A man in glasses working through coursework on a laptop at a wooden table

2027 Rankings

Best Online IT Degree: Bachelor's Programs in 2027

An online IT degree, also called an online information technology degree, is a bachelor's degree in running and securing computer systems that you earn fully online. It takes four years full time and costs $59,280 at the median across the 35 ranked programs that publish both an online rate and a credit total.

  • 57programs ranked
  • $440median online rate per credit
  • 26states

Key Points

  • George Mason University's Information Technology, BS ranks first, scoring 80.8 of 100 on graduation rate, earnings after graduation, total tuition and accreditation.
  • Total published tuition runs from $30,480 to $229,800, with a median of $59,280 across the 35 programs that publish both an online rate and a credit total.
  • 8 of 57 are self-paced, with no scheduled class meetings, which suits students working full time.
  • 7 hold ABET accreditation, and 21 are at schools the NSA designates as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
  • All 57 can be completed fully online. 23 are at public schools, and the list spans 26 states.

Want to narrow this list? Filter these programs by cost, format and accreditation in the Program Finder

How We Ranked Each Online IT Bachelor's Degree

Only programs the school says can be completed fully online are included, and the order comes from each program's score.

Each program's score out of 100 adds up four measures. The school's graduation rate counts for 40%. Median earnings one year after completion count for 25%. Total published online tuition counts for 25%, and lower is better. Accreditation counts for 10%: ABET accreditation earns all 10 points, and a school designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA and DHS earns 5.

On graduation rate, earnings and tuition, a program earns credit for how many programs on this list it beats. When a school doesn't publish one of these figures, that measure counts at the middle of the list, so the gap neither helps nor hurts.

A 100 would take first place on all four at once, so real scores sit well below it. That is why a score in the 50s or 60s is still a strong result here: a program scoring 50 places ahead of 34 of the 57 programs on this list (60%), and one scoring 60 places ahead of 47 (82%).

Scores compare programs on this page only, so a score here can't be set against one on another ranking page.

Methodology.

The 25 Best Online IT Bachelor's Degree Programs for 2027

Scores compare each program with the other 56 on this list on graduation rate, early earnings, tuition and accreditation. A 100 would mean the best result on every measure at once, and no program gets there: the top program here scores 80.8 and the median program 46.3.

  1. No.1 80.8score of 100

    George Mason University

    Information Technology, BS

    • Fairfax, VA
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Mason's major applies IT to business processes and covers information systems, networking, cybersecurity and web technologies. Students choose one of four concentrations: Software Solutions, Cyber Security, AI Driven Solutions, or Computing Platforms and Infrastructure. A two-part senior design project closes the degree, and the program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    The 120-credit degree is offered 100% online. Admission means receiving undergraduate admission to Mason, with preference given to applicants who have four years of high school mathematics including pre-calculus. The program is designed for people who want to become knowledgeable in the technical aspects of IT and focus their career on the use and management of IT resources. Mason also points graduates toward its fully online MS in Applied Information Technology with a Cyber Security concentration.

    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    68%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $78,8001 year after
    Graduates in this field
    4162023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, ABET, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Starts
    January, August
  2. No.2 80.5score of 100

    University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

    Information Technology, BS

    • Cincinnati, OH
    • Public
    • Fully online

    You pick a concentration in Data Technologies, Game Development and Simulation, or Networking and Systems. Everyone takes the core, including IT1050 Fundamentals of Information Technology, IT2060C Database Management I, IT3060C Database Management II, IT2030C Information Security and Assurance and IT3020 System Analysis & Design. The senior year ends with IT5003C Senior Capstone Project I and IT5004C Senior Capstone Project II, and seniors present a senior project at the annual IT Expo.

    The degree is offered both onsite and online. The online degree map runs five years with a 120-credit minimum. Transfer applicants who weren't admissible directly from high school need 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned and a 2.75 GPA. ABET accredits the program, which was among the first ten in the country to earn it.

    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    75%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $69,5481 year after
    Graduates in this field
    652023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, ABETHigher Learning Commission
  3. No.3 78.3score of 100

    Champlain College

    Information Technology, BS

    • Burlington, VT
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Professional courses account for 48 credits, with 42 credits of general education and 30 credits of general electives. Professional courses include Networking Fundamentals, Introduction to Python, Introduction to Operating Systems, Relational Database Design and SQL, Cloud Computing Architecture and Solutions, Foundations of Cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing. The curriculum highlights networking and architecture, programming across multiple languages, cybersecurity fundamentals, web and server administration, and emerging technologies such as IoT and cloud computing. Students finish with a senior seminar project or a technical internship.

    Terms start in January, March and May, and finishing takes an estimated 3 years, 6 months at two courses per term, with 15 to 18 hours a week per course. The program is flexible and transfer-friendly, and credit for prior learning and experience can shorten it. Actual total credits depend on the transfer credits accepted. Some courses run in 15-week terms only.

    Online tuition
    $342 per credit$41,040 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    65%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $72,6521 year after
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    NECHE, CAE-CD schoolNew England Commission of Higher Education
    Format
    Courses from 7 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 90
  4. No.4 73.2score of 100

    Loyola University Chicago

    Information Technology BA

    • Chicago, IL
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    This 39-credit-hour major builds skills in network administration, Java programming, object-oriented software development, project management, web development and IT management. It also incorporates an introduction to IT systems, networking and security, and follows current industry standards. Learning is application-based, using industry standards in the computer labs.

    Classes are held in a fully online format in 8-week sessions, and students can attend full time or part time. Start terms are Fall I, Fall II, Spring I and Summer, with rolling admission. Applicants submit official transcripts from all institutions attended and need a 2.0 minimum GPA. Up to 18 credit hours (six courses) can transfer in. After 90 hours, students can apply to the dual BA/MS Information Technology program. The program is built for working adults.

    Online tuition
    $860 per credit
    Graduation rate
    73%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $68,9501 year after
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 18
    Starts
    Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Summer
  5. No.5 69.9score of 100

    Colorado Christian University

    Computer Information Technology, BS

    • Lakewood, CO
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    This degree combines technical skills and business knowledge so graduates can put computer technology to work in commercial, non-profit or governmental organizations. The program focus covers computer programming, computer networking, database development and administration, software development, operating systems, software and application design, and computer information security. An optional emphasis is available in Cyber Security, Database Management, Data Engineering, or Networking. The major core is 36 of the 120 credit hours, and the business education is taught from a Christ-centered perspective.

    The program format is 100% online. Courses are taken one at a time and typically run in five-week, seven-week or ten-week blocks. Admission for adult undergraduate and degree completion students requires the online application, a state-issued photo ID and proof of high school graduation or completion, plus official transcripts from each college attended if transferring credit. Some applicants may be selected for a video interview over Zoom. Class sizes are small, with direct access to professors who work in the field.

    Online tuition
    $494 per credit$59,280 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    64%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $75,2881 year after
    Graduates in this field
    82023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 5 weeks
    Starts
    Rolling
  6. No.6 69.5score of 100

    University of Massachusetts-Lowell

    Information Technology, BS

    • Lowell, MA
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Forty courses and 120 credits make up the degree. The IT requirements take 14 to 15 courses (45 credits), including Introduction to Information Systems, Introduction to Networking, Principles of Information Security, C Programming, Introduction to Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Shell Scripting, Introduction to Cloud Computing and Systems Analysis and Design. A project-based information systems course (6 credits) is also required, along with seven IT electives (21 credits). Students can add a specialization such as Java development, networking and security, or website design and development by completing an IT certificate in tandem with the degree.

    The program is online and can be taken part time or full time, with a stated completion range of 12 to 36 months. Students can transfer up to 90 credits. Credits also build toward the Master of Science in Information Technology, and a second-degree version exists for people who already hold a bachelor's degree.

    Online tuition
    $385 per credit$46,200 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    65%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $68,3621 year after
    Graduates in this field
    1512023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    NECHENew England Commission of Higher Education
    Transfer credits
    Up to 90
    Starts
    October
  7. No.7 69.3score of 100

    New York University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology

    • New York, NY
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    The degree is 120 credits, split between a liberal arts core and an Information Systems and Technology core covering database design, systems analysis, programming and project management. Students can elect deeper study in software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity or information systems management. An optional specialization focuses electives in Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Network and Cybersecurity, Strategic Media and Communication, UX Design and Research, or Health Informatics. Every course integrates the latest technology, including AI.

    Students can complete the degree 100% online, mix online and onsite courses in a hybrid format, or take every course onsite, with fall, spring and summer starts and full-time or part-time study. Up to 80 transfer credits are accepted, and the curriculum is not tied to rigid requirements. Students can complete internships, capstone projects or senior seminars.

    Online tuition
    $1,915 per credit$229,800 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    88%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $87,6081 year after
    Graduates in this field
    762023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    MSCHE, CAE-CD schoolMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
    Transfer credits
    Up to 80
    Starts
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  8. No.8 64.2score of 100

    Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking

    • Delray Beach, FL
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    The coursework starts with networking and cloud: Implementing and Administering Network Solutions, Cloud Deployment and Operations, Cloud Platform Solutions and Architecture and Managing Cloud Security. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning fills out the technical sequence along with Scripting and Programming Foundations and an Information Technology Capstone. Pathophysiology and Abnormal Psychology also appear on the course list, along with College Writing and Statistics.

    The Bachelor of Science is offered 100% online and takes 75 weeks from start to finish. Video and chat options come with the remote learning environment where classes meet. At least 25% of the credits for a program have to be earned through coursework at Cambridge, which is the transfer limit. The skills line up with CompTIA A+, Network+, Cloud+ and Project+ exams.

    Graduation rate
    76%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    12023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ABHESAccrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Project+
  9. No.9 62.5score of 100

    Florida International University

    Information Technology, BS

    • Miami, FL
    • Public
    • Fully online

    FIU Online's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology covers software and database development, cloud computing, and application deployment and management. COP4814 Component Based Software Development is a core class. The math requirement can be met with Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry (MAC1147), Business Calculus (MAC2233) or Calculus 1 (MAC2311 or MAC2281).

    The degree is fully online and totals 120 credits, a four-year program at full-time enrollment. The online interactive technology lets you watch lectures, get real-time feedback from instructors and collaborate with classmates on projects. The program holds an ABET accreditation highlight. The first-year orientation course is waived for students transferring at least 55 credits or a bachelor's degree.

    Online tuition
    $758.38 per credit$235.57 in state · $91,006 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    74%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $62,5621 year after
    Graduates in this field
    1912023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, ABET, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Starts
    January, May
  10. No.10 62.5score of 100

    Liberty University

    Information Technology, BS

    • Lynchburg, VA
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    The curriculum starts with information sciences and systems, computing sciences, web architecture and object-oriented programming, and examines how computer hardware and operating systems are designed. Later study covers database management systems, business data communication systems and integrative programming, with programming work in Java and a look at the security policies and techniques used against digital attacks. A capstone brings the material together. Four specializations are available: Application and Database Development, Data Networking and Security, Gaming Design, and Web and Mobile Programming. An optional internship is offered.

    Courses are 100% online in 8-week terms, though some programs use full-semester schedules. Students can transfer in up to 75% of the degree total. The degree is aimed at people preparing for careers in software development, programming, IT support, computer forensics, information security and computer networks.

    Online tuition
    $410 per credit$49,200 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    65%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $56,2581 year after
    Graduates in this field
    1732023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Format
    Self-paced, courses from 8 weeks
    Starts
    Monthly
  11. No.11 58.5score of 100

    Washington University of Science and Technology

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Alexandria, VA
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    The degree has 24 professional core courses, including IT 201 Hardware, Software and Network Systems, IT 205 Introduction to Database Concepts and IT 348 Computer Security Fundamentals, plus IT 470 Systems Analysis and Design and IT 476 Advanced Programming. You choose one of three concentrations of four courses each: Cybersecurity, Enterprise Information Management or Software Engineering.

    The program totals 40 courses and 180 quarter credit hours, on a calendar of four quarters a year with each quarter 10 weeks long. It can be completed fully online, with weekly assignments submitted in Canvas. Transfer credit can cover at most 70% of the program. Washington University of Science and Technology is accredited by ACCSC.

    Credits
    180quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    67%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    102023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ACCSCAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
    Format
    Courses from 10 weeks
    Prepares for
    CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+
  12. No.12 57.8score of 100

    Colorado State University Global

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Denver, CO
    • Public
    • Fully online

    This industry-aligned degree prepares students for certification exams from CompTIA, EC-Council (Certified Ethical Hacker) and AWS Cloud Practitioner. The core is fourteen 3-credit courses, 42 credits in all, and includes Discrete Mathematics, an Introduction to Computer-Based Systems course that prepares students for the Essentials portion of the CompTIA A+ exam, and an Introduction to Networks course that prepares them for CompTIA Network+ and Testout Network Pro. The program builds skills in software engineering, cybersecurity, networks and cloud computing, and students can specialize in cybersecurity, virtualization and cloud computing, or web application development.

    The degree is 120 credits, delivered in 8-week courses that are 100% online and asynchronous. New classes start every month, 12 starts per year. Students can transfer up to 90 credits, including military service and career experience, and existing IT credentials or certifications can earn credit toward the degree.

    Online tuition
    $385 per credit$46,200 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Median earnings
    $68,0101 year after
    Graduates in this field
    4392023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Self-paced, courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 90
    Starts
    Monthly
    Prepares for
    CompTIA, EC-Council CEH, AWS Cloud Practitioner (named exam prep)
  13. No.13 57.5score of 100

    Northeastern University Professional Programs

    Information Technology, BS

    • Boston, MA
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Coursework builds aptitude in quantitative methods, programming, web and multimedia design, system and network administration, networking and security, and it reinforces project management, business communications, group dynamics and organization skills. Students can further focus their studies through degree concentrations, and the program is STEM-designated.

    The online program accepts full-time and part-time enrollment, with entry terms in fall, spring and summer. A classroom version of the program also exists. Existing certifications such as A+, network certifications or Project Management Professional (PMP), along with professional experience, can earn course credits. The degree is designed for students pursuing a career in the fast-growing field of information technology.

    Online tuition
    $580 per credit
    Median earnings
    $115,5871 year after
    Graduates in this field
    362023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    NECHENew England Commission of Higher Education
    Starts
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  14. No.14 55.4score of 100

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Information Technology, BS

    • Winona, MN
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    This 90-credit degree builds expertise in operating systems, enterprise technology, network administration and security, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management and business intelligence. Students can add a specialization in business intelligence, cybersecurity or network administration. The cybersecurity and network administration specializations prepare students to pursue the CompTIA Security+ or Network+ certifications. Students also earn digital badges, and online training provides proof of completion in Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Network Security, Google Cloud and Business Intelligence Using Excel.

    The program is fully online and takes about 3 years, with starts in August, October, January, March, May and June. Students can transfer up to 66 credits. Approved graduate-level courses in the M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics or the M.S. in Cybersecurity can be taken during the bachelor's program. The school built the FastTrack 90 format for people starting a degree for the first time and for those finishing one with earlier college credit.

    Online tuition
    $440 per credit$39,600 total for 90 credits
    Credits
    90
    Graduation rate
    66%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $25,5341 year after
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 66
    Prepares for
    CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+
  15. No.15 53.2score of 100

    Ball State University

    Computer and Information Technology, BS

    • Muncie, IN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Students build a foundation in the concepts, theories and practices of information technology, along with the skills to design, implement and administer secured systems and networks. The skills include cloud computing, cybersecurity, datacenter virtualization, Linux, technology automation, project management and wired and wireless network infrastructures. The major is 62 credits, and the degree can be earned as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

    Delivery is 100% online. The skills come from practical projects and can be applied right away to a current or future career. Example job titles include data analyst, database specialist, director of technology, IT project manager, network and systems administrator, network and systems engineer and Scrum Master. The program is STEM-designated.

    Online tuition
    $578 per credit$346 in state
    Graduation rate
    62%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    222023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
    Prepares for
    AWS, VMware
  16. No.16 53.1score of 100

    University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

    Computer Information Technology, Applied BS

    • Manchester, NH
    • Public
    • Fully online

    This applied degree is a 90-credit, three-year program focused on programming, data analytics, virtualization and cloud computing, database management, systems analysis, digital forensics and professional codes of ethics. The sample degree plan includes Programming Fundamentals, Foundations of Cybersecurity, Introduction to Data Analytics and Python Programming I. The curriculum is designed to align with several sought-after professional certifications and to prepare students as IT generalists for a broad range of technology roles.

    The program is delivered online and is designed for working professionals and transfer students. Students can transfer up to 60 credits, and the degree is meant to let them build on prior educational and workplace learning. It is a streamlined, career-focused degree for adult learners. Some graduate programs, professional schools and employers may require a traditional 120-credit bachelor's degree, and students are directed to pathways toward a four-year UNH degree.

    Online tuition
    $345 per credit$31,050 total for 90 credits
    Credits
    90
    Graduation rate
    30%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $75,1561 year after
    Graduates in this field
    42023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    NECHENew England Commission of Higher Education
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 60
  17. No.17 52.8score of 100

    Excelsior University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Albany, NY
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, this 120-credit program covers software and web development, computer systems, database management, data communication, information security and project management. The credit breakdown is 33 general education, 48 major core, 4 university, 20 electives and 15 concentration credits. Students choose between Cybersecurity Technology, which covers information security principles, cyberthreats, incident response, forensic investigation and secure network design, and Network Operations, which covers designing and managing wired and wireless network systems. A General concentration lets students build a study plan around their own career goals.

    The program is asynchronous and online, and courses start every 8 weeks. The General option is built for people who want a broad education in information technology or who want to align coursework with emerging trends and specific career goals.

    Online tuition
    $510 per credit$61,200 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduates in this field
    232023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    MSCHE, ABET, CAE-CD schoolMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
    Format
    Self-paced, courses from 8 weeks
  18. No.18 52.1score of 100

    Lipscomb University

    Information Technology Management, Bachelor's

    • Nashville, TN
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Lipscomb's 126-credit-hour curriculum integrates technical foundations with advanced management and strategic skills. The program has three areas of focus: cloud initiatives, cybersecurity oversight and digital transformation efforts. Related roles include IT manager, information security manager, cloud project manager and digital transformation manager. The degree is awarded as a BPS or a B.S.

    Delivery is 100% online and asynchronous, with courses completed over 8 weeks and no on-campus or hybrid component. The listed length is 18 months, and it can be done in as little as a year or stretched to two. Up to 30 credits can come from an assessment center, credit for prior learning is available through exams or documented training, and up to 94 hours can transfer from a four-year college or 63 from a two-year college. The final 32 hours must be completed at Lipscomb.

    Online tuition
    $574 per credit$72,324 total for 126 credits
    Credits
    126
    Graduation rate
    72%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    22023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Format
    Self-paced, courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 94
  19. No.19 50.9score of 100

    Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

    Information Technology Administration, BS

    • Addison, TX
    • 2 campuses
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Sixty-four of the 120 credit hours are in the major, including a 39-credit-hour core across computer science, information technology and mathematics, covering programming languages, databases, web technologies, networking, information security, operating systems, systems administration, project management, calculus and statistics. The major also takes nine credit hours in one of three concentrations and 16 hours of electives. General covers human-computer interaction, web and mobile development, network administration and risk assessment. Application Development covers client and server systems plus iOS and Android apps. Information Assurance covers cybersecurity policies, risk assessments and incident response plans.

    The degree is online. The full degree is 120 hours, including 56 hours of university requirements with 9 to 15 hours in Bible. Students can start from the beginning at ACU or transfer earlier credits, including through ACU's Transfer Pathway. The program has a Christ-centered virtual community.

    Online tuition
    $395 per credit$47,400 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduates in this field
    22023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Starts
    January, October
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, Cisco CCNA
  20. No.20 50.6score of 100

    Dakota State University

    Cyber and Network Security, BS

    • Madison, SD
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The program focuses on cybersecurity techniques, including defensive hacking, network forensics and penetration testing. Students work with servers, routers, switches, firewalls and intrusion prevention systems and learn to install, configure and troubleshoot operating systems and computer hardware. Dakota State is a Cisco Networking Academy, and after Networking I, Networking II and Routing & Switching students can start preparing for the CCNA certification through self-paced learning that supports the core courses.

    The 120-credit degree is available on campus or 100% online, and it can run remote, in person or hybrid and full time or part time. Terms start in fall, spring and summer, and an accelerated path to the degree is offered. Graduates are prepared for roles such as systems administrator, network specialist and systems engineer.

    Online tuition
    $491.50 per credit$373.80 in state · $58,980 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    51%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $58,1661 year after
    Graduates in this field
    272023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Starts
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  21. No.21 50.6score of 100

    DePaul University

    BS in Information Technology

    • Chicago, IL
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    Graduates are prepared to configure software that meets the needs of organizations, with skills in problem solving and programming, networks and communications systems, databases, Internet and Web technologies, security and project management. Three concentrations are available. Standard covers networking, databases, applied programming, user experience design, content management systems and agile programming. Web Development covers front-end and back-end programming with modern frameworks. Media Engineering applies IT to media development, particularly film making. IT students take three community-based service courses solving technology problems for actual companies, and the capstone develops software for nonprofit companies.

    Students in the Standard or Web Development concentration may complete the degree online. The program is STEM-designated. Career areas include consulting, database administration, network security, programming, project management, software development and web development.

    Online tuition
    $878 per credit$168,576 total for 192 credits
    Credits
    192quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    68%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $58,2201 year after
    Graduates in this field
    452023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
  22. No.22 50.4score of 100

    Purdue University Global

    Information Technology, BS

    • West Lafayette, IN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Thirty-four courses (180 quarter credits) make up the degree: 9 core, 17 major and 8 elective. Sample courses are Systems Analysis and Design, Technology Infrastructure, Website Development, Project Management I and Network Security Concepts. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and includes optional embedded micro-credentials in Foundations for IT Education and IT Fundamentals.

    Delivery is 100% online with multiple start dates through the year, and weekly course effort is 15 to 18 hours. Average completion is 4 years. An ExcelTrack option lets students use existing knowledge to move faster through familiar topics. Students who have completed certification exams may be eligible for credit, and military training can count toward credit. Admission requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and students must complete orientation before classes. A 3-week trial period is available.

    Online tuition
    $371 per credit$66,780 total for 180 credits
    Credits
    180quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    50%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    612023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, ABET, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
  23. No.23 50.0score of 100

    North Carolina A & T State University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Greensboro, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The curriculum guide opens with CST 120 Fundamentals of Technology, CST 130 Introduction to Unix/Linux and CST 140 Introduction to Computer Programming. Later you take CST 225 Computer Database Management I, CST 325 Computer Database Management II and CST 231 Web Systems, then networking and systems courses such as CST 329 Computer Networking I and CST 430 Linux Systems Administration. The senior year has CST 498 and CST 499, two Senior Project capstone courses, plus CST 496 Senior Colloquium.

    The degree totals 120 credit hours over eight semesters and can be completed fully online. Online students pay a per-credit rate that is higher for out-of-state students, plus a per-credit educational and technology fee. The department also teaches mainframe education, and 2+2 agreements with partnering community colleges handle transfer.

    Online tuition
    $755.34 per credit$151.92 in state · $90,641 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    57%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    802023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, ABET, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  24. No.24 49.4score of 100

    Strayer University-District of Columbia

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Washington, DC
    • 13 campuses
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    Forty courses make up the degree, starting with a foundation in IT skills, including cybersecurity fundamentals and how to apply existing and emerging technologies to improve business operations. Skills built include building technology solutions to solve organizational problems, communicating technical information, applying security best practices, and managing information technology and systems. Students pick from eight concentrations: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, data management, IT project management, networking and software development.

    Courses are 11 weeks long. Online and in-person programs are available at select campuses, subject to availability, in a flexible learning format. Students can transfer up to 28 classes. A no-cost route to complete general education courses is also available, with eligibility rules. Students who cannot decide on a concentration can work through the choice with their admissions officer.

    Credits
    180
    Median earnings
    $67,3151 year after
    Graduates in this field
    32023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    MSCHEMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
    Format
    Courses from 11 weeks
    Starts
    January
  25. No.25 49.3score of 100

    Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Tallahassee, FL
    • Public
    • Fully online

    A 120-credit-hour requirement applies, and the program is designed to satisfy ABET program accreditation criteria for Information Technology, based on the ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Technology. Online students complete three courses in each of two focus areas. The online program will offer the Information Assurance and Security and Mobile Computing focus areas in its initial implementation, while the face-to-face program offers five: Information Assurance and Security, Health Informatics, Data Mining, Mobile Computing and Web Design.

    The program is offered both face-to-face and online, and the online version has the same requirements as the on-campus one.

    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    53%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $55,6171 year after
    Graduates in this field
    222023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What an Online IT Degree Is

An online IT degree is a bachelor’s degree in information technology that you complete through a university’s online program. You graduate with the same credential, usually a Bachelor of Science, that an on-campus student earns. The difference is where you sit while you do the coursework. Of the 57 programs ranked here, 23 are at public schools, 19 at private nonprofit schools and 15 at private for-profit schools, so the choice is wide.

A Typical Course Sequence

Published curricula look alike in the first two years and split afterward. Students start with an introduction to information systems and computer hardware, then move into networking, operating systems and security. At Bellevue University, the technology core runs from Computer Hardware and Software Management to Network Management and Infrastructure, Computer and Network Security Fundamentals, Computer Server Environments and two Cisco routing courses, each mapped to a CompTIA or Cisco exam. UMass Lowell lists Introduction to Networking, Principles of Information Security, Introduction to Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Shell Scripting and Introduction to Cloud Computing, then requires one or two Project-Based Information Systems courses.

Upper-level work moves to concentrations. George Mason University asks students to choose one of four concentrations, among them Cyber Security, AI Driven Solutions and Computing Platforms and Infrastructure, and lists a Senior Design Project course. Abilene Christian University lists Fundamentals of Networking and Data Communications, Web Technologies, Database Administration and Systems Integration and Administration as example coursework. Liberty University features IS Hardware and Software, Database Management Systems and Enterprise Systems and Integration, with a capstone at the end.

Asynchronous and Live Delivery

Delivery format decides whether a job lets you finish. Asynchronous courses have no set meeting time: you watch lectures, post to discussion boards and submit work by deadlines. Of the 11 ranked programs that state their format, 8 are fully asynchronous, 2 mix delivery formats and 1 require scheduled online class times. Colorado State University Global describes its eight-week courses as fully online, asynchronous and fully flexible. For a student on shift work or a rotating on-call schedule, that is the format to look for.

Labs, Exams and Campus Requirements

Hands-on work happens in virtual labs. Purdue University Global names virtual IT labs in the description of its cloud computing bachelor’s degree, and Capella University says courses use hands-on labs and real-world projects. Schools differ on whether anything happens in person. 8 ranked programs pair online classes with a campus or residency element, while others, such as Lipscomb University, state that there is no on-campus or hybrid component. Ask each school how exams are monitored and whether any assessments are proctored.

Information technology is the practical side of computing: the people who set up networks, manage servers, support users and protect data. Computer science focuses on how software is designed and built, and it requires more mathematics. Our IT vs. computer science guide covers the split, and it matters because the two degrees lead to different first jobs. A cybersecurity degree narrows the IT core toward defense and forensics; the online cybersecurity degrees ranking lists those programs. Management information systems ties technology to business operations and puts less weight on hands-on server and network work. If you’re weighing an associate degree first, the associate vs bachelor’s in IT guide compares cost, time and the jobs each one leads to.

How Much an Online IT Degree Costs

Cost is the biggest difference between programs. Across the 35 bachelor’s programs on this page that publish a full price, total tuition for the degree runs from $30,480 to $229,800, and the median is $59,280. The median per-credit price is $440, with a low of $254 and a high of $1,915.

Per-Credit Rates by School Type

The table shows published semester-credit rates. Public schools often charge a different rate to in-state students, so the public rows are split. The count column is the number of programs that publish a rate in that group.

School typeLowMedianHighPrograms
Public, in-state$138$331$55116
Public, any student$254$440$75816
Private nonprofit$342$459$1,91517
Private for-profit$278$390$5587

The spread inside private nonprofit schools is the widest, running from $342 to $1,915 a credit. The low-cost end is not limited to public schools: the lowest private for-profit rate in the table is below the median public rate for any student. Our cheapest online IT degrees ranking sorts programs by total tuition across every level.

Fees Beyond Tuition

Tuition is not the whole bill. 25 ranked programs publish at least one fee, and the range is wide. Champlain College lists a $150 one-time graduation fee. Liberty University lists $349 per semester technology fee (waived for actively serving military). Colorado Christian University lists the following: $51/credit technology; $20/credit textbooks and course materials; $50 per-credit course extension fee. A per-credit technology fee can add thousands of dollars over a degree, so ask each school for a complete cost sheet.

Flat-Rate and Per-Course Pricing

Most programs, 46 of those ranked, bill by the credit. A flat rate per term applies at 2 of them, which rewards students who can take extra courses in each term, and 1 bills by the course. Under flat pricing, a heavy load lowers the cost per credit. Under per-credit pricing, the rate stays fixed however fast you go.

Federal Aid, Employer Help and Military Benefits

Students at accredited schools can apply for federal grants, work-study and loans by filing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Part-time online students can qualify, though awards shrink with fewer credits per term. Some employers reimburse tuition for job-related degrees, so ask human resources whether an IT degree qualifies before you enroll and find out whether payment comes up front or after grades post. For veterans, the GI Bill pays the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees for those who qualify for the maximum benefit, according to VA. Ask each school whether it sets a separate military rate, and compare it with the standard one before assuming the GI Bill is the better route.

How Long an Online IT Degree Takes

A bachelor’s degree in IT is about 120 credits, which is four years at a full-time pace. The ranked programs report a median of 120 credits, a low of 90 for the shorter tracks, and a high of 127. Plenty of people do not study full time. If you work and take two courses a term, expect the degree to run well past four years, and how far past depends on how many terms a year your school runs. If you bring credits with you, expect less.

Full-Time and Part-Time Timelines

The pace depends on course load and term length. A 120-credit degree taken two three-credit courses at a time needs many semesters, which is why a traditional calendar stretches a part-time student’s timeline. In accelerated formats with several terms a year, a student can take two courses in every term and finish well ahead of that. Champlain College publishes a pace estimate built on two classes per 7-week term and notes that the actual total depends on the transfer credits accepted. Pace is a decision you can change term to term, so start light and add courses once you know how much time a course takes.

Accelerated Terms

Short terms mean you take fewer courses at a time. 20 ranked programs publish a course length, and 16 programs publish course terms of eight weeks or less. 5 publish terms of five weeks or less. Loyola University Chicago offers fully online classes in eight-week sessions designed for working adults, and King University lists five-week and fifteen-week courses. Start frequency matters as well: 4 of the 21 programs that publish start dates begin new cohorts monthly, so a missed deadline can cost weeks instead of a semester.

Transfer and Prior Learning

Transfer credit shortens a degree more than any scheduling choice. Franklin University accepts up to 94 transfer credits and says previously earned credit saves time toward the degree. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a shorter track of 90 credits that accepts up to 66 transfer credits, and describes eight-week courses with six starts a year. Some schools also give credit for work experience and exams, each within the school’s own limits.

Some programs let you move faster through what you already know; Purdue University Global describes its ExcelTrack option that way. Read how the assessments are graded before you commit.

Transfer Credit and Your Online IT Degree

Transfer credit is the single best way to cut both time and money. Among the 13 ranked programs that publish a maximum, the limit runs from 18 semester credits to 94, with a median of 90. Loyola University Chicago sits at the low end, accepting up to 18 credit hours toward its degree, while Lipscomb University accepts up to 94 from a four-year college.

From an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s

An associate degree in IT from a community college commonly transfers as the first two years of a bachelor’s. The pathway works best when the associate degree is an Associate of Science or an articulated transfer degree, because applied degrees can lose credit. Southern New Hampshire University accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and its Bachelor of Arts track is the more transfer-friendly of its two versions because it carries more free elective credit. Colorado State University Global also accepts up to 90. Our online IT associate degree ranking lists programs designed to feed these pathways.

Credit for Certifications

9 ranked programs say they award credit for industry certifications. Northeastern University states that existing certifications such as A+, network certifications or Project Management Professional may be applied toward course credit. Abilene Christian University lists A+, Network+, Security+, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Computer Forensics Examiner, Cisco CCNA and Project Management Professional among certifications that can earn credit. Franklin University accepts Network+ and CCNA in place of select networking coursework. King University considers American Council on Education credit recommendations for industry certifications. If you hold or plan to earn a credential, see the certifications guides and our ranking of online IT degrees with certifications.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior learning assessment converts work experience, military training and exam scores into credit. Lipscomb University says it gives credit for prior learning through exams or documented training. Policies vary, and schools set residency minimums; Lipscomb requires the final block of the degree to come from Lipscomb. Ask for a written transfer evaluation before you pay a deposit. It tells you how many credits count, how many you still need and what the real total will be. That is a better number than the one on the program page.

Accreditation for an Online IT Degree

Accreditation decides whether your degree is accepted by employers, other schools and financial aid programs. There are three layers, and a degree can hold one, two or all three.

Institutional Accreditation

The first layer is institutional accreditation. A regional accreditor reviews the whole school, and federal financial aid and most transfer decisions depend on it. 56 of the 57 ranked programs list an institutional accreditor. The most common is the Higher Learning Commission, with 21 programs, followed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges with 17 and the New England Commission on Higher Education with 5. If a school lacks recognized accreditation, do not enroll without a very good reason. You can check any school in the database of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Graduate programs also ask for a degree from an accredited institution. If the school ever loses accreditation, federal aid stops, so look at its standing, not only its status.

ABET Accreditation

The second layer is programmatic accreditation, and for IT the main body is ABET. ABET accredits 65 information technology programs in the United States, and 19 of them are fully online, so it is a short list. 7 of the programs ranked here hold it, among them George Mason University, whose program page lists ABET as its accreditation. ABET accredits programs, not whole schools, so it is a check on the specific degree rather than the university. Verify any claim in ABET’s accredited program search, because accreditation applies to a named program and may not cover every version of it. The ABET-accredited online IT degrees ranking lists the programs that qualify.

CAE in Cyber Defense

For security careers, a third designation counts. The National Security Agency sponsors the designation and names 454 institutions as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and 21 of the ranked programs are at those schools. 5 programs hold both ABET and the CAE designation. The designation is held by an institution or a program, so confirm the school is listed on the CAE community map and read which programs the designation covers. See the CAE-CD ranking if federal or security work is the goal.

Careers with an Online IT Degree

A bachelor’s degree in IT qualifies you for a set of related jobs, and the numbers differ a lot between them. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 wage data, and the growth rates come from its 2025 to 2035 projections.

Pay and Growth by Role

Role (BLS occupation)SOC codeMedian payProjected growthEntry education
Computer User Support Specialists (help desk)15-1232$61,860-3.5%some college, no degree
Network and Computer Systems Administrators15-1244$99,130-4.1%bachelor's degree
Information Security Analysts15-1212$129,18021%bachelor's degree
Computer Systems Analysts15-1211$105,8507.9%bachelor's degree
Computer and Information Systems Managers11-3021$175,14015.8%bachelor's degree

BLS uses a single code for network administrators and systems administrators, so the Network and Computer Systems Administrators row covers both. That occupation is projected to change by -4.1% over the decade, yet BLS still counts about 13,400 openings a year, because people leave the occupation. Help desk work shows the same pattern. Never read the table as a claim that IT jobs are growing as a group. Security analysis and management are growing; support and administration are not. Pay also rises with the level of the role. The Information Security Analysts row shows the top tenth of earners at $199,850 or more and the bottom tenth at $75,090 or less, so the same job title can pay very differently.

Matching Roles to Certifications

Certifications sit alongside the degree for several of these roles. The site has guides to CompTIA A+ and CCNA, and the certifications guides cover the rest. Read the network administrator career guide, the information security analyst guide and the salaries hub for each role.

A Path From Help Desk to Management

One path runs from support work toward administration, analysis or management. The salary gap between Computer User Support Specialists at $61,860 and Computer and Information Systems Managers at $175,140 is the case for finishing the degree: management roles list a bachelor’s as entry education, and help desk roles do not. Because support work is projected to shrink, plan to move up rather than stay put. If you are weighing the whole investment, read is an IT degree worth it before you commit.

How to Choose an Online IT Degree

Choosing an online IT degree comes down to seven checks. Each one is something you can verify on a program page, and each has an example below. Do them in this order.

Status, Delivery and Cost

First, confirm the program is fully online. 8 ranked programs include a campus element, and Eastern Oregon University says it has no on-campus requirements. Second, check the delivery format: 8 of the programs that state it are asynchronous, as at Colorado State University Global. Third, price the whole degree after transfer credit rather than the per-credit rate. Columbia Southern University publishes $278 a credit and $33,360 for the degree, against $61,200 at Excelsior University, a gap that transfer credit can narrow or widen.

Transfer, Certifications and Accreditation

Fourth, read the transfer policy. A school that accepts 94 credits, as Franklin University does, treats prior work differently from one that caps the number lower. Fifth, check for embedded certifications. The Bellevue University courses above map to CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and Server+ and to Cisco CCNA topics, so the coursework lines up with those exams. Sixth, confirm accreditation at all three levels and verify through CHEA and ABET. Our methodology explains how the ranking treats accreditation.

Start Dates

Seventh, look at start dates. Programs with frequent starts let you begin soon and restart after a break. Southern New Hampshire University lists upcoming term starts, and Franklin University publishes a long calendar of start dates. A program with only two start dates a year can cost you months. Finally, ask for a named advisor and a sample schedule. A degree plan before you apply shows surprises early, such as a required course offered once a year or a prerequisite you did not know about. Read the plan against your transfer evaluation and count the courses left. That count, multiplied by the per-course price, is the number that belongs in your budget. Put the finalists side by side in one list with each school’s total, transfer limit, delivery format and start dates, and the choice usually becomes clear. The ranking of all 57 programs scores graduation rate, earnings, total tuition and accreditation, so delivery, transfer and start dates are checks you make yourself.

Online IT Degree Programs by State

Where you live affects the price. Public universities often discount in-state students, and some public schools charge every online student the same rate. 11 public programs charge the same rate to every student, while 8 charge different in-state and out-of-state rates. The ranked online IT programs are based in 26 states, and the programs by state page shows what is offered near you.

States with the Most Programs

Florida has the most ranked programs, 6, of which 2 are public. The Florida page lists them. Virginia follows with 5, 1 of them public, on the Virginia page. Ohio has 4 programs, 2 of them public, and the lowest in-state public rate there is $356 per credit. See the Ohio page.

Public In-State Options

Indiana has 3 ranked programs, all 3 public, with in-state rates from $346 per credit, listed on the Indiana page. California has 3, 1 of them public, with an in-state rate of $500 per credit on the California page. Indiana‘s lowest in-state rate, $346, sits below Ohio‘s $356 even though Ohio lists more ranked programs. A resident of either state should price the public options first, then compare them with the private schools that accept more transfer credit.

The National Picture

Nationally, 350 schools reported awarding IT bachelor’s degrees in 2023-24, and 92 offered a fully online option, according to IPEDS. Another 46 offered a partly online version. Check state authorization before you apply: a school must be approved to enroll students in your state, and the admissions office can confirm it in one email. Residency rules also change the price. A student who moves mid-degree may lose an in-state rate, and some public schools set a separate rate for online students that ignores residency. Read the rate table on each program page, and keep the date you looked, because rates are revised each academic year. If two programs look alike, the one with the lower total after transfer credit and the more flexible delivery format is usually the better fit for a working adult.

Online IT Bachelor's Degree FAQ

Is an online IT degree worth it?

For most jobs in systems administration, analysis and security, yes, because a bachelor's degree is the entry education the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists for them. It is less clear for help desk jobs, where some college or a certification can be enough. The total price falls when you transfer credit and check public in-state rates first, and a certification can add to what the degree qualifies you for.

How long does an online IT degree take?

A bachelor's takes about four years full time, which is roughly 120 credits. Part-time students take longer. Transfer credit shortens it the most, since the ranked programs that publish a transfer limit accept up to 90 credits at the median. Programs with short terms let you take a heavier load across the year.

Can I get an online IT degree with no experience?

Yes. Many bachelor's programs in information technology start with an introduction to information systems, computer hardware and networking, and you do not need to have worked in IT. If you do have experience, ask about credit for prior learning, and about credit for industry certifications, which 9 ranked programs say they award.

Is an online IT degree as good as an on-campus one?

The degree comes from the school itself, so the credential is the same one an on-campus student earns. What differs is how you learn: you control more of your schedule, you rely on virtual labs, and you build your own network of contacts. 56 of the 57 ranked programs sit at schools that list an institutional accreditor, which is the first thing to confirm.

What can you do with an online bachelor's in information technology?

The roles BLS ties to this kind of degree include computer user support specialists, network and systems administrators, computer systems analysts, information security analysts and IT managers. Information security analysts earn a median of $129,180 and computer systems analysts earn $105,850, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pick a concentration that matches the role you want.

Keep researching

Sources

  1. Each school's own program and tuition pages 56 program pages: tuition, credits, format, transfer credit, start dates and certifications. Each card links to its page.
  2. NCES IPEDS Graduation rate (school-wide), institution directory, and the distance education flags used to find fully online programs.
  3. College Scorecard Median earnings one year after completion for the school's graduates in the field, and institutional accreditation.
  4. ABET accredited program search Program accreditation by the Computing Accreditation Commission.
  5. NSA/DHS National Centers of Academic Excellence map CAE-CD school designations.

How these combine into the order above is set out in our methodology.