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Computer and Information Technology Administration and Management programs reveal striking cost variations, with St. Petersburg College offering a net cost of negative $52 while some private institutions reach $8,783 annually. Florida dominates the most affordable options, claiming five of the top ten spots with strong graduation rates like Gulf Coast State College's 44.8 percent completion rate. The field connects directly to America's growing tech infrastructure needs, where systems administrators and IT managers earn median salaries around $88,000 nationally according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Graduates from these budget-friendly programs report earnings between $33,993 and $43,128, with Florida State College at Jacksonville alumni averaging $42,682 annually. Public colleges consistently deliver the lowest net costs, with in-state tuition ranging from $2,340 at Colegio Universitario de San Juan to $9,859 at UT Rio Grande Valley. These programs prepare students for roles managing enterprise systems, database administration, and network security across industries from healthcare to finance. The 20 most affordable programs span coast to coast, offering practical training in systems management, cybersecurity protocols, and database design at prices that make technology careers accessible without crushing debt loads.
50
Programs
$-52 – $11,130
Net Price Range
$44,701
Avg. Program Earnings
43.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $200 $2,340 30.1% 98.5%
3 $2,254 $2,348 42.0%
4 $2,339 $2,370 44.8%
5 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
6 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
7 $4,181 $7,314 53.9%
8 $5,051 $6,723 55.0%
9 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
10 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
11 $6,329 $4,865 31.4%
12 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
13 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
14 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
15 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
16 $8,302 $6,194 27.7%
17 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
18 $8,388 $7,220 18.2%
19 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
20 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
21 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
22 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
23 $8,986 $1,864 21.8%
24 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
25 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
26 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
27 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
28 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
29 $9,356 $4,707 37.4%
30 $9,608 $5,146 36.4%
31 $9,826 $4,632 35.7%
32 $9,832 $3,050 41.2%
33 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
34 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
35 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
36 $10,402 $5,163 33.8%
37 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
38 $10,569 $7,272 9.8%
39 $10,679 $7,272 26.8%
40 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
41 $10,725 $5,195 48.0%
42 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
43 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
44 $10,865 $9,045 39.8% 99.2%
45 $10,878 $4,623 38.6%
46 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
47 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
48 $10,964 $7,272 25.9%
49 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
50 $11,130 68.3% 52.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains St. Petersburg College's negative net cost for IT administration programs?

St. Petersburg College's negative $52 net cost results from generous federal and state aid packages that exceed the actual cost of attendance. Students receive an average of $2,734 more in grants and scholarships than they pay for tuition and fees. This creates a surplus that helps cover living expenses and textbooks. The college's 37.5 percent graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies.

How do earnings compare between the most affordable IT administration programs?

Graduates from St. Petersburg College earn the highest average salary at $43,128 annually, while maintaining the lowest net cost. Florida State College at Jacksonville follows closely with $42,682 in average earnings and a net cost of just $2,760. CUNY John Jay College graduates average $36,141 despite the program's higher $3,046 net cost. These salary ranges reflect entry-level positions in systems administration and IT support roles.

Is debt load manageable for students in these affordable IT programs?

Student debt remains relatively low across these affordable programs, with CUNY John Jay College reporting the smallest average debt at $13,625. Florida State College graduates carry $26,061 in debt, while St. Petersburg College students average $26,285. NUC University shows similar debt levels at $25,832 despite being a private for-profit institution. These amounts stay well below the national average for bachelor's degree holders.

Does program type affect graduation rates in IT administration studies?

Private institutions in this affordable range show stronger graduation rates, with NUC University achieving 56.2 percent and Columbia Central University reaching 53.9 percent completion rates. Public colleges vary widely, from Seattle Central College's 31.4 percent to University of West Florida's impressive 61.8 percent rate. Renton Technical College matches private school performance with a 55 percent graduation rate. These differences often reflect student support services and class scheduling flexibility.

Where do the most affordable IT administration programs cluster geographically?

Florida claims the largest concentration of affordable programs, with five institutions including St. Petersburg College, Pensacola State, and Gulf Coast State College. Puerto Rico contributes two programs with extremely low costs under $5,000 annually. The remaining affordable options scatter across Washington, New York, Texas, and Nevada. This geographic spread ensures students nationwide can access budget-friendly IT training without relocating to expensive metropolitan areas.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.