If your free time is consistently eaten up by acquaintances with technology problems that they need you to solve, an online associate in information technology could be a great way to monetize your natural inclinations. As an opening to a career in IT or as a pathway to a four-year degree, this educational endeavor is a pathway into possibility. Being able to pursue that education while still meeting your work and family obligations is a marvel of the modern times in which we live. This list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in information technology/systems is meant to help you chase down those dreams while keeping an eye on the bottom line.
That said, taking online coursework requires a different skill set than taking courses in a classroom. Most school websites have a quick self-assessment quiz, where you can see how well you fare in possession of the required skills. There is also a hardware component necessary for distance learning, but if you were able to access this article and are interested in an IT career, that is probably not a difficulty for you. The final hurdle to online learning is making sure that your chosen school is authorized to provide educational services in the state where you reside. Most schools are authorized in most places, but you want to verify this before you start writing checks.
This list of 10 great value colleges for an online associate in information technology/systems was compiled by looking at tuition value (10 points), level of individual attention you can expect from the school (as indicated by their student to faculty ratio, 10 points) and relevancy of the curriculum to the field (10 points). A bonus of five points was awarded for national recognition for excellence in online education, exceptional services for digital learners, or the existence of a special tuition rate for distance education students, regardless of residency. In the case of a tie on points, schools were ranked in order of decreasing tuition.
All tuition, enrollment, and student to faculty ratio numbers come from the National Center for Education Statistics, a service of the US government. Any per credit hour tuition rate quoted in the paragraph of the school review is from the school’s website.
#10 – Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, Florida
Points: 22
Enrollment: 17,706
Tuition: $11,456
Seminole State College of Florida sees its mission as one of enhancing the vitality of its region by providing opportunity to the community. With a student to faculty ratio of 28:1, their online associate of science in information systems technology is a 60 credit hour program requiring coursework in wireless technologies and virtual infrastructure. The career development center at Seminole State College of Florida is beneficial with job connections and resources. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, Indiana
Website
Points: 25.5
Enrollment: 78,910
Tuition: $8,052
Ivy Tech Community College has an information technology specific transfer agreement in place with Franklin University of Ohio and Purdue University. With a student to faculty ratio of 17:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology support is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in informatics fundamentals and enterprise computing. The career development office at Ivy Tech Community College can help you find a part-time job as a student or a full-time job as graduation approaches. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#8 – Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, New Jersey
Points: 26
Enrollment: 5,905
Tuition: $7,707
Atlantic Cape Community College is charged with the mission of creating opportunity by providing access to high-quality education services. With a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, their online associate in science in computer information systems is a 61 credit hour program that includes coursework in Java programming and technical communication. The student success center at Atlantic Cape Community College offers career planning services to all enrolled students. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#7 – Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, North Carolina
Points: 26
Enrollment: 11,059
Tuition: $7,168
Guilford Technical Community College offers a total of ten tracks in their information technology degree program. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology is a 67 credit hour program that is designed to transfer into a four-year program at another school. Coursework in the program at Guilford Technical Community College includes database concepts and visual basic programming. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – Bladen Community College
Dublin, North Carolina
Website
Points: 26.5
Enrollment: 1,248
Tuition: $8,672
Bladen Community College has been serving the area for almost 50 years and offers a number of degree programs online. With a student to faculty ratio of 13:1, their online associate degree in information technology is a 67 credit hour program that includes coursework in security concepts and PHP programming. At Bladen Community College, counselors in the student services office can assist you with career planning services. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#5 – Clovis Community College
Clovis, New Mexico
Website
Points: 27
Enrollment: 3,317
Tuition: $2,376
Clovis Community College’s philosophy encompasses the ideals of accessibility, comprehensiveness, flexibility, quality, accountability, and collaboration. With a student to faculty ratio of 16:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in information systems and network traffic management. The career services office at Clovis Community College can help current students and alumni with career planning and job search questions. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
#4 – Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Website
Points: 28
Enrollment: 8,772
Tuition: $6,106
Gateway Technical College offers online education in 15 academic areas. With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology-network specialist is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in network administration and virtual technologies. The career and employment services office at Gateway Technical College can help with internship placement, resume writing, and the all-important job search for students and alumni. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#3 – Allen Community College
Iola, Kansas
Website
Points: 28
Enrollment: 2,379
Tuition: $2,850
Allen Community College is charged with delivering education services to its students quickly, effectively, and efficiently. With a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, their online associate of science with an emphasis in information technology is a 64 credit hour program that is intended to be used for transfer to a four-year school. Coursework in the program includes Cisco network basics and computer repair. Allen Community College offers student support technicians to help smooth the path to success for online learners. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#2 – Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Website
Points: 28.5
Enrollment: 7,890
Tuition: $6,838
Forsyth Technical College offers 29 programs 100% online. With a student to faculty ratio of 12:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology-technical support and services is a 64 credit hour program including coursework in tech support functions and project management. The career services office at Forsyth Technical Community College offers a variety of self-assessments to aid with career choices. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#1 – Peninsula College
Port Angeles, Washington
Website
Points: 29
Enrollment: 2,173
Tuition: $4,751
Peninsula College has been serving the educational needs of the foothills of the Olympic Mountains for more than 50 years. With a student to faculty ratio of 13:1, their online associate of applied science in information technology-systems administration is a 90 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in Java and Linux system administration. The office of career development services at Peninsula College can help you find a new job or a new career. They are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
This concludes the list of the 10 great value colleges for an online associate degree in information technology/systems.
Related Resources:
Rankings:
- Computer and Technology Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Computer Engineering and Computer Information Science
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Computer Programming
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Computer Science
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Network Security
- Most Affordable Online Associate in Management Information Systems
- 50 Great Affordable Colleges for Computer Science Engineering Degrees
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School Websites