Graduates with an online master’s in information technology can earn the highest median pay compared with all other master degree areas, besides engineering. With this in mind, professionals seeking to earn an online master’s in information technology are still making one of the most important financial decisions of their lifetime. The difference in tuition between the cheapest and the most expensive online IT master’s reaches over $73,500, and the price does not always delineate the quality of a degree as compared to a student’s professional goals. In the information technology field, BLS occupational outlooks vary from exceptional, say, 15% for information research scientists, to far below average, or, negative 9% for computer programmers over the next nine years. While the top earners are making a great amount of money, it can still pay to consider how long it could take to pay off a master’s degree en route to that management role.
GetEducated compared 103 online master’s in information technology from 33 regionally accredited schools to create this “Best Buy” list. Our rankings reveal the most affordable degree options in the United States. Become an informed consumer before making one of the most expensive life decisions known to adults today.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$25,500
Least Expensive: North Carolina A & T State University ~ $7,347.50
Most Expensive: Carnegie Mellon University ~ $80,895
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in information technology. The online IT degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Information Technology
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $7,347.50 $20,757.50 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Middle Georgia State University | (GA) | $8,834.00 | All Students |
3 |  University of West Florida | (FL) | $12,750.00 | All Students |
4 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $14,200.00 $9,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
5 | Florida State University | (FL) | $14,216.32 $34,421.12 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
7 | University of the Potomac | (DC) | $17,750.00 | All Students |
8 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $17,820.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $17,870.00 $24,314.00 $17,330.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
10 | Montclair State University | (NJ) | $20,417.16 | All Students |
11 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $23,015.60 $34,895.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | George Mason University | (VA) | $23,970.00 $47,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Westcliff University | (CA) | $24,040.00 | All Students |
16 | Franklin University | (OH) | $24,205.00 $19,381.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $24,346.00 | All Students |
18 | South College | (TN) | $24,950.00 | All Students |
19 | Purdue University | (IN) | $25,500.00 $26,350.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $25,641.00 $23,076.90 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Walden University | (MN) | $27,450.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $28,440.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $29,804.00 $30,404.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pace University | (NY) | $30,270.00 | All Students | |
 National University | (CA) | $30,710.00 $21,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Loyola University Chicago | (IL) | $31,415.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Chicago | (IL) | $31,470.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | (VA) | $32,437.50 | All Students | |
Lawrence Technological University | (MI) | $37,500.00 | All Students | |
Carnegie Mellon University | (PA) | $80,895.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
AACSB Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PMI GAC Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited online master’s in information technology programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for IT may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online master’s in information technology degree programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Master’s in Information Technology
If there is one sector that is virtually guaranteed to thrive in the coming decades, it is information technology. People with educations in IT will be in high demand; they’ll enjoy plenty of job opportunities and will be (most likely) well-paid by their employers.
Information technology is changing how we live, work, play, and interact. If you already have an education in this exciting field, an online IT master’s degree could be perfect for your future. By expanding and improving your IT skills, a master’s degree could make you an even more attractive job candidate!
Online Master’s in IT Program Overview
Each online master’s in IT will have different classes and specifics, but all will make you a better IT professional. You’ll learn how to use the latest program languages to ensure a group’s IT systems are secure. You’ll learn how to approach existing technology challenges and create viable solutions. You’ll have the necessary skills to create data visualizations so information is easier for others to understand. All these skills and more will make you a strong IT professional.
Courses can take many names, but you will likely complete classes that include network performance, digital analytics, programming, and current trends in information technology.
Best Careers for Online Master’s in Information Technology Grads
An online master’s in IT will make you an excellent candidate for numerous careers including…
Information Security Analyst
- Salary: $99,730
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 31%
Cybersecurity and the protection of information is crucial for many organizations and companies. By hiring competent information security analysts, these groups stand a better chance at maintaining complete security. Information security analysts use their technology education to maintain networks, monitor for security breaches, install software, and complete testing, among many other responsibilities.
These professionals earn a strong salary; the median income is nearly $100,000 and the top 10% can expect annual earnings over $158,000. With growth expected to be 31%, this career could add almost 41,000 jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Computer Research Scientist
- Salary: $122,840
- Education: Master’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 15%
There is a constant need for new and improved computers, network systems, and techniques for utilizing these technologies. Thanks to the innovations of computer research scientists, these improvements are coming at a rapid pace. These high-level tech professionals, who usually have at least a master’s degree, invent and design new ways to use computer technology. They are at the forefront of the industry, exploring exciting ways to solve complex computer challenges.
The median pay for this career is fantastic, and the top 10% can expect salaries over $189,000. With a career growth of 15%, there will be plenty of opportunities for people who want to work as a computer research scientist. However, a master’s degree, such as an online master’s in information technology, will be required for most positions.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Salary: $146,360
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: 5 years or more
- Growth: 10%
Although you need a strong understanding of information technology, managers in this sector also need leadership skills, organizational understanding, and years of experience. A bachelor’s degree may be enough, but a master’s degree, particularly one that includes business leadership, will be extremely useful.
This is one of the top-paying jobs, not only in the IT sector, but in the entire job market. The top 10% in this field can expect salaries over $208,000, and with growth expected to be over 10%, there should be plenty of options for qualified candidates. Experience, however, will be crucial, as most IT managers need at least five years of experience before landing one of these high-paying tech positions.
Additional Requirements for Working in IT
Keeping up with changes in technology is one of the hallmarks for a high-quality IT professional. Even if you have a master’s degree, your education is never complete because changes to technology are never ending. You can’t afford to stagnate in this career, so informal classes, trade publications, seminars, and hands-on experience with the latest technologies is crucial.
Certifications, while not usually required in the tech sector, can enhance your career. Improving your IT skills through certifications, many of which are offered online, can make you a more effective leader and improve both your job options and earning potential.