If you’d consider yourself to be talented with a computer or have any interest whatsoever in technology as a general concept, you may want to consider pursuing a higher education degree in information technology (IT). Because every business and modern establishment runs on computers, information technology is a vast field that extends into nearly all others. As an IT graduate, you’ll be able to pursue applied science careers in forensic analysis, software engineering, network architecture, IT consultation, and so much more.
You might be wondering: why should I pursue my online degree rather than in-person? With today’s advanced technology, the cheapest online it degree will put you on the fast track for success, not only because it’s both easily accessible and highly convenient, but also because you can take your online college degree program with you wherever there’s a wifi signal. That means, while you’re earning your degree, you’ll have the freedom to travel, go on adventures, and move wherever the wind takes you. That’s the kind of online learning flexibility that simply isn’t afforded to in-person students.
Determining which schools offer the best and best value online curricula can be both difficult and overwhelming. That’s why, below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable IT online degrees out there. If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality, fully-comprehensive, and conveniently-formatted information technology program that can be completed from the comfort of your own home, then you’ve come to the right place.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online IT degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Colleges for IT Degrees Online
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | South Texas College | $1,504 |
| #2 | Great Basin College | $8,467 |
| #3 | Grantham University | $9,245 |
| #4 | Western Governors University | $9,969 |
| #5 | Middle Georgia State University | $10,354 |
| #6 | American Public University System | $10,563 |
| #7 | Columbia Southern University | $11,241 |
| #8 | Georgia Southwestern State University | $11,831 |
| #9 | Tennessee State University | $11,867 |
| #10 | Minot State University | $12,205 |
| #11 | Broward College | $12,351 |
| #12 | Columbus State University | $12,385 |
| #13 | Fort Hays State University | $13,189 |
| #14 | Utah State University | $13,257 |
| #15 | University of the Cumberlands | $13,476 |
| #16 | Albany State University | $13,520 |
| #17 | Southern Illinois University – Carbondale | $16,285 |
| #18 | Missouri State University | $16,718 |
| #19 | Kennesaw State University | $18,522 |
| #20 | Tarleton State University | $20,307 |
| #21 | Strayer University | $23,189 |
| #22 | University of the Potomac | $23,421 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online IT Degrees
1. South Texas College
Average Net Price: $1,504
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
In regard to their IT online degree programs, South Texas College offers an affordable online bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technology, a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Technology Management, and even an online Computer Applications Specialist Certificate. These online bachelor’s degree programs balance theoretical and technical instruction to afford students relevant skills and high employment potential. As an institution, South Texas ranked #6 on Hispanic Outlook ‘s 2017 list of colleges and universities nationwide that award Computer and Information Science degrees to Hispanic students. They fall in the top 10% of College Factual’s 2021 Most Popular Computer & Information Sciences programs list, as well as the top 10% of College Factual’s Most Popular Computer Information Systems programs for 2021.
2. Great Basin College
Average Net Price: $8,467
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Concerning their online information technology degree programs, Great Basin College offers AAS degrees in Computer Programming and Office Technology, as well as BAS degrees in Digital Information Technology. Additionally, they offer an online IT program for students looking to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Office Technology. These curricula are designed to cultivate marketable skills at each online student’s own individual pace, providing high measures of convenience and accessibility through their online degree programs. All in all, GBC is the perfect place to cultivate marketable skills in computing and set your higher education foundation for a successful career in the field of information technology.
3. Grantham University
Average Net Price: $9,245
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Grantham University offers an AS in Computer Science and BS degrees in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Systems – Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, and Web Development, as well as MS degrees in Business Intelligence, Project Management, Information Management Technology, and Information Technology. Each of these programs incorporates essential computing skills and ample marketing opportunities, both of which up employment potential significantly. Grantham falls within the top 10% of College Factual’s 2021 Most Popular Computer & Information Sciences programs and is the optimal choice for students looking to become fluent in the programming language.
4. Western Governors University
Average Net Price: $9,969
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Western Governors University students can earn BS computer science and information technology degrees in Business Administration — IT Management, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Information Technology, Network Operations and Security, and Software Development. The school also offers an MBA in Information Technology Management, an MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, and an MS in Information Technology Management. These programs provide top-of-the-line remote instruction and adjust online student coursework to accommodate the working professional. In College Factual’s 2021 Most Popular Computer & Information Sciences programs list, WGU ranked #2, as well as #10 on the 2021 Most Popular Computer Information Systems programs list.
5. Middle Georgia State University
Average Net Price: $10,354
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 94%
At Middle Georgia State University, students can take online college classes to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in IT specializations like critical infrastructure management, cyber forensics, cybersecurity, health informatics, and much more. The school boasts College Factual program badges in both the Most Popular Computer & Information Sciences category and the Most Focused Computer & Information Sciences category. On the whole, MGSU operates a stellar online learning platform that prioritizes the needs of each individual student. Information technology is an expansive field, which is a fact that MGSU recognizes and addresses with its cutting edge curricula. The school affords online program students a wide variety of opportunities and ensures them the highest measure of success in the field of information technology.
6. American Public University System
Average Net Price: $10,563
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
The American Public University System offers online bachelor’s and online master’s degrees in information security, information technology management, cybersecurity, ecommerce, mobile computing, programming, and much more. Students can also choose from 23 online IT certificates, a few of which include the Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance, the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security, the Graduate Certificate in IT Project Management, and the Undergraduate Certificate in Information Security Planning. These programs take a comprehensive and cohesive approach to instruction and benefit students by preparing them for real-world scenarios. According to College Factual, the American Public University System ranks #1 among the Most Popular Data Processing programs and #3 among Most Popular Information Technology programs.
7. Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $11,241
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
At Columbia Southern University, online education plays a significant role in ensuring student success. Remote learners can earn BS degrees in IT specializations like business administration, information systems and cybersecurity, homeland security, and information technology. According to College Factual, the school falls within the top 10% of both the Most Popular Computer & Information Sciences programs and the Most Popular Computer Information Systems programs, as well as the top 15% of the Most Popular Information Technology programs. Columbia Southern strives to incorporate the newest technology into their IT programs, effectively equipping students with skills that are both relevant and marketable.
8. Georgia Southwestern State University
Average Net Price: $11,831
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 67%
At Georgia Southwestern State University, students can take online classes to earn their BS in Information Technology or even obtain the Graduate Certificate in Computer Information Systems. According to College Factual, the school ranks #734 among Most Focused Computer & Information Sciences programs. Through the School of Computing and Mathematics and its WebBSIT learning program, GSW enables students to receive high-quality instruction at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes. These programs set students up for success by cultivating skills in network and communication systems, databases, internet and web technologies, programming, and a variety of other IT specializations that will benefit them in the field.
9. Tennessee State University
Average Net Price: $11,867
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Distance learning at Tennessee State University takes a diversified approach to virtual education, placing individual student needs as the top priority. Students can schedule online college courses to accommodate their schedules, take evening and weekend courses, or even complete their education at off-campus learning sites. As far as their IT online degree programs go, online students can earn bachelor’s degrees in interdisciplinary or professional studies with a concentration in information technology. These courses cover specializations like database management, systems analysis and design, managing software development, and more. With the professional tools they receive at TSU Global Online, students are well-equipped to build a successful career in the IT industry. On College Factual’s Most Popular Computer Science programs list for 2021, Tennessee State University ranked #279.
10. Minot State University
Average Net Price: $12,205
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Founded in 1913, Minot State University has worked hard at educating its eager students for its entire existence. Minot State’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science enables students to enter the IT field with relative ease and to be equipped with all relevant tools for success at a competitive cost. With a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, MSU ensures that professors have the ability and time to answer student questions and give attention to those who need extra attention and instruction to understand the subject material. US News ranks MSU 35th in top public schools and Niche ranks them as the most diverse college in North Dakota.
Sources
https://www.southtexascollege.edu/
https://www.collegefactual.com/