The field of Information Technology is a big business, and it’s only getting bigger. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in IT occupations is expected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031 much faster than average. In fact, IT professionals are in such high demand that they’re earning some of the highest salaries in the country.
It’s no wonder that many working professionals are seeking ways to earn a degree in IT to give them a competitive edge in the job market. The good news is that many colleges and universities offer affordable online degrees in Information Technology with an option for students to transfer credit from previous work experience.
Also, we have compiled a list of 26 cheapest online degrees in IT.
How Work Experience Can Be Converted Into College Credit
First, it’s important to understand how work experience can be converted into college credit. Colleges often allow students to earn academic credit through a process called a prior learning assessment (PLA). This assessment evaluates learning and training that has occurred outside of a traditional classroom setting and determines how it aligns with college course content.
Students can acquire college-level knowledge through a variety of sources, such as full- or part-time employment, non-credit courses, volunteer work, military service, membership in organizations, hobbies and recreational activities, and travel study. The PLA program allows students to potentially earn credit for these types of experiences.
Benefits of prior learning assessment (PLA)
There are several reasons why students may choose to turn their work experience into college credit:
- A faster path to an IT degree without having to take general education courses
- Less expensive tuition and fees (since you will be earning college credit for your existing knowledge)
- Less time spent in college (because you’ll be taking fewer courses)
- More career-relevant education, since your classes will be built around your existing knowledge and experience
Now, let’s take a look at some of the cheapest online IT degree programs from schools that offer credit for work experience:
Online IT Degrees With Credit For Work Experience
#1. Middle Georgia State University
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $131 per Credit Hour
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 86% students receiving aid
The BSIT program at the Middle Georgia State University offers students a solid foundation in core information technologies, and allows them to further specialize in focus areas such as Cybersecurity, digital forensics, and software engineering. Currently, students in the BSIT program have the opportunity to utilize Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) options for undergraduate Information Technology courses.
#2. Granite State College
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition:$314 per credit hour
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available, with 66% students receiving aid
Granite State College’s BSIT program emphasizes the practical application of information technology in business settings, and helps students learn how to use technology to improve organizational operations. In addition to traditional college coursework, students at Granite State College can also transfer credit towards their undergraduate degree for college-level knowledge acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting. This can include a variety of learning experiences, such as previous college coursework, work, training, and more.
#3. Colorado Technical University
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $340 per credit hour
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 85% students receiving aid
Colorado Technical University’s IT program consists of foundational courses designed to help students build a strong foundation in IT, as well as specialized tracks that allow students to tailor their education to their interests. In addition to traditional coursework, CTU also offers several programs that provide opportunities for students to earn college credit for their life experiences and prior learning through the Experiential Learning Portfolios (ELPs).
#4. Colorado State University Global
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $350 Per credit hour
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 84% students receiving aid
The online information technology degree offered by CSU Global is intended to prepare students for contemporary IT positions. In order to qualify for the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program at CSU, candidates must possess four years of relevant work experience and have successfully completed three designated courses through CSU Global. Upon meeting these requirements, they will become eligible to receive PLA credits.
#5. University of Phoenix
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $398 per credit hour
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 86% students receiving aid
The BSIT program at the University of Phoenix provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply information technology theory and principles to solve real-world problems. You may be able to earn college credit for your real-world experiences, such as certifications, licenses, training, or life skills you have acquired over the years. These experiences can be valuable in helping you advance your degree and achieve your academic and professional goals.
#6. Thomas Edison State University
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $411 per credit (residents); $535 per credit (non-residents)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available, with 17% students receiving aid
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Information Technology at Thomas Edison State University is tailored for professionals working in the IT industry. The program is designed to recognize and award college credit for the knowledge and skills students have gained through training, work, and other learning experiences. This can help students save time and money on their degree, and apply their real-world expertise towards their academic goals.
#7. Fisher College
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $412 per credit hour
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available, with 93% students receiving aid
Fisher College’s BSIT program is dedicated to providing a high-quality education through a well-designed computer science core curriculum and specialized concentrations. Students may be able to earn college credit through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program by demonstrating their learning and experiences from various sources, such as full- or part-time employment, non-credit courses, volunteer work and more.
#8. Sullivan University
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $420.00 Per Credit Hour
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% students receiving aid
The B.S.I.T. degree at Sullivan University is designed to prepare students for a career in information technology by providing them with the communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and technical competencies needed to succeed in the modern workplace. To recognize and award credit for prior learning, the university accepts a range of direct examination options, including the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) and DSST® examinations sponsored through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.
#9. University of Arizona Global Campus
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $510 per credit hour
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% students receiving aid
The online IT program at UAGC focuses on helping students develop expertise in several key areas, including information assurance and security, project management, data management, networking technologies. If you have previously received corporate training, continuing education units, previous college credits, or other types of non-traditional learning, these experiences may be evaluated for potential college credit through the UAGC Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.
#10. Excelsior University
Program: BS Information Technology
Tuition: $510 per credit hour
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available
The online information technology program at Excelsior University is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and is designed to help students develop expertise in a range of subjects, including software and development, computer systems, database management, and more. In addition to traditional coursework, the university also recognizes and rewards credit for learning that students have acquired through non-traditional sources, such as non-accredited educational programs, workplace training, professional development activities, certifications, examinations, and portfolio assessment.
In conclusion, earning a degree in IT doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing a university that offers credit for work experience, you can save time and money on your degree, and apply your real-world knowledge and skills toward your academic goals. Do your research and find a program that fits your needs and budget, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career in IT in no time!
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