Interested in IT/Affordable Colleges for an IT degree?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>IT and some college questions.
I'm a senior this year and struggling to find an affordable college that offers a Bachelors in Information Technology. I have been doing hours of research, but I'm still stuck.</p>

<p>Any colleges that offer a Bachelors IT for around $10,000/$15,000 yearly? I may end up just getting a CS degree because of the price difference (in-state university has a CS program but not IT), and then get specific certification before I enter the IT field as a career.</p>

<p>I'm interested in a career doing Geek-Squad type work and eventually maybe managing groups or acting as a Systems Administrator for a bigger company.</p>

<p>I've always been interested in computers (both the hardware and software aspects) and have decided to go for a career in computers.</p>

<p>I do not really like programming, so I was looking to get a degree in Information Technology. What are some recommended schools? I haven't had much luck finding some, as IT seems to be relatively new compared to C.S.</p>

<p>I took an AP Comp Sci course and found out I don't really like programming (or maybe it was the lack of a knowledgeable/accessable instructor - I don't really know). IT seems to be more related to application of already available software to real-life situations.</p>

<p>How big of a deal is it if I get a degree in Comp Sci, then get a specific certification after that for money's sake? I'd prefer to work in a Geek Squad type job or some sort of system maintenance/management position. Also, I've heard that IT and IS are basically interchangeable? Is that true?</p>

<p>So main questions (TLDR version):
1. IT/IS are interchangeable?
2. Affordable (10/15k a year) colleges with IT programs?
3. What certifications should I be looking into?
4. Do colleges with IT degrees allow you to earn your certification at the same time?
5. If all else fails, is going for a cheaper college for a CS degree and then getting my certification in whatever before entering an IT job a viable option? (My local state university offers a CS degree for about 9k a year = 36k end-education debt {not including income} vs 15-30k a year for an IT degree = 60k/120k end-education debt)
6. Pros/Cons of distance education for someone who has never attended college before (WGU has a very appealing/affordable IT program, but I've been told multiple times to go to an on-campus program)</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>Certs: Look at CISSP or CCIE. Something that I’d imagine would be possible (you’ll need to do some of your own research) is get your degree in CS or something, go CCENT->CCNA possibly to professional level during college, get a job in IT, and then get one of the two higher certs.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply - I’ll look into it. </p>

<p>So going from CS degree to CISSP or CCIE certification and then to IT work is a legitimate path to take? I may just do that, because K-State (my local university) offers a CS degree for about 5k a year with in-state tuition.</p>

4

<p>K-State has an MIS major, which is an entr</p>

5

<p>Georgia State has one of the best IT programs in the Nation and its Incredibly cheap</p>

6

<p>While they are both upper level respected certifications, the CCIE is more hands on actual networking which is what I like. CISSP covers more of the management aspects of security and policy making which to me is boring. Its just my opinion. They are internationally recognized qualifications by [technical</a> staffing](<a href=“http://www.gtssminds.com/it-consulting/information-technology-staffing.htm]technical”>http://www.gtssminds.com/it-consulting/information-technology-staffing.htm) firms. If you can complete these courses with real world experience, you will be on a firm footing for a very good career. It is a matter of ability to learn on own and personal choice, whether or not to attend any IT training courses. But, it is advisable to get trained in any reputed institute.</p>