An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Systems is a two-year degree that prepares students for careers in technology-focused business environments. The program emphasizes technical skills in software development, database management, and network systems, with hands-on training in programming languages, information security, and IT project management.
Designed for immediate entry into the workforce, this degree also supports transfer opportunities to select four-year institutions.
What to Expect from an AAS in Information Systems
Students in an AAS in Information Systems program gain a broad foundation in computing, with coursework aligned to current industry demands. Programs often offer multiple delivery formats, including online, hybrid, and in-person learning. Hands-on labs and group projects are common, fostering practical experience with enterprise-level tools.
Common learning outcomes include:
- Designing and managing information systems
- Writing structured and object-oriented code
- Administering relational databases
- Implementing cybersecurity protocols
- Analyzing business problems and applying IT solutions
Programs typically include 60 to 63 credit hours and are structured over four semesters. Students build technical fluency alongside soft skills in communication and teamwork.
What You’ll Study
Core subjects in most AAS Information Systems programs include:
- Programming Languages (Java, C#, C++, Python)
- Web Development (HTML, JavaScript, Server-side scripting)
- Database Systems (SQL, Oracle, Access)
- Networking (Cisco, Linux, Windows Server Administration)
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Cybersecurity Basics
- Business and IT Integration
General education courses such as English composition, college math, and public speaking are often included. Many schools also prepare students for industry certifications, such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft credentials.
Program Costs
Tuition for an AAS in Information Systems typically ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on the institution and residency status. Community colleges generally offer the most affordable rates. Some schools participate in tuition assistance programs such as G3 in Virginia, which may cover tuition, books, and fees for eligible students.
Additional costs may include:
- Books and materials: $500–$1,200
- Certification exam fees: Varies by credential
- Lab fees or technology fees
Admissions Requirements
Admissions criteria for AAS in Information Systems programs generally include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- College placement test scores or completion of developmental courses in English and math
- Some programs may require keyboarding proficiency or introductory IT coursework
There are no standardized entrance exams required for most associate degree programs. However, applicants should check specific institution requirements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of AAS in Information Systems programs can pursue roles such as:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Web Developer
- Network Administrator
- Database Assistant
- Junior Software Developer
- IT Analyst
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for IT professionals continues to grow faster than average. Entry-level roles in the field offer median salaries from $45,000 to $75,000 depending on the specialization and location.
Top Schools
As the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to rise, earning an associate degree in Information Systems Technology or Computer Information Systems is a smart and accessible way to enter the tech field. Whether you’re interested in network administration, database management, cybersecurity, or programming, these programs offer a strong foundation in both theory and practical application.
From community colleges offering hands-on, workforce-ready training to universities with seamless transfer pathways and specialized apprenticeships, each school featured below provides a unique blend of affordability, flexibility, and career-focused education. Explore the highlights and offerings of each to find the program that best fits your goals.
| School | Program Name | Location | Delivery Format | Tuition/Affordability | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Chester, VA | On-Campus & Hybrid | G3 eligible (free for qualifying students) | Specialized tracks in Cisco, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and web design |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Abingdon, VA | On-Campus | $167.40/credit (in-state) | Career coaching, transfer support, and small class sizes |
| City Tech (CUNY) | AAS in Computer Information Systems | Brooklyn, NY | On-Campus | Affordable CUNY tuition | Apprenticeship with NYC CEO Jobs Council, EY, and Deloitte |
| Harper College | AAS in Information Systems | Palatine, IL | Online, On-Campus, Hybrid | Affordable community college rates | Open labs with certified staff, aligned with industry certifications |
| NYU School of Professional Studies | AAS in Information Systems Management | New York, NY | Online, On-Site, Hybrid | Higher-end private tuition | Pathway to NYU BS degrees and focus on ethics and data privacy |
| BMCC (Borough of Manhattan CC) | AAS in Computer Information Systems | New York, NY | On-Campus | Affordable CUNY tuition | Strong internship support, articulation agreements for transfer |
| Oakton College | AAS in Computers and Information Systems | Des Plaines, IL | On-Campus & Hybrid | Affordable community college rates | No-code machine learning tools and data visualization |
| Alfred State College | AAS in Computer Information Systems | Alfred, NY | On-Campus | Moderate SUNY tuition | Tool/supply lending program; seamless bachelor’s transfer options |
| Nashville State Community College | AS in Information Systems | Nashville, TN | Online or On-Campus | Total estimated cost: $9,490 | Guaranteed transfer to Tennessee public universities |
| Carroll Community College | AAS in Computer Information Systems | Westminster, MD | Mostly Online | Affordable community college rates | Curriculum guided by advisory board of IT professionals |
Brightpoint Community College
https://www.brightpoint.edu/majors/information-systems-technology-aas
Chester, Virginia
Overview of Program and Curriculum
Brightpoint Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Systems Technology that equips students for entry-level roles in the IT sector. The curriculum delivers foundational knowledge in IT while offering specialized tracks in areas such as Cisco network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and web design. Students will learn essential technical skills like programming logic, system modeling, networking protocols, and IT communication. The program supports preparation for industry certifications and may offer transfer opportunities to four-year colleges, though it’s primarily designed for direct workforce entry.
Cost, Requirements, and Outcomes
Eligible students may qualify for the G3 initiative, which can reduce tuition, fees, and textbook costs to zero. The degree typically takes two years to complete and includes general education alongside technical coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate competencies in IT communications, system design, and networking upon graduation. Support services include academic advising and transfer planning, although the AAS is not intended as a transfer degree.
Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)
https://www.vhcc.edu/information-systems-aas
Abingdon, VA
Program Overview and Curriculum
The AAS in Information Systems Technology at VHCC is a four-semester program focused on preparing students for entry-level employment in the tech field. The curriculum balances technical instruction in programming, databases, system administration, and web development with essential business skills like economics and business math. The program is designed for direct employment but includes flexible options for course modifications to support transfer ambitions.
Affordability and Student Support
VHCC offers highly affordable tuition—$167.40 per credit hour for in-state and local students—and a variety of student support services, including academic mentoring and career coaching. No SAT/ACT is required for admission. Upon completion, students can pursue roles such as help desk technician, program tester, or database associate. With small class sizes and extensive transfer agreements, VHCC combines hands-on education with strong career and academic pathways.
New York City College of Technology (CUNY City Tech)
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/computer-systems/computer-information-aas.aspx
Brooklyn, NY
Career-Ready Curriculum and Apprenticeships
City Tech’s AAS in Computer Information Systems prepares students for careers in programming, database and web development, and network administration. The program blends liberal arts education with technical coursework and includes business classes in accounting and management. A key highlight is a credit-bearing apprenticeship program in partnership with NYC CEO Jobs Council, EY, and Deloitte, available to qualifying students.
Student Outcomes and Professional Readiness
Graduates are trained to apply knowledge and skills in software development, system troubleshooting, and IT operations. The program emphasizes teamwork, ethical responsibility, and continuous learning. Students gain both the technical skills and professional foundation needed to enter the workforce or smoothly transition into the college’s Bachelor of Technology program.
Harper College
https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/business/info-systems/information-systems-degree.php
Palatine, IL
Practical and Flexible Learning
Harper College offers a 60-credit AAS in Information Systems that prepares students for careers in data analysis, software development, and IT administration. Students take courses in programming, business software, databases, and internet protocols. The college provides multiple learning formats including online and hybrid options, offering flexibility for working students.
Support and Certification Preparation
Harper features open computer labs with certified support staff and courses aligned with industry certifications in areas such as networking and server administration. The program also builds essential soft skills in project management, communication, and statistical analysis—giving graduates a competitive edge in the tech job market or a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year institution.
NYU School of Professional Studies
https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/associate-degrees/aas-in-information-systems-management.html
New York, NY
Comprehensive Tech and Business Training
NYU’s AAS in Information Systems Management is a versatile program offered in online, on-site, or hybrid formats. It prepares students to design and evaluate IT solutions while understanding evolving technology trends and ethical data management practices. Students gain knowledge in business, systems analysis, and database design, making them well-rounded professionals ready for various roles.
Career and Transfer Pathways
Graduates can pursue roles in government, nonprofits, and the private sector. The program also serves as a gateway to NYU’s BS degrees in Information Systems Management or Leadership and Management Studies. With a focus on both liberal arts and technical expertise, NYU’s program offers strong preparation for immediate career opportunities or further academic advancement.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/departments/cis/computer-information-systems-cis/
New York, NY
Career-Focused Curriculum with Transfer Options
BMCC’s Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Computer Information Systems equips students to apply computing technologies in a business environment, with a strong emphasis on the analysis and design of business information systems. Designed for flexibility, the program allows graduates to either enter the workforce immediately in entry-level IT roles or transfer to four-year institutions such as NYC College of Technology or the CUNY School of Professional Studies. The curriculum covers both theoretical and hands-on training, and students also benefit from career support tools like Career Coach and Career Express, as well as internship and experiential learning opportunities to gain real-world experience.
Supportive Learning Environment and Seamless Transitions
With articulation agreements in place, BMCC facilitates a smooth transition for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The CIS Department also offers opportunities for internships, summer jobs, and extracurricular activities to enrich learning. This program is ideal for students who want a career-oriented education with the flexibility to pursue further academic advancement, all within a supportive environment that prioritizes student success and professional development.
Oakton College
https://catalog.oakton.edu/career-programs-pathways/computer-information-systems/computers-information-systems-aas/
Des Plaines, IL
Technical Training with Real-World Focus
Oakton’s A.A.S. in Computers and Information Systems is a 61-credit hour program tailored for students looking to support IT operations in a business setting or bridge communication between tech teams and other departments. Students learn essential concepts in hardware, software, networking, programming, and data analytics, with an emphasis on troubleshooting and system design. The curriculum also includes unique skills like no-code machine learning tools and data visualization techniques, making graduates workforce-ready for a variety of IT roles.
Internship Opportunities and Career Preparation
Oakton encourages students to gain practical experience through internships, which are considered vital for career readiness. Students can explore opportunities independently or through the college’s dedicated internship program. Graduates will be prepared for roles that require effective communication, ethical technology use, teamwork, and applied problem-solving using modern information systems tools—an ideal choice for students seeking immediate employment or further advancement.
Alfred State College
https://www.alfredstate.edu/computer-information-systems
Alfred, NY
Broad Technical Foundation and Transfer Pathways
Alfred State’s A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems provides a strong base in programming, databases, and networking, positioning graduates for entry-level IT roles or seamless transfer into advanced bachelor’s degree programs. Students can move directly into bachelor’s degrees in areas such as cybersecurity, web development, or network administration, making this program ideal for those with long-term academic and career aspirations.
Academic Support and Career Flexibility
The college offers a Tool/Supplies Lending Program to help alleviate the financial burden of required equipment. Graduates can pursue careers in systems administration, network management, programming, or tech support. The program blends theory with practical training and ensures affordability through support programs, fostering academic success and professional growth.
Nashville State Community College
https://www.nscc.edu/academics/programs/information-systems.php
Nashville, TN
Affordable Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree
Nashville State offers a two-year A.S. in Information Systems that provides a solid foundation in computing and business applications. With a total estimated cost of $9,490, students complete a general education and IT-focused curriculum that is guaranteed to transfer to Tennessee public universities under the Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs). The program is ideal for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information systems or a related field.
Flexible Delivery and Transfer Assurance
Available online or in person, the program is designed to be flexible and accessible. Graduates benefit from guaranteed transfer options that cover the first two years of a four-year degree, ensuring both affordability and continuity in their academic journey. Nashville State supports long-term academic goals while offering a high-quality, cost-effective education.
Carroll Community College
https://www.carrollcc.edu/programs/degrees-credit-certificates/computer-information-systems-a-a-s/
Westminster, MD
Hands-On IT Training for Workforce and Transfer
Carroll Community College’s A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems offers a 60-credit program that equips students for immediate employment or further study in IT. The curriculum covers networking, database design, object-oriented programming, computer support, and web development. Most courses are available online, providing flexibility, and students benefit from small class sizes and instruction aligned with industry needs.
Industry-Driven and Career-Ready
Backed by an advisory board of IT professionals, the program ensures up-to-date skills and knowledge in high demand. Students can launch careers in technology support, network administration, and software development or transfer to a four-year program. Carroll also offers tuition payment plans and personalized support, making it a strong option for aspiring tech professionals.
How Long to Pay It Off?
Pursuing an associate degree in Information Systems is not only a gateway to a high-demand, well-paying career, but also an investment that typically comes with a manageable cost—especially at community colleges. Based on the schools highlighted, the average total tuition and fees for these two-year programs is approximately $9,500.
Graduates entering the workforce can expect an average starting salary of around $42,000 per year in entry-level IT roles such as help desk technician, junior programmer, or IT support specialist.
If you were to dedicate a portion of your annual salary toward paying off a $9,500 student loan, here’s how long it would take at different repayment rates:
| % of Annual Salary Dedicated to Loan | Annual Payment | Estimated Time to Pay Off |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $2,100 | 4.5 years |
| 10% | $4,200 | 2.3 years |
| 15% | $6,300 | 1.5 years |
| 20% | $8,400 | 1.1 years |
These estimates assume no interest or compounding for simplicity. In reality, interest rates may vary, but the overall picture remains encouraging—especially given the short payoff timeline and the strong career growth potential in the IT field.
This affordability and return on investment make an associate degree in Information Systems a compelling choice for students seeking both economic value and a future-ready skillset.
An AAS in Information Systems provides strong job-readiness for the tech workforce. With affordable tuition, flexible formats, and career-aligned coursework, it is a practical entry point for anyone looking to build a future in IT. Whether entering the workforce directly or transferring to a bachelor’s program, this degree offers a solid path forward in today’s data-driven economy.