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2027 Rankings

Best Online IT Associate Degrees in 2027

An online IT associate degree is a two-year degree in computer support, networking and systems that you can earn from home, and the 14 ranked programs that publish a full price cost $21,269 in total at the median. It has the lowest median total of the three degree levels ranked on this site.

  • 31programs ranked
  • $314median online rate per credit
  • 17states

Key Points

  • Strayer University-Florida's Associate in Arts in Information Technology ranks first, scoring 77.5 of 100 on graduation rate, earnings after graduation, total tuition and accreditation.
  • Total published tuition runs from $9,604 to $33,480, with a median of $21,269 across the 14 programs that publish both an online rate and a credit total.
  • 10 are at schools the NSA designates as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
  • All 31 can be completed fully online. 21 are at public schools, and the list spans 17 states.

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

How We Ranked Each Online IT Associate 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 18 of the 31 programs on this list (58%), and one scoring 60 places ahead of 25 (81%).

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 Associate Degree Programs for 2027

Scores compare each program with the other 30 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 77.5 and the median program 45.6.

  1. No.1 77.5score of 100

    Strayer University-Florida

    Associate in Arts in Information Technology

    • Tampa, FL
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    The major courses are BUS 100 Introduction to Business, CIS 106 Introduction to Information Technology, CIS 109 Introduction to Management Information Systems, CIS 110 Computer Programming Design, CIS 175 Introduction to Networking and CIS 312 Computer Architecture. You also take either CIS 111 Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems or CIS 112 Introduction to Cloud Computing.

    The program is 100% online, with 20 courses of 11 weeks each, for 90 quarter credit hours. Up to 63 quarter hours of transfer credit can apply, and all credits earned count toward the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Strayer. Admission needs an application and enrollment agreement, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a government-issued photo ID. The price is set per course, with a technology fee each term. Middle States accredits the university.

    Credits
    90quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    100%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $61,8101 year after
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    MSCHEMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
    Format
    Courses from 11 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 63
  2. No.2 66.8score of 100

    University of Massachusetts-Lowell

    Information Technology, AS

    • Lowell, MA
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The 60-credit, 20-course curriculum centers on how popular computer programs support business processes. The IT core is seven courses: Introduction to Information Systems, Introduction to Networking, Principles of Information Security, C Programming, Introduction to Operating Systems, a discrete mathematics course and an ethics course. Three IT electives can be chosen from options such as website development, multimedia and database management, and you can complete an IT certificate within the curriculum to fill elective credits.

    The degree is available entirely online and is part time, with a completion time of 12 to 24 months at your own pace. You can transfer up to 36 credits, which may bring completion down to about 12 months, and all courses count toward the university's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Applications are accepted year-round, and SAT or ACT scores are optional.

    Online tuition
    $385 per credit$23,100 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    65%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $52,7061 year after
    Graduates in this field
    192023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    NECHENew England Commission of Higher Education
    Transfer credits
    Up to 36
    Starts
    October
  3. No.3 66.6score of 100

    Fox Valley Technical College

    Computer Support Specialist, AAS

    • Appleton, WI
    • Public
    • Fully online

    This 61-credit associate degree trains you to be the go-to IT professional in an organization. You work with freestanding and networked desktop computers, analyze information needs, identify hardware and software solutions, and learn to plan and develop application systems and train others to use them. The program outcomes are managing IT hardware, managing software, providing end user support, solving IT problems and supporting computer networks.

    You can take the program in Appleton or online, part time or full time, with Fall, Spring and Summer start terms. An academic skills assessment is required for admission unless you meet an exemption, such as a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher or an associate or higher degree already completed. Credit may also be granted for career-related knowledge and skills you have already mastered, and the school has transfer agreements with many two- and four-year colleges.

    Online tuition
    $157.45 per credit$157.45 in state · $9,604 total for 61 credits
    Credits
    61
    Graduation rate
    65%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $43,9091 year after
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
    Starts
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  4. No.4 62.3score of 100

    MyComputerCareer at Indianapolis

    IT Network Administration and Security, AAS

    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 2 campuses
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    The program consists of 12 courses and 5 general education classes aimed at network and security administration. Coursework covers data analysis, IP routing and networking devices, server administration and operating systems, cyber security and coding. You learn to configure LANs and WANs, manage Cisco routers and switches, and carry out a penetration test using an ethical hacking methodology.

    The program is offered both online and on-campus, and it prepares you for CEH, Cisco CCENT, Microsoft MCP and CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+ certification exams. The program is designed for people who want a well-rounded education plus a set of certifications that give them an edge when entering the job market, and for students who want to work in a vocational field such as IT without spending four years in college.

    Program cost
    $50,087full program
    Graduation rate
    69%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    372023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ACCETAccrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
    Format
    Live classes
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Server+ and others (CEH, CCNA, CySA+, Linux Essentials listed)
  5. No.5 61.9score of 100

    Gateway Community and Technical College

    Computer and Information Technologies, AAS

    • Florence, KY
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The Computer and Information Technologies degree is about designing, maintaining and using computing technologies. Students completing the AAS choose one of four tracks: Cloud Computing Technologies, Information Security, Network Administration or Programming. Courses are aligned with CompTIA, Microsoft and LPI certifications, and the program also offers individual certificates such as A+ Prep, Security+ Prep, Net+ Prep, AWS Cloud Architecture and Programmer.

    Students can study fully online in virtual labs or train on campus in the CIT lab on the Boone Campus in Florence, KY. Full-time students can finish the associate in applied science in two years. If you already hold industry certifications, they can accelerate your time to completion, and working professionals can request credit by portfolio.

    Online tuition
    $198 per credit
    Graduation rate
    59%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $49,7531 year after
    Graduates in this field
    442023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  6. No.6 61.1score of 100

    Northwest Iowa Community College

    Information Technology Specialist, AAS

    • Sheldon, IA
    • Public
    • Fully online

    You study a mix of hardware, software applications, networking and programming, with the first year geared toward help desk and technical support work. In the second year you pick a track. The Programming track (67 credits) covers Python, web development and database design, including Oracle Academy Database Design. The Networking track (65 credits) covers Windows Server, intermediate networking, network and system defense and implementing security policies and procedures. Both tracks end with the ITS Capstone.

    All courses can be taken entirely on campus or online, part time or full time. The program runs about two years, spread over four semesters and one summer term, and a diploma is awarded after the first two semesters (32 credits per track). The program is built for students who enjoy working with people, and the work is aimed at providing technical assistance to computer users, particularly in a small-business setting.

    Online tuition
    $234 per credit$15,678 total for 67 credits
    Credits
    67
    Graduation rate
    58%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    62023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
  7. No.7 56.4score of 100

    American Public University System

    Associate of Science in Computer Technology

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

    This 60-credit associate degree combines interpersonal communication skills with basic computing, web development fundamentals, productivity applications and programming essentials. It takes a less math- and theory-intensive approach. Outcomes include building a basic computer system with appropriate hardware and software, applying tools for software applications and web development, and completing projects that demonstrate your ability to use technology.

    The program is online, with courses that start monthly and run 8 to 16 weeks. You can transfer up to 45 credits. It is built for people interested in computer and network support, IT and technical support, and database and system administration, and it can complement industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and A+ with a degree. After finishing you may pursue Microsoft Office Specialist Excel and CIW certifications, though the program itself does not award professional certifications.

    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
  8. No.8 55.1score of 100

    Isothermal Community College

    Information Technology, AAS

    • Spindale, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The Information Technology curriculum prepares you for entry-level work as a designer, tester, support technician, system administrator, developer or programmer. Coursework builds your ability to solve technical issues across information support, interactive media, network systems, programming and software development, and information security, depending on the area of study you select. Sample courses include SEC-110 Security Concepts, SEC-160 Security Administration I, NOS-120 Linux Single User and SEC-210 Intrusion Detection.

    The college offers specialty degree paths in computer programming and development, cybersecurity, business support, and web administration and design, along with certificates in areas such as artificial intelligence, networking technology and game and simulation. The program incorporates the competencies of industry-recognized certification exams. Outcomes include applying planning and design techniques to develop software solutions.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state · $17,420 total for 65 credits
    Credits
    65
    Graduation rate
    55%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    142023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Prepares for
    industry-recognized certification exams (none named)
  9. No.9 54.7score of 100

    Colorado Christian University

    Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology

    • Lakewood, CO
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    The program focus is beginner computer programming, database development and administration, software and application design, and internet development. Of the 60 credit hours, 15 are in the major core, and the rest are general education courses and electives taught from a faith-based, Christ-centered perspective. The degree is meant to give you introductory technical skills and a core business education for entry-level roles in areas such as coding, technical support, web design and operating systems.

    The format is 100% online. Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks, and you can enter at the beginning of any adult studies course, so start dates are spread through the year. Admission requires the online adult undergraduate application, a state-issued photo ID and proof of high school graduation or completion, such as a transcript, diploma or GED. Transfer credit policies can accelerate the degree.

    Online tuition
    $494 per credit$29,640 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    64%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    22023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 5 weeks
  10. No.10 54.3score of 100

    MTI College

    Information Technology, AS

    • Sacramento, CA
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    The Online Associate of Science in Information Technology includes IT.115 Introduction to Information Technology and IT.125 Spreadsheets & Databases, alongside IT.201 Fundamental Networking Concepts, IT.255 Data Visualization and IT.270 IT Infrastructure & Enterprise Systems. Certification-aligned courses include CTIA.160 and CTIA.170 for CompTIA A+, AWS.225 and AWS.245 for Amazon Web Services, and CYB.250 Foundations of Cybersecurity. SWD.140 Web Development, SWD.150 Linux & Command Line Foundations and SWD.220 Software Project Management round out the technical load. In IT.299 IT Capstone, you design, implement and present a practical IT solution, individually or in teams.

    Classes meet live online twice each week. Quarters are 11 weeks long, and the degree requires at least 96 credit hours. Tuition is a flat amount per quarter for 7 to 12 credits, with books and supplies included in the program price.

    Online tuition
    $2,440 per quarter (7+ credits)
    Credits
    96
    Graduation rate
    77%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $39,9701 year after
    Graduates in this field
    102023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ACCJCAccrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
    Format
    Live classes, courses from 11 weeks
    Certifications included
    CompTIA A+ Core 1, CompTIA A+ Core 2, CompTIA Network+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, LPI Linux Essentials
  11. No.11 52.0score of 100

    Blue Ridge Community College

    Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology

    • Flat Rock, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology has five pathways: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Programming and Development, Cybersecurity, Network Management, and Support and Services. In Support and Services you take CTI-110 Information Technology Foundations, CTI-120 Network and Security Foundations, CTS-120 Hardware/Software Support and NET-125 Introduction to Networks, then NOS-120 Linux Single User and NOS-130 Windows Single User.

    A fully online option is available for the pathways other than Artificial Intelligence. The minimum is 65 or 66 credit hours depending on the pathway. Online students are expected to participate in their course at least four days each week. Graduates acquire the knowledge to be prepared to take industry-recognized certification exams.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state
    Graduation rate
    50%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    92023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  12. No.12 50.9score of 100

    Minnesota State Community and Technical College

    Information Technology, AAS

    • Fergus Falls, MN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    This associate degree blends practical experience with general education. You work with hardware and software systems and with networking, web and database technologies to find IT solutions for organizations. Sample classes include CPTR1121 Information Technology Service Desk and CPTR1135 Beginning Networking, each 3 credits. The degree teaches current core IT practices, how to choose effective IT solutions, emerging technologies, independent problem solving, and teamwork and communication.

    The Associate of Applied Science is offered online and is 60 credits. A separate Associate of Science in the same field is offered on the Moorhead campus, and both degrees support transferring to a four-year college or university. The program is a way to kick-start a career or transfer to pursue an advanced degree. Related Computer Programming and Cybersecurity programs are available if you want a narrower focus.

    Online tuition
    $218.50 per credit$13,110 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    47%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
  13. No.13 50.0score of 100

    Wayne Community College

    IT Support and Services, AAS

    • Goldsboro, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The IT Support and Services AAS starts with ACA 111 College Student Success, CTI 110 IT Foundations, CTS 115 Information Systems Business Concepts and NET 125 Introduction to Networks. Semester two adds DBA 110 Database Concepts plus single-user courses in Linux and Windows. Later work includes CTS 155 Tech Support Functions and NOS 230 Windows Administration I, and the last semester pairs CTS 240 Project Management with the CTS 289 System Support Project.

    You can take the program online at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro. The catalog spreads it over five semesters and 65 to 66 credit hours, and the coursework incorporates the competencies of industry-recognized certification exams, with CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, MOS Excel and MOS Access named. Average class size is 15 to 20. The degree qualifies for East Carolina University's BS in Industrial Technology transfer program.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state
    Graduation rate
    49%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    242023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  14. No.14 49.0score of 100

    Vance-Granville Community College

    Information Technology, AAS

    • Henderson, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Year one of the Information Technology AAS runs through ACA 115 Success & Study Skills, CIS 110 Introduction to Computers, CTI 110 IT Foundations, SEC 110 Security Concepts, CIS 115 Intro. to Prog. & Logic and NET 126 Switching and Routing. Year two brings CIS 119 Survey of Artificial Intelligence, SEC 160 Security Administration, CTI 141 Cloud & Storage and SEC 150 Secure Communications. You finish with either CTI 289 CTI Capstone Project or WBL 111 Work-Based Learning I.

    Vance-Granville Community College lists the degree as a 100% online program of 68 to 70 credit hours. Exam competencies are mapped at two levels, from IC3 Digital Literacy and IT Specialist Cybersecurity up to CompTIA ITF+, Network+, A+ and Security+. Shorter online options in the same sequence include a 36-credit diploma and 18-credit certificates.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state
    Graduation rate
    53%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    142023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  15. No.15 45.7score of 100

    Eastern Iowa Community College District

    Information Technology: Cybersecurity, AAS

    • Davenport, IA
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Earlier stages of the pathway cover networking, Cisco Packet Tracer, Python and Linux, and the degree courses go deeper with Computer Forensics, Network Attacks and Ethical Hacking. Training covers industry certifications including Linux+, AWS, Ethical Hacking Associate and Cyber Forensics Associate.

    You can take classes 100% online, in person, or mix and match. The pathway is built in stages, with a certificate as a quick first step into the IT workforce and the associate degree as the place to go deeper and build more skills. For next steps you contact the admissions representative at the college you plan to attend. It suits students who want to move from general IT into security work.

    Online tuition
    $230 per credit$14,260 total for 62 credits
    Credits
    62
    Graduation rate
    45%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    62023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
    Prepares for
    EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Linux+
  16. No.16 45.6score of 100

    Atlantis University

    Computer Information Technology, AS

    • Miami, FL
    • Private for-profit
    • Fully online

    This 60-credit program focuses on computing, computer science and information systems, with skills in programming, database management, networking and security. Topics include Network Administration and Technical Support and Introduction to Computer Programming. The degree can help you evolve into a Cisco networking technician, a server administrator or a Microsoft specialist.

    The degree is delivered through distance education and takes about 1.5 years (60 credits in total), which makes it a short route for someone starting out, and scholarships are available. The program speaks to people trying to get a foot in the door of the computer industry, so it fits beginners looking for an entry point into IT work.

    Online tuition
    $450 per credit$27,000 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    57%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    62023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    ACCSCAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
  17. No.17 45.3score of 100

    Bismarck State College

    Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, AAS

    • Bismarck, ND
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The degree combines cybersecurity with system and network administration. Core classes cover computer hardware, Windows and Linux operating systems, networking, security and programming. The program prepares you for industry-standard certifications including A+, Linux+, Network+, Server+, Security+ and CySA+, and you may have the chance to earn college credit for cooperative education or an internship.

    All classes can be taken online or on campus, and the program begins in Fall and Summer. Credits from the associate degree may stack toward further study, and since classes can be taken either way, you can mix formats to suit your schedule. Students who enroll should be logical and detail-oriented, which points to people who like methodical troubleshooting and enjoy working through technical problems step by step.

    Graduation rate
    47%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    422023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Starts
    Fall, Summer
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA, CEH
  18. No.18 44.5score of 100

    Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

    Information Technology, Associate of Science

    • Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Private nonprofit
    • Fully online

    The 60-credit degree prepares you for entry-level work in network administration or cybersecurity. The major courses (24 credit hours) include Computer Service and Support PC Systems I and II, Principles of Information Security, Essentials of Networking, Cloud Essentials, and server, client and multi-user operating systems. You then choose a 12-credit concentration. Networking includes Internetworking Technologies and Implementing a Network Infrastructure, while Cybersecurity includes Cloud Security, Human Aspects of Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Ethics.

    The degree is available on campus, online or hybrid, in 4-week terms, and you can transfer up to 12 credits. No prerequisites are listed, and the program welcomes recent high school graduates, working professionals, career changers and military veterans. The concentrations prepare you to sit for industry-accepted competency examinations, and the degree serves as a pathway to a bachelor's degree in information technology.

    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    61%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $35,8831 year after
    Graduates in this field
    2222023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Format
    Courses from 4 weeks
    Transfer credits
    Up to 12
  19. No.19 43.3score of 100

    Richmond Community College

    Information Technology, AAS

    • Hamlet, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Richmond Community College offers the Information Technology degree through three pathways: Cyber Security, IT Support, and Software and Web Development. In the Software and Web Development track, first-year courses include CIS-115 Introduction to Programming and Logic, CTI-110 IT Foundations, CSC-151 JAVA Programming and WEB-140 Web Development Tools. Second year adds CSC-251 Advanced JAVA Programming, DBA-110 Database Concepts, WEB-141 Mobile Interface Design and WEB-250 Database Driven Websites.

    You choose a work-based learning option to finish, either WBL-111 with the WBL-115 seminar or CTS-289 System Support Project. Each pathway totals 64 to 65 credit hours, and Information Technology appears among the programs offered completely online. The program prepares students to pass industry certification exams such as CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state
    Graduation rate
    46%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    92023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
  20. No.20 43.0score of 100

    Beaufort County Community College

    Information Technology-BSIT, Associate in Applied Science

    • Washington, NC
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Beaufort County Community College lists Information Technology-BSIT among its fully online programs, an Associate in Applied Science. The public two-year college in Washington, North Carolina holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Other fully online IT associate programs there are Information Systems, Network Management, and Software & Web Development.

    Online tuition
    $268 per credit$76 in state
    Graduation rate
    48%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    122023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOCSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  21. No.21 43.0score of 100

    East Central College

    Computer Information Systems, AAS

    • Union, MO
    • Public
    • Fully online

    East Central College builds its Computer Information Systems AAS on CIS 110 Technical and Digital Literacy, CIS 121 Foundations of Management Information Systems and CIS 193 Operating Systems, then lets you choose electives such as CIS 123 Introduction to Security, CIS 205 Introduction to SQL, CIS 211 Server I and CIS 233 Security II. The second-year spring pairs CIS 183 Project Management with CIS 290 Program Capstone.

    The degree is a two-year online program, with an average completion time of 2.9 years. Pathways are Database Administration, Technical Support and Security. A 2+2 agreement with the University of Missouri-Columbia covers transfer to its Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Students will have an opportunity to achieve industry-recognized information technology certifications.

    Online tuition
    $318 per credit$157 in state
    Graduation rate
    48%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    112023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLCHigher Learning Commission
  22. No.22 38.3score of 100

    Purdue University Global

    Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

    • West Lafayette, IN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The 18-course, 90-quarter-credit curriculum has 4 core courses, 9 major courses and 5 electives. It builds skills in creating software applications, managing databases, developing websites, installing and maintaining networks, and troubleshooting hardware and software. Sample courses include Foundations for Success in IT Careers, Information Technology Concepts, Software Development Concepts and Networking Concepts. You can also earn optional embedded micro-credentials in Foundations for IT Education and IT Fundamentals.

    The program is 100% online, with multiple start dates through the year. Weekly course effort is 15 to 18 hours, and a 3-week trial lets you try classes before committing. You need a high school diploma, GED or equivalent and must complete orientation. Military training can count as transfer credit, and the degree can lay the foundation for a future bachelor's degree.

    Online tuition
    $371 per credit$33,390 total for 90 credits
    Credits
    90quarter credits
    Graduation rate
    50%school-wide
    Median earnings
    $45,4751 year after
    Graduates in this field
    3982023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
  23. No.23 37.6score of 100

    Ivy Tech Community College

    Cloud Technologies, AAS

    • Indianapolis, IN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The Cloud Technologies AAS is 60 credit hours, the program's most extensive credential. It includes 15 credits of general education, a capstone, a student success course, 28 credits of technical core courses and 15 credits of statewide electives. Graduates can earn industry certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+, and the program also covers AWS certifications such as Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect Associate.

    The degree is available 100% online. It prepares you to enter the workforce directly or transfer to a bachelor's program at partner schools, and it is designed for all levels. Applying to the college is free, starting with the online general application, and after acceptance you receive information about setting up your student account.

    Online tuition
    $348.97 per credit$178.38 in state · $20,938 total for 60 credits
    Credits
    60
    Graduation rate
    40%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    242023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
    Format
    Courses from 8 weeks
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Solutions Architect - Associate
  24. No.24 35.3score of 100

    Vincennes University

    Information Technology 5510, A.S. Transfer

    • Vincennes, IN
    • Public
    • Fully online

    Vincennes University's Information Technology 5510 is an Associate of Science Transfer degree. Students learn skills from gaming and programming to cybersecurity and web design, and small class sizes let them take part fully in activities and discussions.

    You can complete the degree at the Vincennes campus or online. The university is accredited institutionally by the Higher Learning Commission. Online tuition is charged per credit hour, with one rate for Indiana residents and another for out-of-state students. The associate degree is the entry requirement for the university's B.S. Technology concentration in Information Technology, so the two fit together.

    Online tuition
    $314.18 per credit$251.54 in state
    Graduation rate
    39%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    162023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    HLC, CAE-CD schoolHigher Learning Commission
  25. No.25 34.0score of 100

    St Petersburg College

    Computer Information Technology A.S.

    • St. Petersburg, FL
    • Public
    • Fully online

    The A.S. in Computer Information Technology covers data analysis, networking, and information technology security, along with spreadsheet and database programming, web tools, software application support, and hardware configurations and troubleshooting. Students complete a technology support internship and earn the Help Desk Support Specialist Certificate along the way. After completing the associated courses, students can sit for the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MOS Excel, and MOS Access industry certifications.

    The program is offered fully online. The Help Desk Support Specialist Certificate is part of the degree and transfers into it, and the A.S. degree in turn transfers to the college's Technology Development and Management B.A.S. degree. Graduates can pursue careers such as computer network support specialist.

    Online tuition
    $425.79 per credit$122.70 in state
    Graduation rate
    38%school-wide
    Graduates in this field
    202023-24, all formats
    Accreditation
    SACSCOC, CAE-CD schoolSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Prepares for
    CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+

What an Online IT Associate Degree Is

An online IT associate degree is a two-year college degree in information technology. You earn an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science or Associate of Arts, depending on the school. The degree prepares you for entry-level work keeping computers, networks and users running, and it sits between a certification and a bachelor’s degree. A certification such as CompTIA A+ takes weeks or months and proves one set of skills. A bachelor’s takes four years and opens more senior jobs. The associate degree gives you a college credential and credits you can build on, at a price well below a four-year school.

A Typical Course Sequence

Published curricula follow a similar arc. You start with hardware, operating systems and service-desk skills, then move into networking, then add security or scripting. Minnesota State Community and Technical College lists Information Technology Service Desk and Beginning Networking among its courses. Strayer University-Florida lists Computer Architecture, Introduction to Cloud Computing and Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems. Isothermal Community College builds toward security with SEC-110 Security Concepts, NOS-120 Linux Single User and SEC-210 Intrusion Detection.

MyComputerCareer describes its technical courses together with general education classes, so the credit count covers more than IT coursework.

Asynchronous Versus Live Delivery

Delivery format changes what a working student can fit in. Of the 3 programs that state their format, 1 is fully asynchronous and 2 meet live. Indiana Wesleyan University says its program is offered fully online with no in-person or residency requirements. MTI College has you meet live with professors and classmates twice each week, which gives structure but fixes your schedule. If your shifts change from week to week, asynchronous study is the safer pick. If you drift without deadlines, live sessions help.

Virtual Labs and Hands-On Practice

IT is a practical field, so labs matter. Gateway Community and Technical College says its students can study fully online in virtual labs. Other colleges, including Fox Valley Technical College, let you choose Appleton or online.

An IT associate degree is applied. It teaches you to support and configure systems rather than design software, so it differs from computer science, which is heavier on math and programming. American Public University System describes its program as a less math- and theory-intensive approach. For more on how the two fields differ, read the IT versus computer science guide. Students drawn to security should look at the online cybersecurity degrees instead, and information systems degrees lean toward business processes rather than hardware and networks.

How Much an Online IT Associate Degree Costs

An online IT associate degree is the least expensive of the three IT degree levels. Total tuition at the 14 ranked programs that publish a full price runs from $9,604 to $33,480, with a median of $21,269. The low end belongs to Fox Valley Technical College at $9,604. The high end belongs to Full Sail University at $33,480. Fox Valley is public and Full Sail is a private for-profit school.

Per-Credit Rates by Type of School

All rates below are per semester credit, from the 25 programs that publish one.

School typeLowMedianHigh
Public, in-state student$72$157$385
Public, any student$72$268$426
Private for-profit$360$450$558

The in-state discount is large. Isothermal Community College charges $76 per credit to North Carolina residents and $268 to everyone else. Ivy Tech Community College charges $178 in state and $349 otherwise. 21 of the 31 ranked programs are public, so in-state pricing applies to most of the list. The cheapest online IT degrees ranking compares price across all levels.

Fees Beyond Tuition

Fees add up, and 20 of the ranked programs publish at least one. Fox Valley Technical College lists $14.20 per credit student activity fee; $6 standard material fee; $6 per lecture class material fee. Gateway Community and Technical College lists $8/credit hour mandatory fee plus $20/credit hour distance learner fee. A distance fee on top of tuition can change which school is cheapest, so add fees before you compare.

Flat-Rate Pricing

Most programs charge per credit, but 2 charge a flat rate per term. MTI College charges $2,440 per quarter (7+ credits), and South College charges $4,175 per quarter (10-20 credit hours). Flat pricing rewards a heavy course load and punishes a light one, so it suits full-time students more than part-time.

Paying for It

Accredited programs qualify for federal aid. Start with Pell Grants at studentaid.gov, which are need-based and generally do not have to be repaid, and which are the first form of aid to check at a low-priced community college. Some employers offer tuition assistance, so ask HR before you enroll. Military students should read the VA page on the GI Bill: if you qualify for the maximum benefit, it covers the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees.

How Long an Online IT Associate Degree Takes

An associate degree is 60 credits at most semester-based colleges, and the ranked programs agree: the median is 60 credits. A few run longer, such as Northwest Iowa Community College at 67 credits.

Credit Totals

The credit count is not identical everywhere. The median across the ranked programs is 60, but Northwest Iowa Community College and MTI College list 67 credits and 96 credits, and Purdue University Global lists 90 quarter credits. Quarter credits are smaller than semester credits, so a quarter-based degree needs more of them to reach the same amount of coursework. Ask the registrar how many semester-equivalent credits a program equals before you compare timelines.

Full Time Versus Part Time

Full time means four semesters over two years, which is how Northwest Iowa Community College describes its schedule, with a summer term added. Part time stretches that, and how far depends on whether you take one course or two at a time and how many terms a year the school runs.

Accelerated Terms

Short terms let you move through courses faster even when the credit total stays the same. Of the 7 programs that state a term length, 5 run terms of eight weeks or shorter. Colorado Christian University runs courses one at a time, typically in five-week blocks. Indiana Wesleyan University runs five to six week courses. Ivy Tech Community College lists 8-week terms in its Cloud Technologies program. One course at a time means less juggling, though the pace per course is faster.

Start Dates

Waiting for a fall start can cost you a semester. Of the 5 programs that publish start dates, 1 starts classes monthly. University of Massachusetts Lowell accepts applications year-round, and Colorado Christian University lets you enter at the beginning of any adult studies course.

Shortening the Degree

Transfer credit is the biggest lever. American Public University System accepts up to 45 credits, so a student with that many could finish in a fraction of the time. Keiser University accepts up to 12 and lists 4-week terms, and it is one of 2 ranked programs publishing terms of five weeks or less. Credit for prior learning matters too. Fox Valley Technical College says it’s possible to be granted credit for career-related knowledge and skills you’ve already mastered, and Gateway says industry certifications can accelerate your time to degree completion. If you already hold A+ or Network+, ask which courses the school will waive, then confirm the answer in writing. The associate vs bachelor’s in IT guide covers when two years is enough and when to keep going.

Jobs You Can Get with an Online IT Associate Degree

An online IT associate degree points to support and entry-level jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics supplies the figures below, drawn from its May 2025 wage data and 2025-35 projections. Network administrators and systems administrators share one BLS occupation, so the third row covers both jobs.

RoleSOC codeMedian payLow-end pay (lowest tenth)Annual openings
Computer User Support Specialists15-1232$61,860$40,98039,700
Computer Network Support Specialists15-1231$76,220$47,1209,000
Network and Computer Systems Administrators15-1244$99,130$62,64013,400
Web Developers15-1254$92,650$48,1005,300

Help Desk and User Support

User support is the largest door in. The occupation employs 717,190 people, and BLS lists some college, no degree as the typical entry education. Median pay is $61,860, and the highest-paid tenth earn $100,540. Projections are weaker: BLS projects -3.5% change from 2025 to 2035, but about 39,700 openings a year come from workers moving to other occupations or leaving the workforce. See the help desk technician guide and the help desk salary page.

Network Support

Computer network support specialists are where an associate degree fits best. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry education, and the median pay is $76,220. The network support specialist career guide explains the daily work.

What Employers Add on Top of the Degree

Pay inside one occupation spreads widely. Computer network support specialists run from $47,120 at the low end to $127,780 at the high end, with 146,190 people in the occupation. User support specialists run from $40,980 to $100,540. BLS wage figures do not split pay by degree level, so the table cannot say how much of that spread comes from the degree. A certification such as Network+ is one more credential to add.

The Ceiling

Be honest about the limits. Network and computer systems administrators earn a median of $99,130, and most of those jobs ask for a bachelor's degree to start. That occupation is projected at -4.1% change over 2025-35. Web developers also list a bachelor's degree as the entry education, with a median of $92,650. An associate degree sits below the entry education BLS lists for those jobs. The systems administrator career guide shows what that next step looks like.

Transferring an Online IT Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s

One of the best reasons to start with an associate degree is that the credits can carry forward. If your general education courses transfer, you can enter a bachelor’s program as a junior and pay four-year prices only for the last two years.

How Many Credits Schools Accept

Few schools publish a limit on incoming credits, so check this at the school you want. Among the 3 ranked programs that publish one, the maximum credits accepted run from 12 to 45 semester credits, with a median of 36. Keiser University accepts up to 12 credits. University of Massachusetts Lowell lets you transfer up to 36. American Public University System accepts up to 45. Strayer University-Florida says you can transfer eligible classes from a prior college or university into its degree.

Pathways to a Bachelor’s

Transfer works best inside one state. Many public systems have articulation agreements, which guarantee that an associate degree from one college counts toward a bachelor’s at another. Wayne Community College’s program page says you have the option of transferring your credits to ECU. Minnesota State Community and Technical College describes its degree as a way to kick-start your career or transfer to a university to pursue an advanced degree. Vincennes University names its program an A.S. Transfer degree, which signals its purpose in the title.

Associate of Science Versus Applied Science

An Associate of Applied Science is built for work and sometimes transfers less cleanly than an Associate of Science. If you plan to continue, ask the bachelor’s school which type it prefers before you choose. Then compare programs on the online IT bachelor’s degree ranking to see where your credits could go.

Questions to Ask the Receiving School

Transfer is decided by the school you are moving to, so put your questions to its admissions office. Ask whether it will accept the whole associate degree as a block, or course by course. Ask whether IT courses count toward the major or only as electives, since a networking course that lands as a free elective does little for you. Ask for the evaluation in writing and keep it. A written answer from the bachelor’s school is worth more than any promise from the associate program.

Credit for Prior Learning and Certifications

Some schools give credit for what you already know. Gateway Community and Technical College says industry certifications can accelerate your time to degree completion. Purdue University Global tells students who have already completed certification exams that they may qualify for degree credit. Only 2 ranked programs say so on their pages, so ask any school you consider.

Accreditation for an Online IT Associate Degree

Institutional accreditation is the check that matters most at this level. Federal financial aid depends on it, and receiving colleges look at it when they evaluate your credits. All 31 ranked programs are at institutionally accredited schools.

Which Accreditors Cover These Programs

The accreditors that appear most often are regional bodies. Higher Learning Commission accredits 14 of the ranked programs. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits 10. New England Commission on Higher Education accredits 2. Nearly all community colleges hold regional accreditation. Some private career schools hold national accreditation instead, which some universities do not accept for transfer, so match the accreditor to your plan.

Why Accreditation Affects Your Credits

Accreditation decides whether the next school will take your work. A university that is regionally accredited generally accepts credits from other regionally accredited schools and can be more cautious about credits from a nationally accredited career college. That matters most for students who start at a low-priced college intending to finish elsewhere. Before you enroll, ask the school you hope to attend for the accreditors it accepts, then match them to the associate program you are considering.

ABET and the CAE Designation

Programmatic accreditation is rare at this level. 0 ranked programs hold ABET accreditation, and ABET accredits programs, not whole schools. A related signal is the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation, which the National Security Agency sponsors. 10 of the ranked programs are at CAE-designated schools, including Blue Ridge Community College, Bismarck State College and St Petersburg College. Schools must apply for re-designation every five academic years, per CAE Community, so check that a school’s listing is current. The full list of designated schools is in the CAE-CD ranking.

How to Verify

Check the school, not the brochure. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation keeps a directory at chea.org of recognized accrediting bodies. The CAE community map shows designated schools by state. ABET’s accredited program search lets you confirm a bachelor’s program if you plan to transfer into one. Confirm accreditation before you pay a deposit, and keep a record of what each directory shows.

Certifications and Your IT Associate Degree

A certification is a separate credential from the degree. CompTIA A+ covers hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting, CompTIA Network+ and CCNA cover networking.

Programs with Built-In Exam Preparation

11 of the ranked programs name certifications on their pages. MyComputerCareer says you will be prepared for CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), Cisco CCENT, Microsoft MCP, and CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+. Ivy Tech says graduates can earn industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+. Eastern Iowa Community College District lists Linux+, AWS, Ethical Hacking Associate and Cyber Forensics Associate for its cybersecurity track.

What the Exams Cost You

A degree and a certification are separate purchases unless the school bundles them. Exam fees, practice tests and retakes add up, and the CompTIA A+ guide lists current prices and objectives. Gateway Community and Technical College aligns its courses with CompTIA, Microsoft and LPI certifications, and Bismarck State College aligns its cybersecurity and networks program with A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA and CEH. Aligned courses give you the knowledge, but you still register and pay for each exam yourself unless a voucher is provided.

Choosing Which Exams to Prepare For

Match the exam to the job you want first. A+ fits help desk and desktop support. Network+ and CCNA fit network support. Security+ and Linux+ fit programs with a security or systems track, such as the cybersecurity track at Eastern Iowa Community College District. Pick one or two and ask the program when it covers the material.

Exam Vouchers

MTI College says the campus provides vouchers to cover exam costs, and lists CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect and LPI Linux Essentials. Vouchers cost the school real money, so ask whether they are included in tuition or billed separately.

Alignment Is Not Credit

Read the wording carefully. Aligned means the course content overlaps with an exam. It doesn’t mean you will earn the certification by finishing the course. American Public University System states that completion of its program does not award any professional certifications. Credit for passing an exam is a separate policy, and only Gateway and Purdue University Global describe it. See the ranking of online IT degrees with certifications for programs that go further.

Online IT Associate Degree Programs by State

These associate programs come from 17 states, and a few states supply many of them. In-state status matters more at the associate level than anywhere else, because community colleges charge residents a fraction of what they charge everyone else.

Where the Programs Are

North Carolina has 6 ranked programs, and 6 are public, with in-state rates starting at $76 per credit. All of them are community colleges. Florida has 5, but only 1 is public, at $123 per credit in state. Indiana has 5, with 3 public and in-state rates from $178.

Smaller Markets

Iowa has 2 ranked programs, both public, starting at $230 per credit for residents. California has 1, which is private. Many online students can enroll in a program outside their state, but they pay the out-of-state rate when they do, so the home-state option is usually the cheapest.

Reading the Rates

The in-state rate is the price a resident pays per credit, and it is the number to use when comparing schools in your own state. North Carolina colleges such as Isothermal, Blue Ridge, Wayne and Vance-Granville each list $76 per credit for residents, according to their program pages, which keeps the state’s ranked programs close together in price. In Florida, St Petersburg College charges $123 in state and $426 otherwise, and in Indiana, Vincennes University charges $252 in state and $314 otherwise. A student outside those states would pay the higher number.

Choosing Between In-State and Out-of-State Options

A program in another state can still make sense if it offers something your own state lacks, such as a monthly start, a cybersecurity track or credit for certifications. Weigh that against the price gap. For a 60-credit degree, a difference of a few hundred dollars per credit becomes thousands of dollars, so run the full total before you decide. 7 public programs bill every online student a single rate, and the public-any rate in the table above shows what that looks like.

Using the State Pages

Each state page lists the ranked programs there with prices and formats. Start with your own state’s page, then look at neighbors if your state has none. The full index is on the programs by state page.

How to Choose an Online IT Associate Degree

Choose with the next step in mind. If you want to start working fast, pick the lowest-cost program with a short path and certification prep. If you plan a bachelor’s later, pick the program with a clear transfer policy. Use the checklist below, and browse the full list on the online IT associate degree ranking.

Cost and Format

Compare the total cost, because the per-credit rate hides credit count and fees. Fox Valley Technical College totals $9,604, while Northwest Iowa Community College totals $15,678 for a longer 67 credits program. Then check format. Indiana Wesleyan University is fully asynchronous. MyComputerCareer meets live. Pick the one that matches your work schedule.

Transfer and Certifications

Ask for the transfer policy in writing. American Public University System publishes up to 45 credits, and University of Massachusetts Lowell publishes 36. For certifications, ask whether the program includes vouchers like MTI College, aligns courses like Ivy Tech, or gives credit like Purdue University Global.

Accreditation and Start Dates

Confirm institutional accreditation on the accreditor’s own site, and check for the CAE designation if security interests you. Then look at how often classes start. Colorado Christian University lets you enter at the beginning of any adult studies course, which avoids a semester’s wait.

Delivery and Hands-On Work

Look at how labs are delivered. Gateway runs virtual labs fully online, Fox Valley offers an Appleton or online choice, and Northwest Iowa Community College says all of the courses in its program can be taken entirely on campus or online. If you want to see the equipment, a program with an optional campus site gives you that. If you live far away, choose one with virtual labs and no required visits.

Start Dates and Pace

Finally, check how quickly you can begin and how fast the courses run. American Public University System offers monthly starts, and Indiana Wesleyan University schedules new starts about every two months. Colorado Christian University runs one five-week course at a time, which suits students who prefer to focus on a single subject.

Read the Methodology

The methodology explains how programs are scored, and the page-level details on each card show what a program publishes about price, format and transfer.

Online IT Associate Degree FAQ

How long does an online IT associate degree take?

An associate degree is 60 credits at most semester-based schools, which is two years full time. Part time takes longer, depending on how many courses you take per term. Short terms speed things up: 5 of the 7 programs that publish a term length run courses of eight weeks or less. Transfer credit and credit for certifications can cut the total further.

Is an associate degree in IT worth it?

It is if you want to work in support quickly or finish a bachelor's later at a lower total price. The median total at the ranked programs is $21,269, and network support specialists earn a median of $76,220. It is worth less if you want administrator or security pay right away, because those jobs list a bachelor's as the entry education.

Can I get an IT job with an associate's degree?

Yes, in support. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry education for computer network support specialists, who earn a median of $76,220. Help desk roles pay a median of $61,860. Help desk work asks for some college, no degree, so an associate degree sits above the typical entry bar for it.

Will my associate degree credits transfer to a bachelor's?

Often, but not always. Credits from a regionally accredited community college usually transfer to public universities in the same state, and many states have agreements that guarantee it. Private and out-of-state schools decide case by case. Ask the bachelor's school for a written transfer evaluation before you enroll in the associate program, and prefer an Associate of Science if you plan to continue.

How much does an online IT associate degree cost?

Total tuition across the ranked programs runs from $9,604 to $33,480. In-state students at public colleges pay a median of $157 per credit, while private for-profit schools run a median of $450. Fees and materials come on top, so ask each school for its full cost sheet before you compare.

Keep researching

Sources

  1. Each school's own program and tuition pages 31 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.