Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on April 11, 2024
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An information technology degree can prepare you for many well-paid tech careers. Explore program features and connect with top-ranked online degrees.
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Best Online Bachelors Programs in Information Technology

It’s difficult to name a single industry that hasn’t been transformed by computing. The age of big data has delivered exciting innovations, but it’s also made modern businesses heavily reliant on networked technologies. As a result, information technology (IT) has become one of computer science’s most critical fields.

If you’re looking for a reliable path to an IT career, an information technology degree is a great place to start. This degree guide profiles IT degrees and provides a ranked list of top online bachelor’s programs.

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Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in IT Programs 2024

#1 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

George Mason University

  • Location-markerFairfax, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,510
  • Out-of-state$32,970
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,035
  • Out-of-state$34,347
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled38,628
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,721
  • Out-of-state$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,912
  • Out-of-state$21,393
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled56,664
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Western Governors University

  • Location-markerSalt Lake City, UT
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,162
  • Out-of-state$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,500
  • Out-of-state$7,500
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled150,116
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Mercer University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,024
  • Out-of-state$29,024
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,244
  • Out-of-state$15,244
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled9,009
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Oregon Institute of Technology

  • Location-markerKlamath Falls, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,572
  • Out-of-state$30,465
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,209
  • Out-of-state$22,174
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled4,910
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

University of La Verne

  • Location-markerLa Verne, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,700
  • Out-of-state$44,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,340
  • Out-of-state$14,340
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled6,201
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Location-markerCincinnati, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,099
  • Out-of-state$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,224
  • Out-of-state$24,966
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled40,329
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

University of Missouri-St Louis

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,015
  • Out-of-state$30,570
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,528
  • Out-of-state$30,756
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled15,189
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Misericordia University

  • Location-markerDallas, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,100
  • Out-of-state$34,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$35,550
  • Out-of-state$35,550
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled2,239
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024

Regis University

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$39,260
  • Out-of-state$39,260
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,063
  • Out-of-state$14,063
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled5,566
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes

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What Is an Information Technology Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in information technology is a four-year program that prepares you for in-demand, high-paying tech careers, such as software developer and information security analyst.

During an IT bachelor’s program, you’ll learn how to protect sensitive data, manage networks, and develop applications and websites.

Coursework blends advanced math and science with fundamental information technology knowledge, including programming languages and network security. You also learn web design, project management, and technology ethics.

Some courses feature a lab component, and many programs require an internship or capstone course. Common courses include:

  • Information technology project management
  • Human-computer interaction
  • Networking essentials
  • Web design and development
  • Cybersecurity

Information Technology Degree Cost

The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies depending on the school. In general, public institutions charge lower tuition rates than private schools. An online format can also cost less. Some online colleges offer tuition discounts for fully online learners.

At the very least, online students are often exempt from campus-based fees, like athletics fees or parking passes

In addition to tuition costs, consider fees, textbooks, and other expenses. And make sure to research your financial aid options to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Admission Requirements for an IT Program

Admission requirements vary by school, but they typically include:

Some schools have open admissions policies, while others are competitive and more selective. Elevated admission standards can benefit you, though: Employers tend to hold such colleges in high regard.

Reasons to Get Your Information Technology Degree Online

  • Complete your bachelor’s degree from any location.
  • Balance school and work while earning your IT degree online.
  • Compare online programs to find an option that matches your career interests.
  • Choose an IT program that fits your budget and offers financial aid to online learners.

Information Technology Degree Concentrations

Data Analytics: This concentration prepares students to work with large amounts of data, primarily analyzing and extracting meaning from data sets. Graduates can use data to inform project-related and operational decision-making.

Information Security: Students in this concentration gain expertise in identifying and preventing cybersecurity breaches. They also implement security best practices and ensure that their companies adhere to IT standards.

IT Management: Many graduates with this concentration seek employment as chief information officers who manage IT budgets, network security compliance, and IT strategies, ensuring that everything aligns with the organization’s strategic plan.

Smart Technology: Smart technology refers to devices and systems that interact with and respond to human commands and behaviors. Smart technology professionals often design automated equipment that adapts through machine learning and carries out self-upgrades.

Web Design and Application: This specialization prepares graduates to design and build websites. Some web designers also monitor and find ways to increase traffic to websites.

What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?

A bachelor’s in information technology degree can help you qualify for entry-level roles in multiple computer science subfields. Common examples include:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong job growth projections for many IT-related career paths over the next decade, with information security and software development among the fastest-growing.

With additional experience and/or a graduate degree, you can qualify for well-paid senior roles in these and other computer science specializations.

Information technology degrees also have high cross-industry relevance, giving IT professionals access to a diversity of career choices and employment settings, such as healthcare administration.

Below are some of the roles you can step into with an information technology degree. Some duties may overlap, but salary and job outlook vary.

IT Technician

Median salary (2023): $59,920 | Job outlook (2023-33): +6%

Job duties:

  • Testing and troubleshooting computing networks
  • Performing preventative network maintenance
  • Resolving networking, internet connectivity, and data management issues

Infosec Analyst

Median salary (2023): $120,360 | Job outlook (2023-33): +33%

Job duties:

  • Assisting the development of organizational IT security policies
  • Testing, maintaining, and upgrading security tools and technologies
  • Analyzing the performance of security solutions
  • Monitoring activity to ensure compliance with internal policies

Systems Analyst

Median salary (2023): $103,800 | Job outlook (2023-33): +11%

Job duties:

  • Researching technologies and solutions that meet organizational needs
  • Enhancing the capabilities of existing tools and systems
  • Configuring upgrades and new technologies
  • Training users in the use of computing technologies

Network Engineer

Median salary (2023): $95,360 | Job outlook (2023-33): -3%

Job duties:

  • Designing and implementing computer network infrastructure
  • Configuring networks and monitoring their performance
  • Troubleshooting network issues
  • Liaising with senior managers and executives to align network capabilities with broader business goals

Database Administrator

Median salary (2023):$101,510 | Job outlook (2023-33): +9%

Job duties:

  • Designing, building, updating, and maintaining digital databases
  • Managing the security of stored information
  • Creating data backups and data restoration strategies
  • Managing user permissions and monitoring database usage

Not Sure About IT? Check Out Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Information Technology Degrees

An information technology degree can be a great investment, as many IT careers that require a bachelor’s degree have median salaries in the six figures.

Start by calculating the return on investment. Compare the cost of the degree with its earning potential. Research information technology salary data, including salaries in your area and for your desired career path.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 30, 2024.

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