7 Most Affordable Online Information Technology Degrees in Tennessee 2025

Information technology examines how computer systems and networks help businesses operate. Degree programs prepare students to protect data and troubleshoot computer and mobile device issues in for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Students sometimes aim to pursue an IT degree but have time or financial limitations that make attending on-campus classes difficult. Fortunately, many schools offer affordable online information technology degrees with flexible schedules. In Tennessee, budget-friendly online IT degrees are available at Middle Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University.

Below, we'll highlight low-cost online degrees in Tennessee and explain what you can expect when enrolled in these programs. We'll also discuss online IT tuition costs and how to make degrees more affordable.

Affordable Online Information Technology Degree Programs in Tennessee

Earning an IT degree from an online school can help you start a career from the comfort of your home. Explore the following list to discover Tennessee's best online colleges offering affordable IT distance education degrees.

1. King University

King University offers a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and cloud computing that prepares students for IT careers. Online courses explore programming, systems analysis, database management, and professional writing for IT.

The tuition rate for this online learning opportunity is $305 per credit. Students can save on the program's total cost by transferring up to 30 hours of industry-standard IT certification credit based on American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations.

2. Strayer University

Strayer University, which has campuses in Nashville, Memphis, and other parts of Tennessee, offers a BS in information technology with coursework exploring SQL programming, networking, and information systems. Enrollees can choose from concentrations in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more.

This online degree program consists of 40 courses, each worth 4.5 credit hours. Students pay $1,525 per course�less than $340 per credit hour. Accessing general education courses through Strayer's affiliate, Sophia, helps enrollees save up to $15,250 for this college degree.

3. University of Tennessee Knoxville

The online BS in Information Sciences (BSIS) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville integrates IT, data, user experience, and applied data analytics. Enrollees in this undergraduate degree program are prepared for careers as web developers, UX researchers, and IT analysts.

Asynchronous online courses explore programming, information management, usability testing, and information visualization. In-state students pay $490 per credit hour to earn this degree.

4. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in information systems for students interested in business and technology. Enrollees are prepared for roles as information systems managers, data analysts, and IT project managers.

Coursework in this distance learning program explores web development, database design, and object-oriented programming. Tennessee residents pay $417 per credit hour to earn this degree.

5. University of Tennessee at Martin

Students interested in an online education in IT can choose from two Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) programs at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The information systems major with a business communication information system concentration explores network administration, web design, and management information systems.

The major in information systems with a concentration in management information systems teaches cloud computing, computer science, programming, and web design. Online students living in Tennessee pay $445 per credit hour. Out-of-state attendees pay $484 per credit hour.

6. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers bachelor's degree programs for students who want to grow their IT knowledge. The BS in computer information technology with a web and database concentration teaches students to develop web applications, design databases, and work with programming languages.

Students can also pursue a BS in computer information systems with a concentration in general information systems or cybersecurity. Undergraduate learners residing in Tennessee pay $389.70 per credit hour for these programs.

7. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University offers a BS in professional studies with a concentration in information technology. This 120-credit online program requires students to complete professional core courses plus 15 hours of IT concentration courses in management information systems, networks, and database management.

The university is one of 80 schools nationwide to receive a Best Value School designation from the technology platform University Research and Review. Students residing in Tennessee pay a total in-state tuition of $385 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria for Online Degrees

Our team used rigorous vetting to choose the institutions in the rank list above. Each school in this list has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The schools have received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the schools in this list are respected institutions, considering factors such as acceptance rates, graduation rates, and student outcomes.
• Affordable: The colleges and universities on this list offer lower tuition rates and financial aid to increase affordability.

What To Expect From an Online Information Technology Degree

Earning an online IT degree starts with meeting program admission requirements such as a minimum high school GPA. Students with credits or an associate degree from a community college might need to provide college transcripts.

Once enrolled, students take courses exploring operating systems, programming, networking, information systems, and database management. Some programs offer focus areas or concentrations such as project management, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity.

The timeframe for completing an online IT degree can vary. Some bachelor's programs follow the same format as traditional in-person four-year degrees while others offer an accelerated format that helps students finish their studies in less time.

After graduating, bachelor's degree holders can pursue a graduate degree or look for career opportunities in industries like healthcare, criminal justice, finance, education, social work, and human resources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for computer and information technology occupations is promising. Over 350,000 annual openings are projected in the field from 2023 to 2033.

Average Cost of an Online IT Degree

Several factors can impact the amount you'll pay for an online IT degree. They include:

• degree type (bachelor's vs. master's vs. doctoral)
• enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time)
• residency (in-state vs. out-of-state)

Are you searching for the most affordable online programs in the state? Tennessee colleges like King University and Tennessee State University offer low-cost IT programs.

How To Make an Online IT Degree More Affordable

Whether you're pursuing online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or doctoral degrees in IT, opportunities are available to make your program more affordable. Depending on your options, your savings could result in free online information technology classes or a free online degree.

Federal Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps online students qualify for financial aid. Many online schools in Tennessee accept the FAFSA which will give you access to grants and other assistance to reduce the cost of a degree.

Transfer Credits

Transferring credits to your online IT program can help you earn your degree without paying to retake courses. Some schools also offer credits for prior learning (ex. work experience or certification programs). Finding an online colleges that accept transfer credits in Tennessee will help you graduate more quickly if you have some credits from another undergraduate program.

Flexible Programs

Online colleges offering programs with flexible schedules help students earn degrees while working part-time or full-time. Some programs also allow students to plan their schedules, which makes it possible to take only the credits you can afford each semester.

Scholarships and Grants

State-based scholarships and grants could reduce the cost of an online IT degree. Some opportunities to consider in Tennessee include:

• Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
• Tennessee Reconnect Grant
• Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship
• Tennessee Promise Scholarship
• Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
• Aspire Award

Discover Online Degrees in IT Today

If you're ready to begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in information technology, explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how you can take the first step toward your IT career.