | Walsh University (North Canton, OH) | Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY) | William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ)
Data from IPEDS, College Navigator, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published by CybersecurityUSA.org