The Information Technology field continues to expand as businesses, governments, and individuals rely more on secure and efficient digital systems. Earning an IT degree online provides the flexibility to study advanced technologies while balancing work and personal commitments. This guide highlights the best accredited online colleges for Information Technology programs in 2026.
Schools to Compare
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$102,772
Avg net price
$12,116/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 64
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$124,080
Avg net price
$13,807/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 100
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
11%
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$92,446
Avg net price
$13,481/yr
TuitionIn‑state$16,347
Out‑of‑state$50,547
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 127
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 6
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$71,588
Avg net price
$6,541/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 172
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
8%
Graduation rate
95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$89,718
Avg net price
$13,370/yr
TuitionIn‑state$64,144
Out‑of‑state$64,144
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 78
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
9%
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$82,511
Avg net price
$12,548/yr
TuitionIn‑state$15,203
Out‑of‑state$49,403
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 161
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$83,648
Avg net price
$13,138/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 206
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Why Choose an Online IT Program?
An online IT degree equips students with the technical knowledge to manage, protect, and optimize digital infrastructure. Courses typically focus on areas such as computer networks, system administration, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Benefits of studying IT online:
- Build practical IT skills while working full time.
- Gain access to up-to-date tools and simulated labs.
- Choose from multiple IT concentrations or certifications.
- Build a career foundation in one of the fastest-growing industries.
Graduates often pursue roles such as network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, systems administrator, or IT project manager.
Accredited Online Colleges for IT
The schools below are recognized for strong Information Technology programs, accreditation, and flexible online learning formats.
Examples include:
- Western Governors University (WGU): Competency-based IT degrees with certifications built into coursework.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Affordable, accredited programs in IT and cybersecurity.
- Purdue University Global: Bachelor’s in Information Technology with cloud and network security concentrations.
- Arizona State University (ASU Online): Highly ranked programs in IT management and computing systems.
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Focused on applied cybersecurity and cloud architecture.
Each of these institutions holds recognized accreditation and offers multiple IT-related tracks.
Explore Accredited IT Programs
Use the widget above to compare online IT programs and find schools offering your preferred specialization , from cloud computing and networking to data security and system analysis.
What You’ll Learn in an Online IT Program
While each curriculum differs slightly, most online IT degrees cover the following topics:
- Networking and Infrastructure Management
- Operating Systems and Virtualization
- Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
- Database Management Systems
- Cloud Computing Fundamentals
- IT Project Management
Some programs also prepare students for professional certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Graduates from online IT programs can pursue a range of roles across industries:
- Network or Systems Administrator
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Cloud Engineer
- Database Administrator
- IT Support Analyst
- Information Systems Manager
Many professionals use an IT bachelor’s as a springboard into master’s programs in cybersecurity, computer science, or data analytics.
Next steps
If you’re narrowing down majors, compare criminal justice degrees and healthcare degrees, or return to the online colleges guide to compare schools.
Bottom line: The best online colleges for Information Technology combine flexibility, affordability, and accredited instruction. Whether you’re entering tech for the first time or advancing an existing career, these programs help you gain the skills to succeed in a connected world.
Frequently asked questions
The best online colleges for information technology are accredited schools offering IT, computer science, cybersecurity, networking, and cloud-focused degrees with hands-on coursework. Compare options using the school cards on this page.
What IT degrees can you earn online?
You can earn online degrees in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, network administration, cloud computing, and software development at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
Are online IT degrees worth it?
Yes, when earned from an accredited program. Employers generally value relevant skills, certifications, and accredited credentials regardless of delivery format.
Should an online IT program be accredited?
Yes. Choose an institutionally accredited school so your degree transfers between schools and is recognized by employers. Some programs also hold specialized accreditation.
Do online IT programs include hands-on labs?
Many accredited online IT programs use virtual labs, cloud environments, and project-based assignments so students can build practical skills remotely.
