6 Most Affordable Online Information Technology Degrees in North Carolina 2025

North Carolina offers various flexible and cost-effective pathways to higher education, allowing students to earn an affordable online degree in information technology without accumulating student debt. These degree programs provide students with the opportunity to advance their education while balancing work, family, and personal commitments. With distance education, learners can complete coursework at their convenience while still gaining the skills needed for a successful career in the tech industry.

By pursuing a low-cost online college in North Carolina, students can benefit from in-state tuition rates, financial aid, and the support of accredited institutions across the state. From public universities to nonprofit online colleges, these schools offer degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, networking, and other in-demand IT fields.

Affordable Online Information Technology Degree Programs in North Carolina

These are some of North Carolina's most affordable online colleges with online bachelor's and master's degrees in information technology, offering insights into tuition costs, program flexibility, and career outcomes.

1. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in information technology, providing coursework in data analytics, cybersecurity, and business programming. Students benefit from affordable in-state tuition and access to financial aid resources. The program emphasizes preparation for industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

NCCU's tuition is highly affordable, with in-state students paying an average of $7,000 annually according to NCES data. The university participates in state-funded financial aid programs, including North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships and need-based grants, in addition to federal aid. Out-of-state students may face higher costs, but NCCU's comprehensive financial aid packages help bridge the gap.

2. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University's online Bachelor of Science in computer science is an accredited program offering advanced training in networking, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The program is for students pursuing distance education and is ideal for those transferring from community colleges or completing an associate degree.

FSU's tuition is low due to the NC Promise Tuition Plan, which caps in-state tuition at $500 per semester. For out-of-state students, the rate is $2,500 per semester, still highly competitive. Financial aid resources include state-funded grants and scholarships, as well as institutional work-study programs.

3. East Carolina University

East Carolina University's (ECU) Bachelor of Science in information and cybersecurity technology focuses on areas such as secure software development, digital forensics, and cyber threat intelligence. With affordable tuition rates and flexible online courses, ECU ensures that their undergraduate degrees are accessible for both in-state and out-of-state students.

In-state tuition at ECU averages around $7,000 annually, according to College Scorecard data. The university offers extensive financial aid, including the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship and additional state and federal grants. For eligible students, ECU also provides merit-based scholarships and discounted tuition for military personnel.

4. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) offers two online programs in IT: a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a Master of Science in information technology. The undergraduate program emphasizes mainframe systems and cloud computing, while the graduate degree focuses on wireless networking and enterprise systems.

NC A&T's in-state tuition is approximately $6,000 annually, with financial aid resources that include state grants, federal Pell Grants, and institutional scholarships. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates, but aid packages and payment plans help mitigate costs.

5. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Greensboro offers an online Master of Science in information technology and management. This program is a STEM-designated degree that features concentrations in business analytics and enterprise resource planning.

With in-state tuition averaging $8,000 annually, UNCG also provides access to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority funding and federal grants. The university's scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, make it an excellent option for graduate students seeking low tuition for an affordable education.

6. NC State University

NC State University offers an online Master of Computer Science for college students seeking advanced training in software engineering, data science, and high-performance computing. This graduate program is ideal for working professionals, as it doesn't require on-campus courses or residencies.

The average in-state tuition is approximately $9,000 annually, with financial aid packages that include state scholarships and need-based grants. Additionally, NC State provides discounts for military personnel and access to assistantships for eligible graduate students, reducing overall tuition costs.

Other Affordable Online IT Programs

North Carolina students can explore affordable IT programs offered by institutions across the U.S. that provide flexible online learning options with concentrations in areas like data management, technology management, cybersecurity, and more.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is another top choice in affordable online education. It offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) in IT management to students nationwide. Students at WGU can also complete certification programs for industry licensure during their degrees, such as the Comp-TIA certification.

Tuition averages around $7,000 annually, and WGU's flat-rate model allows students to take unlimited courses per term to further reduce costs. Federal financial aid and WGU-specific scholarships are available to qualified students.

What to Expect From an Online Information Technology Degree

An online IT degree equips students with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in numerous careers. Common courses include networking, database management, programming, and cybersecurity principles. Many programs also prepare students for professional certifications, enhancing their employability.

Most bachelor's degree programs can be completed in four years of full-time study, while master's degrees typically take one to two years. Graduates can pursue roles as IT analysts, software developers, and systems administrators.

IT degrees also provide a foundation for those interested in entrepreneurship, specifically for launching tech businesses. Other graduates choose to use their degrees to go into industries such as healthcare, human resources, and even criminal justice.

Average Cost of an Online IT Degree

The cost of an online degree program in North Carolina varies depending on the institution and residency status. In-state tuition at public universities typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 annually, while out-of-state tuition rates are higher. Many schools offer discounts for online students or provide scholarships to help reduce tuition costs.

If you attend one of the schools that participates in the NC Promise program, such as Fayetteville State University and UNC Pembroke, you can earn a degree for $500 a semester. However, while these schools have tech degree programs, they don't specifically offer information technology degrees.

How to Make an Online IT Degree More Affordable

With federal and state-based financial aid and the flexibility of online programs, you can make an online IT degree more cost-efficient for your financial situation. You may also consider online schools that accept transfer credits to reduce these costs even further.

Federal Financial Aid

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Public schools like NCCU and UNCG provide extensive financial aid resources to support online students and help them pay for their higher education programs.

Transfer Credits

Students transferring from a community college can save time and money by applying previously earned credit hours toward their degree. Many institutions, such as Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University (WCU), offer degree completion programs to ease the process for college students.

Some free online IT courses can be applied as college credits as another way to help you save money and finish your degree faster.

Flexible Programs

Programs with part-time or self-paced options allow students to enroll and work while earning their degree. The ability to work at your own pace allows you to spread tuition costs across multiple semesters and lessen your upfront costs if necessary.

Scholarships and Grants

Many North Carolina schools offer scholarships specifically for in-state students and those in online degree programs. Federal grants, which are available for on-campus and online learning, can help students further reduce their expenses.

Discover Online Colleges and Degree Programs Today

With North Carolina's affordable online programs, you can gain the skills and credentials needed to advance your career in information technology and thrive in the tech industry. Explore more options on Learn.org to find the program that's right for you.