25 Best Associate Degrees in Information Technology
Students can find the best associate degrees in information technology at these 25 schools. Programs were ranked based on median salary one year after graduation. Anne Arundel Community College came in first with a median salary of $47,700 and a median student debt of $10,875. The second-ranked school, Hennepin Technical College, had the same median salary of $47,000 and a slightly higher median student debt of $15,609 for information technology graduates.
Tuition, median salaries, and median debt were reported by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. View our methodology for more details about these rankings or read more about the top-ranked schools.
| School | Annual Tuition | Median Debt | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Community College | $13,160 | $10,875 | $47,700 |
| Hennepin Technical College | $5,248 | $15,609 | $47,000 |
| Collin College | $5,014 | Not Reported | $45,700 |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $5,545 | $19,500 | $43,500 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | $6,706 | $13,500 | $41,200 |
| Dakota County Technical College | $5,864 | $17,500 | $41,100 |
| Clover Park Technical College | $5,740 | $13,764 | $38,600 |
| Portland Community College | $9,418 | $26,599 | $38,100 |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $5,636 | $12,500 | $37,500 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | $9,743 - $28,069 | $24,250 | $37,400 |
| Hudson Valley Community College | $11,062 | Not Reported | $36,700 |
| The College of Westchester | $22,410 | $17,500 | $36,500 |
| University of Phoenix | $9,552 | $22,625 | $36,400 |
| Valencia College | $9,383 | $11,750 | $36,200 |
| Sullivan University | $19,740 | $22,810 | $36,200 |
| YTI Career Institute | $32,074 | $18,947 | $35,400 |
| ECPI University | $16,639 - $17,479 | $23,436 | $35,300 |
| Texas State Technical College | $10,191 | $15,917 | $34,700 |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $5,588 | $16,500 | $34,700 |
| Lane Community College | $10,590 | $19,699 | $34,500 |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | $5,520 | Not Reported | $34,100 |
| College of Western Idaho | $7,344 | $10,400 | $34,100 |
| Hinds Community College | $6,500 | Not Reported | $32,700 |
| Southern Maine Community College | $6,604 | $10,905 | $32,300 |
2020 Best Colleges Highlights
Learn more about the top colleges for an Associate in Information Technology degree. You can also read student reviews of each school by clicking on the stars. Although student reviews were not used as a ranking factor in this list, we provide ratings and reviews so students can consider the experience of alumni in their decision-making process.
Anne Arundel Community College offers a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems and Information Systems Technology. The coursework provides a foundation in database administration, computer technology, networking, and information systems. This knowledge and skill prepares graduates to pursue career paths in computing and information technology. Jobs available to graduates include help desk technologist, technical support specialist, and information systems technician.
Students in this program also have the opportunity to become certified as help desk specialists and Microsoft Office specialists while completing their degree. Students can enter the workforce upon graduation or apply the knowledge and skills gained through an associate degree from Anne Arundel Community College to a bachelor’s degree.
Hennepin Technical College offers students multiple options in its information technology and cyber defense program. Students can choose among associate degrees in cyber defense, IT support, network administration, programming, and data. Each of these tracks leads to a different career path for the graduate, allowing for better specialization. These associate degrees require completion of 60 credit hours, and courses are offered at the Eden Prairie Campus and Brooklyn Park Campus.
Hennepin Technical College offers day and evening classes, allowing students to choose the schedule that is best for them. This allows adult learners to further their education or career in the information technology field while maintaining their personal and professional lives. While studying in the information technology and cyber defense program, students have the opportunity to complete additional certificate courses. These certifications include Microsoft Office Specialist, SQL Software Developer, and IT Help Desk Technician.
The computer systems program at Collin College offers an information system track for students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree. This 60-credit hour degree is completed in four semesters and provides students the education and skills to enter the information technology field. Coursework completed in the information system track provides a foundation in programming, computer concepts and application, and systems analysis and design.
The most common career path for graduates of the information systems track is a systems technician. Employees in this career field are responsible for updating and maintaining the computer system of a company or organization, troubleshooting problems, and safeguarding the system against future issues. Graduates of this program can also go on to study further and complete a bachelor’s degree like Collin College’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cyber Security or a degree at another college or university.
Minneapolis College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Support and Network Administration. This 60-credit program prepares students to pursue a career in information technology. Minneapolis College has a faculty of professors with previous or current experience in the information technology industry. These instructors provide students with an industry-based education that prepares them for a career in computing and network administration.
Students work with state-of-the-art computer equipment during their studies. The computer support and network administration program includes coursework on network administration, client/server installation and support, and database implementation. Graduates also complete coursework on how to troubleshoot problems with various computer systems and networks. Upon completion of the degree, graduates can work as network and systems administrators, information technology help desk technicians, or computer systems managers for small businesses.