The Best
Online Information Technology Associate Degree Programs of 2021
The information technology (IT) industry is at the core of the modern economy. A career in this area could mean becoming a software engineer, a cyber security professional, an app designer, or a data scientist.
The best way to start your career preparation is with advanced education. In this article, you will discover the best online information technology associate degrees in 2021. Look at the schools, course content, prices, and more key information as you consider your career path.
Top 10 Online Information Technology Associate Degrees of 2021 at a Glance
To choose the best academic option, you must pay attention to the benefits and requirements of each program. The table below gives you an easy way to compare the best information technology degrees at the associate level. All of the information comes from the schools’ official websites.
| School and Degree | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell University Associate in Arts in Information Technology Security – Management |
$450 per credit | All students |
| Cerro Coso Community College Associate in Science in Information Technology |
$2,760 total* $19,740 total* |
In-state students Out-of-state students |
| Clovis Community College Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology |
$44 per credit $54 per credit $111 per credit $50 per course |
In-district students Out-of-district students Out-of-state students Distance learning fee for all students |
| Keiser University Associate of Science in Information Technology |
$20,800 total | All students |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology |
$199 per credit | All students |
| Nash Community College Associate Degree in Information Technology |
$76 per credit $268 per credit |
In-state students Out-of-state students |
| Northern Virginia Community College Associate of Science in Information Technology |
$180 per credit $360 per credit |
In-state students Out-of-state students |
| Peirce College Associate in Science in Information Technology |
$600 per credit | All students |
| Saint Leo University Associate of Arts in Information Technology |
$380 per credit $25 per course |
All students Distance learning fee for all students |
| Union County College Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems and Technology |
$214 per credit $428 per credit $25 per course |
In-county students All other students Distance learning fee for all students |
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Benefits of an Online Information Technology Associate Degree
Professional preparation for the best jobs in tech typically requires academic training. Most companies prefer to hire people who have degrees, and community colleges are an ideal way to pursue a short-term course of study. As a remote student, moreover, you will have even more flexibility. Below are the main benefits of an online IT associate degree.
- An associate degree is cheaper than a bachelor’s degree.
- You only need two years to complete a community college program.
- You can study from home and learn the same skills as on-campus students.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
Usually, you need a high school diploma to start an associate degree program. Other enrollment requirements vary by school.
In addition, you must be able to pay the tuition for the program. Most of these programs consist of approximately 60 credits, and students typically pay a certain amount per credit. In many cases, out-of-district students are charged more than students living in the district.
Choosing the Right Online Information Technology Associate Degree Program
The process of choosing where to go to school can be exhausting. There are several indicators you can use to pick the best information technology program. Below are the three most essential factors to consider.
Costs
Before choosing a college, pay attention to the cost of tuition and additional expenses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees at two-year institutions is $3,621 per year. The price may vary depending on the program’s resources and whether the school is public or private, among other factors.
You should also read up on each school’s financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, work-study partnerships with local companies, and other programs.
The School’s Reputation
Reputation is essential to analyzing the quality of a school. Before choosing a college, you should use online search tools, official school rankings, and reviews from active students and recent graduates to get a sense of how highly regarded your top choices are.
Available Schedules
If you have work or daily activities, you should make sure that your preferred IT program will fit into your schedule. Some schools offer part-time and self-paced options for students. However, many schools do keep their students on a rigid schedule.
Best Online Information Technology Associate Degrees in 2021
Now that you know how to select the best school, we recommend looking at our list of the 10 best institutions to earn an Associate Degree in Information Technology. Our rankings are based on the programs’ affordability, course content, and other benefits.
Campbell University | Associate in Arts in Information Technology Security - Management
Campbell University is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Its two-year information technology security program teaches you how to use technology to build and maintain security systems. The program consists of 62 credits.
The course content includes database development, IT fundamentals, and data analysis. You need a GPA of 2.0 to complete the degree. One of the perks of this program is that you will receive job assistance after graduation, which will continue until you get a job.
Cerro Coso Community College | Associate in Science in Information Technology
Cerro Coso’s Associate Degree in Information Technology includes comprehensive training in analyzing, diagnosing, and repairing hardware and software systems.
If you are looking for an associate degree to help you improve your technical skillset, this school is for you. After graduation, you will have the experience to work as a programmer, network technician, computer science specialist, or certified computer repairer.
Clovis Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Clovis Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology that allows you to become an entry-level IT specialist with opportunities for advancement. You will learn about the CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, essential credentials for working as a computer network architect.
Additionally, the two-year course includes fundamental game design, programming concepts, security systems, and operating systems. The program requires 60 credits for graduation.
Keiser University | Associate of Science in Information Technology
Keiser University is a school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its online division offers an information technology program where you’ll learn fundamentals skills for the best IT careers and become qualified for an array of entry-level jobs.
The program covers topics like cyber security, computer networking, and web systems. Along the way, you can choose electives according to your interests. At Keiser University, you will develop research skills and create real projects. You will also learn about business administration in the tech industry.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
This two-year associate degree program trains you in emerging technologies and computer network support. It is one of the few programs that offers classes on microprocessor operating systems.
This college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. During the program, you will have career support in association with hiring partners, which will help you prepare to become a professional and find a job.
Nash Community College | Associate Degree in Information Technology
Nash Community College offers an online associate degree that touches on advanced and in-demand tech topics in the industry. The program caters to aspiring network administrators using current technologies.
The course takes you from being a student to a professional trained to work on large projects. You will learn problem-solving, software design, virtualization, hardware and software support and repair, and cloud systems.
Northern Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers a 61-credit Associate of Science in Information Technology. You will learn Java programming, which is a unique feature of this program. The curriculum includes advanced classes in software and web development. You will obtain skills like database management, hardware maintenance, and coding.
Before graduating, you will have job assistance to help you get a job in the tech industry. You can also apply for scholarships and financing programs at NOVA.
Peirce College | Associate in Science in Information Technology
In Peirce College’s IT associate degree program, you will learn how to manage web servers and networks. You will have constant support as you work towards becoming a member of the workforce of the tech industry. Specifically, you will have career assistance from former Peirce College students. The school offers scholarships and tuition funding.
Saint Leo University | Associate of Arts in Information Technology
Saint Leo University is a Florida institution that offers programs in person and online. To access the two-year program, you need previous skills in computer science and the fundamentals of IT. As a student, you will learn the most in-demand IT skills in the current job market.
To be a student at Saint Leo University, you must take religious studies classes, as the school is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.
Union County College | Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems and Technology
Union County College is a New Jersey school. Its Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems and Technology requires 60 credits to complete. You will mainly learn about computer science and systems design. One of the objectives of this program is to prepare students for more advanced study, such as bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
What Can You Do With an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree in Information Technology is often the first step toward starting a career in tech. Usually, a community college is a training center for entry-level workers. In addition, with this degree, you can transfer credits to a university and finish a bachelor’s degree program more quickly.
Most IT jobs require technical knowledge and experience, which associate degree programs teach. Several colleges have trusted industry partners, which help you find employment before and after graduation.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in IT is about $53,860. Keep in mind that IT encompasses many tech jobs in the industry. Some careers require specific technical experience and skills. If you want to know the jobs you can get with an associate degree and the average salaries, review the table below.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Online Information Technology Associate Degree Careers
Is an Online Information Technology Associate Degree Worth It in 2021?
Yes, starting an Associate Degree in Information Technology is a good idea, especially in today’s age. The demand for technology services increases every year, which improves your chances of getting a good job and garnering a high salary.
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, computer and information technology jobs will grow 11 percent between 2019 and 2029, with over 531,000 new jobs projected. In addition, you can study from anywhere in the world, a unique advantage of elearning.
