Why This Matters
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MAKE A SIX-FIGURE SALARY
A degree in information technology can qualify you for many well-paid positions in the tech industry. The median annual wage for these occupations is $100,530.
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377,500 IT JOB OPENINGS EACH YEAR
Those who earn this degree are in high demand. Over the next decade, the number of computer and information technology jobs is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
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MAKE 18% MORE WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
When looking at workers across all occupations, those with an associate degree earn about 18% more than those with a high school diploma.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in information technology and systems degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education. Many of the programs on our list have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of STEM-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in information technology and systems degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Information Technology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
- 66 hours to write this article
- 200 universities and colleges we assessed
- 370 education programs we compared
Best 44 Online Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Keiser University
Intelligent Score: 99.47In-state: $19,808
Out-of-state: $19,808
In-state: $27,162
Out-of-state: $27,162
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$918
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Saint Leo University
Intelligent Score: 99.04In-state: $23,990
Out-of-state: $23,990
In-state: $14,568
Out-of-state: $14,568
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$410
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Peirce College
Intelligent Score: 98.81In-state: $25,034
Out-of-state: $25,034
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$600
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
61
College of Southern Maryland
Intelligent Score: 98.04In-state: $25,506
Out-of-state: $27,546
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher
Resident: $140
Non-Resident: $315
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Intelligent Score: 97.54In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$198
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Davenport University
Intelligent Score: 97.31In-state: $19,320
Out-of-state: $19,320
In-state: $15,696
Out-of-state: $15,696
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$928
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 96.4In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$330
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Randolph Community College
Intelligent Score: 93.33In-state: $21,166
Out-of-state: $26,926
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 22 or higher
In-State: $76
Out-of-State: $268
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
65-67
Union County College
Intelligent Score: 91.31In-state: $30,094
Out-of-state: $30,094
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 1380
ACT: 17-26
Resident: $214
Non-Resident: $385
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
St. Petersburg College
Intelligent Score: 91.06In-state: $19,485
Out-of-state: $26,089
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $111 - $122
Out-of-State: $386 - $425
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Intelligent Score: 90.47In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$380
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Volunteer State Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.16In-state: $26,234
Out-of-state: $39,050
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18 or higher
$176
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Intelligent Score: 90.15In-state: $5,970
Out-of-state: $5,970
In-state: $7,510
Out-of-state: $7,510
SAT: 1200-1410
ACT: 26-32
$135
Online, On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
60
University of the Incarnate Word
Intelligent Score: 89.81In-state: $31,020
Out-of-state: $31,020
In-state: $18,000
Out-of-state: $18,000
SAT: 950-1140
ACT: 17-23
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Intelligent Score: 89.65In-state: $27,590
Out-of-state: $44,590
In-state: $29,182
Out-of-state: $29,182
SAT: 1110-1360
ACT: 17-27
Resident: $289
Non-Resident: $855
Online, Hybrid and On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
60
Seminole State College of Florida
Intelligent Score: 89.01In-state: $14,199
Out-of-state: $22,524
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or above
Resident: $79
Non-Resident: $316
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Herzing University
Intelligent Score: 88.73In-state: $34,284
Out-of-state: $34,284
In-state: $31,984
Out-of-state: $31,984
SAT: 1,275 or better
ACT: 17 or better
$515
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
University of Toledo
Intelligent Score: 87.7In-state: $8,736
Out-of-state: $18,096
In-state: $14,398
Out-of-state: $14,398
SAT: 985-1210
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $428
Non-Resident: $818
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61
What You Should Know About This Degree
Degrees in information technology and information systems are often thought to be the same because both concern the use of computers. However, there are some important distinctions. Information technology is more focused on hardware, software, and telecommunications. Information systems is about the creation, sharing, and distribution of information generated by computers.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
The certifications and licensing required to enter the information technology field vary based on the specific occupation. Companies generally require information technology professionals to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs are typically offered by vendors, such as Cisco and Microsoft.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in information technology and systems programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Admission into associate degree programs requires a high school diploma or equivalency. Colleges and universities may also expect prospective students to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Check the program’s admissions requirements before applying to confirm that you meet their qualifications.
- What tests are required for this online degree? Some colleges and universities require new students to complete placement tests in the areas of English and math prior to enrolling in certain courses. Most college courses offered for academic credit require evaluations such as tests. Check the program’s graduation requirements to determine what testing may be required to earn an associate degree.
As you research programs, you should keep track of application deadlines and the materials you must submit for each institution. You can usually find this information on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions department.
It’s also important to consider how you will finance your education. Be sure to submit financial aid applications on time, and research potential sources of funding such as scholarships, grants, and tuition benefits from your employer.