3 Most Affordable Online Information Technology Degrees in Massachusetts 2025

It's hard to find an industry or career path that doesn't rely on technology and computer science in some capacity. Industries ranging from healthcare to business administration use computer systems for record-keeping, business analytics, and general daily responsibilities.

Due to this rise in technology usage, there has also been an increased demand for trained information technology professionals. Massachusetts colleges and schools in other states have begun offering affordable online information technology degrees to help learners start a new career or advance their current path.

These online bachelor's degrees prepare students for entry-level IT careers, online master's degree programs, and advanced certificate programs. Online students can find high-quality bachelor's degree programs offered online in the New England area and other schools nationwide.

Affordable Online Information Technology Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Multiple affordable online colleges in Massachusetts allow students to earn their IT degree with in-state benefits, like lower tuition costs and state-based scholarships. These higher education programs can be completed as four-year or degree-completion programs for students with associate degrees or equivalent transfer credits.

1. University of Massachusetts Lowell

UMass Lowell students can earn a Bachelor of Science in information technology. Coursework includes programming languages and basic IT systems. Online learners can enroll in IT certificate programs simultaneously to specialize their education. Students can use this degree to lead to an accelerated master's program.

Online students at UMass Lowell pay $385 per credit hour.

2. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers the same Bachelor of Science in information technology online as it does on campus. Students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment to maximize the benefits of flexible online learning. This online program has three concentration options: applications development, computer programming, and systems administration and cybersecurity.

The online tuition rate for NU is $541 per credit hour. Since NU is an online college in Massachusetts that accepts the FAFSA, students can use financial aid to lower this rate.

3. University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global students can earn a Bachelor of Science in information technology. Students with CompTIA certifications can use them as transfer credits to reduce total costs. Online courses are offered in both instructor-led traditional programs or in self-paced asynchronous learning.

Students at UMass Global pay an online tuition rate of $500 per credit hour, regardless of residency.

Other Affordable Online IT Programs

Online education allows Massachusetts students to find degree programs that fit their budgets and career goals, regardless of where they live. If you didn't find a program offered in-state that fits your needs, check out these distance education programs offered nationwide.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Online college students at Southern New Hampshire University can earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in information technology. The main difference between these online degree programs is how well transfer credits are accepted.

The BA pathway includes more elective credits, making it better for transfer students. The BS program has more concentration options, including data analytics, business management, and project management.

Online classes at SNHU cost $330 per credit hour.

2. Capella University

The Bachelor of Science in information technology from Capella University has concentration choices including information assurance and cybersecurity, software development in the Internet of things, data analytics and artificial intelligence, and network and cloud computing. Capella University also offers no-cost liberal arts and general education credits to increase affordability.

The tuition rate at Capella ranges from $350 to $415 per credit depending on the individual class.

3. Strayer University

Strayer has on-campus learning programs in 17 states, but its online programs are available in all 50 states. Strayer's online Bachelor of Science in information technology includes concentration options such as data science and analytics, cybersecurity, and software development.

Strayer University's online tuition rate is $1,525 per course.

4. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers a Bachelor of Information Technology degree to in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in computer network analysis, database administration, and information security analysis.

The online tuition rate at GSU is $199 per credit hour, regardless of residency.

5. Western Governors University

The online Bachelor of Science in information technology at WGU uses IT certificate programs in tandem with online courses to expand and customize its degree pathways for students. This program is fully self-paced and many students complete it within 39 months.

Instead of per-credit or course tuition, students at WGU pay $3,925 per six-month session. Online learners can complete as many courses as they choose to in these six-month windows.

Our Selection Criteria for Online Degrees

Multiple methodologies can be used to evaluate affordable online IT degrees. We used three primary criteria when selecting these programs.

• Accreditation: Online schools that lack accreditation won't be respected by employers. College degree programs that aren't accredited also won't be eligible for graduate programs or qualify for financial aid programs.
• Flexibility: Flexible schedules allow students to learn around other responsibilities, such as their jobs or family duties. Flexible scheduling can lead to lower total costs.
• Diverse concentrations and minors: Prospective students looking at IT programs sometimes need skills tailored to specific careers. These schools offer minors in fields like criminal justice, information systems, and healthcare informatics to help students prepare for specialized industries.

What To Expect From an Online Information Technology Degree

The top-ranking IT degree programs have many common features you should expect. Students will combine theoretical learning through video lectures and reading with hands-on practice through simulation labs and sandbox environments. Students should expect their degree to take anywhere from two to four years, depending on how many transfer credits they have.

Average Cost of an Online IT Degree

The national average cost of an online IT degree is around $41,000. This price will vary from school to school based on factors like whether you attend a private or public school, whether your school is for-profit or nonprofit, and if you have transfer credits.

How To Make an Online IT Degree More Affordable

No matter which school you attend, there are ways you can reduce your total costs. Some of these steps will need to be taken each academic year, while others will be applied automatically.

Federal Financial Aid

All students should submit their FAFSA documents yearly. These forms will determine your total financial eligibility for federal aid, like the Pell Grant. State and school-based financial aid offices also use these results for their need-based aid.

Transfer Credits

Students with transfer credits from a community college or other university can reduce their total costs by lowering their total credit requirement. Some schools also accept certificates earned through free online IT courses as a replacement for college credits.

Flexible Programs

Flexible learning programs allow students to study at their own pace. This can reduce tuition burdens in short-term and long-term capacities. The biggest advantage is that students can continue working, providing them with a steady income to pay tuition costs as they arise.

Scholarships and Grants

Students should look beyond federal financial aid to state-based programs. Programs like the MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus provide additional funding to Massachusetts-based students.

Find Online Colleges and Programs Today

Whether you're a recent high school graduate or an established professional looking to change or advance your career, there are online programs that can help. Our resources can help you learn more about individual degree programs from Boston to Lenox and beyond. Once you've narrowed down the best program for your budget and educational goals, use our contact forms to reach out and start applying to schools today.