Stressing about school choices and could use some advice.

[Leherself]

Sounds like Hodges is legit, and WGU has a number of IT programs also.

One thing to think of though, is what it is that you want to accomplish with an IT degree. "IT" is a huge field - and honestly, it can pay to specialize. What are the jobs available in your area? What are employers looking for?

In our local area people graduating from the two year Computer Network Technology program at the Community & Technical College are walking into 60k jobs. The guys with four year degrees in Information Technology and Computer Science - 30-40k. The key is that the two year program is an excellent, specified training program that gives people the hands-on skills and certifications that are in very high demand in the local market right now. The four year programs are through the College of Arts and Sciences and just don't go into the same depth (more breadth, but less depth). Every CNT class is a hands-on class - every classroom has a computer and independent network to work with and experiment on. The four year programs are much more theoretical, and the technology component isn't as well integrated. Local employers are aware of this, and it shows in the hiring practices.

I think, more important than the price of a school, is whether or not it's going to teach you the skills that you're going to need to get a job in IT. What certifications does the degree program include, and how do those certifications compare to the requirements listed by the employers you want to work for?

I've watched a coworker go through a career change where he went from not being in the IT field, to being an adjunct instructor at the local college, as well as a "local industry adviser" to the dean of the college, all in less time than it has taken for him to finish his bachelor's degree (in fact, he still doesn't have it). I've also watched friends go off to "get their degree in IT" and end up working for $12 an hour as customer service folks for the local cellphone companies.

There's a lot of opportunity in IT still, but the days of "do anything in IT and you're guaranteed to win" are long over. You've got to be smart about how you approach it - do your research. Choose a degree because it's going to teach you the skills you need and be an asset that helps you find kick-ass employment - don't pick one just because it's cheap and easy.