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Compare Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs
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Best Online Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs of 2025
Compare Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs
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Why This Matters

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best online Information Technology 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 institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

  • 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

Best Online Associate in Information Technology and Systems Programs badge
01

Keiser University
01

Saint Leo University
01

Peirce College
01

College of Southern Maryland
01

Minnesota State Community and Technical College
01

Davenport University
01

Southern New Hampshire University
01

Randolph Community College
01

Union County College
01

St. Petersburg College
01

University of Massachusetts Lowell
01

Volunteer State Community College
01

Brigham Young University - Idaho
01

University of the Incarnate Word
01

University of Alaska Fairbanks
01

Seminole State College of Florida
01

Herzing University
01

University of Toledo
01

Dakota State University
01

Immaculata University
01

Indiana Wesleyan University
01

Jamestown Community College
01

Penn State World Campus
01

Northern Virginia Community College
01

West Kentucky Community and Technical College
01

Minnesota State College Southeast
01

Wake Technical Community College
01

University of Cincinnati
01

Champlain College
01

Lenoir Community College
01

Lake Superior College
01

Fox Valley Technical College
01

Peninsula College
01

Florida Institute of Technology
01

Pace University
01

Rio Salado College
01

Minnesota West Community and Technical College
01

Western Piedmont Community College
01

University of the Cumberlands
01

Southwestern Community College
01

Erie Community College
01

Northcentral Technical College
01

Cerro Coso Community College
01

Central Texas College

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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.


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