by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,180 U.S. colleges awarded 72,883 degrees and certificates in Information Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 49% of graduates. College Factual ranks 709 schools in its 2027 Best Information Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $67,520 one year after completing, rising to $81,650 after four years.
If you are interested in customizing networks to aid the business world, Information Technology might be a good major for you.
Those who major in information technology learn about maintaining operating systems, designing networks, and customizing programs for business needs. Professionals also work to guide projects from conception through testing and finalization to ensure they are within budget and running smoothly. You will take classes in computer science, mathematics, computer programming, information storage management, and computer networks along with classes in business, management, risk management, and financial analysis to learn how information technology aids business.
Along with the option to major in general Information Technology, you have the option to specialize in areas, such as Network and System Administration, LAN/WAN Management, Computer and IS Security, Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster, Information Technology Project Management or Computer Support Specialist.
A degree in Information Technology involves the study of Computer/information Technology Administration And Management.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, information technology is a popular field of study, with 72,883 degrees awarded annually. 1,180 colleges award information technology degrees, an average of 62 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 5,067.
By level, the 72,883 awards include 4,973 certificates, 12,303 associate degrees, 17,607 bachelor’s degrees, 35,867 master’s degrees and 223 doctorates.
Women earned 24% of information technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (17,586 of 72,883). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (26,616) and Black or African American (12,313), and international students earned 10,971.
College Factual ranks 709 schools in its 2027 Best Information Technology Schools ranking, including 276 for associate degrees, 202 for bachelor’s degrees, 174 for master’s degrees and 6 for doctorates. It also ranks information technology schools within 46 states. In all, 1,180 colleges offer information technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Information Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common information technology credential is the master’s degree: 35,867 of the 72,883 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to information technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Engineering and Technology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Deductive Reasoning.
Those who work within Information Technology should be comfortable both working by themselves on projects, or working on a team. You should also be well acquainted with computer systems and have a background in applied mathematics. Problem solving, multitasking, and creativity are other skills that allow professionals to create and improve technology to ensure it fits business and individual needs.
Most jobs in Information Technology will be in an office environment. Because many companies rely heavily on their computer networks to conduct businesses, professionals should be prepared to work overtime to ensure the proper function, fix any issues, and maintain the security of systems.
A summer job or internship in the field is recommended. This will provide you valuable exposure to computer programs and systems. This experience will also allow students to work alongside Information Technology professionals in building custom programs, wiring networks, and installing security features.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an information technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 4,973 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 12,303 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 17,607 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 35,867 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 223 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to information technology, at 50.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 50.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 14.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 11.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 8.5% |
| Some college courses | 5.7% |
| Master’s degree | 4.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.8% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
30 occupations are related to Information Technology, with an average median salary of $113,800; the strongest outlook belongs to Web and Digital Interface Designers, at 13.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Security Analyst, AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), Cybersecurity Engineer and Cloud Security Architect.
A degree in Information Technology makes graduates ideal for any career working with computer networks, programs, and software. Areas that some graduates currently work in include financial firms, banks, government organizations, computer design firms, and in the IT department of large corporations. Since many businesses are working towards incorporating quicker networks and newer technology, graduates are employed in a variety of occupations. Although most employees require a bachelor's degree, in some cases, an associate's degree with experience in the field is acceptable. However, most businesses require administrators have their master's.
The occupation related to information technology with the most projected jobs is Information Security Analysts, at 583,513.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
| Web Administrators | 510,685 | 0.7% |
Information Technology graduates earn a median $67,520 one year after completing their program, $81,650 after four years and $72,148 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,520 |
| 4 years | $81,650 |
| 5 years | $72,148 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to information technology is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
Information Technology includes 7 concentrations that together award 72,883 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance (48,278), Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other (6,558) and Computer Support Specialist (6,403). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 305,332 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Information Science/Studies (23,384). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
