Finding a master’s degree in Information Technology that is both affordable and fully online can be a challenge. Many traditional programs are expensive, and not everyone has the time or flexibility to attend classes in person. This makes it important to know which programs give real value without breaking the bank.
Online IT master’s programs are especially useful today because the demand for skilled professionals is growing fast. Companies need experts in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis, and software development. At the same time, tuition costs for traditional programs can run into tens of thousands of dollars, which is not realistic for many students.
In this article, you will see the five cheapest online master’s programs in IT that still offer quality education and career-relevant skills. For each program, we break down the cost, highlight what you will learn, and show how it can help you land a well-paying job in the tech field.
Below is a list of the most affordable online IT master’s programs and what you should know about each one.
Top 5 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Information Technology
These are the 5 cheapest online master’s programs in Information Technology.
1. University of the People (UoPeople) — MS in Information Technology — ~ US $5,460 total
The MS in Information Technology (MSIT) program at University of the People is 100% online and built so that you can study without having to attend live lectures. You take 12 courses (totalling 36 credits) — each course is about 9 weeks long. The program mixes IT and business courses, so by the time you finish, you’ll know how to analyze business problems and propose computer‑based solutions, design IT systems, and apply industry‑standard practices.
To get admitted, you need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, English proficiency, and some prior knowledge of at least one programming language plus basic math (calculus, statistics, or linear algebra). Because UoPeople doesn’t charge standard tuition or books, the only fees you pay are a one-time application fee and a per-course “assessment fee.” With that structure, the full degree adds up to about US $5,460.
The program aims to give you skills that apply broadly, from system design to IT‑project planning, from evaluating user needs to implementing computing solutions, so it suits people who want a general IT master’s that can fit many kinds of jobs.
2. West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) — MS in Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics (Online) — ~ US $500 per credit hour
West Texas A&M offers an online master’s called Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics (MSCISBA), which combines computing skills with business and analytics knowledge. The program is 33 credit hours and is open to students from any bachelor’s background.
According to their website, the cost per credit hour is roughly US $500, which makes it relatively affordable compared to many traditional master’s programs. Because it’s online and designed to cover computing, data analysis, business analytics, and strategic IT decision‑making, this program can help if you want a master’s that balances technical IT skills with business‑oriented roles.
3. Western Governors University (WGU) — Online IT‑Management / Cybersecurity & IT‑related Master’s — ~ US $4,700 per 6‑month term
WGU offers online master’s degree tracks for IT management, cybersecurity/IT assurance, software engineering, data analytics, and related IT fields. Their tuition model is “flat rate per 6-month term,” which means if you finish more quickly, you pay less overall.
For example, their “Information Technology Management – M.S.” program is billed at about US $4,080 per 6-month period. The program offers flexibility, and many graduates complete it in under two years. WGU also bundles certain IT certifications (like cybersecurity certs or IT‑management credentials) along with the degree, which can boost your job readiness after graduation.
4. University of the Cumberlands — Online MS in Information Technology — ~ US $549 per credit hour
The online Master of Science in Information Technology at the University of the Cumberlands is fully online and designed to build on what you learned in a related bachelor’s degree. The program covers computer science, data intelligence, analytics, information security, cloud computing, business intelligence, and data mining skills.
You learn both technical and leadership aspects; how to manage IT systems, how to secure networks and data, how to use cloud services, and how to apply analytics to business problems. The degree requires about 31 credit hours. The goal is to give you skills that many kinds of employers need, from companies managing data to firms needing secure networks, to organizations requiring IT leadership.
Because this is an online program and you pay per credit hour, the cost per credit is US $549. Many find it useful if you want a respected IT master’s without unnecessary extras.
5. Purdue Global — Online MS in Information Technology — ~ US $420 per credit hour
Purdue Global’s online Master of Science in Information Technology is a 100% online program with flexibility to fit around work or other commitments. The program includes a total of 60 credits, typically completed in about two years. You’ll study core areas like system analysis and design, database design and data modeling, project management, IT in business environments, network and system security, legal and ethical issues in IT, and more.
On top of that, you can choose from different concentrations depending on your career interest, for example, cloud technologies (AWS), cybersecurity, data analytics, enterprise architecture, secure software development, project management, or infrastructure security. Because tuition is charged per credit hour, about US $420 each, the total cost is lower than many traditional IT master’s programs.
Purdue Global also includes learning labs that simulate real-world situations, so you get a mixture of theory and practical, job‑ready skills. It’s a straight path for someone who wants an affordable, flexible online IT master’s that gives options for specialisation depending on where you want your career to go.
Job Growth in IT Fields
Studying an online master’s in Information Technology puts you in a field that is growing faster than most others. In the United States alone, jobs in computer and IT-related roles are expected to increase significantly over the next decade. On average, there are around 317,700 openings per year in IT jobs, which is far higher than the average across all industries.
Some of the fastest-growing roles include Data Scientists, with growth projected at about 34%, Information Security Analysts, expected to grow by 29%, and Software Developers, with roughly 15% growth over the next ten years. This shows that companies across sectors, not just tech, need skilled IT professionals to manage data, secure networks, and develop software.
If you are completing a master’s in IT, this means better chances of landing a stable, well-paying job. The demand is not limited to one region; globally, businesses are expanding their IT operations, increasing the need for experts in cloud computing, cybersecurity, analytics, and network management.
Average Salaries for IT Master’s Graduates
Completing a master’s in Information Technology can have a real impact on your earnings. On average, IT professionals with a master’s degree earn significantly more than those with only a bachelor’s degree or workers in many other fields. The median annual wage for computer and IT occupations in the U.S. is around US $105,990, which is well above the national median for all occupations.
Specific roles reflect even higher pay. For example:-
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Data Scientists — median salary roughly US $102,900 per year.
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Information Security Analysts — median salary around US $102,600 per year.
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Software Developers — median salary about US $110,140 per year.
These figures show that an IT master’s is a direct path to higher-paying jobs, career stability, and opportunities to move into specialised or leadership positions. The earning potential grows even more if you combine the master’s degree with certifications or experience in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are online IT master’s programs respected by employers?
Yes. Many employers value online IT master’s programs from accredited schools, especially when the degree comes with practical skills or certifications. The key is to ensure the program is recognised and provides relevant, hands-on knowledge.
2. Can I get a high-paying job after completing an online IT master’s?
Absolutely. Graduates often enter high-demand roles such as Data Scientist, Software Developer, IT Manager, or Information Security Analyst. Median salaries for these positions typically range from US $102,000 to over US $110,000, which is higher than the average wage in most other industries.
3. How fast can I finish an online IT master’s program?
Many online programs are flexible. Some students finish in under two years, especially if the school uses a per-term or accelerated credit system. Programs that allow self-paced learning can help you save time and tuition costs if you move quickly.
4. Are these programs useful globally or only in the U.S.?
The skills you learn, like cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and software development, are in demand worldwide. Businesses across the globe are investing in IT infrastructure, so an online IT master’s can open doors internationally, not just in the U.S.