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The Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology to
Solidify Your Career

There are multiple paths to success in the broad field of information technology. The best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology don’t just prepare you for the technical side of the best IT careers. They also prepare you for managerial roles and, in some cases, for entrepreneurship.

The information technology degree programs featured in this article are offered by universities that have kept pace with the rapidly evolving field. Read on to find out which of these schools holds your ticket to a successful future in IT.

Overview: The Top 10 Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology

Most of the schools on this list are private and expensive. That’s because the information technology at the center of our lives costs money and takes time to develop. While trying to find the best program for you, keep your options open, and don’t forget to apply for financial aid.

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The information in the table below comes from the schools’ websites. Tuition refers to the annual cost for full-time students.

School and Degree State Tuition Online Option
Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
UT Latter-day Saint: $6,120
Non-Latter-day Saint: $12,240
No
Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts in Information Science
NY $60,514 No
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts in Information Science
NY $60,286 No
Illinois Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity
and Information Technology
IL $48,670 No
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
NJ In-state: $14,448
Out-of-state: $30,160
No
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science in Computer and
Information Technology
IN In-state: $9,992*
Out-of-state: $28,794*
No
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
and Web Science
NY $57,100 No
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computing and
Information Technologies
NY $52,030 No
University of Tulsa
Bachelor of Science in
Computer Information Systems
OK $44,238 No
University of Washington
Bachelor of Science in Informatics
WA In-state: $10,291
Out-of-state: $37,013
No

*Includes fees

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?

A Bachelor’s in Information Technology (IT) is an undergraduate degree that takes between three and five years to complete. It contains the same core elements as computer science bachelor’s programs, but an IT degree also branches off into business and communications. Think of it as a broader and more holistic approach to an education in computer science.

Why You Should Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

Before starting to fulfill the degree requirements, students should understand what their Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology is good for. Below are a few reasons to choose an undergraduate IT degree over one in computer science.

  • To study IT management. The tech industry is not only where innovation happens. It is also the engine that drives the modern economy. By studying information technology, you can acquire business skills for IT management.
  • To broaden your focus. An information technology degree will allow you to branch out into areas like cyber security, ecommerce, and informatics. Computer science degrees also come with concentrations, but the specializations in IT tend to be less technical and more practical.
  • To take fewer math classes. A computer science degree is a hard science program, which means it’s heavy on advanced math. With information technology, you don’t have to worry about studying something you’re never going to use.

In Detail: The Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology

The schools on this list are arranged in alphabetical order, and the featured programs are highly regarded the world over. Any of them can help you launch a career in information technology.

Brigham Young University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

The BS in Information Technology at BYU requires 77 credit hours to complete. The core curriculum covers data structures and algorithms, Newtonian mechanics, and innovation design. When you graduate, you will be equipped with the skills required to analyze and solve complex computing problems.

BS in Information Technology Pros

  • Top-notch private school education
  • Well-rounded curriculum and attractive general education options
  • Good salary outcomes for graduates

BS in Information Technology Cons

  • Low acceptance rate
  • Middling graduation rate
  • Huge student population

Columbia University | Bachelor of Arts in Information Science

Columbia has multiple pathways for students interested in information science. You could declare a computer science major, which is the more technical and STEM-heavy option. If you declare an information science major instead, you will simply focus on developing a grasp of how information is organized, stored, processed, and distributed.

The major in information science consists of five core courses. Four of those courses are Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java, and Data Structures in Java. For the fifth, you can choose between Introduction to Information Science and Computing in Context.

BA in Information Science Pros

  • Multiple concentration options for information science majors
  • Highly respected by employers
  • Good for research-oriented education

BA in Information Science Cons

  • Highly exclusive
  • High cost of attendance
  • Little support for international students

Cornell University | Bachelor of Arts in Information Science

At Cornell University, there are three paths to an undergraduate information technology degree. We suggest the Bachelor of Arts program, which offers a more holistic approach to IT than either of the Bachelor of Science options. All three, however, produce sterling outcomes for graduates.

BA in Information Science Pros

  • Research opportunities in social science, data studies, and education technology
  • Strong student associations
  • Robust alumni network

BA in Information Science Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Low acceptance rate
  • Poor student-to-faculty ratio compared to other private schools

Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Information Technology

Illinois Tech offers a unique information technology degree program, notable for how interdisciplinary it is. The program places an especially large emphasis on cyber security. Among other things, this means you can use this program to study digital forensics and become a forensic computer analyst.

BS in Applied Cybersecurity and Information Technology Pros

  • Good preparation for cyber security careers
  • Strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Friendly to international students

BS in Applied Cybersecurity and Information Technology Cons

  • High tuition
  • Low acceptance rate
  • Weak employer network

New Jersey Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

NJIT’s undergraduate information technology program focuses on how to identify and solve software and hardware problems efficiently. The BS consists of 120 credits, three of which go toward a capstone project. If affordability or flexibility is an issue for you, you can get a Certificate in IT Administration now and enroll in the bachelor’s program later.

BS in Information Technology Pros

  • More affordable than most
  • Good acceptance rate and graduation rate
  • Sensational faculty

BS in Information Technology Cons

  • Poor student-to-faculty ratio
  • Not very friendly to international students
  • Less well-known than others on this list

Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology

A defining feature of the BS in Computer and Information Technology at Purdue is its tremendous emphasis on team-based labs. The university does everything within its power to give undergraduates the experience they need to produce real-world solutions to computer networking problems.

The degree prepares students for careers in software development, project management, application development, data analysis, consultancy, information analysis, IT analysis, network engineering, or computer programming. This is a testament to the broad skillset you will develop at Purdue.

BS in Computer and Information Technology Pros

  • Innovative learning and research environment
  • More practical than theoretical
  • Healthy mixture of lectures, discussions, and group work

BS in Computer and Information Technology Cons

  • Poor student-to-faculty ratio
  • Low marks for the ratio of international students to domestic students
  • Comparatively weak reputation among employers

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Web Science

The IT program at Rensselaer adopts a holistic approach to education. Once you have completed the program, you will have competency in algorithms, software engineering, all elements of the World Wide Web, and all IT technologies. The program addresses burning issues in the world of IT, including security, trust, privacy, and the future of the web.

BS in Information Technology and Web Science Pros

  • World-renowned support for computing and information technology students
  • Outstanding faculty research output
  • Highly interdisciplinary

BS in Information Technology and Web Science Cons

  • Full-time and inflexible program
  • Expensive
  • No online degree options

Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies

This BS in Computing and Information Technologies covers database applications, enterprise administration, networking and communications, and web development. To qualify for this program, you need a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

BS in Computing and Information Technologies Pros

  • Good work-study program
  • High job placement rate
  • High average salary for graduates

BS in Computing and Information Technologies Cons

  • High cost of tuition and fees
  • Subpar student-to-faculty ratio
  • Relatively low graduation rate of 66%

University of Tulsa | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

The primary objective of this program is to teach students the monumental impact of information systems in the modern business world. The program does not just prepare you for the workforce but also provides extensive leadership training. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to enhance the organizations for which they will eventually work.

BS in Computer Information Systems Pros

  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • High emphasis on employability
  • Superb student-to-faculty ratio

BS in Computer Information Systems Cons

  • Exclusive private school education
  • Steep tuition
  • Worse reputation than other private schools on this list

University of Washington | Bachelor of Science in Informatics

The students enrolled in the Information School at the University of Washington have several education tracks to choose from. The more technical options focus on information management, IT applications, and IT in libraries. In the BS in Informatics program, you will instead learn how to use information technology for the betterment of society.

BS in Informatics Pros

  • Accessible education
  • Affordable tuition
  • Strong emphasis on public service and social justice

BS in Informatics Cons

  • Middling student-to-faculty ratio
  • Not very friendly to international students
  • Comparatively weak reputation among employers
Online vs In-Person Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology

Online vs In-Person Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology

Unfortunately, the best information technology degree programs are run by universities that carry out in-person training only. This is not to say you shouldn’t search for online degree programs, which are great options when they can be found. Below are some benefits of each type of degree.

Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

  • More value. You will be paying less for the same credential offered at brick-and-mortar universities.
  • More flexibility. You’ll be less likely to miss lectures and exams because there are no in-person requirements.
  • Great for promoting discipline. With greater freedom comes more responsibility, so make sure you get all your work done.

Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

  • Access to better resources. Because universities have access to grants and subsidies, they can give you the tools you need to do better research.
  • More collaboration. Just by being enrolled full-time on campus, you will be brainstorming with young talent and have cutting-edge research opportunities at your fingertips.
  • In-person tutelage. Given that the concepts of information technology can be hard to learn, it is good to have live access to instructors and study groups.

How to Pick the Best Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree for You

When enrolling in an information technology bachelor’s degree program, your primary consideration should be whether you are getting value for your money. The worst thing you could do is enroll in a program that does nothing to further your career goals. Below are the three main factors that go into a high-value education.

Affordability

The best schools for information technology are private institutions, which tend to be more expensive. When you enroll at a private institution, you need to be doubly sure that it offers a program that suits your needs. Always try to find an institution that can give you an equally relevant education at a lower cost.

Earning Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer and information technology occupations looks good across the board. That being said, IT is a broad field, and some career paths are more lucrative than others. Get clarity on the skills you’ll need to earn the salary you want and strategize accordingly.

Degree Type

In the field of information technology, there are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Engineering degrees. The latter two are more technical, while a Bachelor of Arts is perhaps better at instilling leadership qualities and other soft skills. You need to figure out whether you just want to be part of the rat race or build toward a managerial role.

How Much Can You Earn with an Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree?

According to PayScale, the average person with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology makes around $75,000 per year. Some IT jobs pay higher than others, and the salary range between entry-level and senior employees can be quite significant. Check out the table below to get a taste of the highest-earning IT careers.

The Top Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree Careers

Profession Approximate Average Salary
Network Architect $121,140
Solutions Architect $119,818
Data Scientist $96,497
Information Technology Manager $88,977
Cloud Solutions Engineer $86,843
Database Administrator $73,248
Software Developer $72,583
Systems Administrator $62,963
Information Technology Support Analyst $56,212
Computer Support Specialist $46,112

Why You Should Study Information Technology in 2021

You should study information technology because of the promising job outlook. Between 2019 and 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for software developers to increase by 22 percent and jobs for information security analysts to increase by 31 percent. Both of these projections are much higher than the projected growth of the whole economy over the same period.

These positive employment trends are consistent across the information technology industry. Whichever career path you pursue, you can rest assured that there will be ample employment opportunities in the coming decade.

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