The US tech industry is experiencing rapid growth. In fact, tech spending is projected to reach $2.7 trillion, a 6% growth, in 2025. With its rapid growth comes the increased demand for skilled professionals. Like any industry, people are the tech industry’s most valuable resources.

“People” usually refers to computer and information technology workers. Proof of their high demand: Projected job growth is “much faster than average” (BLS, 2023-2033).

Additionally, these occupations have a high median annual wage of $105,990 (BLS, May 2024). The high starting salaries are part of the appeal of tech degrees.

But earning a tech degree isn’t cheap either. STEM degrees tend to be more expensive than non-STEM degrees. Specialized laboratory facilities, expert faculty, and software are behind the higher per-credit tuition.

With tuition inflation, many students also borrow money to fund their education. The total average student loan debt is $40,681 (EDI, 2025).

Fortunately, tech degrees offer the best value in education. Best value means a combination of low cost and strong salary potential. Low cost means finding affordable programs and maximizing financial aid options.

If you achieve it, you’ll enjoy among the highest ROIs in bachelor’s degrees – 1,752.59%. You’ll recoup your cost of attendance in five years of work.

So, start by exploring our list of affordable tech degrees that pay off. If you’re a budget-conscious student seeking high ROI degrees, it’s a smart decision.

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• Top Cheapest Online Masters in Information Technology Programs
• Computer Science & Information Technology Degrees: What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

What Makes a Tech Degree “High Value”?

These are the key indicators that make a tech degree “high value,” in our opinion.

Affordable tuition

The most affordable tech degrees are available at:

• Public universities, especially for in-state students 
• Online universities

High starting salaries and long-term income

Professionals with high-salary tech degrees typically recoup their costs within a shorter period. Then, over the long-term period, you’ll enjoy higher returns on investment. 

Strong job placement rates

Finding a well-paying, entry-level job within six months post-graduation is a common goal. Look for programs with robust career development and job placement services. Internship and co-op opportunities are also desirable.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is a must, as is programmatic accreditation, for technology degree programs. Look for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) seal.

Opportunities for certification and specialization

The best tech degree programs offer specialization and certification options. Undergraduates, for example, can earn the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Of course, return on investment (ROI) is a major consideration. In education, the ROI formula is:

ROI = Net Earnings Over Time − Total Cost of Education x 100 / Total Cost of Education

So, let’s assume:

Net earnings over time: $11 million

Total cost of education: $300,000

Your ROI is 3,567%. For every dollar spent on your tech degree, you’ll receive $35 in earnings over time.

We selected the high-value tech degrees based on these sources.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• IPEDS
• College Scorecard

Do your research, too, so you can expand your choices.

Top 8 Affordable Tech Degrees That Pay Off

Computer Science

This is among the best value technology degrees, offering broad applications. Such is its versatility that graduates can apply in every tech sector (e.g., AI and cybersecurity). Students develop a strong foundation in computing theories and best practices.

• Career Paths: Software developer, data engineer, and AI specialist
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $46,000 – $58,555
• Why It’s High Value:
  • High salary ceiling
  • Widely available at public universities
• Affordable Schools:
  • University of Florida
  • Georgia Tech Online

Related: Best Value Online Undergraduate Computer Science Programs

Information Technology (IT)

This is also among the low-cost tech degrees with high ROI, so it’s popular among students. An IT degree has versatile applications, too, thanks to its practical focus.

• Career Paths: IT manager, systems analyst, and network engineer
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $40,000 – $54,000
• Why It’s High Value: Strong demand across industries
• Affordable Schools:
  • Western Governors University
  • Southern New Hampshire University 

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity degree holders agree that it’s among the top paying technology degrees. Graduates have sought-after skills in industries where cybersecurity is a major concern. The finance and healthcare industries are foremost examples.

• Career Paths: Cybersecurity analyst and penetration tester
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $60,000 – $80,000
• Why It’s High Value: High salary and rapid job growth
• Affordable Schools:
  • Dakota State University
  • University of Maryland Global Campus

Related: Best Cheap Online Cyber Security Degree Programs

Data Science / Data Analytics

These are cheap tech degrees with strong job prospects that make them high value degrees. Students in data science and analytics learn to collect, analyze, and interpret datasets. Like all tech programs, hands-on learning experiences are integral to education.

• Career Paths: Data analyst and machine learning engineer
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $100,910
• Why It’s High Value: Increasing demand in nearly every industry
• Affordable Schools:
  • Bellevue University
  • Eastern Michigan University

Related: Top Online Data Science Programs

Software Engineering

This is among the highest paying tech majors, with the highest earners taking in more than $211,450/year. Students develop their skills in designing, developing, and maintaining software. Their training combines computer science and engineering.

• Career Paths: Software developer and application architect
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $74,500
• Why It’s High Value: Similar to computer science but with a more applied focus
• Affordable Schools:
  • Brigham Young University
  • Kennesaw State University

Related: Best ROI Degrees for Career Changers

Web Development

Many online programs offer web development degrees with tuition under $6,000 per year. Web development is, indeed, among the best-value, budget-friendly IT degrees. Students develop the skills to create and maintain websites and web applications.

• Career Paths: Web designer and front-end/back-end developer
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $80,000 – $90,000
• Why It’s High Value: Fast entry into tech, especially for career changers
• Affordable Schools:
  • Fort Hays State University
  • Franklin University

Related: Top Business Degrees for Non-Traditional Students

Computer Engineering

With average in-state tuition at $8,935/year in public colleges, it’s among the most affordable degrees. This rivals the most affordable computer science programs. Computer engineering blends the principles of computer science and electrical engineering.

• Career Paths: Embedded systems engineer and hardware engineer
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $76,000 – $90,000
• Why It’s High Value:
  • Strong demand and high salaries
  • Versatile skill set
• Affordable Schools:
  • Florida International University
  • North Carolina A&T

Related: Top Public Universities for Value in Engineering Education

Information Systems / MIS

IS/MIS is also among the tech degrees with a high return on investment, with starting salaries of $85,000 per year.

• Career Paths: Business analyst and IT project manager
• Median Annual Starting Salary: $85,000 – $86,000
• Why It’s High Value:
  • A great blend of business and tech
  • Strong salaries
• Affordable Schools:
  • University of Houston
  • CUNY Baruch

Online and Hybrid Tech Degree Options

If in-person programs aren’t suitable for you, consider online and hybrid options. Non-traditional students, such as working professionals and military personnel, enjoy their benefits.

• Flexible schedule through asynchronous classes
• Work-life balance, thanks to anytime, anywhere access
• Cost savings through lower tuition and indirect costs (e.g., transportation, books)

Check out the affordable tech degrees offered by these accredited online universities. 

• Western Governors University (IT and cybersecurity. About $3,625/6-month term. Competency-based learning)
• Arizona State University Online (Computer science and IT. About $560-660/credit. As few as two years)
• Oregon State University Ecampus (Post-baccalaureate computer science. $500/credit. As few as 12 months)

How to Maximize ROI on a Tech Degree

Yes, tech degrees have a high return on investment (ROI). But it’s your responsibility to achieve high ROI from whatever tech degree you’ve earned.

• Earn industry certifications as an undergraduate student. AWS, Cisco, and CompTIA offer them.
• Take part in internship and co-op programs. These offer hands-on learning experiences and networking opportunities.
• Enroll in a public university as an in-state student or in an online college.
• Apply for tech-focused scholarships. Check out Google, Microsoft, and NSA scholarships.
• Consider 2+2 pathways from community college to university.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Tech Students

Affordable tech degrees can be made even more affordable through financial aid. Filing your complete and accurate FAFSA on or before the deadline is a must. The FAFSA is the gateway to federal and state student aid.

Then, apply for other forms of financial aid, including general scholarships. Be sure to explore tech-specific scholarships, including:

• Google Generation Scholarship
• (ISC)² Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
• SMART Scholarship (DoD)

Use scholarship platforms to expand your search. Fastweb and ScholarshipUniverse are popular.

Ask about tuition discounts, too, for specific groups. Military and veteran students, as well as online students, usually have this privilege. WGU, SNHU, Liberty Online, Purdue Global, and UMGC are known for their tuition discounts.

Conclusion

Earning affordable tech degrees that lead to high-paying careers has its benefits. You’ll earn a college degree that pays off without getting neck deep in debt. Plus, online and hybrid programs are available if you’re looking for flexibility. 

Besides affordable tuition and fees, apply for as much financial aid as you can. Federal and state aid, scholarships, and grants make tech degrees more cost-effective.

However, don’t commit to any program without conducting thorough research. Take your time comparing costs, student support, career services, and outcomes. Focus on getting the best value for your money. Make a smart decision by considering your options.