A master’s in computer information systems online can set up a long career working with the latest technologies in the field. CIS is a popular major and with popularity comes many options from program to price. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities in this field are looking at an above average outlook throughout 2029, with CIS managers at a 10% growth rate and computer systems analysts at 7%. While the top earners in this industry may see close to or over $100,000 annually, it is important to weigh the financial options of a master’s in computer information systems online before diving into this academic pathway. Here at GetEducated we rank on one factor—affordability—so that you can factually compare the best computer information systems schools.
Our editors compared 63 master’s in computer information systems from 48 regionally accredited online schools to create this ranking. Below is our editorially independent list of “Best Buys” for an affordable master’s in computer information systems online. All degrees cost less than the national average.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$27,900
Least Expensive: Southern Arkansas University ~ $10,994
Most Expensive: Claremont Graduate University ~ $72,760
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest master’s in computer information systems. The online CIS degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Master’s in Computer Information Systems Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $10,994.00 $15,794.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Minot State University | (ND) | $12,419.10 | All Students |
3 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $13,974.00 | All Students |
4 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $14,822.32 $29,546.32 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $15,420.00 | All Students |
6 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $15,675.00 | All Students |
7 | University of Houston-Victoria | (TX) | $16,209.12 $30,933.12 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of Maine | (ME) | $16,260.00 $19,710.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $17,768.00 $11,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
10 | Murray State University | (KY) | $17,870.00 | All Students |
11 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $18,780.00 $21,930.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $19,734.00 $36,366.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Milligan University | (TN) | $20,175.00 | All Students |
14 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | Christian Brothers University | (TN) | $21,490.00 | All Students |
16 | University of Michigan-Flint | (MI) | $22,058.00 $31,868.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $22,420.00 | All Students |
18 |  Rivier University | (NH) | $22,795.00 | All Students |
19 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | (AL) | $22,830.00 | All Students |
20 | Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $22,997.00 | All Students |
21 | Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $23,310.00 $20,979.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
22 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $24,346.00 | All Students |
23 | Baker College | (MI) | $25,420.00 $13,612.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
24 | University of Detroit Mercy | (MI) | $26,160.00 | All Students |
25 | Saint Louis University | (MO) | $26,790.00 | All Students |
26 | ECPI University | (VA) | $27,280.00 | All Students |
27 | Auburn University | (AL) | $27,290.00 | All Students |
28 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | (MD) | $27,410.00 | All Students |
29 | Walden University | (MN) | $27,450.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $28,440.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $28,711.00 | All Students | |
Temple University | (PA) | $28,780.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | (WI) | $28,800.00 | All Students | |
Norwich University | (VT) | $30,075.00 | All Students | |
Marist College | (NY) | $30,600.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $30,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $31,100.00 $37,160.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 National University Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management / Information Systems 14 | (CA) | $31,400.00 $21,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Boston University | (MA) | $32,080.00 | All Students | |
University of Utah | (UT) | $32,451.82 | All Students | |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $22,048.20 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $39,330.00 $54,060.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
DePaul University | (IL) | $44,980.00 | All Students | |
Northwestern University | (IL) | $53,064.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $60,390.00 $45,292.50 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $63,052.00 | All Students | |
Claremont Graduate University | (CA) | $72,760.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
AACSB Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
IACBE International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
PMI GAC Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center
CAHIIM Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited master’s in computer information systems online options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for computer information systems may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best master’s in computer information systems online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Master’s in Computer Information Systems Online
If you are already educated in computers and technology, and are looking to grow your career and expand your earning potential, you should consider a computer information systems master’s degree online. These programs prepare you for advancement in the technology sector, including jobs in management and research.
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Overview
With one of these excellent degrees, you’ll have an even better understanding of both computers and businesses, prepared for many careers. You’ll be provided with an education that creates a deep connection to technology, allowing you to implement computers, hardware, and software to companies who need to achieve greater efficiency from their systems.
The classes you take when studying in a computer information systems master’s degree will vary, but they will likely include course such as database management, security, network design, and business intelligence. Depending on the program, you can likely enroll in specializations, such as business intelligence systems or cybersecurity.
To enroll, you will need a previous education (likely a bachelor’s degree) in a related technology field. Students with experience in a professional setting are likely to thrive in a master’s program, but previous work experience is rarely required.
Best Careers for Master’s in Computer Information Systems Grads
Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Salary: $146,360
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: 5 years or more
- Growth: 10%
Planning and coordinating complex computer systems is a difficult job, and it often requires the expertise of a highly-trained tech professional, one who also understands business, management, and leadership. Although a bachelor’s degree is enough for some positions, you will find that many managers in this sector have advanced educations, including master’s degrees. Some also have MBAs to complement their technology education, and at least five years of experience is likely needed, which is typical for management roles.
The median pay for this career is fantastic, and the top 10% can expect earnings over $208,000. With a growth rate expected to be at 10%, the career will also add plenty of jobs for qualified candidates with a master’s in computer information systems online.
Computer Research Scientist
- Salary: $122,840
- Education: Master’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 15%
Computer research scientists help advance technology, computers, hardware, and software. They design, test, and improve the latest technology systems to create greater efficiencies or new uses for computer systems and networks. A master’s degree is often required, especially for computer research scientists working in the private sector. There are also scientists who specialize in a specific technology area, such as biomedical technology and software.
These professionals stand to earn an excellent income. The top 10% can expect salaries over $189,000, making this one of the best technology careers available. The growth is also expected to be high, adding almost 38,000 jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Computer Network Architect
- Salary: $112,690
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: 5 years or more
- Growth: 5%
These are the professionals who design and build communication networks used by companies, governments, and other organizations. Duties can include planing network layouts, presenting plans to organizational leaders, and upgrading hardware to ensure the organization is able to implement the latest tech advancements.
With the 10% earning over $168,000 annually, this is an excellent career field for people who love (and understand) technology and want to use their skills to enhance organizations. Having a master’s in computer information systems will make you an excellent candidate for one of these positions, but you will need at least 5 years of on-the-job experience to land most of these jobs.
Additional Education After a Master’s in Computer Information Systems Online
Some careers require government licensing and certifications. Truck drivers, lawyers, doctors, and electricians (to name a few) require testing and licensing. With technology, however, you can work in the field as long as you have the right skills, so you won’t have to complete testing and other certifications.
Even with a master’s in computer information systems, your education is never complete. Because technology is changing daily, this is a field that demands constant learning and industry research, so participating in the industry through trade publications, seminars, and other re-sources can be extremely beneficial.
Eventually, you may choose to take your technology education even further. If you decide to expand your learning, a doctorate-level education in technology could make you one of the highest paid, most in-demand professionals in the industry.