Information systems is a discipline that focuses on the gathering, storing, processing, and analyzing of data. Professionals in this field help organizations improve their business processes through data-driven decisions. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, demand for these professionals is growing. The best schools for information systems help prepare graduates for a successful career in this exciting field.
The best information systems schools offer online and in-person programs with a flexible schedule that will fit your preferences. They also offer a variety of top-ranked programs in information systems, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs. Read on to learn about the best information systems colleges and universities, as well as the job opportunities that are waiting for you after you graduate.
Best Information Systems College and University Rankings: Top 10 Information Systems Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | Online, In-person | 177 |
| Boston University | MA | Online, In-person | 42 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| Cornell University | NY | Online, In-person | 17 |
| Florida State University | FL | Online, In-person | 55 |
| Hallmark University | TX | Online, In-person | 21 (Niche’s Best Colleges for Information Technology in America) |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | IN | Online, In-person | 68 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | Online, In-person | 9 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | NH | Online, In-person | 131-171 |
| University of California-Berkeley | CA | Online, In-person | 22 |
Information Systems School Rankings: Best Information Systems Colleges and Universities
We’ve included key details for each of the best schools for information systems listed in the table above, including the programs they offer and their accreditation, tuition, and graduation rates. This will help you evaluate each school and choose the best one for you.
The Best Schools for Information Systems: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for information systems offer programs in different degree and certificate types. In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs, students can look for programs offering different types of certificates that can open up career opportunities.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Information Systems Schools: Other Information Systems University Rankings
Here are our information systems school rankings based on the specific program types they offer, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, online programs, dual degrees, and accelerated programs. This can help you select the best information systems school for your situation.
Best Online Information Systems Schools
- Northwestern University. Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, Illinois. It offers an online undergraduate degree in information systems consisting of 45 credit units.
- Temple University. Temple University is a public university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many of the school’s online programs have been ranked by US News among the best online programs in America.
- University of Arkansas-Grantham. The University of Arkansas-Grantham is a public online university in Little Rock, Arkansas. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in information systems.
Best Community Colleges for Information Systems
- Austin Community College District. This public community college school system is based in Austin, Texas, with more than 70,000 students. It has 11 campuses and offers more than 100 programs of study, including in information systems.
- Metropolitan Community College. This is a public community college in Omaha, Nebraska, that offers an associate degree and certificate program for information systems.
- Northern Virginia Community College. This community college is a public school in Northern Virginia. It is one of the best community colleges offering an Associate Degree in Information Systems Technology.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Information Systems
- Brigham Young University. Brigham Young University is a private university in Provo, Utah, with more than 30,000 students. This school offers a 64-credit-hour Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems that teaches you how to make technical decisions in solving business problems.
- Cornell University. This is a private land-grant university in Ithaca, New York that offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science, Systems, and Technology. Students study information systems engineering, computer science, and economics.
- University of Pennsylvania. The University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that offers several information systems programs. Benjamin Franklin founded this school in 1740 as the College of Philadelphia.
Best Graduate Schools for Information Systems
- Indiana University-Bloomington. This school is a public university in Bloomington, Indiana, with over 43,000 students. It is one of the best schools for information systems, offering a graduate degree in information systems and several business graduate degrees with a concentration in information systems.
- Carnegie Mellon University. This is a private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that offers several master’s degrees and PhDs in information systems through Heinz College.
- University of California-Berkeley. This school is a public university in Berkeley, California, that offers several degrees in information systems, such as the Master of Information Management and Systems and the PhD in Information Management and Systems.
Best Information Systems Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Hofstra University | MBA/MS in Information Systems. Hofstra University is a private school in New York that offers a dual degree in information systems consisting of at least 149 semester hours. This dual degree program can be completed within five years.
- University of Michigan-Dearborn | MBA/MS in Information Systems. The University of Michigan is a public school based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It offers a dual degree via its Dearborn campus in information systems that requires students to complete 57 to 66 credit hours.
- The University of Missouri-St. Louis | BS/MS in Information Systems and Technology. The University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public school in St. Louis, Missouri. It offers a 135-credit-hour dual degree program in information systems that allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years.
Best Schools With Accelerated Information Systems Programs
- Florida International University | MS in Information Systems Accelerated Program. Florida International University’s accelerated program allows students to earn a Master’s Degree in Information Systems within 12 months. This program is offered in a hybrid format.
- Indiana University | Accelerated MS in Information Systems. The Department of Informatics at Indiana University offers an accelerated Master’s Degree in Information Systems that allows students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Informatics to earn the graduate degree in two semesters.
- The University of Arizona | Management Information Systems Accelerated Master’s Program. The University of Arizona offers this accelerated program that enables students to earn their undergraduate degree and a master’s degree within five years.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Information Systems Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for information systems, because this career path offers some of the most in-demand and high-paying jobs. With a degree in information systems, you can work for companies in just about any industry. Information plays a vital role in the business processes of any organization, and the demand for experts with an intensive knowledge of this field continues to increase.
The best schools for information systems will equip you with the technical and business knowledge needed to qualify for these jobs. Employers scrupulously select the best applicants, and your education will provide a great advantage for you.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Information Systems Degree?
The jobs you can do with an information systems degree are database and network administrator, analyst, developer, and programmer. The best information systems schools provide career services, such as career coaching and interview training, to prepare students to win their desired jobs. Some of these schools also provide access to internships that can boost your job qualifications.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Information Systems?
With a degree in information systems, you can earn from $60,000 to $150,000 a year, according to PayScale. This includes an average salary of $61,000 with an Associate Degree in Information Systems. With a bachelor’s degree, you can earn an average salary of $78,000. If you have a master’s degree, you can earn about $87,000 annually, while a PhD in Information Systems allows you to earn an average salary of $141,000.
Highest-Paying Information Systems Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $121,138 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $98,860 |
| Information Systems Manager | Master’s degree | $85,369 |
| Network Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | $80,600 |
| Computer Programmer | Associate degree | $65,726 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Associate degree | $45,996 |
Best Jobs With an Information Systems Degree
The best jobs with an information systems degree include computer specialist, senior software engineer, information research scientist, and chief information officer. These jobs vary regarding the degree required. Here are the lists of the best job opportunities according to the degree.
How Can I Pay for Information Systems School?
You can pay for information systems school by applying for scholarships and grants and for private or federal loans, such as via FAFSA. Be mindful of the application requirements, including the application deadline, before you start the application process.
- FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be submitted in order to qualify for any financial aid from the federal government. Schools also use your FAFSA information to determine if you are eligible for other financial aid.
- Scholarships. There are several information systems scholarships available to help you pay for your tuition. Some of these include the GEICO IT Scholarship, the CompTIA Rising Star Scholarship, and Google’s Student Veterans of America Scholarship. If you want to pursue a master’s degree in this field, check out these top scholarships for an information systems master’s degree.
- Grants. Grants are financial aid that doesn’t require repayment. They are available through the government, schools, and private institutions. Those who demonstrate a financial need will most likely receive this form of financial aid.
- Loans. Loans are money borrowed from the federal government or a private organization that must be paid back. These loans will require you to repay the amount you borrowed as well as the accrued interest.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Information Systems School for You
To choose the best information systems school for you, consider first what career paths you plan to pursue, your schedule and available time, your education budget, and the eligibility requirements for each program. In this section, we will discuss how key factors can help you choose the most suitable school and program for your preferences.
Accreditation
It almost goes without saying that the best schools for information systems degrees and programs are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. Accreditation ensures that the education you are getting meets the expected standard, and that future employers and schools will recognize it as such. The university itself should be accredited, and individual programs can be accredited too.
Cost
Avoiding student debt is critical for some, and every student needs to consider the complete cost of attending a particular school before beginning their education. In addition to tuition, make sure you know all of the university and program fees, as well as any costs you will be expected to pay for health insurance and other student programs.
Career Goals
Before you choose from the best schools for information systems, consider your career goals. If you want to apply for a job immediately after completing your education, you may prefer a school with a good associate degree program.
If you have work experience and want to enhance your skills, consider a certificate program to quickly learn the latest information systems skills and tools. If you already have a degree and want to level up your career to a leadership or managerial role, consider a school with a strong master’s or PhD program.
Flexibility/Format
The best information systems schools offer a flexible schedule for working professionals. Some of these programs can be full-time or part-time. There are also schools that offer fast-track options, or options for slowing down your degree program. There are options for online, in-person, or hybrid programs as well.
Barriers to Admission
There are different requirements that you will need to meet to be considered for each program. These come in the form of a minimum GPA, minimum standardized test scores, prerequisite courses, personal essays, and recommendation letters. With this in mind, make sure you know and can meet all of the requirements before beginning the sometimes-lengthy application process.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Information Systems?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for information systems programs because the education provided by the school is vital to the learning outcome of students. You should know the course content and the quality of teaching for each school, their employment outcome, and their accreditation.
You can do a campus visit to select from the best schools for information systems, and you can read testimonials and learn from the experiences of previous and current students to help you assess the schools.
Information Systems University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Information Systems
We ranked the best information systems schools by consulting the university rankings by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our information systems university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like school reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of information systems degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Information Systems
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Best Information Systems Schools FAQ
The essential skills you can learn from the best schools for information systems include computer programming, cloud computing, information security, network security, data analytics, and business analysis. These schools can also help you enhance your soft skills, such as your analytical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, management skills, and presentation skills.
The companies that hire information systems graduates include Microsoft, Tesla, Google, Meta, IBM, Accenture, Dell Technologies, AT&T, DXC Technology, and more. These companies pay a high salary to information systems graduates and offer a generous benefits package that typically includes health insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
To apply for the best information systems schools, visit the schools’ websites and review the available programs and their requirements. Carefully read the details of the admissions process to make sure you meet the requirements. Fill out the application form online, submit the required documents, and pay the application fee. Wait for further instructions and notifications from the admissions team.
Yes, information systems is a good career. There are many excellent job opportunities in this field. Being part of the advancement of technology that enhances the business process for better customer service and products is a rewarding job. These careers also offer stability and job security because the demand for tech experts continues to increase.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
