Of course, earning an entire bachelor’s degree is often easier said than done. That’s why Computer Science Degree Hub went on the hunt for the least expensive network administration bachelor’s that students can complete entirely online!
Keep scrolling for the top 10 cheapest online network administration bachelor’s degrees. Note: The tuition prices indicated below come from each school’s own website. They assume that a student has already completed an Associate’s Degree or more, as oftentimes, only major coursework is available online.
#1. King University
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Network Management
Estimated Program Cost: $10,980
King University offers three tracks for its online BS in IT degree, one of which is an online network management track. The program is designed as a completion program and can be finished in as few as 16 months if the student transferring in only needs to complete the major coursework. It should be noted that because this program requires Microsoft Access, which is not currently compatible with the Apple operating system, students will have to use Windows in this program.
#2. Colorado State University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology w/ a concentration in Data Management and Analysis
Estimated Program Cost: $13,650
Colorado State University’s Global campus online BS in IT project management concentration is designed to grant students the ability to manage both the technical aspect of networks and the human side of an IT team. There are actually multiple management concentrations to choose from, including healthcare management, operations management and supervision, project management, public and non-profit management, and criminal justice management. You will take courses like information technology project management, database management, network enterprise solutions, and information systems and security. For those who do not have an Associate’s Degree, it is possible to complete an entire bachelor’s degree online via Colorado State University.
#3. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
Estimated Program Cost: $14,513
Graduates from Western Governors University’s online B.S. in Information Technology Management have landed jobs as information systems manager, IT project manager, IT security manager, and IT director. The core subject areas for the online degree in network administration include network and security, organizational behavior, business of IT, leadership and management, and IT fundamentals. The program puts equal focus on both the information technology side and the business and management side of the profession. For a cheap online network administration degree, it is hard to beat Western Governors. For those who do not have an Associate’s Degree, it is possible to complete an entire bachelor’s degree online via Western Governors University.
#4. Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Science in Systems and Network Administration
Estimated Program Cost: $15,300
The online B.S. in Systems and Network Administration at Bellevue will train you to develop strategies to tackle problems in both physical and virtual data management environments. You will take courses like Linux administration, advanced networking administration, database administration and design, operating system administration I, II and III, information security, and web server administration. Graduates from this program have worked as computer and information analysts, computer network architects, computer network support specialists, database and systems administrators and network architects, and network and computer systems administrators.
#5. Indian River State College
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security
Estimated Program Cost: $19,040
Students who graduate from Indian River State College’s BS in IT Management and Cyber Security program have secured jobs in the private sector, the government, and the military. Students will take courses on database design and administration, network technologies for information professionals, network security and cryptography, computer forensics, web application development, and various business and management courses.
#6. Dakota State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration
Estimated Program Cost: $26,174
The online BS in Network and Security Administration from Dakota State University covers computer networking theory, operating systems, and apps. The degree is delivered as part of a fast-track program, so students can complete more work faster. Graduates from this program have made successful careers for themselves in systems administration, network administration, database administration, and security management. Students may also extend their studies by one year in order to earn a master’s degree as well.
#7. Keiser University
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
Estimated Program Cost: $26,400
The online BS in IT management from Keiser offers courses in legal and ethical environments of business, software development: professional and social issues, corporate security policy and preparedness, e-business infrastructure, systems design, information systems implementation, introduction to management/organizational behavior, and project management. The program offers a roughly even split between management courses and networking/IT courses and is designed as a degree completion program for students with an associate’s degree in the computer information systems subject area.
#8. University of Maine, Augusta
Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems w/ a concentration in Networking
Estimated Program Cost: $26,622
This cheap online degree in Computer Information Systems Networking covers ground from fundamental networking principles to advanced networking management concepts. Courses in the program include routing and switching, wireless networks, scaling networks, TCP/IP, virtual systems, connecting networks and network security. Students will also build skills in the areas of project management, systems integration, organizational theory, systems implementation, and systems development tools and techniques.
#9. Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems
Estimated Program Cost: $30,202
Fort Hays State University’s BBA in Management Information Systems is offered 100% online. Students will take courses dealing with areas like advanced computer networks, network engineering, network security, VOIP, wireless networks, operating systems, computer programming, ethics, and leadership theory. While the online degree in network administration is offered fully online, students can also transfer in. The 57 credits required for the major (after other bachelor’s requirements have been met) includes both management information systems courses and business courses.
#10. Central Washington University
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management
Estimated Program Cost: $44,436
This BAS in Information Technology and Administrative Management is designed to accept the transfer of “non-transferable” associate’s degrees in the field. The specializations available in this program include administrative management, information technology, and cybersecurity. The information technology specialization is the ideal choice for those who wish to work in the IT field as network or systems administrators. The IT specialization includes courses like IT security, privacy and ethics, project management and information technology, systems analysis, and critical issues in IT. The degree is designed to build on associate’s degrees in information technology and network administration.
Network Administrator Career Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, systems administrators typically have a bachelor’s level education. Most start in entry level positions with a bachelor’s and move into systems administrator positions within five years.
The median salary for information security analysts is $72,712 per year, ranging between $51,000 per year on the low end and $111,000 per year on the high end. The job growth, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, is 31% between now and 2029.
Network Administration Explained
Network administrators (often also called systems administrators) have a lot of responsibilities. The scope of the position can be wide or narrow based on the nature of the specific company and its structure. A rough overview of the responsibilities you can expect to fulfill as a systems administrator follows.
- Installing networks and computer systems (both hardware and software).
- Maintain, upgrade, repair, multiple network and computer systems.
- Troubleshooting including diagnosing and fixing problems and identifying potential problems and heading them off.
- Monitoring the network and systems and constantly striving to improve performance and efficiency.
- Securing the network against malicious attacks both from the inside and the outside.
Paying for your Online Bachelor of Science in Network Administration
First, I want to mention community college. If we’re being honest, most of us aren’t going to be attending ivy league universities. They aren’t exactly famed for their accessibility. That being the case, I like to encourage students to consider doing their first two years of university at community college. Sure, it’s not the Hollywood college dream of dorm rooms and month-long parties, but when you consider that your community college tuition can be covered in many cases by just one or two federal grants, it starts to look very good. Not to mention that good grades in community college will allow you to transfer into just about all the best state universities and a good many of the top private schools. So if you’re looking to get your college education for a great price, community college is a great place to start, regardless of your age. Many community colleges have online programs as well, so chances are you will be able to attend community college without ever having to set foot in a classroom.
Your first stop when searching for financial aid should always be FAFSA. This is where the bulk of everybody’s financial aid should be coming from. Federal education grants are essentially free money, and federally subsidized student loans have incredibly low interest and tons of great programs for paying them back. After that, private grants and scholarships should be where you look. Finally, if all else fails and it’s your only option, you can apply for private student loans. Private loans tend to be the worst deal, and the most expensive form of funding. So make sure you exhaust your other sources first.
Is online learning right for you?
Online learning can be a godsend because of its flexibility. Most students who earn their degrees online are older than the traditional college age. However, with the ever-growing selection of degrees being offered online, and the first generation to grow up with the internet hitting college age, the online option is going mainstream fast. But how do you know if it’s the right fit? That’s not an easy question to answer. Are you the kind of person who can learn by watching videos? Would you be comfortable taking tests online or would you be too easily distracted? Can you handle not having any face-to-face interaction with your professors and fellow students? Are you highly self-motivated and disciplined? While online education is a great option, it’s not ideal for many students. If you need the flexibility and are comfortable with the format and technology, online education offers unprecedented levels of flexibility for anyone seeking to earn a degree.
Related Resources:
- 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science
- Top 5 Cheapest Online Associate in Network Administration Degrees
- How Much Do Network Administrators Earn?
- What Does a Network Administrator Do?
- 5 Courses in an Associate in Network Administration Degree Program
By: CSDH Staff
