The Best Training for
Information Technology in 2021
Information technology is becoming increasingly relevant in 2021. Many schools are offering prestigious programs in information technology. A degree in information technology can open the door to an array of career options. You could become a web developer, IT consultant, or network administrator.
If you want to switch careers, or you are looking for the best program for you, read on. In this guide, we’ll go over the top 15 information technology programs in 2021. The best information technology schools and programs can help you learn everything you ended to know.
Rundown: The Top 15 Information Technology Programs in 2021
We’ve gathered the top 15 best programs to study information technology in the United States. This list should give you an idea of what’s available. Tuition rates have been extracted from official school websites at the time of writing. Make sure you double-check tuition costs with your school of interest as all fees are subject to change.
School | State | Programs and Cost |
---|---|---|
California Institute of Technology | CA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $56,364 per year |
Carnegie Mellon University | PA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $57,560 per year |
Columbia University | NY | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $29,460 per semester Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science $29,460 per semester |
Cornell University | NY | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $60,286 per year Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science $60,286 per year |
Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $10,258 per year (in-state) $31,370 per year (out-of-state) |
Harvard University | MA | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science $49,653 per year |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
MA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering $55,510 per year |
Princeton University | NJ | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science $56,010 |
Purdue University | IN | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $347.85 per credit hour (in-state) $948.30 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
Stanford University | CA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $18,491 per semester |
University of California, Berkeley | CA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $14,312 per year (in-state) $44,066 per year (out-of-state) Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science $14,312 per year (in-state) $44,066 per year (out-of-state) |
University of California, Los Angeles |
CA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $13,239 per year (in-state) $42,993 per year (out-of-state) |
University of Michigan | MI | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $15,948 per year (in-state) $52,266 per year (out-of-state) |
The University of Texas at Austin | TX | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $5,703 per semester (in-state) $20,252 per semester (out-of-state) |
University of Washington | WA | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science $10,927 per year (in-state) $38,757 per year (out-of-state) |
How to Pick the Best Information Technology School for You
In the face of so many great options, you might have issues choosing the best school. To make sure you are picking the right programs, you must consider some factors. These can include a school’s tuition, career services, and program requirements. Make sure you have the following points in mind when choosing the best IT program for you.
Tuition
Tuition is the most important point to consider. Make sure to check the school’s financing and scholarship options. It is worth noting that universities sometimes offer different tuition rates for students outside of their home states. Online programs are often less expensive than in-person programs.
Online vs In-Person
Many universities offer online program options. Online programs in IT offer the same curricula as in-person programs. Online options also offer more flexibility in terms of schedule. In-person degree programs offer far more resources, from access to labs and study spaces to networking and social events.
Curriculum
Make sure your program of interest offers courses that interest you. IT programs usually take the form of computer science, and computer science is a broad-ranging field. You want to make sure a program’s concentration options cater to your interests.
The Best Information Technology Schools of 2021
To get a better idea of what each school has to offer, we’ve created an overview of each program. This list helps you narrow down your search for the perfect information technology program for 2021.
California Institute of Technology
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Senior College and University Commission
Online Options
No
The California Institute of Technology offers a great program for tech enthusiasts. The degree lays a heavy emphasis on math and engineering foundations. Students can choose from many concentrations, such as robotics and machine learning. This is a four-year program that includes internship placement and top-notch career services.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Biocomputers
Robotics and machine learning
Algorithm economics
Carnegie Mellon University
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
Carnegie Mellon is a renowned university with a great tech department. The bachelor of science in computer science is research-focused and will set you up for a career in information technology. The four-year program includes a summer internship in a tech firm, which means you can get work experience before you even graduate.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Mathematics and probability
Machine learning
Robotics
Programming foundations
Columbia University
Programs
BS in Computer Science, BA in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Columbia is one of the country’s most reputable institutions. The school is not a technology school, but the tech department is one of the nation’s best. The university offers two noteworthy project-oriented programs in computer science. Columbia boasts state-of-the-art career services and internship placements.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Artificial intelligence
Data structures
Computer science theory
Discrete math
Advanced programming
Linear algebra
Cornell University
Programs
BS in Computer Science, BA in Computer Science
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
Cornell University is a research institution that provides programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The BS and BA in Computer Science are both well-recognized programs that offer career-oriented information technology skills. The two programs will cover the foundations of data structures, algorithms, languages, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Software engineering
Robotics
Computational finance
Georgia Institute of Technology
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Georgia Institute of Technology has been well recognized for its efforts to provide career development services to students. The BS in Computer Science offered by the school is the perfect way to start your career in IT. The four-year program is project-oriented and will get you to build a solid portfolio to ramp up your resume.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Info internetworks
Systems and architecture
Computer science theory
Harvard University
Programs
BA in Computer Science
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
Harvard University is one of the most reputable schools and the most challenging to get into. The college’s computer science department is research-focused. Students are strongly encouraged to contribute to Harvard’s research programs on top of their studies. The BA in Computer Science offers an exciting and challenging curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Curriculum
System design projects
Linear algebra
Probability
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Programs
BS in Computer Science and Engineering
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
No
MIT has been ranked the nation’s best tech institute by numerous media outlets. The computer science and engineering program is well-rounded and offers an array of concentration options. This is a great information technology degree if you want a competitive program.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Curriculum
Computer science programming in Python
Mathematics for computer science
Systems engineering
Machine learning
Princeton University
Programs
BA in Computer Science
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
Princeton’s computer science department is sought after by a high number of students. According to Princeton, 12 percent of its student body chooses to study computer science. The BA in Computer Science is project-focused and offers hands-on IT experience. The school offers robust career development opportunities and services.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Curriculum
Computer science theory
Programming
Machine learning
Purdue University
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
No
The computer science program offered by Purdue is career-oriented. This four-year degree will equip you with the skills to become a proficient IT specialist. The curriculum offers many concentration options, making it broad-ranging. Purdue boasts a near 100 percent placement rate for its computer science students upon graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Engineering science
Information systems
Object-oriented programming
Programming languages
Stanford University
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
Yes
Stanford University ranks among the nation’s best computer science schools. The four-year BS in Computer Science program offers a solid curriculum. There are many concentration options, and the program includes a professional placement option. The university hosts many public conferences and seminars, making it a great place to network.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Information systems
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
University of California, Berkeley
Programs
BS in Computer Science, BA in Computer Science
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
Yes
The University of California, Berkeley has a great tech department and is ranked favorably. The Bachelor of Science option is good for students who wish to have an engineering-focused education. The Bachelor of Arts is more broad-ranging and is offered by the university’s College of Letters and Science.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Math and cognitive science
Machine learning
Technology and social sciences
University of California, Los Angeles
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
Yes
UCLA is a highly recognized institution in the US. The BS in Computer Science offered by the school is project-oriented and offers many specialization options. This is a fantastic program if you would like to become an IT specialist. The four-year program includes volunteering and placement opportunities as well as great career services.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Software engineering
Theory of computation
Operating systems
University of Michigan
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
Yes
The BS in Computer Science offered by the University of Michigan is an exciting four-year program with many specialization options. The university’s tech department has been ranked highly and is well-recognized nationwide. The school offers valuable assistance with internships and financial aid.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Economics and computation
Software development
Theory of computation
The University of Texas at Austin
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
The BS in Computer Science offered by the University of Texas at Austin is very exciting but challenging. The curriculum has mandatory modules and courses on ethics, diversity, and global challenges facing the tech world. It is perfect for students wishing to pursue graduate education in computer and information technology.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Curriculum
Big data
Cyber security
Machine learning
Quantitative reasoning
Global cultures
University of Washington
Programs
BS in Computer Science
Accreditation
Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
Online Options
Yes
The University of Washington offers many opportunities to study abroad, pursue internships, and join student organizations. The BS in Computer Science is geared toward the completion of an exciting capstone project. Throughout this computer program, you will cover the foundations of computer science and explore advanced tech languages.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences Curriculum
Natural language processing
Computer systems
Computational biology
Artificial intelligence
How Much Can You Earn as an Information Technology Professional?
According to PayScale, the average information technology specialist salary is $57,950 per year. Information technology is a wide-ranging field. IT professionals can pursue an array of careers. These range from software developers to computer forensic analysts.
The Highest-Paying Information Technology Roles
Why You Should Be an Information Technology Professional in 2021
The tech industry is growing expansively. Information technology specialists will always be in demand because of constant changes and upgrades in the world of tech. Working in IT is flexible, provides a good salary, and allows you to pursue a variety of career paths. 2021 is the perfect year to get into IT.