If you’re are interested in pursuing a PhD in information technology, but the cost is holding you back, we can help! We rank the most affordable online PhD degree programs in IT here.
Many technological occupations may not require college degrees, and they aren’t a reliable predictor of future success. However, employers today continue to demand that all working professional hold degrees, and a doctorate degree can boost your career exponentially.
Entry-level managerial positions in information technology might only require a master’s degree and a few years of experience. But if you want to explore career options in academia and research and gain more employment prospects, an online doctoral degree program in information technology will be your key to getting there.
However, online PhDs in Information Technology are very rare and can be costly!
Fortunately, several affordable online doctoral programs cover topics similar to a doctorate in information technology, such as computer science and information systems. The cheapest online doctoral programs also include doctorate degrees in business administration (DBA) that focus on information technology or information systems.
Many of these online degree programs are significantly lower in cost than most in terms of tuition, and offer financial aid options to qualified students.
An online doctorate degree program in information technology is a top-tier academic program that requires applicants to have a strong background in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline.
PhD students seeking an online doctorate degree in IT will take popular foundational courses such as statistical analysis, database administration, AI, and cybersecurity, among others. They will also take advanced courses and perhaps specialize in one area of information technology or computer science.
Students in PhD degree programs must also research, write, and defend their dissertation.
The entire process from beginning the program to graduation can take up to seven years or longer.
Back to TopOnline doctoral degree IT programs are created to provide students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to become agents of social and corporate change. The coursework generally focuses on planning, administration, and IT implementation. Successful applicants can become agents of change in the technology and business sectors.
Popular career paths for a graduate with a doctorate degree in information technology include:
While information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) do overlap, they are not entirely the same. IS incorporates the technology, people, and processes connected with information. Information technology deals with the design and implementation of information, or data, within the information system.
On the other hand, computer science studies programming and computing.
Students often can find themselves comparing computer science and information systems. While the two degrees can also overlap, students who enroll in computer science programs typically gain a deeper understanding of how computers are made and how computation works.
On the other hand, information systems students will have a more in-depth grasp of the technical and functional parts of the technology that make up computers and other gadgets.
Computer science might be what you’re searching for if you’re more drawn to the possibilities of what you can accomplish with computers. IT is more appropriate for you if you’re curious about how computers function. IS is for people who want to understand how businesses use computers to operate effectively and efficiently.
Back to TopNo matter what doctorate degree program you choose, there are a number of ways to ensure that your program is as affordable as possible.
The cost of online doctoral programs in information technology vary based on several factors. Most colleges and universities charge more for out-of-state students. However, there are some schools that offer flat-rate tuition, which means that in-state and out-of-state students pay the same per credit cost.
Earning an online doctorate in information technology degree as opposed to a traditional on-campus doctorate degree makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.
Online doctoral programs often make it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your degree program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.
Earning a PhD in information technology through online doctoral programs is a great option for busy professionals who want to continue their education while juggling work and family life.
If affordability is a particular concern, and it is making you reluctant to pursue an online PhD in information technology, you may be able to take advantage of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website. It is especially important that you choose online doctoral programs that are accredited in order to qualify.
Many schools offering an online PhD doctoral degree in information technology also have assistantship opportunities for their graduate students. Assistantships may give teaching opportunities in exchange for tuition waivers and a stipend. Each school is different, so check into the online iformation technology doctorate degree program you are interested in.
Bottom Line: An affordable online PhD in information technology doctoral degree is possible when you factor in things like in-state tuition, financial aid, grants, and assistantships.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Computer Programmers in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
73%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/26
University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Missouri, or Mizzou, is known for its ground-breaking research and top-notch traditional and online education. Striving for greatness through perseverance and cooperation, Mizzou offers several affordable online doctorate degree programs.
Mizzou’s affordable online PhD Information Science & Learning Technologies allow students to pursue interdisciplinary routes. Coursework of this online doctoral degree prepares graduates to qualify for professional paths in higher education, public policy, and public and private research in various sectors.
Applicants with a master’s degree in a related field enroll for 42 credit hours at an average cost of $21,441.00. However, non-IT master’s degree applicants must complete 72 credit hours, costing an average of $36,756.00.
The study-abroad opportunities at Mizzou are vast. Mizzou provides over 250 study-abroad programs.
The University of Missouri is great for students who:
Love a big campus and thrive in large class sizes and diversity.
The University of Missouri might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have options for personalized attention and degree programs.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
70%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
George Mason University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
George Mason University is the #1 public research university in VA. GMU offers a distinctive collegiate experience, with over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees available on-campus and online. Additionally, GMU is ranked as one of the most diverse and innovative public universities in the United States.
GMU offers an affordable $793.25 per credit hour PhD designed for students interested in using information technology in their biology careers. The online PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology helps students use computer technology to comprehend and utilize biological and biomedical data effectively.
Graduates of this doctorate will be responsible for storing, analyzing, and interpreting the Big Data gathered during clinical settings or as a result of life or health sciences investigations.
Students may share numerous ideas and observe a variety of viewpoints on everything because the campus has such a diverse cultural population.
George Mason University is great for students who:
Are loving and culture-sensitive.
George Mason University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to attend a party school.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
67%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Florida International University is one of the most prominent public research colleges in the United States that prepare students for academic, social, and professional success. To allow working adult students to achieve their professional goals, FIU created their online school that offers over 30 100% online programs and dozens of hybrid programs.
FIU offers an affordable IT-related PhD program. The online PhD in Computer Science is designed for IT students interested in gaining expertise in designing and building computers and computer programs.
Students should be able to define computer challenges and create new, cutting-edge technologies as creative answers to various technological difficulties. Graduates will develop the skills necessary to contribute autonomously to research and development in a particular field of computer science.
The vast networking opportunities.
Florida International University is great for students who:
Are dedicated to their studies and can study independently.
Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:
Thrive in small class sizes.
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Liberty University has been a leader in distance learning since its founding in 1985. Liberty’s online program gives you access to the same high-caliber course offerings as its on-campus program in Lynchburg, Virginia, but in a more flexible format. Additionally, the university is renowned for its low cost and excellent student support.
One of Liberty University’s top-tier online degree programs at the graduate level is the online Doctor of Business Administration in Information Systems, costing only $595 per credit hour.
This degree was specifically designed for students who want to emerge in the technological aspect of a business. This DBA concentration equips doctoral students with the tools they need to develop original solutions for business and technology problems.
The tuition freeze is the school’s best feature. Students won’t have to worry about sudden tuition increases and can expect to pay the same per credit hour tuition from the first year till their last year.
Liberty University is great for students who:
Want affordable private education from a Christian perspective.
Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are against Christianity and unwilling to hear the gospel. Religious classes are necessary at Liberty University.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Indiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Indiana State University is a medium-sized school located in an urban setting. ISU aims to provide affordable and accessible online degree programs to students who cannot pursue traditional degree programs. However, not all states, US territories, or Canadian provinces may access its online programs. Before enrolling in any online program, visit the program availability page.
The College of Technology - Indiana State University offers one of the most affordable online IT PhD degrees. ISU’s PhD in Information Technology Management allows students to choose one of five specializations, including manufacturing, digital communications, construction, and more. While coursework can be completed online, students must attend on-campus residency requirements.
The small class sizes and hands-on faculty.
Indiana State University is great for students who:
Are committed to their studies. ISU is also best for students who want to have many opportunities to participate in community service and other on-campus activities.
Indiana State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Favors large classrooms.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
49%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Kennesaw State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Kennesaw State University is now the third-largest university and a doctoral research university (R2) certified by Carnegie, thanks to a history of expansion, change, and perseverance.
With its traditional and online schools, Kennesaw provides more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs. Students come to the university from all over the world because of its diversified student body, active campus culture, and worldwide linkages.
One of KSU Online’s offerings is the affordable Doctor of Education with a major in Instructional Technology designed to help professionals pursuing educational leadership roles gain expertise in using technology in the classroom. Students who choose this EdD concentration will focus on creating and implementing cutting-edge instructional strategies using technological tools.
The vibrant campus life. Kennesaw hosts hundreds of annual events to help students bond with like-minded people and create their own professional network and build lifelong relationships.
Kennesaw State University is great for students who:
Can adapt to a diverse group of individuals and be open to new ideas.
Kennesaw State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a typical dorm life. Kennesaw is a commuter school.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
39K
Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Walden University was among the first to acknowledge the evolving cultural demands and preferences of adult students who required alternatives to what a conventional, campus-bound college could provide. Today, Walden is one of the most prominent online learning institutions offering affordable and accessible online degree programs.
The hybrid PhD in Management - Information Systems Management costs only $743 per credit hour. The main goal of this PhD specialization is to help students design information solutions to increase corporate effectiveness. Students in this doctorate degree will learn about modern technologies, how they affect businesses, and the problems that must be solved in a global and domestic economy focused on technology.
The greatest strength of Walden is its diverse staff and students from all over the world.
Walden University is great for students who:
Are non-traditional learners.
Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to attend a typical institution with traditional college courses.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
25%
Student body
5K
Franklin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Franklin University helps adult learners study, prepare, and accomplish their goals. Additionally, Franklin is one of the biggest universities to maintain 135 community and technical college partnerships. Franklin continues to provide academic excellence, affordability, and accessibility.
The Doctor of Business Administration at Franklin University provides an information technology focus designed for business professionals who want to enhance their IT skills.
This concentration equips students with in-depth knowledge of how to efficiently assess systems, evaluate processes, create novel systems, maximize databases, and test and debug systems to help businesses run effectively through the flow of information.
The program only costs $748 per credit hour.
The faculty that is made up of incredibly different but equally exceptional individuals enriching students’ educational experience.
Franklin University is great for students who:
Enjoy life outside of school and work while pursuing their degrees.
Franklin University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to live on campus.
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
1K
City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The City University of Seattle is a small private university, and one of the smallest of its kind in the United States. Nevertheless, it consistently ranks as one of the top educators for adult learners. CityU provides various online and on-campus classes that broaden students’ global understanding of their fields. Online courses are delivered in a virtual classroom, where students can log in to see videos, assignments, and discussion topics.
The online Doctor of Information Technology at the City University of Seattle focuses on developing advanced KSAs in information technology at only $765 per credit hour. Students in the program can choose one of the three concentrations: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. Graduates will have developed their skills in general computing knowledge, IT & computing principles and practice, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative literacy, communication, and collaboration.
The individualized attention. Due to its small class sizes, students can expect to receive one-on-one attention from their advisors.
The City University of Seattle is great for students who:
Want to have a personalized curriculum and receive individualized attention.
The City University of Seattle might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to have a wide range of degree program options.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
48%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/21
University of the Cumberlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Cumberlands is a renowned regional college that provides undergraduate degrees in more than 40 major subject areas and a number of pre-professional, graduate, and doctorate programs. UC is one of Kentucky’s most prominent and reasonably priced private institutions. Through cutting-edge programs, practical experience, learning, and research, Cumberlands is committed to preparing students for the future.
The University of the Cumberlands provides one of the most affordable online doctorate programs. The online PhD in Information Technology at UC focuses on topics in business risk management, data science, big data analytics, information governance, and the role of information technology in a global economy. The program also has a professional research component consisting of an advanced research techniques course, a dissertation, and inferential statistics.
The program costs $500 per credit hour.
High caliber of education with a surprisingly low and affordable cost.
The University of the Cumberlands is ideal for students who:
Value having a tight-knit community and want to know everyone on campus.
The University of the Cumberlands might not be the best fit for students who:
Thrive in a diverse environment.
Tuition + fees
$4K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
22%
Student body
7K
Middle Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Middle Georgia State University is the most affordable public state institution in Georgia. MGA offers five campuses in urban and medium-to-small-sized cities in middle Georgia and infinite reach through MGA Direct, the university’s online school. The university aims to cultivate inspired, lifelong learners who will contribute to the region through their study and professions through professional leadership, ground-breaking collaborations, and involvement in the community.
The online Doctor Of Science In Information Technology (DScIT) General Information at MGA only costs $255 per credit hour, making it the cheapest doctorate in IT on the list.
This doctoral degree program prepares students to become professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs by offering various research areas in information systems, computer science, and information technology. Students will look into database systems, cybersecurity, operating systems, computer networks, data structures and algorithms, project management, software engineering, and human-computer interaction.
The affordable tuition and fees and financial aid opportunities. Thanks to financial aid, students can get support for any financial issues.
Middle Georgia State University is great for students who:
Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Middle Georgia State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Constantly needs one-on-one attention from their instructors.
University of the Potomac’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of the Potomac is well known for its excellent accessibility and affordability of education as a non-profit university. Potomac is committed to providing all students with highly effective educational opportunities, offering specialized career-focused courses and programs to help students achieve highly desirable professional outcomes.
One of its famous online degrees is the Doctor of Computer Science, perfect for IT professionals who want to plunge into an advanced study and research of computer science. Students who pursue this degree will have an improved capacity for problem-solving, analysis, and research. Graduates of this doctorate degree will have the necessary knowledge to design and create computer software systems and products using theoretical concepts and strong software development abilities.
The financial aid opportunities. Potomac provides scholarships and student loans that are both subsidized and unsubsidized.
The University of the Potomac is great for students who:
Enjoy a very small campus community.
The University of the Potomac might not be the best fit for students who:
Want diversity in the classroom.
Florida Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Florida Technical College was initially established in 1982 as an institution focused on training students for specialized business sectors. Current programs at FTC are engaging and dynamic and have changed over time to fit the demands of both students and the labor market. Today, FTC offers various online and hybrid learning options to cater to adult learners.
One of its hybrid learning offerings is the PhD in Computer Science designed for students who have the highest potential for advancing the boundaries of knowledge and disseminating computer science. The program demands a great depth of expertise in computer science basics, the ability to grasp a number of specialized topics, and the initiative to significantly advance existing knowledge on a given topic through original research.
The flexible and innovative curriculum. Students can often enroll in one course per month to promote better learning.
Florida Technical College is great for students who:
Are passionate and dedicated to earning a degree.
Florida Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to party. Florida Tech is not a party school.
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Westcliff University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Westcliff University offers several programs that lead to certification, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees designed to equip students for quick entry and career progression in their respective sectors. The programs of Westcliff University prepare students for the practical and theoretical components needed in various fields, unlike some colleges that solely teach academic principles.
One of its top online offerings is the affordable $760 per credit hour online Doctor of Business Administration, focusing on Information Technology Management (STEM).
This DBA focus is geared toward doctoral students who want to apply for executive positions in business-related technology divisions and units and direct functional information technology systems. This concentration investigates ITM and sophisticated issues like data analytics in project management.
We love that instructors at Westcliff take very seriously the trust that students invest in them to help them acquire the abilities necessary for success.
Westcliff University is great for students who:
Want to learn from a diverse point of view.
Westcliff University might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not enjoy small communities.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/22
Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Dakota State University was established as a school for teacher preparation. Today, DSU is one of the Midwest’s most technologically sophisticated universities, offering various programs from certifications to doctoral degrees.
The online PhD in Information Systems offered by Dakota State University is among the most affordable information technology PhD programs. This terminal degree, which emphasizes the application of information systems and information technology, was designed to help those pursuing careers in academia, research, and executive positions in IS or IT industries.
The tight-knit community and accessible campus.
Dakota State University is great for students who
Focus their studies on technology-related degrees.
Dakota State University might not be the best fit for students who
Are not computer-savvy.