Top Low-Cost Online Bachelor’s in Computer and IT Programs

it degree online
Great Value Colleges - Most Affordable

The field of computer science and information technology is booming. Demand for software developers is projected to grow by 22%, and demand for information security by 31%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Both of these careers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field for entry.

Earning a bachelor’s degree could also increase earning potential. People with bachelor’s degrees earned an average of $1,248 per week, compared to $887 per week for associate degree-holders and $833 per week for college-educated individuals with no degree.

Online education offers an appealing alternative to classroom-based learning. Aspiring computer science and IT professionals can save money while benefiting from flexible, self-directed learning schedules by choosing low-cost distance learning programs.

This guide examines the nation’s top low-cost online bachelor’s in computer and IT programs. It profiles the various degree tracks, curriculum features, and defining characteristics of leading schools hosting highly affordable study opportunities.

Featured Programs

Ranking Methodology

To develop this ranking of the top low-cost online bachelor’s of computer and IT programs, our editors began with an initial pool of nearly 70 different schools and programs. We then applied an affordability filter, eliminating any school that reported tuition expenses of more than $615 per credit hour. Then, using data from the National Center for Educational Statistics, Payscale.com, and each school’s website, we calculated the most reputable program. In case of a tie, the more affordable program was awarded the higher ranking.

Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Computer and IT Degrees Online

#1 — Colorado State University

Aurora, Colorado

  • Tuition: $350 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

Offered through Colorado State University’s Global Campus, this bachelor’s IT program covers problem-solving skills for technology issues that arise in businesses. Specific areas of focus cover system and network design, evaluating organizational computing needs, and core information management and technical skills that reflect current best practices.

The 120-credit program prepares students for success on multiple high-profile IT certification examinations, including CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Security+, and Project+ exams along with ECCouncil’s Certified Ethical Hacking test. Applicants who already hold professional certifications qualify for advanced standing and an expedited path to graduation with upgraded degree credentials.

# 2 — Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

  • Tuition: $430 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

Bellevue University’s bachelor’s in information technology uses applied learning to prepare graduates for immediate career success. All students must complete intensive research or experiential learning components to qualify for graduation. Options include a self-designed, faculty-approved IT project or study, an internship, or the successful completion of an industry-standard certification.

As they advance toward these culminating experiences, students engage with a robust curriculum focused on skills development. Major areas of emphasis include networking, server management, cloud computing, and IT governance. Electives cover 54 of the 127 total required credits, giving students ample opportunity to pursue niche topics and specializations.

#3 — Florida International University

Miami, Florida

  • Tuition: $229 per credit (in-state), $346 per credit (out-of-state and international)
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

Consisting of 120 credits, FIU’s bachelor’s program in IT prepares students in the fundamentals of computer programming, networking, database development, information systems, software development, and operating systems. Learners benefit from a proprietary digital course delivery system that facilitates real-time peer collaboration and student-faculty interaction, creating an environment that closely replicates the traditional classroom.

Electives develop specializations, with students choosing two concentrations from a list including application development, database administration, network administration, and system administration. This fully online program offers fall, spring, and summer start dates, and also admits international students.

#4 — National University

Nationwide Locations

  • Tuition: $370 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

National University’s online bachelor’s in IT management delivers the knowledge and skills needed to graduate into careers in client and server management and administration, tech support, project management, information security, and network and systems administration. Learners balance technical skills development with field-specific education in professional ethics, law, and regulatory compliance.

Degree-seekers take one course at a time, studying subjects on intensive four-week schedules. This immersive format supports expedited graduation timelines, which also apply to other online programs in adjacent areas: National University also offers online bachelor’s programs in computer science, cybersecurity, computer engineering, and information systems.

#5 — Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington

  • Tuition: $205 per credit (in-state), $741 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous; hybrid delivery is also available

Central Washington University features a 100% online bachelor’s program in information technology and administrative management. Online learners can choose from five valuable specializations, including administrative management, cybersecurity, project management, retail management and technology, and data-driven innovation. These unique concentrations prepare learners for targeted careers in niche areas of professional practice.

Students proceed into their chosen specialization after completing a 61-credit foundational core. During the foundational phase of the program, degree-seekers build fundamental skills in computer networking and security, information management, web development, and the human-centric aspects of the IT and computing industries.

#6 — Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

  • Tuition: $5,232 per term (12+ credits)
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

Lamar University’s online bachelor’s in computer science combines a 48-credit computing core with coursework in mathematics and laboratory sciences. Students develop balanced proficiencies in multiple areas critical to professional practice, including programming languages, networking, data structures, database management, computing architecture, and multimedia applications, among others.

Notably, degree-seekers must take the ETS Major Field Test in computer science during the semester in which they are scheduled to graduate. This ensures learners emerge with industry-standard, career-ready skill sets as assessed by an authoritative, independent third-party body.

#7 — Arizona State University

Phoenix, Tempe, and Lake Havasu City, Arizona

  • Tuition: $6,849 per term (12+ credits, in-state), $7,986 per term (12+ credits, out-of-state)
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

Arizona State University structures its ABET-accredited online bachelor’s in information technology as a 120-credit program delivered in compact 7.5-week terms. During the first two years, degree-seekers build foundational skills in computer and database systems management, network architecture, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. In their upper years, learners have the option to declare a concentration in information systems or network security.

This low-cost online bachelor’s in computer and IT program delivers a world-class education backed by strong name recognition. Arizona State University ranks among the largest and best-funded college networks in the U.S. Most faculty members in the College of Engineering, which administers the program, hold membership in one or more prestigious National Academies.

#8 — New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, New Mexico

  • Tuition: $380 per credit
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

New Mexico State University delivers its online bachelor’s of information and communication technology in an accelerated format. Full-time learners can graduate in just two years, while part-time degree-seekers can complete their requirements in 3-4 years. This enhances the program’s value, as students can join the IT workforce more quickly than most comparable programs allow.

The online program admits learners who hold an associate degree in a related field and those who have completed the first two years of a computer science or technology program at an accredited four-year institution. Expert faculty members guide students as they engage in hands-on, self-directed senior research projects designed to develop professional-level project management skills.

Featured Programs

#10 — University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri

  • Tuition: $443 per credit
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

The University of Missouri’s bachelor’s in information technology offers cost-conscious students the chance to earn a valuable degree from one of the nation’s largest and most recognizable public education networks. Students complete a 126-credit curriculum, while those with transfer credits could complete a shorter 66 credits to qualify for graduation.

Focused on developing targeted, career-ready skills, the program features three concentrations: cybersecurity, media technology, and software engineering. The media technology specialization is particularly noteworthy, as few schools specifically offer it. The concentration covers game design, virtual reality, 2D and 3D animation, wireless broadcasting, video and audio post-production, and motion graphics.

#11 — Park University

Parkville, Missouri; Gilbert, Arizona

  • Tuition: $427 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

Degree-seekers in Park University’s flexible program engage with a curriculum that offers a two-year path to graduation with an associate degree, along with the opportunity to complete a full four-year bachelor’s in information and computer science. Learners in the bachelor’s track have access to six specialized concentrations, which cover computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, networking and security, software development, and web development.

Park University also features fully online bachelor’s degrees in other technology and computing-related fields: Students can earn a four-year credential in information systems, which places a stronger emphasis on applied concepts in programming, networking, and data management.

#12 — City University of Seattle

Seattle, Washington

  • Tuition: $489 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

City University’s bachelor’s program in information technology complete an intensive 180-credit curriculum. Courses cover information security, operating systems, major networking models, human-computer interactions, and data science. Students also develop complete understandings of the legal, ethical, and policy-related principles of organizational and social approaches to IT management.

The program’s self-paced structure can lead to graduation in as little as 2.5 years, and online learners gain access to the same extensive career networking resources enjoyed by the college’s campus-based student body. Seattle is a major regional technology hub, with top employers like Amazon and Microsoft maintaining headquarters in the immediate vicinity.

#13 — Kennesaw State University

Marietta, Georgia

  • Tuition: $185 per credit (in-state), $654 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

Kennesaw State University’s ABET-accredited bachelor’s in information technology emphasizes an integrated approach to organizational IT, computing, and management systems. Degree-seekers take courses that develop strategic insights alongside technical proficiencies in IT procurement, development, and administration.

The 120-credit program branches into four concentrated tracks in its upper years, allowing students the chance to earn specializations in enterprise systems, information security and assurance, mobile and web applications, or health information technology. Kennesaw State University also offers fully online programs in multiple adjacent disciplines, including cybersecurity, industrial engineering technology, and an IT-focused bachelor of applied science.

#14 — Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

  • Tuition: $360 per credit (in-state), $407 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous and synchronous

Old Dominion University’s online bachelor’s program in information systems and technology features options for both new learners and transfer students. The full 120-credit curriculum applies to degree-seekers with no previous college coursework, while a degree completion track is open to those with existing postsecondary credits in a relevant subject area. Both options deliver a complete education in database management, e-business applications, network and software engineering, and system design and analysis.

The program is configured as a specialized bachelor of science in business administration. Thus, it also includes a rigorous business curriculum that covers accounting, economics, finance, marketing, quantitative analysis, and other enterprise-related topics.

#15 — Pace University

New York, New York

  • Tuition: $570 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Asynchronous

Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems holds the distinction of being one of only a few National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The designation is jointly sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, and extends to particularly rigorous and academically complete cybersecurity programs at regionally accredited institutions.

This online program leads to a bachelor of science in professional technology studies. It merges theory with practical applications, using a problem-solving approach that draws heavily on current issues in the IT industry. Learners can specialize in business technology leadership or computer forensics, making the program a strong match for emerging professionals with targeted career ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions for IT Programs

Q: Can I complete an affordable online bachelor’s IT degree fully online?

A: Yes. Many online bachelor’s in computer and IT programs do not require in-person attendance. However, some programs may require minimal attendance for student orientation, networking, or proctored exams.

Q: How long does it take to earn a low-cost computer and IT bachelor’s online?

A: Typically, it takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or information technology, but accelerated options can reduce this time significantly. In addition, students may seek out degree completion tracks or schools that offer credit for prior learning to further shorten the length of the degree program.

Related Resources:

© 2023 Great Value Colleges, a Red Ventures company | Cookie Settings