Best Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees of 2026
Information technology (IT) is one of the top industries in the U.S., with strong demand across industries like healthcare, business, and education. An IT degree can lead to high-paying careers with strong projected job growth, including roles such as computer network architect, information security analyst, and software developer.
Many IT programs are available fully online and offer flexible schedules with more affordable tuition than traditional on-campus programs. This guide explores the top online IT degree programs, average costs, and potential salaries.
5 Best Online IT Bachelor’s Degree Programs
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This ranking has been updated for 2026. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
To determine the superlative titles, we conducted an in-depth analysis of each school’s program to identify the specific qualities that set it apart from others on our list. Given that many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our objective is to streamline the evaluation process by highlighting features that genuinely set a program apart.
For IT programs in particular, our evaluation prioritizes factors such as specialization options, program pace and flexibility, degree emphasis, reputation, and connections with industry tech partners. After determining what made a school stand out, we assigned a superlative that highlights its strengths relative to the other programs featured on this list.
Why Get an IT Degree Online?
An online IT program equips you with the same skills and competencies as a traditional in-person program. You’ll learn how to apply your technical knowledge of computing and mathematics to design business solutions.
Some benefits of pursuing an IT degree online include:
- More Flexibility: Online degree programs offer greater flexibility, allowing you to study from wherever you choose and often providing part-time and full-time options to continue working and maintaining other obligations.
- Practical Skills: You’ll develop a solid foundation in programming, network architecture, and information security, setting you up for entry-level IT jobs or graduate studies, just like a traditional, on-campus IT program.
- Self-Paced Programs: Online programs can be synchronous or asynchronous, with set class times or more flexible scheduling. You can choose a program with independent study options to learn and advance at your own pace.
- Cost Savings: Many online programs offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts, particularly public universities. You can also save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees as an online student.
Reality Check: Is An IT Degree Still Worth It?
The job outlook for IT and computer occupations remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and information technology jobs to grow faster than most fields from 2024 to 2034, with a median annual salary of $105,990.
Still, not all IT career paths are created equal. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, your area of specialization matters more than ever. New in-demand roles — like AI architect, product manager, and systems designer — are emerging as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into business operations.
What to Expect From an Online IT Degree Program
An online IT degree program typically requires students to earn 120 credits. Full-time students usually graduate in four years. Part-time study takes longer but may fit better with work or personal schedules.
Online IT degree programs typically follow the same curriculum as on-campus programs and are often taught by the same professors. However, your learning style can influence the delivery of your education.
If you enjoy learning independently, an asynchronous online program can offer you the most flexibility. However, if you prefer more support, a synchronous program with live instruction and regular tutoring can balance the flexibility of online learning with the intensive environment of an on-campus degree program.
At the bachelor’s level, courses cover topics like cross-platform technology, computing as a service, IT operations, and scripting. Many IT programs allow you to choose a specialization, such as web development or digital communications.
IT Concentrations and Focus Areas
- Business management
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Digital forensics
- Game development
- Health informatics
- Project management
- Software development
- Supply chain management
- IT management
What Can You Do With an IT Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in IT, you can find many high-paying, in-demand jobs. Possible career paths include working as a web developer, network administrator, cybersecurity specialist, and data analyst.
IT skills are highly sought after in virtually every industry — from healthcare and technology to manufacturing — as businesses increasingly depend on computer systems. This drives the strong demand for technology-related jobs.
| 8 IT Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 12% |
| Computer Programmer | $98,670 | -6% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 9% |
| Database Administrator | $123,100 | 4% |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | 29% |
| Network Administrator | $96,800 | -4% |
| Software Developers | $131,450 | 15% |
| Web Developer | $95,380 | 7% |
IT Degree Salary
The job market is strong for many IT-related careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for all computer occupations and IT jobs was nearly $117,000 as of May 2024. The BLS also projects these occupations to grow much faster than average from 2024-2034.
This variety of job opportunities, combined with the high demand for skilled IT professionals, makes IT an attractive field if you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging career.
| Mean Annual Wage for Computer and IT Occupations | Mean Starting Salary for Computer and Information Sciences Majors (Includes IT) |
|---|---|
| $116,770 (2024) | $85,620 (2023) |
How Much Do Online IT Degrees Cost?
While program costs vary significantly among schools, earning an IT degree online costs less, on average, than earning a traditional IT degree in person.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median annual cost of tuition and fees for online computer and information science (CIS) degrees was $7,806 in 2020, while an in-person degree cost $12,840. Adjusted for 2025, online computer science programs cost an average of $9,803 per year, compared to an average cost of $16,125 for on-campus programs.
As an online student, you can also save money on housing and transportation fees; however, you may have online-specific fees, such as technology fees.
Median Annual Tuition and Fees for CIS Degrees (Includes IT)
$9,803 (In 2025 Dollars)
Online IT Degree
$16,125 (In 2025 Dollars)
Traditional, In-Person IT Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Online IT Degree Programs
What jobs can I get with an IT degree?
Among other jobs you can get with an IT degree, you can become an IT technician, network administrator or engineer, or software developer or engineer. By pursuing a specialization, you could also qualify for roles in computer forensics, cybersecurity, and information security.
As you accumulate experience, you can move into managerial positions in IT project management or other specialized areas. Graduate degrees can help open doors to higher-level careers.
How do I start a career in information technology?
As a first step, get an IT degree. Employers don’t always firmly require them, and it’s possible to enter the field without one, but a bachelor’s degree serves as a common requirement for many entry-level jobs.
Some specialized roles, like CIS managers and computer and information research scientists, require a master’s degree. For access to these careers, consider getting an advanced degree. If you’re interested in becoming a computer and information research scientist specifically, consider earning a master’s in computer science.
How much can I make with an IT degree?
It depends on your skill set, professional accomplishments, experience, and location. However, looking at the top 10% of earners in multiple high-paying IT careers can give you context.
According to BLS data from May 2024, top-earning IT specialists, including computer network architects, software developers, and computer and information research scientists, typically earn salaries of $200,000 per year or more.
However, professionals in this salary range generally have extensive experience and multiple certifications. The median salary for these occupations, which is a more accurate indicator of typical earnings, is around $130,000.
Is an online IT degree respected by employers?
Yes, online IT degrees are respected by employers — as long as they come from accredited schools. Generally, your school’s reputation matters more than the program format, and your diploma will not indicate that you earned your degree online. In 2023, NCES reported that around 53% of students were enrolled in distance education courses at postsecondary institutions.
Is an IT degree hard?
The learning curve for information technology may initially feel steep if you’re new to technical skills like programming languages (such as Python and JavaScript), databases, or operating systems.
However, IT generally isn’t as math-heavy as majors like engineering. If you enjoy working with computers and are open to problem-solving as you pick up the technical skills, you can succeed in an IT program.