Is a Technology Degree Worth It?
Yes, a technology degree is worth it for most students. Technology graduates earn a median $60,340 to $171,200 per year depending on specialization (BLS, 2024), compared to ~$35,000 with a high school diploma alone. With an annual salary premium of ~$89,910 and a 4-year bachelor’s degree costing $24,000 to $180,000, the estimated payback period is just 0.3 to 2.0 years. Technology also offers exceptional job growth with 268,100 annual openings and information security analyst roles growing at 28.5% through 2034.
Technology degrees offer one of the strongest ROI profiles in higher education because they combine strong salaries with massive employer demand across every industry. The field is also unique in that industry certifications (CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, Microsoft) complement the degree and can accelerate career advancement. However, the degree is not the only path into technology – certifications alone or bootcamps can work for some entry-level roles – so the value depends on your career goals and starting point.
What do technology graduates earn?
Key takeaway: Technology salaries range from $60,340 for support specialists to $171,200 for IT managers, with security and networking roles exceeding $120,000 in median pay (BLS, 2024).
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,080 | 15.8% | 115,200 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | 28.5% | 16,000 |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 11.9% | 11,200 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $96,800 | -4.2% | 14,300 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $73,340 | 1.8% | 9,600 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $60,340 | -3.7% | 40,800 |
| Web Developer | $90,930 | 7.5% | 5,400 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | 15.2% | 55,600 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Technology salaries reflect the critical role IT professionals play in modern organizations. Even entry-level support roles ($60,340) exceed the national median for all workers, and mid-career professionals in security, networking, and management routinely earn six figures.
How much does a technology degree cost vs. what you earn?
Key takeaway: The salary premium over a high school diploma pays back the full cost of a 4-year technology degree in as little as 3 months.
| Institution Type | 4-Year Total Cost | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in-state) | $24,000-$48,000 | 0.3-0.5 years |
| Public (out-of-state) | $60,000-$120,000 | 0.7-1.3 years |
| Private nonprofit | $80,000-$180,000 | 0.9-2.0 years |
| For-profit | $60,000-$140,000 | 0.7-1.6 years |
Tuition ranges based on NCES IPEDS data. Payback calculated using $89,910 annual salary premium ($124,910 median technology salary minus ~$35,000 high school diploma median).
ROI calculation
- Median salary with technology degree: $124,910 (BLS, 2024)
- Median salary with high school diploma only: ~$35,000 (BLS, 2024)
- Annual salary premium: ~$89,910
- 20-year earnings premium: ~$1,798,200
- Best-case ROI: 7,400%+ (public in-state)
- Worst-case ROI: 900%+ (private nonprofit)
Even at the most expensive institutions, technology graduates can expect to recoup their investment within 2 years and earn nearly $1.8 million more than high school diploma holders over a 20-year career.
What is the job growth outlook for technology?
Key takeaway: Technology is one of the fastest-growing career fields. Information security analyst roles are projected to grow 28.5% through 2034, and the BLS projects approximately 268,100 annual openings across all technology occupations.
Technology job growth is driven by cybersecurity threats, cloud migration, digital transformation, and data management needs. Key growth areas include:
- Information Security Analyst: 28.5% growth – driven by escalating cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements
- Software Developer: 15.8% growth – fueled by automation, AI integration, and application demand
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: 15.2% growth – growing as organizations expand IT leadership roles
- Computer Network Architect: 11.9% growth – driven by cloud infrastructure and 5G deployment
- Web Developer: 7.5% growth – supported by e-commerce expansion and digital presence needs
Some traditional roles like systems administrators (-4.2%) and user support specialists (-3.7%) are declining due to cloud automation, but professionals in these roles are transitioning to cloud and security positions with higher salaries.
How does a technology degree compare to alternatives?
| Path | Time | Cost | Median Salary | Certification Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Bachelor’s | 4 years | $24,000-$180,000 | $96,800-$171,200 | Degree + certifications |
| IT Certifications Only | 3-12 months each | $300-$3,000 per cert | $50,000-$80,000 | Certifications only |
| Coding Bootcamp | 12-24 weeks | $10,000-$20,000 | $55,000-$85,000 | Limited |
| Associate Degree + Certs | 2 years | $12,000-$48,000 | $40,000-$73,000 | Degree + certifications |
| Computer Science Bachelor’s | 4 years | $24,000-$180,000 | $90,930-$171,200 | Degree (software focus) |
| Self-taught | Variable | $0-$5,000 | $35,000-$60,000 | Limited |
A technology degree combined with industry certifications provides the strongest career foundation. While certifications alone can land entry-level IT support roles, mid-career advancement to management ($171,200), architecture ($130,390), and security leadership ($124,910) typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Who should NOT get a technology degree?
A technology degree may not be the right investment if:
- You only want to write code. If your goal is software development and you have no interest in IT operations, networking, or systems management, a computer science degree may be a better fit.
- You want the fastest path to an entry-level IT job. If you need immediate employment, a stack of IT certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+) can get you hired in 6-12 months for $50,000-$65,000. The degree becomes valuable for advancement beyond entry-level.
- You dislike troubleshooting and system configuration. Technology careers center on maintaining, securing, and optimizing systems. If you prefer creative or people-focused work, consider fields like liberal arts or education.
- Your employer will pay for certifications but not a degree. If your employer covers certification costs, you may be able to advance without degree tuition. However, management roles typically require a bachelor’s.
- You are already an experienced IT professional. If you have 10+ years of experience and current certifications, the degree may offer limited additional career mobility compared to a master’s degree or specialized certifications like CISSP.
How to maximize the value of a technology degree
- Stack certifications alongside your degree. Earn CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ during your program. Add AWS or Azure certifications before graduating. Degree + certifications is the strongest combination.
- Choose a high-growth specialization. Cybersecurity (28.5% growth), cloud computing, and IT management (15.2% growth) offer the strongest job market projections.
- Build a hands-on portfolio. Document lab configurations, security audits, cloud deployments, and automation scripts. Employers want to see practical competence.
- Complete internships or work-study positions. IT employers value hands-on experience. Many programs integrate co-op semesters or practicum courses.
- Minimize debt with in-state public universities. The payback period drops from 2.0 years (private) to under 5 months (public in-state) – same degree, dramatically different ROI.
- Target employer tuition reimbursement. Many technology employers (Amazon, Google, Microsoft, government agencies) offer tuition benefits that can cover most or all of the degree cost.
- Pursue CAE-CD designated programs for cybersecurity. If your focus is cybersecurity, programs with CAE-CD recognition are validated by the NSA and DHS.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online technology degree respected by employers?
Yes. Technology employers primarily evaluate skills, certifications, and accreditation status rather than delivery format. Online programs from accredited institutions are widely accepted, and many IT roles are inherently remote-friendly.
Is a technology degree the same as computer science?
No. Technology degrees emphasize IT operations, network administration, systems management, and certification readiness. Computer science programs focus on software development, algorithms, and computational theory. Both lead to strong salaries but involve different day-to-day work.
Can I get a technology job with just certifications?
Yes, for entry-level roles. CompTIA A+ and Network+ can qualify you for help desk and support positions ($50,000-$65,000). However, advancement to management, architecture, and security leadership roles typically requires a bachelor’s degree.
What is the best technology specialization for job growth?
Cybersecurity (information security analyst) leads with 28.5% projected growth and a median annual wage of $124,910 (BLS, May 2024). Cloud computing and IT management (15.2% growth, $171,200 median) are also strong choices.
How long does it take to start earning in technology?
With certifications only, you can enter the field in 6-12 months. A 2-year associate degree provides a faster path than a bachelor’s. A 4-year bachelor’s degree provides the strongest long-term career trajectory and highest earning potential.
If you are comparing pacing and cost, see: Affordable Technology Programs. To explore the full program, visit our Online Technology Degree Guide.