Information technology (IT) is the backbone of the modern digital ecosystem. As we venture further into an era defined by breakthroughs in data analytics, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure, the role of advanced research and innovation in IT has only become more important (and more interesting).
With the technological landscape evolving at an unprecedented pace, there’s a growing demand for experts who can push the boundaries of what’s possible in IT.
This is the niche that PhD programs in information technology aim to fill. Tailored for those who aspire to lead in innovation, contribute to groundbreaking research, or teach the next generation of IT professionals, these programs offer a deep dive into both theoretical and applied aspects of IT.
Affordable Pathways to IT Research
When discussing the pursuit of a PhD in IT, it’s impossible to ignore the elephant in the room: the cost and commitment of such an advanced degree. Despite the promising career trajectory and the critical need for IT research specialists, the financial and time investment required for a PhD program is significant.
Acknowledging this concern, the TechGuide research team recently compiled a list of PhD programs in IT that are recognized not just for their academic and research excellence, but also for their value and accessibility.
Whether you’re seeking a campus-based experience or the flexibility of online study, our guide is designed to streamline your decision-making process, helping you find a program that aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.
The following results are based on our analysis of 45 programs:
- Lowest Cost: Texas Tech University at $29,700.
- Average: The average cost for an associate degree is $81,071.
- Most Expensive: The University of Pittsburgh costs $191,616.
Most Affordable Phd in Information Technology Programs for 2025
Middle Georgia State University
Macon, Georgia
Program: Doctor of Science in Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $29,700
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $204 in-state | $550 out-of-state
Credits: 54
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsTexas Tech University
Lubbock, TexasProgram: PhD in Business Administration Specialization in Management Information Systems
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $31,140
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $519
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsLiberty University
Lynchburg, VirginiaProgram: DBA in Information Systems
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $35,700
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $595
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, ConnecticutProgram: PhD in Technology Management
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $36,225
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $805
Credits: 45
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsDakota State University
Madison, South DakotaProgram: PhD in Information Systems
ABET accreditation: No
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $41,832
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $471 in-state | $581 out-of-state
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Utah
Salt Lake City, UtahProgram: PhD in Biomedical Informatics
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $43,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $311 in-state | $1,095 out-of-state
Credits: 40
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KentuckyProgram: Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology
ABET accreditation: No
Delivery method: Hybrid & online
Total tuition: $44,940
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $749 Hybrid | $549 Online
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MissouriProgram: PhD in Technology Management
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $48,378
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $367 in-state | $733 out-of-state (Campus) | $425 (Online)
Credits: 66
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MichiganProgram: Ph.D. in Information
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $48,654
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $954
Credits: 51
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of California - Berkeley
San Francisco, CaliforniaProgram: Information Science: PhD
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $49,984
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $290 in-state | $568 out-of-state
Credits: 88
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TexasProgram: Ph.D. in Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $51,744
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550 in-state | $1,568 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsWalden University
Minneapolis, MinnesotaProgram: Online Doctor of Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $51,975
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $675
Credits: 77
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NevadaProgram: Ph.D. in Education: Information Technology in Education
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $52,056
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $344 in-state | $723 out-of-state
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsOklahoma State University
Stillwater, OklahomaProgram: Management Science and Information Systems - PhD program
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $52,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $234 in-state | $880 out-of-state
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsTowson University
Towson, MarylandProgram: Doctor of Science in Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $53,340
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $702 in-state | $1,270 out-of-state
Credits: 42
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MarylandProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Human-Centered Computing
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $55,665
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720 in-state | $1,237 out-of-state
Credits: 45
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsCapitol Technology University
Laurel, MarylandProgram: PhD in Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $57,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $950
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsSullivan University
Louisville, KentuckyProgram: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Management with a concentration in Information Technology
ABET accreditation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $57,720
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $780
Credits: 74
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OhioProgram: Ph.D. Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $59,580
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $662
Credits: 90
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsNational University
Flagstaff, ArizonaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Technology Management
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $60,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,000
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
Houston, TexasProgram: Ph.D. in Health Informatics
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $62,181
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720 in-state | $987 out-of-state
Credits: 63
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Ph.D. in Information Systems
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $64,614
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $979
Credits: 66
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Illinois – Chicago
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: PhD in Management Information Systems
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $70,720
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $530 in-state | $1,105 out-of-state
Credits: 64
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsCity University of Seattle
Seattle, WashingtonProgram: Doctor of Information Technology
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $71,550
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $795
Credits: 90
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsCapella University
Minneapolis, MinnesotaProgram: PhD in Information Technology Management
ABET accreditation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $73,875
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $985
Credits: 75
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details