Why This Matters
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MAKE A SIX-FIGURE SALARY
A degree in information technology can qualify you for many well-paid positions in the tech industry. The median annual wage for these occupations is $100,530.
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377,500 IT JOB OPENINGS EACH YEAR
Those who earn this degree are in high demand. Over the next decade, the number of computer and information technology jobs is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
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MAKE 18% MORE WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
When looking at workers across all occupations, those with an associate degree earn about 18% more than those with a high school diploma.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in information technology and systems degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education. Many of the programs on our list have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of STEM-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in information technology and systems degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
- 66 hours to write this article
- 200 universities and colleges we assessed
- 370 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
Degrees in information technology and information systems are often thought to be the same because both concern the use of computers. However, there are some important distinctions. Information technology is more focused on hardware, software, and telecommunications. Information systems is about the creation, sharing, and distribution of information generated by computers.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
The certifications and licensing required to enter the information technology field vary based on the specific occupation. Companies generally require information technology professionals to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs are typically offered by vendors, such as Cisco and Microsoft.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in information technology and systems programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Admission into associate degree programs requires a high school diploma or equivalency. Colleges and universities may also expect prospective students to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Check the program’s admissions requirements before applying to confirm that you meet their qualifications.
- What tests are required for this online degree? Some colleges and universities require new students to complete placement tests in the areas of English and math prior to enrolling in certain courses. Most college courses offered for academic credit require evaluations such as tests. Check the program’s graduation requirements to determine what testing may be required to earn an associate degree.
As you research programs, you should keep track of application deadlines and the materials you must submit for each institution. You can usually find this information on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions department.
It’s also important to consider how you will finance your education. Be sure to submit financial aid applications on time, and research potential sources of funding such as scholarships, grants, and tuition benefits from your employer.