Best Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees of 2025
Information technology (IT) is a growing field with many opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for computer and IT professionals will grow much faster than average between 2023-2033.
With this degree, you can become a computer network architect, programmer, systems analyst, software developer, or web developer. Best of all, you can earn your IT degree entirely online. This guide covers the top online IT college degree programs, average tuition costs, and expected salaries.
10 Best Online IT Degree Programs
Franklin University
Columbus, OH- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The BS in information technology at Franklin University is a customizable program offering numerous electives, like data visualization and security risk management. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow you to enroll at a time that works best for your schedule. The school locks in your tuition rate of $398 per credit when you enroll, so your costs stay the same from your first term through graduation.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 124
Things We Love:
- Allows you to transfer in up to 76% of the program's credits
- Offers an accelerated program option that allows you to start on your master's degree at the same time as your bachelor's
- Provides an apprenticeship option that lets you gain experience and job-ready skills
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must pass a college writing course and learning strategies course before enrolling in 200-level classes.
- To qualify for the tuition guarantee, you must enroll in and complete at least one term per year.
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,044
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Get hands-on experience with networking equipment and virtual machines with a bachelor of information and communication technology (ICT) from New Mexico State University. NMSU offers concentrations in network technologies, software development, and cyber defense. Complete the program in just two years with a related associate degree.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Provides dedicated servers to support your work with databases and operating systems
- Has flexible, asynchronous courses that allow you to work around your schedule
- Offers one-on-one tutoring, on-demand workshops, and 24-7 virtual health and wellness resources for online students
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Active military personnel receive reduced tuition of $289 per credit compared to the regular rate of $434.
- You must have a high-speed internet connection and a computer running Microsoft 8.1 or newer.
- In-State$6,728
- Out-of-state$25,055
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$18,023
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,779
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The BS in information technology program at Southern Illinois University lets you earn your degree in less time with a capstone option if you already have an associate of applied science. You can also customize the program to your career goals by choosing from more than 33 major and general elective credits.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Provides the option of completing an internship or a senior project, the latter of which you can finish entirely online
- Offers IT-focused student organizations, such as Women in Cybersecurity and Tech Dawgs, to enrich your learning experiences
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Internships must be completed in person for a minimum of 169 hours.
- Under the AIM High/Saluki Commitment, qualifying students can receive full coverage of tuition and fees after financial aid for four or eight semesters.
- In-State$9,638
- Out-of-state$9,638
- In-State$11,268
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled11,359
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
DePaul University offers a BS in information technology with concentrations in web development and media engineering, so you can carve out your educational path based on your career goals. Toward the end of the program, you'll complete a capstone project, working in groups to design and test software using the skills you've developed.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 192 (quarter credits)
Things We Love:
- Focuses on community-based learning courses that let you build real-world experience and relationships in the field
- Prepares students for success — DePaul reports 94% of program graduates are employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition rates for classes taken beyond 18 credits per term are reduced to $796 per credit.
- The web development concentration requires weekly meetings with clients for an end-of-program project.
- In-State$42,449
- Out-of-state$42,449
- In-State$21,719
- Out-of-state$21,719
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled21,348
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a prestigious HBCU in Tallahassee. If you're a Florida resident enrolled in FAMU's online BS in information technology program, you'll pay $2,849 in tuition and fees per semester. Out-of-state students are charged a significantly higher rate of $8,793 per semester. You can choose from focus areas in information assurance and security, data mining, web design, and mobile computing.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Offers departmental clubs and organizations, like the Computer & Information Sciences Mentoring Organization, for IT students to connect with each other
- Assists students in preparing for their future careers by providing professional development courses that offer mock interviews and portfolio projects
What to Know Before You Apply:
- As an undergraduate, you must register with the university's career center and complete a career readiness training module during your first year.
- In addition to an IT concentration, you'll need to choose a cross-disciplinary concentration like business, education, or criminal justice.
- In-State$5,645
- Out-of-state$17,585
- In-State$8,019
- Out-of-state$22,108
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled9,265
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The online bachelor's in IT at the University of Arizona Global Campus stands out for its flexible format, letting you complete just one five-week course at a time. You can also transfer up to 90 credits into the program to shorten your time to graduation.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Things We Love:
- Offers a risk-free three-week trial to make sure the program is the right fit for you
- Allows you to add an emphasis, like business economics or health and wellness, to customize your degree
- Asynchronous courses let you log in and complete coursework whenever you can.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- UAGC charges a technology fee of $115 per online course.
- Eligible military service members can receive discounted tuition of $250 per credit.
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$12,645
- Out-of-state$12,645
- Retention Rate30%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled34,190
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
George Mason University offers an online BS in information technology with a substantial tuition difference of over $1,000 per credit for Virginia residents compared to nonresidents: $408 and $1,415, respectively. During your senior year, you'll complete a team-based capstone project split into two semesters in which you'll assume IT roles, like project scheduler or web developer, to design a workable piece of technology.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Things We Love:
- Offers five concentrations within IT, including cybersecurity, health information technology, and web development
- Provides access to after-hours nurse advice, counseling services, and health and lifestyle support
What to Know Before You Apply:
- To complete your degree, you should prepare to log in at least four days a week and spend at least 8-12 hours weekly on coursework for each class.
- Mason strongly encourages a 250-word personal statement to be submitted with your application.
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$34,260
- In-State$13,426
- Out-of-state$35,377
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled39,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The BS in information technology and informatics at Mercer University is a flexible program that accommodates working professionals. You can choose from a fully online format or a blended program that combines live online classes with in-person evening classes and asynchronous online coursework.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Provides scheduling flexibility with five start dates per year that let you begin when you're ready
- Offers a database design and analytics certificate that you can add to the major
- Facilitates student learning opportunities and relationships through the Informatics Club and the UX Club
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Mercer allows a maximum of 64 transfer credits from two-year schools.
- Evening classes for blended programs are usually Mondays through Thursdays, but some may be held on Saturdays.
- In-State$30,017
- Out-of-state$30,017
- In-State$15,531
- Out-of-state$15,531
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,124
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Complete the BS in information systems and technology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis fully online or in a hybrid format that aligns with your scheduling and learning needs. UMSL offers several academic tracks to personalize your program, including business intelligence, cybersecurity, and legacy systems.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- Provides an accelerated master's degree option that you can complete alongside your bachelor's degree in around five years
- Offers select courses over summer and winter breaks to help you finish your degree faster.
- Sets students up for success — UMSL reports that 100% of program graduates find a job or transition to graduate school within one year of graduating.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students in states that are not a part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program pay $749 more per credit than Missouri learners.
- Passing a business exam during your last semester is required to graduate.
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$33,200
- In-State$10,447
- Out-of-state$28,605
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,041
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Loyola University Chicago offers an online BA in information technology designed for working adults who are ready to advance their careers. To reduce out-of-pocket costs, new students can receive up to $2,000 in scholarships during their first semester.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace through part-time and full-time learning formats
- Provides access to a strong network of career services from Loyola and its partner Jesuit colleges and universities
- Allows seamless application to Loyola's dual BA/MS degree once you complete 90 credits in the IT program
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You'll pay a technology fee of up to $78 per semester, depending on the number of credits you take.
- Adult learners are required to take an introduction to degree completion course to familiarize themselves with the academic environment.
- In-State$48,100
- Out-of-state$48,100
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled17,397
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an IT Degree Online?
An online IT program equips you with the same skills and competencies as a traditional in-person program. You’ll learn how to apply your technical knowledge of computing and mathematics to design business solutions.
Some benefits of pursuing an IT degree online include:
More Flexibility: Online degree programs offer greater flexibility, allowing you to study from wherever you choose and often providing part-time and full-time options to continue working and maintaining other obligations.- Practical Skills: You’ll develop a solid foundation in programming, network architecture, and information security, setting you up for entry-level IT jobs or graduate studies, just like a traditional, on-campus IT program.
- Self-Paced Programs: Online programs can be synchronous or asynchronous, with set class times or more flexible scheduling. You can choose a program with independent study options to learn and advance at your own pace.
- Cost Savings: Many online degree programs offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts, particularly public universities in your state. You can also save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees as an online student.
What Can You Do With an IT Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in IT, you can find many high-paying, in-demand jobs. Possible career paths include working as a software engineer, network administrator, cybersecurity specialist, and data analyst.
IT skills are highly sought after in virtually every industry—from healthcare and technology to manufacturing—as businesses increasingly depend on computer systems. This drives the strong demand for technology-related jobs.
Job Outlook for IT Careers
The job market is strong for many IT-related careers. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and IT jobs was nearly $105,990 as of May 2024. The BLS projects these jobs to grow much faster than average from 2023-2033. For example, the BLS projects that information security analyst jobs will grow 33% from 2023-2033.
This variety of job opportunities, combined with the high demand for skilled IT professionals, makes IT an attractive field if you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging career.
| IT Careers You Can Pursue With a Bachelor’s Degree | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 13% |
| Computer Programmer | $98,670 | -10% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 11% |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | 33% |
| Software Developers | $131,450 | 17% |
What to Expect From an Online IT Degree Program
An online IT degree program typically requires students to earn 120 credits. Full-time students usually graduate in four years. Part-time study takes longer but may fit better with work or personal schedules.
Online IT degree programs typically follow the same curriculum as on-campus programs and are often taught by the same professors. However, your learning style can influence the delivery of your education.
If you enjoy learning independently, an asynchronous online program can offer you the most flexibility. However, if you prefer more support, a synchronous program with live instruction and regular tutoring can balance the flexibility of online learning with the intensive environment of an on-campus degree program.
At the bachelor’s level, courses cover topics like cross-platform technology, computing as a service, IT operations, and scripting. Many IT programs allow you to choose a specialization, such as web development or digital communications. IT specializations include:
- Business management
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Digital forensics
- Game development
- Health informatics
- Project management
- Software development
- Supply chain management
- IT management
How Much Do Online IT Degrees Cost?
While program costs vary significantly among schools, earning an IT degree online costs less, on average, than earning a traditional IT degree in person. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median annual cost of tuition and fees for online computer and information science degrees was $7,806 in 2020, while an in-person degree cost $12,840.
As an online student, you can also save money on housing and transportation fees; however, you may have online-specific fees, such as technology fees.
Median Annual Tuition and Fees for an IT (Computer and Information Sciences) Degree
$7,806
Online IT Degree
$12,840
Traditional, In-Person IT Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Online IT Programs
The broad category of information technology, or IT, comes from data processing. IT refers to information infrastructure and the practical application of technology to process, store, send, and receive information.
