Almost every business relies on computer networks. These networks need skilled network administrators to install, organize, and maintain them. Demand for careers in network administration is expected to increase over the next 10 years, with professionals making a median annual salary of $83,510.
What Do Network Administrators Do?
Network administrators install network hardware and software according to an organization’s needs. They also are responsible for repairing, upgrading, and otherwise maintaining networks. Depending on the type of business they are working for, they may be in charge of adding users, assigning security permissions, and training users in how to use certain software and hardware.
Top 5 Bachelor’s in Network Administration
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Washington University | Kittitas County, Washington |
| 2 | Touro College | New York City, New York |
| 3 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, Michigan |
| 4 | Tulane University | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 5 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Is There A Difference Between Network Administration And Systems Administration?
On a technical level, yes, there is a difference. Network administration by definition usually refers to overseeing a network such as a group of computers or servers that are linked together. Systems administration refers to the computer itself and everything that makes a computer system operate.
Many employers, however, use these terms interchangeably without any distinction. It’s important for prospective administrators to research what their expected responsibilities will be in a position to make sure they have the skills the employer is looking for. Likewise, many schools that offer IT degrees may call their programs different variations of “network”, “systems”, or “network systems”.
The following list is for traditional in-person degree programs. You can search for online education options with our Degree Finder tool!
We ranked 19 schools that offer bachelor-level degree programs suitable for those wishing to become network administrators. Our data included aspects important to the average student such as tuition cost, class size, and graduation rate. Check out the results below!
Best 19 Bachelor’s In Network Administration Program
Central Washington University
Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Network Management. This program is available at the Ellensburg campus. The school also offers degrees in Administrative Management, Cybersecurity, and Web and Database Management which may be appealing to students wishing to specialize in a certain area. CWU’s first-time full-time graduation rate is 58%.
School Overview
Touro College
Touro College is a private Jewish university with campuses in New York and Illinois. They offer many IT programs for men and women, including Network Administration and Security. The school features programs separated into male and female cohorts, but taught with equal curriculum. The graduation rate at Touro College is 61%.
School Overview
Michigan Technological University
The Computer Network and System Administration program at Michigan Tech boasts a 95% job placement rate. Students may choose between three focus areas: Cybersecurity, IT Management, and Network Engineering. A minor is available in Cybersecurity. Undergraduates can earn an accelerated master’s in Cybersecurity or Health Informatics. Michigan Tech has a 72% graduation rate.
School Overview
Tulane University
The Information Technology major at Tulane University offers a concentration in Systems and Network Administration. The program is offered through the School of Professional Advancement. The school features the lowest class sizes and the highest graduation rate at 86%.
School Overview
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati awards a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Networking and Systems Administration. Students may take this program on-campus or online. Students participate in a paid, full-time co-op work experience program with local, regional, and international placements. UC’s undergrad graduation rate is 71%.
School Overview
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
The Bachelor of Technology in Network Administration at SUNY at Alfred provides the foundation needed for students who wish to achieve certification in CCNA, MCTS, COMP TIA A+, and Network +. 100% of graduates find employment. The graduation rate at SUNY Alfred is 60%.
School Overview
SUNY Morrisville
Students enrolled in SUNY Morrisville’s Bachelor of Technology degree program in Network Administration learn networking fundamentals both in a classroom setting and through hands-on experiences, all conducted in the college’s own state-of-the-art data center. The program, which also offers a minor in Cybersecurity, culminates with a 12-credit professional internship, where students earn 480 hours of direct, hands-on work experience. This experiential approach provides graduates the tools they need to be successful in a competitive and rapidly changing workforce.
School Overview
Seattle Central College
Seattle Central College features a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Networking. Students may begin at associate’s level with an AAS in Network Design & Administration, or apply prior learning credits and experience to enter the bachelor’s program right away. SCC has a 33% graduation rate.
School Overview
University of Arizona
The BAS in Applied Computing at the University of Arizona features an emphasis area in Network Operations. Courses are delivered in traditional and online formats at campuses across the state and virtually. Online sessions are live and synchronous with on-campus classes, though all lectures are recorded for students who cannot attend live sessions. The UofA has a graduation rate of 65%.
School Overview
St. Ambrose University
St. Ambrose University is a private Roman Catholic university associated with the Diocese of Davenport. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Network Administration. Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree can enroll in the 4+1 program to complete a bachelor and master degree in as little as 5 years. SAU has a 64% graduation rate.
School Overview
Yakima Valley College
Yakima Valley College features a BAS of IT Networking with a concentration in System Administration. This program is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s degree and need a bachelor’s pathway. At full-time enrollment, students can earn this degree within two years. YVC’s graduation rate is 28%.
School Overview
Central Connecticut State University
The Networking Information Technology BS at Central Connecticut State University prepares students for local and wide network administration and design. Students will also receive training on teamwork and communication. CCSU has a graduation rate of 57%.
School Overview
Regis University
Regis University is a private Jesuit University and member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. They award a BS in Information Technology with systems administration as a targeted career path. Students may attend this program entirely online. Transfer credit opportunities are available. Regis University has a 64% graduation rate.
School Overview
Dakota State University
Dakota State University offers a BS in Network and Security Administration. This program combines administrative education with cybersecurity fundamentals. The school features a 4+1 program for students who wish to pursue a master’s degree. DSU has a graduation rate of 43%.
School Overview
Champlain College
Champlain’s Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program provides the cutting-edge skills required to maintain the security of our internet and digital lives. Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college overlooking Lake Champlain and Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. Their career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for their professional life from their very first semester.
School Overview
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University offers a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Networking Technologies & Administration. Students will learn administration skills for Windows as well as Linux systems. Additionally, their concentration courses will cover network security, virtual computing, and data communications. MGSU has a 23% graduation rate.
School Overview
Kansas Wesleyan University
Kansas Wesleyan University is a private Christian university associated with the United Methodist Church. The Department of Computer Studies features a BS in Network Management and System Administration. Available minors include Computer Programming, Database Management, Science Technology, and Webpage Administration. KWU’s graduation rate is 42%.
School Overview
Rogers State University
The BS in Business Information Technology at Rogers State University features a focus option in Computer Network Administration. This degree may be completed on-campus or online. Students have the opportunity to minor in Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Esports, or Justice Administration. Not all minors are available online. RSU has a graduation rate of 22%.
School Overview
Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a BS in Systems and Network Administration that is available on-campus or fully online. Students with an existing associate’s degree, eligible prior learning assessment scores, or military experience can enter the accelerated program to earn their degree faster. Bellevue University has a 24% graduation rate.
School Overview
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Our Ranking Methodology
We ranked the above schools across three categories. Average semester tuition made up 40% of the ranking and consisted of tuition rates as stated on each school’s website. The average did not include other costs such as housing, meals, or personal expenses. 40% of the ranking included graduation rates for first-time, full-time undergraduate students. Student-faculty ratio made up the remaining 20% of the ranking. Graduation rate and class size data was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Reporting Errors
Persons who work for the schools listed above are welcome to contact us to make corrections to the data represented in this article.
