The 14 Best Information Technology Schools

The 14 Best Information Technology Schools SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Information technology is a growing field, with more and more students looking to major in IT or a related subject. If you’re thinking of an IT major or maybe even a master’s degree, it’s vital that you know what the best information technology schools are. In this guide, we explain what an information technology school is and what kinds of jobs you can get with a degree in IT before presenting the14 top information technology schools, including the best online schools for information technology. We’ll then wrap up with some tips on how to find the best information technology school for you. What Are Information Technology Schools? Information technology, or IT, schools are any institutions that offer majors in IT and/or IT-related topics such as informatics, information systems, networking and cybersecurity, computer science, etc. One thing tobe aware of is how IT differs from computer science, though the two are similar. The gist of it is this: whereas computer sciencefocuses on the creation and theories behind computer applications and programs, IT is about using computer programs to send, retrieve, and store information for businesses.For more details, check outRasmussen College’s handy infographic, whichgives a comprehensive overview of thedifferences between the two fields. While some colleges offer an actual information technology major, others offer majors in topics that fall under the umbrella of IT as a whole. Indeed, IT covers a wide range of computer- and technology-related topics: Computer forensics Computer networking and telecommunications Computer programming Computer science Database administration Database management Game design Information science Information technology management Management information systems Network engineering Network management Software engineering System administration Video game programming Web development Information technology schools typically offer an array of IT degrees, most often Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees, though occasionally some will offer associate degrees and PhDs in IT as well. What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get With an IT Degree? IT degrees are generally quite flexible and can prepare you fornumerous careers in fields such as technology, business management, networking, website development, etc. Here are some common positions people with IT degrees hold: Cloud architect Computer and information research scientist Computer forensic analyst Computer network architect Computer support specialist Cybersecurity consultant Database administrator Information security analyst IT consultant Mobile application developer Network engineer Web developer Below are some sampleIT jobs; each job includes information about the degree typically needed, its median annual salary, and its employment growth rate for 2016-2026. All data is from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and jobs are listed in order of highest median salary to lowest. Note that the average employment growth rate for 2016-2026 is 7%, so any percentage above this means that the job is growing faster than average. Job Title Minimum Degree Required Median Annual Salary (2018) Job Outlook (2016-2026) Computer and information systems managers Bachelor’s degree $142,530 12% Computer and information research scientists Master’s degree $118,370 19% Computer network architects Bachelor’s degree $109,020 6% Software developers Bachelor’s degree $105,590 24% Information security analysts Bachelor’s degree $98,350 28% Database administrators Bachelor’s degree $90,070 11% Computer systems analysts Bachelor’s degree $88,740 9% Computer programmers Bachelor’s degree $84,280 -7% Network and computer systems administrators Bachelor’s degree $82,050 6% Web developers Associate degree $69,430 15% Computer support specialists Associate or bachelor’s degree $53,470 11% As the chart indicates, in general, the higher your degree, the higher your salary will likely be. You can also see that the vast majority of IT-related jobs are experiencing growth, which means it should be somewhat easier for you to get a job in the field in the coming years (nice!). Now that we’ve covered what information technology schools are and what jobs you can get with an IT degree, let’s take a look at the best information technology schools and how we determined which ones were worth including on our list. Top Information Technology Schools: Ranking Methodology To come up with our list below of the best information technology schools, we took into consideration six main factors: The school’s overall ranking by US News The IT program’s ranking by Niche The IT program’s ranking by College Choice Thebreadth of IT majors, degrees, and classes offered (including whetherthere are online options) Class size (the smaller the class, the higher the school ranked) Acceptance rate (the lower the rate, the higher the school ranked) Each school was assigned points based on how they met these criteria. The higher the score, the higher that school ranked on our list of the best information technology schools. The 14 Top Information Technology Schools Without further delay, here are the 14 best information technology schools for those seeking an undergraduate, graduate, or online degree in IT. Cornell University #1: Cornell University- Ithaca, NY A top-ranked national research university and prestigious Ivy League member, Cornell is home to one of the best information technology programs. Three IT bachelor’s degree programs are available, each at a different college: BA in Information Science (College of Arts and Sciences) BS in Information Science (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) BS in Information Systems and Technology (College of Engineering) There are also two graduate programs in IT: Master of Professional Studies in Information Science PhD in Information Science Students benefit from small class sizes, the opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of renowned faculty, and an array ofIT-geared student organizations, including the Information Science Student Association and Women in Computing at Cornell. Finally, Cornell offersa handful ofonline professional certificate programs in IT-related fields, such as website design and digital leadership. #2: New York University- New York, NY NYU isan excellent choice for pursuing an education in IT and related fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels. IT majors at this highly ranked private institution include the following: BS in Information Systems Management BS in Applied Data Analytics and Visualization BS in Computer Science Students learn in small class environments and take a diverse breadth of classes, from math and economics to networking and database design. Many IT graduate programs are also available at NYU, including the following (some of which have an online option): MS in Information Systems MS in Computer Science MS in Computing, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation MS in Management of Technology (on-campus or online) MS in Cybersecurity (on-campus or online) PhD in Information Systems NYU is ranked #2 by US News and #3 by College Choice for its online graduate program in IT. #3: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute- Troy, NY A renowned technological research university and ranked the #1 information technology school by College Choice, RPI takes a unique interdisciplinary approach to the field of IT. At RPI’s School of Science, undergraduates have the option to earn a BS in Information Technology and Web Science, whereas graduate-level programs include the MS in Information Technology and the PhD in Multidisciplinary Science (with an IT track). In both thebachelor's and master'sIT programs,students can choose an area of specialization from a list of more than 20 concentrations, which include the following: Arts Medicine Psychology Law Communication Finance Economics Data Science Information Security Students in these programs learn about security/privacy issues, the ethical and legal impacts of technology, and how to communicate effectively with technology. Jared L. Cohon University Center at Carnegie Mellon (Dllu/Wikimedia Commons) #4: Carnegie Mellon University- Pittsburgh, PA World-renowned for its interdisciplinary research, CMU is currentlyranked #1 by Niche for best information technology schools, thoughits key strengths are more geared toward graduate students than they are undergraduates. CMUhas also been ranked #1 by US Newson both itsbest computer science graduate schools listand its best IT management graduate programs list. Undergraduates can pursue aBS in Information Systems or a BS in Computer Science. In the IS major, students must choose from one of 12 content areas, which include the following: Game Design Design for Learning Quantitative Analysis Business/Enterprise Systems Computing and Information Systems Technology Animation and Special Effects At CMU’s Heinz College graduate school, students have several IT grad programs to choose from, and some of these are available entirely online (noted below): Master of Information Systems Management MS in Information Security Policy and Management MS in Information Technology Management (online) MS in Information Security and Assurance (online) #5: Lehigh University- Bethlehem, PA A highly competitive, premier research university and home to more than 7,000 students, Lehigh offers several rigorous programs in information systems and technology. At Lehigh’s College of Business and Economics, students can enter theBS in Business Information Systems program,which requires them to take courses on management information systems and business data management. Students can also take classes onrisk management, cloud computing, and software ventures. Additionally, Lehigh offersaBA in Science, Technology, and Societythrough its College of Arts and Sciences. This program focuses on the social aspect of technological innovation and scientific research.(Note that this program is currently not accepting new majors or minors.) If you’re interested in the educational application of technology, Lehigh has an MS in Instructional Technology as well as a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Technology. #6: Brigham Young University- Provo, UT Those looking to study IT in a more traditional and openly Christian environment will enjoy BYU’s top-notch ITprogram, which helped the school nab the #2 Niche ranking for best information technology schools. At BYU, students can choose between two IT-related majors: a BS in Information Technology and a BS in Cybersecurity (which was recently approved in 2018). Six areas of concentration are available for both majors: User Experience Design (UXD) Mobile and Web Development System and Network Administration Internet of Things (IOT) Penetration Testing Digital Forensics IT students must complete a year-long capstone project, which involves meeting the technical needs of a client who sponsors the project. Elective topicsinclude cyber-physical systems, digital forensics, database administration, and web technologies. In addition to undergraduate IT programs, BYU offers anMS in Technology with an emphasis in information technology. Purdue University #7: Purdue University- West Lafayette, IN A top-20 computer science school and home for more than 30,000 undergrads, Purdue is a great choice for those wanting to study information technology and related fields. At Purdue's Polytechnic Institute, students have many options for information technology majors in the Computer and Information Technology Program: Computer and Information Technology Cybersecurity Network Engineering Technology Systems Analysis and Design The program boasts a job placement rate for graduates of 92.5% as well as a starting salary of $65,386.IT majors are extremely flexible and offer the option for interdisciplinary learning. Furthermore, Purdue offersanMS in Computer and Information Technologywithspecializations ranging from bioinformatics to cyber learning to information security. Some master's programs in IT are even available online,such as the MS in Information Technology Project Management and the MS in Information Technology Business Analysis. #8: University of Washington- Seattle, WA One of the top public research universities in the US, UW is currently ranked #3 by US News for its information systems program, making it a great option for IT students. At the Seattle campus, students can earn a BS in Informatics (which is similar to IT and draws upon various fields, including computer science, sociology, design, psychology, and information science). Several areas of concentration are available in the Informatics major, includingdata science, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and so on. In addition, there aresix core areas of the Informatics major curriculum: Data Development Design Discovery Ethics Organizations Students in this program must take courses on research methods, databases and data modeling, and design methods, in addition to completing a capstone project. Undergraduates at UW also have the option toget a BA in Business Administration via the Foster School of Business where they canincorporate into their majorthe study of information systems and operations management. Lastly, UW offers highly ranked master’s and doctoral programs in information systems. #9: Illinois Institute of Technology- Chicago, IL Illinois Tech is a small, private institutionmainly known for its impressive range of engineering and tech programs, including a top Information Technology and Management Program. In total, 11 career-oriented specializations areavailableinthis program: Cyber, System and Network Security, and Forensics Data Management and Analytics Digital Systems Technology and Embedded Systems IT Entrepreneurship and Management Management Information Systems Networking, Information, and Communications Technology Software Development System Administration Systems Analysis Web Design and Application Development General Course of Study (for undecided students) Many of these courses of study are available as bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates.As part of the IT program here, students work with faculty on cutting-edge projects, examples of which can be viewed on the official website. Moreover,Illinois Tech hasseveral online information technology and management courses (both undergraduate and graduate). Lomb Memorial Drive at RIT (atlexplorer/Wikimedia Commons) #10: Rochester Institute of Technology- Rochester, NY A pioneer in computer science and technological education, RIT is a reputable private institution based in New York. At RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, students have several options for IT degrees, including the following: AS/AAS/AOS in Applied Computer Technology BS in Computer Science BS in Computer and Information Technologies BS in Computing Security BS in Web and Mobile Computing As part of RIT’s value of experiential learning, most of these IT programs have a cooperative education component, in which students get paid to work full-time in technological corporate settings. RIT also has several graduate degrees available in IT, from an MS in Computing Security to a PhD in Computing and Information Sciences. Finally, many IT courses are available onlinethrough RIT's online learning platform, allowing students to have a degree of flexibility in their schedules. #11: Pennsylvania State University- University Park, PA Founded in 1855, Penn State is a highly ranked public university with arenowned information technology program and- perhaps most impressive- tons of online options for studying IT. Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology offers manyIT degrees: AS in Information Sciences and Technology BS in Information Sciences and Technology BS in Security and Risk Analysis BS in Data Sciences BS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations Youcan also earn a BS and MS in IT (or related fields) at the same timethrough Penn State's Integrated Undergraduate Graduate program. Here are the possible degree combinations: BS/MS in Information Sciences and Technology BS in Security and Risk Analysis/MS in Information Sciences and Technology BS in Security and Risk Analysis/MIA in International Affairs As I mentioned above, Penn State offersa superb array of onlineoptions for IT studies, from certificates to undergraduate and graduate degrees, in majors such as information systems and cybersecurity. Penn State isranked #7 by US News and #5 by College Choice for its online graduate IT program. #12: Florida State University- Tallahassee, FL FSU is a renowned public institution known forhaving a strong IT program. At FSU's School of Information, students can get a bachelor’s degree in information technology or information, communication, and technology. Whereas the former degree program focuses more on project management, networking, security, and informatics, the latter program is geared more toward social networking, PR, and promotion. Courses teach a wide range of skills, including website and graphic design, information literacy, technical communication, and applications development. FSU also offers a graduate program: an MS in Information Technology. In terms of online IT options, undergrads who have already completed at least 60 semester hours of credit can take classes online at FSUto earn a BA or BS in Computer Science. There are alsoseveral graduate degree programs in IT available online, including the MS in Information Technology and the MS in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. These programs are top-quality: FSU is ranked #14 by US News for its online graduate IT program. Eberhardt Hall at NJIT #13: New Jersey Institute of Technology- Newark, NJ A top-50 public university, NJIT is a premier technological university with lots of options for those who wish to study IT at the undergraduate or graduate level.AvailableIT and related degrees include the following: BS in Information Technology BA in Information Systems BS in Business and Information Systems BS in Human-Computer Interaction BS in Web Information Systems BS in Computer Science BS in Computing and Business MS in Cybersecurity and Privacy MS in Computing and Business MS in Computer Science PhD in Computer Science The BS in Information Technology is one of NJIT's most flexible majors, allowing students to choose a concentration from a number of potential specializations: Criminal Justice and Law Management Information Systems Game Development Multimedia Network and Information Security Web Applications Class offerings in this IT program include Introduction to Network Technology, Information Design Techniques, Internet and Applications, and Technical Writing, as well as a capstone project that must be completed in the fourth year of study. Foraspiring grad students, NJIT offerssomeonline master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs,includingan MS in IT Administration and Security, an MS in Information Systems, and a graduate certificate in IT Administration. #14: DePaul University- Chicago, IL A private institution based in Chicago, DePaul is well known for its incorporation of experiential learning into its academic programs, including its IT program. The College of Computing and Digital Media- where IT majors are housed at DePaul- is located in the heart of Chicago, offering students numerous opportunities to work alongside tech companies and apply their skills to real-world situations. Students can earn the following IT-related undergraduate degrees at DePaul: BS in Information Technology BS in Information Systems BS in Cybersecurity BS in Computer Science BS/BA in Data Science BS in Management Information Systems BS in Network Engineering and Security BS in User Experience Design For the bachelor’s programs in IT and computer science, an online option is available for the final two years of the programs,letting students finish up their degrees entirely online. In addition, DePaul offers several graduate degrees in IT,including the MS in Business Information Technology, the MS in Cybersecurity, and the MS in Information Systems, all of which are available in online formats as well. Honorable Mention: ECPI University- Multiple Locations Lastly, I’d like to bring some attention to ECPI, a private, for-profit institution based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Although we don't normally recommend for-profit schools (which are notoriousfor churning out graduates with useless credentials and a ton of debt),ECPI's slightly better reputation compared with that of other for-profit institutions and itsgreat varietyof online information technology programs make it a solid optionto consider forstudying IT. Here is an overview of ECPI’s IT degree programs, available through its College of Technology: BS in Computer and Information Science, withconcentrations in the following: Cloud Computing Cybersecurity Cyber and Network Security Data Analytics Mobile Development Software Development Web Design and Development MS in Cybersecurity MS in Information Systems Many of these programs are available in multiple ECPI locations throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as online. Online bachelor’s degree programs at ECPI can be completed in as little as 2.5 years, saving you both money and time on your degree. Choosing the Right IT School for You: 4 Factors With so many people now looking to get a degree in IT, it’s important to know how to find the best information technology school for youbased on what you’re hoping to gain out of a program. Here are four questions to ask yourself before you apply to an IT school. #1: Does It Offer the Specific Topic You Want to Study? Information technology is a broad field, with an array of potential concentrations and career paths. As a result, you'll need to ensure that the information technology schools you are applying to offer exactly what you’re interested in studying. For example, if you really want to learn more about cybersecurity, it’ll be a good idea to apply to information technology schools that offer an IT major incybersecurity or a closely related topic, such as BYU, Purdue, or UW. This way, you can rest assured that you’ll be focusing on the topics and skills you actually want to study and will (most likely) use in your future career. If you’re not sure what concentration to choose- maybe you’re just interested in IT as a whole- consider looking at information technology schools that offer a lot of flexibility in concentrations and course options so you can take your timeexploring and developing a rich foundation. #2: Do You Like the Location? Location is a big factor when choosing an information technology school because so many degree programs require students to doa capstone project or internship with areal business in the area.This is why most students will likely consider larger cities, such as New York City and Chicago, better locations for IT degrees than suburban or rural areas. Nevertheless, if you’re not the city type and prefer to live outside metropolises, then perhaps an IT school located in a smaller city or town would be a better fit. If possible, try to visit the campuses of the ITschools you’re considering attending so you can get a better feel for their respective environments and what kind of atmosphere might suit you. This tip applies to those considering online IT programs, too. Whether you have a job or don’t want to move to a new location, it’ll probably be best for you to apply only to local and online schools for information technology. #3: Can You Afford the Program? No matter what you major in, cost pretty much always plays a big role in deciding whether or not you’ll attend aparticularcollege. As you probably assumed, not all information technology schools are created equal in terms of cost. In general, you’ll spend less on online programs and public, in-state schools than you will on private, out-of-state schools. The following chart offersan overview of the typical costs for an IT bachelor’s degree at the top information technology schools above (ordered from most to least expensive): IT School Location Private or Public? Avg. Annual Cost (Tuition + Fees) Carnegie Mellon Pennsylvania Private $57,119 RPI New York Private $55,375 Cornell New York Private $55,188 Lehigh Pennsylvania Private $52,930 NYU New York Private $51,828 Illinois Tech Illinois Private $47,296 RIT New York Private $44,130 DePaul Illinois Private $39,975 UW Seattle Washington Public $36,898 (out-of-state)$11,517 (in-state) Penn State Pennsylvania Public $34,858 (out-of-state)$18,454 (in-state) NJIT New Jersey Public $32,750 (out-of-state)$17,338 (in-state) Purdue Indiana Public $28,794 (out-of-state)$9,992 (in-state) Florida State Florida Public $21,683 (out-of-state)$6,516 (in-state) ECPI Virginia Private, for-profit $16,764 (on-campus) BYU Utah Private $11,580 (non-LDS)$5,790 (LDS members) If you’re set on attending a more expensive information technology school, then I advise you to make every effort you can to win some scholarship money.Readour expert guides to learn about the best scholarships for high school seniors and 12 full-ride scholarships you could win. It's important to consider tuition costs before committing to a college. #4: How Competitive Is the School? The last factor tothink about is how selective an information technology schoolis. Someuniversities, such as Cornell and Carnegie Mellon, have prettylow acceptance rates (13% and 22%, respectively), so even if the IT program ata particular school is exactly what you want, there's a strongchance you won’t get in, especially if your GPAand SAT/ACT scores aren’t up to par. The takeaway? Make sure you’re applying to a breadth of IT schools that includes both some reach schools andsafety schools. Recap: The Best Information Technology Schools Information technology is a burgeoning technological field that’s drawing more and more students each year. For this article, we have defined information technology schools as schools that offer IT and/or related majors, such as computer science, information systems, informatics, etc. Most IT degrees offered at schools are bachelor's and master's degrees, though some schools offer associate degrees, certificates, and PhDs, too. There are many jobs available to those withan IT degree; popular fields include consulting, networking, security, and database administration. For our ranking list of the top information technology schools, including the best online schools for information technology, we looked primarily at six factors: The school’s overall US News ranking The IT program’s ranking by Niche The IT program’s ranking by College Choice The variety of IT majors, degrees, and class options offered Class size Acceptance rate Once again, here are the 14 best information technology schools, per our rankings: Cornell NYU RPI Carnegie Mellon Lehigh BYU Purdue UW Seattle Illinois Tech RIT Penn State Florida State NJIT DePaul Honorable Mention: ECPI University When it comes to choosing the best information technology school for you, be sure to consider the following four factors: What kinds of IT programs and concentrations the school offers Where the school is located How much tuition and fees will cost for the school How competitive the school is Asking yourself these questions should give you a clearer idea of which information technology schoolwill ultimately help you achieve your dreams. What’s Next? Maybe the concentration in IT you want to study is graphic design.If so, you'll get lots of help with our rankings of the best graphic design schools in the US. Not that into technology and more interested in the arts? Then perhaps you'll want to take a look at our picks for the best performing arts schools and the best creative writing programs. Need help making your college application the absolute best it can be? Get expert tips with our guides to writing a college essay and scoring high on the SAT.