Best Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees of 2026
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- Best Online IT Programs
- Why Get an IT Degree Online?
- Online IT Program: What to Expect
- IT Career and Salary Outlook
- Online IT Degree Cost
- FAQs
Information technology (IT) is one of the top industries in the U.S., with strong demand across industries like healthcare, business, and education. An IT degree can lead to high-paying careers with strong projected job growth, including roles such as computer network architect, information security analyst, and software developer.
Many IT programs are available fully online and offer flexible schedules with more affordable tuition than traditional on-campus programs. This guide explores the top online IT degree programs, average costs, and potential salaries.
5 Best Online IT Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Florida International University — Top-Ranked School for Excellence in Tech Training
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Recognized as a Top institution for Training Tech Talent by the Florida Board of Governors
FIU’s online bachelor of science in IT program is recognized by the Florida Board of Governors as a leading program for tech talent due to its innovative methods in preparing the next generation of computing professionals. You develop your IT skills through coursework that uses interactive technology to provide instructor feedback and real-time collaboration with peers. With a focus on innovative technologies like cloud computing, DevOps, application, and database development, this program offers relevant technical skills needed for IT roles like systems or database administrator, computer programmer, or computer support specialist.
Why Attend FIU Online?
- Apply for a Combined Degree Pathway: Pursue a master’s degree in engineering management and save nine credits if you meet the requirements during the first three years of your IT bachelor’s studies.
- Study With Industry-Leading Professors: Learn with renowned professors whose careers have contributed to the progression of the IT field, such as Deng Pan, who has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, including several IEEE publications.
- Tech Talent Academy: You enjoy access to FIU's tech talent academy, which provides hands-on training to enhance your tech skills and overall career readiness.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must complete all prerequisites required and elective courses — both lower and upper division — before starting the IT program.
- Out-of-state students pay about $650 per credit hour, which is roughly $400 more per credit hour than what Florida residents pay.
- Florida residents can take advantage of some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, with a credit per hour rate of about $235.
66%
$ 6,168
93%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,817
- Institution Type
- Public
Kennesaw State University — Most Affordable Program for All Online Students
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Lowest Tuition Rates for All Online Students, Regardless of Enrollment Status and State Residency
KSU’s bachelor of applied science in IT degree program offers the most affordable path to an IT degree on this list, with a full-time semester cost of $3,190 (about $213 per credit hour). With hands-on, collaborative training opportunities, you can grow your IT abilities alongside a classroom of like-minded online learners. Additionally, if you qualify, you can apply to earn an accelerated master’s degree in cybersecurity or IT and earn your graduate degree in one year.
Why Attend KSU Online:
- Work in an Internship or Co-op for Credit: Secure an internship or co-op and apply to have it count toward your degree requirements to make your degree more affordable.
- Pay the Same Tuition In- or Out-of-State: Study for the same tuition price as your Georgia peers, no matter what state you’re learning in.
- Focus on Professional and Technical Skills: Develop critical professional competencies that contribute to a high-achieving workplace, alongside your technical IT skills.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You'll need an associate degree in applied science in computing from a member institution of the Technical College System of Georgia with a GPA of at least 2.3 to enroll.
- You must complete or transfer the equivalent of these four courses with at least a C grade: programming principles lab and lecture, and programming and problem-solving lab and lecture.
- You must take 94 credit hours, equating to about three years of full-time study, to earn the BAS degree at KSU.
69%
$ 5,700
77%
$21,030
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 47,845
- Institution Type
- Public
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology — Best IT Program in Applied Technology From a Polytechnic Institution
- Okmulgee, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Combines Practical, Hands-On Tech Training and Strong Industry Partnerships to Jump-Start Your Career
In OSUIT’s online IT bachelor’s programs, you'll connect with industry leaders in the IT field and learn from experienced professionals to gain career-ready skills. As a polytechnic university, OSUIT emphasizes applied technology and hands-on learning. With specialized degree options and a curriculum shaped by industry partners, you'll be prepared for roles like computer forensics analyst, vulnerability assessor, network architect, and mobile app developer.
Why Attend OSUIT Online:
- Choose From Four Degree Options: Personalize your degree for your career goals by pursuing one of four degree options: cyber incident response, cybersecurity and digital forensics, network infrastructure, and software development.
- Take Advantage of Industry Partnerships: Benefit from partnerships with top companies that help shape the IT curriculum, provide hands-on training, and connect you to internships and career opportunities.
- High Job Placement Rates: Over 90% of OSUIT's graduates report job placement within six months of graduating.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must have an associate degree in applied science or higher, submit both an OSUIT and bachelor of technology application, and undergo a background review for acceptance.
- OSUIT does not charge an application fee, helping you save on upfront costs.
- You must complete all technical coursework with a C grade or higher and maintain an overall minimum GPA of 2.50 to graduate.
83%
$ 8,660
74%
$17,075
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,493
- Institution Type
- Public
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis — Most Customizable IT Program With the Option to Accelerate Your Degree
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Ability to Add Concentrations and Certifications, With an Optional Excel Track to Finish Your Degree More Quickly
The bachelor of science in IT program at Purdue Global offers microcredentials for professional certifications and nine concentrations to help you tailor your degree to specific IT roles, such as computer network architect, information security analyst, or software quality assurance analyst and tester. Purdue also offers an optional ExcelTrack program, in which you can customize your studies with an accelerated graduate pathway.
Why Attend Purdue Global Online:
- Get Credit for Prior Learning and Work Experience: Fast-track your degree with the flexible ExcelTrack option, which allows you to earn credits for relevant work experience and prior college courses.
- Choose From Nine Different Concentrations: Tailor your IT degree to a specific area like game development, information security and assurance, IT management, network administration, and software development.
- Use Real-World Technology: Explore the cutting-edge technology that powers modern businesses, such as Sandbox, Atomic Learning, and Microsoft Imagine.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need at least three years of work experience and three prior college courses to qualify for the ExcelTrack.
- Purdue Global provides a three-week trial period, which allows you to try the program before you enroll.
- Purdue Global charges $371 per credit for all online students, regardless of their state residency status.
100%
$10,080
25%
$13,356
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 44,421
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Governors University — Best Program for Combining IT Skills with Business Leadership
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: IT Management Emphasis Prepares You for Tech Leadership Careers
The online IT management bachelor’s degree at WGU is a flexible program that prepares you to lead a team of IT professionals. This degree program combines specialized IT skills with key management competencies such as change and project management, supply chain management, organizational behavior, and business analysis.
Why Attend WGU Online?
- Personalize Your Degree Plan: Work with a program mentor to create a degree plan that aligns with your career goals, work experience, and educational needs.
- Explore the Business Side of IT: Gain specialized business knowledge that prepares you for management roles such as IT project manager, information systems manager, IT security manager, or computer systems engineer.
- Develop Transferable Industry Skills: Complete coursework that helps you meet the IT needs of public, private, and non-profit organizations across fields, such as tech, healthcare, or manufacturing.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need to demonstrate your readiness for the program through a high school degree, college transcript, or associate and bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA for enrollment.
- There are no set timelines for WGU degree programs and courses — instead, you finish courses based on subject competency.
- Your two final capstone courses involve pitching IT solutions to real-world businesses.
N/A
$7,710
62%
$7,710
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 185,015
- Institution Type
- Private
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 programs offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts, particularly public universities. You can also save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees as an online student.
Reality Check: Is An IT Degree Still Worth It?
The job outlook for IT and computer occupations remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and information technology jobs to grow faster than most fields from 2024 to 2034, with a median annual salary of $105,990.
Still, not all IT career paths are created equal. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, your area of specialization matters more than ever. New in-demand roles — like AI architect, product manager, and systems designer — are emerging as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into business operations.
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 Concentrations and Focus Areas
- Business management
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Digital forensics
- Game development
- Health informatics
- Project management
- Software development
- Supply chain management
- IT management
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 web developer, 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.
| 8 IT Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 12% |
| Computer Programmer | $98,670 | -6% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 9% |
| Database Administrator | $123,100 | 4% |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | 29% |
| Network Administrator | $96,800 | -4% |
| Software Developers | $131,450 | 15% |
| Web Developer | $95,380 | 7% |
IT Degree Salary
The job market is strong for many IT-related careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for all computer occupations and IT jobs was nearly $117,000 as of May 2024. The BLS also projects these occupations to grow much faster than average from 2024-2034.
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.
| Mean Annual Wage for Computer and IT Occupations | Mean Starting Salary for Computer and Information Sciences Majors (Includes IT) |
|---|---|
| $116,770 (2024) | $85,620 (2023) |
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 (CIS) degrees was $7,806 in 2020, while an in-person degree cost $12,840. Adjusted for 2025, online computer science programs cost an average of $9,803 per year, compared to an average cost of $16,125 for on-campus programs.
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 CIS Degrees (Includes IT)
$9,803 (In 2025 Dollars)
Online IT Degree
$16,125 (In 2025 Dollars)
Traditional, In-Person IT Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Online IT Degree Programs
Among other jobs you can get with an IT degree, you can become an IT technician, network administrator or engineer, or software developer or engineer. By pursuing a specialization, you could also qualify for roles in computer forensics, cybersecurity, and information security.
As you accumulate experience, you can move into managerial positions in IT project management or other specialized areas. Graduate degrees can help open doors to higher-level careers.
