MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MBA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Grantham University holds the distinct honor of being the cheapest school on this list. Students on a tight budget can earn their entire master's degree for just $3,900 a year. IT students at Grantham take 100% of their courses online, using virtual learning resources to study e-business, network design, telecommunications, data analysis, information systems, and several other areas essential to finding work in technology management. The university brandishes the Military Advanced Education label Top Military University, due to its special commitment to active duty military members as well as veterans. These individuals can often qualify for special scholarships or other financial aid to help them afford their online master's degree in information technology and information systems.

American Public University, an institution that also houses American Military University, offers an online master's degree in information technology and systems that's hard to beat in terms of both price and quality. Referring to itself as a pioneer in online education, APU provides asynchronous education that allows users to complete coursework whenever they want. Interactive training covers analysis and design, database systems, information systems architecture, security, and even computer forensics. In 2014, APU received an Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award for an unprecedented fourth time. In the past, the school has also earned honors from the Association for Continuing Higher Education, the Distance Learning Administration, and others.

Kaplan University if well-known for its affordable and accessible distance education programs. Its cheap online master's degree in information technology and systems only bolsters this reputation, costing students less than $8,000 a year to attend. Students first learn the theories and principles of information systems before applying their knowledge to complex problems. They analyze data, develop project management skills, think critically, and enhance their communication abilities - all through virtual classrooms. After completing their core courses, online learners can focus in on a particular area of interest to them, specializing in Project Management, Business Intelligence and Analytics, or Information Security and Assurance. In-house alumni surveys reveal that 85% of graduates think Kaplan's online education has prepared them for work in a global economy.

Dakota State University delivers a great online master's degree in information systems and technology through its formidable grad student program. DSU offers a multitude of IT and computer science degrees at every level of study, and even holds a Best Buy award from GetEducated.com for its online computer science department. One of the unique aspects of the information systems degree is that it features cross training, which prepares graduates equally for work in technology and business. Small classes and dedicated professors allow students to immerse themselves in the latest and greatest tech innovations, from Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) to Decision Support Systems (DSS). Students can also choose to specialize in either Data Management, Healthcare Information Systems, Application Development, or Network Administration.

Liberty University has a long history of excellence in distance education, and often appeals to working adults who want ot take advantage of their flexible programs. For example, the school offers ample credit for past work experience and has a liberal transfer policy. With cognates in both Information Assurance and Technology Management, this affordable online master's degree in information systems and technology prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. In the past, students have landed positions in software development, consulting, systems integration, data administration, information assurance, and project management. The program also serves as a solid stepping stone for future PhD candidates and college professors. Liberty hosts a number of servicemen and women each year, and has earned a Best for Vets stamp of approval from Military Times magazine.

Towson University's MS in Applied Information Technology offers a curriculum that goes beyond theory, grounding its education in the kind of real-world applications that are so important in IT fields. Students dive right into hands-on projects, developing databases, creating information systems capabilities for the web, designing software, and developing networks. Students can even take control of their own curriculum, strategically selecting their classes so as to earn one of six available graduate certificates, in addition to the standard online master's degree in information technology and systems. Many also complete internships and assistantships to strengthen their resume. U.S. News recently named Towson the 15th best public school in the nation and the 60th best Northern university.

University of Maryland University College offers one of the best online master's degrees in information technology and systems for students who want the ultimate in customizability. In addition to acquiring advanced knowledge in broad IT subjects, online learners can also choose to concentrate in one of eight specializations: Informatics, Systems Engineering, Homeland Security Management, Information Assurance, Telecommunications Management, Database Systems Technology, Software Engineering, or Project Management. Financial aid and scholarship programs bring down the cost of tuition considerably, and Maryland residents, military members, and federal employees enjoy particularly steep discounts. This is just one of the many reasons experts brand UMUC a Military and Veteran Friendly school.

Stratford University counts itself among the best online master's degree in information systems and technology, offering well-rounded IT education to current and aspiring management professionals. The school's unique approach allows students to both broaden and specialize their knowledge, examining advanced concepts in software engineering and systems management. The university is particularly proud of its Career Services department, which helped an impressive 80% of graduates find work in their desired field. This placement rate includes students who found positions in network administration, computer systems analysis, computer science research, and data communications.

Florida Atlantic University's top online master's degree in information technology and systems is housed within the College of Business - a clear indication of the department's emphasis in IT management. The AASCB-accredited university offers several cross-disciplinary programs in a flexible format, and the MSITM is no exception. Classes cover systems security, web-based development, and enterprise service, but also project management and global IT sourcing. Undergraduate students at FAU may want to consider the accelerated option, a 150-credit degree that shortens the graduate portion of the program to just 12 months. U.S. News, Princeton Review, and Forbes all place FAU on their top college lists, and Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine also praised the university for its high graduate rate of Hispanic students.

The University of Wisconsin is another large public institution with a well-developed online learning system. Dubbed the e-campus of UW, it offers a plethora of degrees to adult learners all across the country. Even out of state tuition is affordable, and those attending the online master's degree in information technology and information systems enjoy a particularly great deal. For less than $17,000 a year, IT students receive top-notch training in e-commerce, media technology, and visual communications. The program is based out of UW Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, and boasts a USDLA certification for superior distance education practices.