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2027 City Guide

Best Online IT Programs in Washington, DC (2027)

Online IT programs in Washington, DC start with nine degrees at six local schools: six bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees and one associate degree. Washington, DC computer systems design firms employ 228,213 people at 10,829 locations, averaging $119,035.

Founder & Editor · B.S. in Computer Science, Temple UniversityUpdated

  • 9local programs
  • $125,430network and computer systems administrator median
  • 233,320computer jobs

Key Points

  • Information Technology, BS at George Mason University leads the Washington, DC list (#1 of 57 nationally).
  • Washington, DC has 16,560 security analysts earning $148,950, at 4.31 times the U.S. share.
  • Washington, DC's signature IT job: 16,560 information security analysts, 4.31 times the U.S. share.
  • Washington, DC ranks 2nd among U.S. metros for computer jobs, with 233,320.
  • A full Washington, DC degree starts at $21,600 (American Public University System).

The Best Online IT Programs in Washington, DC

Ordered by national standing, Washington, DC’s nine programs sit in Fairfax, Alexandria, Charles Town, Washington, Arlington and Adelphi.

Each card’s badge is its place in our national ranking. How we rank.

  1. No.1 #1of 57 in IT bachelor’s

    George Mason University

    Information Technology, BS

    • Fairfax, VA
    • Public
    • Fully online
    • Bachelor’s

    It leads toward Washington, DC's 3,840 web developers. 68% graduation rate.

    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
    Visit George Mason’s BS in Information Technology Compare
  2. No.2 #6of 37 in IT master’s

    George Mason University

    Applied Information Technology, MS

    • Fairfax, VA
    • Public
    • Fully online
    • Master’s

    A public option at $28,500. Network architects run 2.58 times the national share in Washington, DC. Graduates report $130,014 after a year.

    Online tuition
    $950 per credit$28,500 total for 30 credits
    Credits
    30
    Graduation rate
    68%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $130,0141 year after
    Graduates in this field
    512023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Visit George Mason’s MS in Applied Information Technology Compare
  3. No.3 #11of 57 in IT bachelor’s

    Washington University of Science and Technology

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Alexandria, VA
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online
    • Bachelor’s

    It leads toward Washington, DC's 3,840 web developers. 67% graduation rate.

    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+
    Visit WUST’s BS in Information Technology Compare
  4. No.4 #7of 31 in IT associate

    American Public University System

    Associate of Science in Computer Technology

    • Charles Town, WV
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online
    • Associate

    One rate for everyone: $21,600. Network support specialists earn $92,400 in Washington, DC. 57% graduation rate.

    Online tuition
    $360 per credit$21,600 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    57%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    1952023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 45
    Starts
    Monthly
    Prepares for
    Microsoft Office Specialist Excel, CIW
    Visit APUS’s AS in Computer Technology Compare
  5. No.5 #18of 37 in IT master’s

    Washington University of Science and Technology

    Master of Science in Information Technology

    • Alexandria, VA
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online
    • Master’s

    It leads toward Washington, DC's 9,370 network architects. Up to 27 of 54 credits can transfer.

    Credits
    54quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    67%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    1072023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ACCSCAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
    Format
    Courses from 10 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 27
    Visit WUST’s MS in Information Technology Compare
  6. No.6 #24of 57 in IT bachelor’s

    Strayer University-District of Columbia

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

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

    Web developers earn $134,350 in Washington, DC. Graduates report $67,315 after a year.

    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
    Visit Strayer’s BS in Information Technology Compare
  7. No.7 #14of 26 in cybersecurity

    American Public University System

    Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

    • Charles Town, WV
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online
    • Cybersecurity bachelor’s

    It leads toward Washington, DC's 16,560 information security analysts. 57% graduation rate.

    Online tuition
    $360 per credit
    Graduation rate
    57%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $66,5881 year after
    Graduates in this field
    3522023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 90
    Visit APUS’s BS in Cybersecurity Compare
  8. No.8 #36of 57 in IT bachelor’s

    University of Management and Technology

    Information Technology, BS

    • Arlington, VA
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online
    • Bachelor’s

    One rate for everyone: $46,800. It leads toward Washington, DC's 3,840 web developers. 33% graduation rate.

    Online tuition
    $390 per credit$46,800 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    33%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    92023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    DEACDistance Education Accrediting Commission
    Format
    Courses from 10 weeks
    Visit UMT’s BS in Information Technology Compare
  9. No.9 #23of 26 in cybersecurity

    University of Maryland Global Campus

    Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology

    • Adelphi, MD
    • Public
    • Fully online
    • Cybersecurity bachelor’s

    Washington, DC residents pay $40,440 here, not $59,880. It leads toward Washington, DC's 16,560 information security analysts. Graduates report $73,797 after a year.

    Online tuition
    $499 per credit$337 in state · $59,880 total for 120 credits
    Credits
    120
    Graduation rate
    33%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $73,7971 year after
    Graduates in this field
    8632023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    MSCHE, CAE-CD schoolMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
    Transfer credits
    Up to 90
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+ / Security+ (courses aligned to exams)
    Visit UMGC’s Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Technology Compare

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has one of District of Columbia’s one ranked program.

See every online IT program in District of Columbia, plus the state’s job projections, led by security analysts at 12.3% through 2034.

Washington, DC Programs in Our National Rankings

In the Bachelor's in IT ranking, Information Technology, BS at George Mason University places 1st of 57, Washington, DC’s best national result.

ProgramNational rankingPlace
Information Technology, BS, George Mason UniversityBachelor's in IT1st of 57
Applied Information Technology, MS, George Mason UniversityCAE-CD Schools2nd of 66
Information Technology, BS, George Mason UniversityCAE-CD Schools6th of 66
Associate of Science in Computer Technology, American Public University SystemWith Certifications4th of 43
Applied Information Technology, MS, George Mason UniversityMaster's in IT6th of 37
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Washington University of Science and TechnologyBachelor's in IT11th of 57
Associate of Science in Computer Technology, American Public University SystemCAE-CD Schools14th of 66
Associate of Science in Computer Technology, American Public University SystemAssociate in IT7th of 31
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Washington University of Science and TechnologyWith Certifications10th of 43
Information Technology, BS, George Mason UniversityABET-Accredited3rd of 12
Information Technology, BS, University of Management and TechnologyCheapest9th of 35
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Strayer University-District of ColumbiaBachelor's in IT24th of 57
Master of Science in Information Technology, Washington University of Science and TechnologyMaster's in IT18th of 37
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, American Public University SystemCAE-CD Schools35th of 66
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, American Public University SystemCybersecurity14th of 26
Applied Information Technology, MS, George Mason UniversityAffordable Master's13th of 22
Information Technology, BS, University of Management and TechnologyBachelor's in IT36th of 57
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global CampusWith Certifications32nd of 43
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global CampusCybersecurity23rd of 26
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global CampusCAE-CD Schools60th of 66

What an Online IT Degree Costs Washington, DC Students

Washington, DC totals run from $21,600 at American Public University System to $46,800 at University of Management and Technology, using resident rates where they apply. At University of Maryland Global Campus, residents pay $40,440 against $59,880, a $19,440 difference for Washington, DC students from other states.

ProgramRate per creditCreditsTotal for residents
Applied Information Technology, MS, George Mason University$95030$28,500
Associate of Science in Computer Technology, American Public University System$36060$21,600
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, American Public University System$360
Information Technology, BS, University of Management and Technology$390120$46,800
Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus$337120$40,440

Totals are the published rate times the published credits, before fees and transfer credit. Our cheapest online IT degrees ranking compares programs that charge everyone one rate.

Tuition Discounts for Washington, DC Residents

At University of Maryland Global Campus, Maryland residents pay $40,440 for the Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Technology, against $59,880 from out of state.

IT Jobs and Salaries in Washington, DC

Washington, DC’s best-paid IT role: IT managers, at $195,190; Washington, DC’s lowest is $77,860, for help desk technicians. Washington, DC’s largest IT group: 20,800 IT managers.

RoleMedian payvs District of ColumbiaTypical rangeJobsEntry educationSalary guide
IT Manager$195,1900%$133,100 to $295,96020,800Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Network Engineer$159,820+16%$102,110 to $216,5609,370Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Information Security Analyst$148,950+10%$96,550 to $209,29016,560Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Web Developer$134,350+17%$84,580 to $184,0503,840Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Computer Systems Analyst$127,040+9%$77,910 to $195,12018,620Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Network and Computer Systems Administrator$125,430+13%$78,450 to $180,3609,920Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Database Administrator$108,750−8%$66,560 to $171,1703,730Bachelor's degreeSalary guide
Network Support Specialist$92,400+1%$61,190 to $147,5905,100Associate's degreeSalary guide
Help Desk Technician$77,860−4%$50,390 to $120,19018,510Some college, no degreeSalary guide

Median and percentile pay and local employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area (Sources; BLS OEWS). Typical entry education: BLS Employment Projections. The range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile.

Against District of Columbia medians, the biggest Washington, DC premium: web developers at $134,350 (+17%). Weakest in Washington, DC: database administrators, at $108,750 (−8%). 6 of 9 Washington, DC roles out-earn the District of Columbia median.

Next in Washington, DC: computer systems analysts (18,620 jobs, $127,040) and information security analysts (16,560 jobs, $148,950). In Washington, DC, bachelor’s-level roles are 78% of IT jobs; Washington, DC students can compare online IT bachelor’s degrees. Below a bachelor’s in Washington, DC: help desk technicians (18,510 jobs, $77,860) and network support specialists (5,100 jobs, $92,400). For those Washington, DC roles, see online IT associate degrees.

Washington, DC pays web developers best against U.S. medians and database administrators worst. In Washington, DC, help desk to IT manager means $77,860 to $195,190, or 2.5 times the pay.

Price level: BEA, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area (MARPP), all items, 2024; 100 is the U.S. average.

IT Job Concentration in Washington, DC

Washington, DC runs heavy in web developers (2.71x), database administrators (2.65x) and network architects (2.58x the U.S. share).

Cybersecurity Jobs in Washington, DC

Compare online cybersecurity degrees or read the security analyst salary guide.

Tech Jobs in Washington, DC: The Industries Behind Them

Washington, DC's information sector averages $150,080 a job across 127,928 workers.

Industry employment, establishments and payroll: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023, by metropolitan area. Average pay is annual payroll divided by employment.

How to Choose an Online IT Program in Washington, DC

Washington, DC’s largest IT group is IT managers.

Our guide to choosing by city covers cost, residency, authorization and accreditation.

Online IT Programs in Other Cities

Online IT Programs in Washington, DC FAQ

How many online IT programs are in Washington, DC?

Nine programs at six schools in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, in Fairfax, Alexandria, Charles Town, Washington, Arlington and Adelphi: six bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees and one associate degree. Three are at public schools.

What is the cheapest online IT program in Washington, DC?

Among Washington, DC programs that publish a rate and a credit total, the lowest is $21,600 for the Associate of Science in Computer Technology at American Public University System.

Can Washington, DC students pay less as residents?

Yes, at University of Maryland Global Campus: Maryland residents pay $40,440 in total, $19,440 less than others.

What do network and systems administrators earn in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC network and systems administrators earn $125,430, 27% above the $99,130 U.S. median.

What are the biggest IT jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC's largest tracked IT jobs are IT managers (20,800), computer systems analysts (18,620) and help desk technicians (18,510).

Keep researching

Sources

  1. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state and metropolitan area estimates
  2. NCES IPEDS institutional directory (HD2024), metro area of each school’s main campus
  3. BEA, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area (MARPP), all items, 2024
  4. U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023, by metropolitan area
  5. Projections Central, long-term occupational projections by state (base year 2024, projected to 2034), produced by state labor market information offices
  6. Program pages for each program listed above, linked from its card