The best online master’s in IT management degrees are the ones that allow students the flexibility to both afford and navigate a program, coming out the other side a lucrative and successful professional. The job outlook throughout 2029 for information management careers is currently at a 10% rate of increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for computer and information systems managers reached well over $140,000 in 2019. With numbers like these, why not just dive into the most expensive degrees in IT management? GetEducated has done the research, and depending on the school and program, aspiring IT management students are looking at a tuition difference between the highest and lowest costs of over $68,600. Even for those eyeing the highest salaries in the industry, the price of an online master’s in IT management could turn into a daunting, long-term payment plan.
GetEducated has compared 41 online master’s in IT management programs from 30 regionally accredited online schools to create this ranking. Below is our editorially independent “Best Buy” list for affordable online master’s in IT management degrees. Take the time to research the most economic programs best fit to personal goals before diving into this academic pathway.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$27,200
Least Expensive: Florida Atlantic University ~ $12,270
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 IT management. The online IT management 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 IT Management
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida Atlantic University | (FL) | $12,270.06 $33,884.73 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $14,200.00 $9,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
3 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | (NC) | $15,107.50 $22,782.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $15,340.00 | All Students |
5 | Central Washington University | (WA) | $17,093.28 $38,204.34 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Concordia University, St. Paul | (MN) | $17,100.00 $12,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $17,870.00 $24,314.00 $17,330.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
8 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,945.00 | All Students |
9 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $18,000.00 $16,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
10 | California Baptist University | (CA) | $19,560.00 | All Students |
11 | Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $23,015.60 $34,895.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Franklin University | (OH) | $24,205.00 $19,381.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Webster University | (MO) | $28,180.00 $17,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
National University | (CA) | $30,710.00 $21,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regis University | (CO) | $31,320.00 | All Students | |
Robert Morris University | (PA) | $31,350.00 | All Students | |
National University Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / Cybersecurity 14 Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / Data Science 14 Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / Engineering Management 14 Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / IT Project Management 14 Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / Asset Management 14 | (CA) | $31,400.00 $21,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Loyola University Chicago | (IL) | $31,415.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Parkside | (WI) | $31,450.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $32,080.00 | All Students | |
Tulane University | (LA) | $32,700.00 | All Students | |
Golden Gate University | (CA) | $33,140.00 $14,690.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Denver | (CO) | $35,232.00 | All Students | |
University of Dallas | (TX) | $37,760.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $39,330.00 $54,060.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
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
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
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 IT management 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 management 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 IT management 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 IT Management
Do you have a knack for technology and a talent for leadership? Do you already work in the technology sector, but find yourself responsible for teams and projects? Then a master’s degree in IT management could be right for you!
What You’ll Learn From a Master’s in IT Management
These degrees blend the fundamental principles of management and business leadership with technology-based disciplines, including programming, databases, networks, and more. It’s more than a business degree, and it’s more than an IT degree, it’s an education that teaches you how to understand and manage both people and technology.
These programs bring a balanced multidisciplinary curriculum that teaches you to plan and execute IT projects. Courses can include a variety of subjects related to both IT and business management. Business-focused courses may include scheduling, cost-control, project-planning, contracts, and strategic management. Technology-based classes may include database analysis, networking, and IT systems development.
At the end of an online master’s in it management, you’ll be a well-rounded IT professional who understands the basic needs of businesses across a broad spectrum of industries.
Best Careers for IT Management Graduates
An online master’s in IT management will prepare you for numerous careers that are critical to businesses and organizations.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Salary: $146,360
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: 5 years or more
- Growth: 10%
Technology is complex. People are complex as well. Combine the two, and you have a staggering list of challenges that require the expertise of people trained in both leadership and technology. This is why graduates of online master’s in IT management are perfect for jobs as systems managers.
These high-level tech professionals are responsible for the planning and oversight of all computer-related activities within an organization. Specific tasks can include planning the installation of computers and systems, identifying organizational needs, creating a plan (including cost predictions) to address these needs, and assigning roles to ensure smooth execution of the project. Part IT professional, part management expert, computer and information systems manager is the perfect career choice for graduates of IT management programs.
Computer Network Architect
- Salary: $112,690
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 5%
Computer network architects plan, design, and build networks for companies, non-profits, and government organizations. While many of the required skills are based in technology, management and business skills will also be required. You’ll need to create layouts for data communication systems and update hardware, but you’ll also need to present plans to management, predict future business needs, and work within groups to achieve company goals.
Most of these jobs only require a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s in IT management will prepare you for the business-focused tasks that are so important in this role. With the right skills, you can expect excellent pay, as the top 10% earn over $168,000 annually.
Tech Entrepreneur
- Salary: Varies
- Education: None
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: N/A
Technically, you don’t need an advanced education to become a tech entrepreneur. With the right skills and a deep belief in your ideas, you can become a success as an independent developer and programmer. But with an online master’s in it management, you’ll not only have the tech skills needed to understand software and programs, you’ll have the essential business skills, such as cost management and project development, to become a long-term success.
Nothing is guaranteed as an entrepreneur, but you have the chance to earn a marvelous income if your product or services become a success. Best of all, you’ll have the freedom to create your own ideas, using your skills to personally address the needs of a digital world. This independence and excitement is one of the best reasons to become an independent tech entrepreneur.
Continuing Education for IT Leaders
To stay at the forefront of the IT industry, you need to be constantly learning and expanding your skills. IT certificates, while not required, may help advance your career, bringing higher wages (possibly) and expanding your career opportunities. Certificates in software development, database utilization, and network fundamentals will all help you be more adept with technology. IT managers can also pursue certificates in business-related areas, such as project management, leadership, cost-savings, and more. All will make you a better IT leader while enhancing your overall career.
IT professionals and managers can also expand their knowledge through formal education. Additional education after an online master’s in IT management, such as an MBA, could be extremely beneficial to your career. You could even enroll in a doctorate program and become one of the leading minds in the technology sector.