The Best Universities for
Information Technology in 2021
There are over 300 information technology schools in the United States. Some of those schools are among the best in the world. This article goes through the best online schools for information technology in 2021. We’ve created our top 10 list to help get you started with your search for the perfect program.
The list covers information on how to get your bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD. You can find the best schools for a Master’s in Information Technology. This article can help kickstart your education and career in IT in 2021. Read below to learn about the best schools for information technology.
Overview: The Top 10 Information Technology Colleges in 2021
To get you started, below is a brief overview of what each university has to offer. Make sure you check out the university’s location, tuition, and online options. The tuition prices are sourced from the official school websites. Make sure you double-check with your institution of interest because all tuition fees and prices are subject to change.
| School | State | Degrees and Tuition | Online Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems $800 per unit Master of Science in Information Technology $699 per unit |
Yes |
| Cornell University | NY | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology $30,143 per semester Master of Professional Studies in Information Science $30,143 per semester |
Yes |
| DePaul University | IL | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology $688 per credit hour Master of Science in Information Systems $882 per credit hour PhD in Computer and Information Sciences $882 per credit hour |
No |
| Drexel University | PA | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems $18,405 per term Master of Science in Information Systems $1,355 per credit hour PhD in Information Science $1,355 per credit hour |
Yes |
| Florida State University | FL | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology $216 per credit hour (in-state) $721 per credit hour (out-of-state) Master of Science in Information Technology $479 per credit hour (in-state) $1,111 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
No |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | IL | Bachelor of Information Technology and Management $48,670 per year Master of Information Technology and Management $1,614 per credit hour |
Yes |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | NJ | Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Systems $14,448 per year (in-state) $30,160 per year (out-of-state) Master of Science in Information Systems $20,624 per year (in-state) $30,540 per year (out-of-state) Master of Science in Business and Information Systems $20,624 per year (in-state) $30,540 per year (out-of-state) PhD in Information Systems $20,624 per year (in-state) $30,540 per year (out-of-state) |
No |
| Purdue University | IA | Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology $9,992 per year (in-state) $28,794 per year (out-of-state) Master of Science in Computer and Information Technology $793 per credit hour (in-state) $893 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
No |
| Stanford University | CA | Master of Science in Computer Science $1,352 per unit PhD in Operations, Information and Technology $1,352 per unit |
No |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | NJ | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems $1,826 per credit Master of Science in Information Systems $1,716 per credit |
No |
Information Technology Degree Levels Explained
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With so many educational pathways available, you will need to decide which degree level is for you. Below is a brief overview of different degrees that you can pursue in information technology.
Information Technology Associate Degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that takes about two years to complete. This equates to about 60 credit hours, half the amount required to earn a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees are typically taken after completing secondary-level education. There are no associate degrees on this list because they are offered by community colleges.
Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree
If you have four years ahead of you and are passionate about IT, earning a bachelor’s degree is the way to go. On top of technical skills, degree programs allow you to nurture soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Universities offer online and in-person degrees, so make sure you find a program that suits your learning style.
Information Technology Master’s Degree
Getting a master’s degree is a great way to specialize in a field of interest. A master’s degree allows you to explore topics in more depth. This is a great way to become an industry expert in information technology. Master’s degree programs typically last two years. Scholarships and grants are often available for graduate studies.
Information Technology Doctorate
A PhD in Information Technology focuses on theory and research. Doctorates can take up to five or six years to complete. If you have obtained good grades throughout your academic journey, you should explore a PhD. You can work in research and academia or in senior positions in institutions or companies.
In Detail: The Best Information Technology Schools of 2021
Now that we’ve covered what each degree entails, let’s have a more detailed look at the best IT schools of 2021. These options all have their pros and cons, so be sure to consider which factors are most important to you.
Carnegie Mellon University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 75%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Carnegie Mellon University has a robust IT department. The information technology master’s program offered by the school provides an excellent curriculum. The program focuses on data analysis and data-driven leadership. Students are expected to choose a concentration in either political strategy, data analytics, information security, or network systems.
Carnegie Mellon University IT Pros
- Grant options
- Online courses
- Intimate class sizes
Carnegie Mellon University IT Cons
- Expensive without grants
- Many admission requirements
- No internships or job placements
Cornell University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 94%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Whether you want to study at the bachelor’s or master’s level, IT programs at Cornell University are nationally renowned. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology has an exciting curriculum. Throughout the program, you will develop a solid understanding of information technologies and systems in their social, cultural, and economic contexts.
Cornell University IT Pros
- Partnerships with companies like Google and Microsoft
- Small class sizes
- Internship opportunities and career services
Cornell University IT Cons
- Extensive coursework and workload
- Expensive tuition
- Hard to get accepted
DePaul University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Graduation Rate: 73%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
IT programs at DePaul University are career-oriented. All programs offer business modules and courses, and the IT department has a passionate research staff. The school states that over 90 percent of IT graduates have successful careers in their field within six months of graduation. You can become a business intelligence analyst with one of these degrees.
DePaul University IT Pros
- Financial aid services
- Career guidance
- Partnerships with many tech businesses
DePaul University IT Cons
- Competitive acceptance
- Expensive tuition
- Extensive and challenging workload
Drexel University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Graduation Rate: 70%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Drexel University has a huge computer science department. This makes it an ideal place to study information technology. There are many computer science programs available. If you already have an undergraduate degree, the master’s and PhD programs offered by Drexel University have exciting interdisciplinary courses.
Drexel University IT Pros
- Online course options
- Strong graduate outcomes
- Small class sizes
Drexel University IT Cons
- Expensive tuition
- Hefty workload
- Large university
Florida State University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 80%
Regional Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The information technology undergraduate and graduate programs at Florida State University are all about innovation and leadership. The programs cover interesting topics like information architecture, information leadership, and management. Florida State University is a reputable university that can boost your career prospects.
Florida State University IT Pros
- Career-focused programs
- Strong reputation
- Extensive career help and advice
Florida State University IT Cons
- Very selective application process
- Expensive tuition
- Large class sizes
Illinois Institute of Technology
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 71%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The IT department at the Illinois Institute of Technology is extensive. There are many undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. The IT department is staffed by researchers and renowned industry professionals. The Illinois Institute of Technology is a great place to pursue higher education in information technology.
Illinois Institute of Technology IT Pros
- Many study and network opportunities
- Specialty school
- Small class sizes
Illinois Institute of Technology IT Cons
- Relatively low rankings
- Selective application process
- Limited student body
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Graduation Rate: 80%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The New Jersey Institute of Technology holds a 73 percent acceptance rate, which means you have a good chance of getting in compared to other schools. The IT department is adorned with many labs, study places, and tech research centers. This makes the New Jersey Institute of Technology a fantastic place to study IT at every level.
New Jersey Institute of Technology IT Pros
- Strong record of graduate employment
- Prestigious university
- Great place to network
New Jersey Institute of Technology IT Cons
- Selective application process
- Large class sizes
- Expensive programs
Purdue University
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 76%
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Purdue University has an exciting IT department. Under Purdue, undergraduates can specialize in cyber security, network engineering technology, systems analysis, and design. The school also offers a Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Technology, with programs available on campus and online.
Purdue University IT Pros
- Both on-campus and online courses
- Passionate research staff
- Great place to network
Purdue University IT Cons
- Selective admission process
- Large class sizes
- Expensive out-of-state tuition
Stanford University
Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
Graduation Rate: 94%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Stanford University focuses on research. The school offers a fantastic master’s degree program. The IT department also offers a PhD in Operations, Information and Technology. If you’re interested in an information technology doctoral degree, Stanford is the place to get it. It is known for its research opportunities and strong community.
Stanford University IT Pros
- Great networking opportunities
- Collaborative projects
- Cross-disciplinary approach to education
Stanford University IT Cons
- Large university
- Expensive tuition
- Few bachelor’s programs
Stevens Institute of Technology
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Graduation Rate: 83%
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The IT department at the Stevens Institute of Technology upholds a positive reputation. It has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a master’s degree in the same topic. This makes it the perfect option if you want to get both a bachelor’s and a master’s. You will learn data analysis, computer programming, and more.
Stevens Institute of Technology IT Pros
- Business-oriented curriculum
- Staff of passionate researchers
- Great career advice services
Stevens Institute of Technology IT Cons
- Selective application process
- Not as highly ranked
- Limited focus on math and technology
How to Pick the Best Information Technology School for You
To pick the perfect program for you, there are many factors to consider. These include tuition, job prospects upon graduation, and scholarship options. To give you a broader idea of what to look out for, below are a few important points.
Online vs In-Person Information Technology Degrees
In light of the ongoing pandemic, you might be considering an online degree program. Online degree programs offer more flexibility and allow students to complete one in their own time. In-person degree programs are more expensive, but they have more resources to offer.
By attending an in-person course, you will have access to campus facilities, labs, and study spaces. The general social experience of being a student is also an important factor. Networking is crucial for a successful career in IT.
Tuition
Make sure you check your college of interest’s tuition and financial aid options. If you are looking to enroll in a graduate program, universities offer scholarships or grants. Have a look to see if you qualify. This is an important aspect of choosing an information technology school.
College Reputation
It is important to enroll in a college with a good national ranking. You will boost your credentials if your resume lists a high-ranking educational institution. Some of the top information technology schools on this list include Cornell University and Stanford University.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates offer a good insight into a college’s performance. The graduation rate shows the percentage of students that complete a program within schedule. A college with a low graduation rate might indicate a high number of dropouts. This should be another thing to consider.
How Much Can You Earn With an Information Technology Degree?
With an IT degree, you can earn over $150,000 if you get the right job. IT specialists are required across a broad spectrum of professions and fields, from business to education, or cyber security. We’ve listed a few possible career paths and the average salary to give you an idea. All of the information is sourced from PayScale.
The Best Information Technology Careers
| Profession | Required Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | Master’s Degree | $163,279 |
| Senior Database Administrator | Master’s Degree | $110,292 |
| Information Technology Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $88,937 |
| Project Manager, Information Technology | Bachelor’s Degree | $88,824 |
| Information Technology Consultant | Bachelor’s Degree | $79,641 |
| Systems Engineer (Computer Networking/IT) | Bachelor’s Degree | $74,948 |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree | $73,306 |
| Computer Programmer | Associate Degree | $64,984 |
| Support Technician, Information Technology | Associate Degree | $46,266 |
| Computer Technician | Associate Degree | $41,968 |
Why You Should Attend an Information Technology School in 2021
Universities and colleges provide a unique education that you cannot get anywhere else. You will learn the problem-solving skills that will turn you into a competent tech professional. There are plenty of colleges and programs to choose from. If you want to work in information technology, you should apply for one of these schools in 2021.
