Best Information Systems Degrees in Chandler

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Courses and Subjects

Best Information Systems Degrees in Chandler (2026 Guide)

Information Systems (IS) bridges business strategy and technology. For students in Chandler, Arizona, choosing the right IS degree can mean access to high-paying roles in data analytics, cybersecurity, systems management, and enterprise IT across the Phoenix metro area.

Key Takeaways

Chandler and the greater Phoenix area offer strong demand for Information Systems graduates, particularly in tech, healthcare, and finance.
Top options include local community colleges, nearby universities, and accredited online programs with flexible formats.
Students should compare accreditation, tuition, curriculum depth, transfer options, and career outcomes before enrolling.
Online IS degrees from reputable universities can offer stronger specialization and internship pipelines than local general programs.
Affordable pathways exist, including 2+2 transfer models from Chandler-Gilbert Community College to Arizona universities.

Why Study Information Systems in Chandler?

Chandler is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing tech corridors. Major employers in and around the city include:

Intel
Northrop Grumman
Wells Fargo
Banner Health
Microchip Technology

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, computer and information systems roles grow faster than average nationally, with median annual wages exceeding $100,000 for many managerial and systems positions. In the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area, demand is especially strong for:

Systems Analysts
IT Project Managers
Cybersecurity Specialists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Database Administrators

An Information Systems degree prepares students to align business goals with technical infrastructure, making it one of the most versatile tech degrees available.

Top Information Systems Degree Options for Chandler Students

Chandler residents typically choose between three pathways: local community colleges, nearby public universities, or accredited online institutions. Below is a structured comparison to simplify your decision.

Institution Degree Level Delivery Approx. Cost (Per Year) Accreditation Best For Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) Associate (AAS) In-person / Hybrid Low (In-state community college rates) Higher Learning Commission Affordable start, transfer pathway Arizona State University (ASU) Bachelor’s (BS in Information Systems) On-campus / Online Moderate to High HLC, AACSB (Business) Top-ranked, strong employer network University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) Bachelor’s / Master’s Online Varies WASC Senior College Working adults Franklin University Bachelor’s (Information Systems) Online Moderate HLC Transfer-friendly, adult learners

Detailed Program Breakdown

1. Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)

CGCC provides an affordable entry point into IT and Information Systems. Students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science in areas such as Computer Information Systems.

Curriculum Highlights:

Database Management
Systems Analysis and Design
Networking Fundamentals
Business Applications

Best Path: Many CGCC students follow a 2+2 pathway, completing two years locally before transferring to ASU or another Arizona university to earn a bachelor’s degree at a lower total cost.

2. Arizona State University (ASU)

ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. The program blends business strategy with enterprise technology.

Core Courses Include:

Enterprise Data Analytics
Business Database Systems
IT Governance
Cybersecurity Strategy
Cloud and Digital Transformation

ASU stands out for internship pipelines with Phoenix-area employers and strong recruitment from Fortune 500 companies. Students benefit from career fairs, corporate partnerships, and alumni networks concentrated throughout Chandler and the East Valley.

3. Online Information Systems Degrees

For working professionals in Chandler, accredited online IS programs offer flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Franklin University and UAGC both provide transfer-friendly bachelor’s degrees focused on:

Systems Architecture
Information Security
Data Management
Business Intelligence

These programs often accept prior credits and military experience, making them practical for adult learners balancing work and family responsibilities.

How to Choose the Right Information Systems Program

1. Verify Accreditation

Ensure the institution is regionally accredited. For business-based IS degrees, AACSB accreditation adds additional credibility.

2. Evaluate Curriculum Depth

Strong programs integrate both technical and business coursework. Look for:

Hands-on labs or capstone projects
Internship requirements
Industry certifications embedded in coursework

3. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Tuition

Factor in technology fees, commuting, books, and lost income. Community college transfer routes often cut total bachelor’s costs significantly.

4. Review Career Outcomes

Ask about job placement rates, average starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Phoenix-area IS graduates typically enter roles ranging from $65,000 to over $85,000 annually depending on experience and specialization.

5. Flexibility and Delivery Mode

If you work full-time in Chandler’s tech or healthcare sectors, online or hybrid formats may provide better schedule alignment.

Career Outlook for Information Systems Graduates in Chandler

The Chandler and greater Phoenix region continues attracting tech expansion. Growth in semiconductor manufacturing, fintech, and healthcare IT increases demand for professionals who understand both systems architecture and business processes.

Common Career Paths:

IT Systems Analyst
Business Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
IT Project Manager
Enterprise Applications Manager

Graduates who combine their degree with certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Azure, AWS Cloud Practitioner, or PMP often see faster career progression.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Chandler Students

Chandler students may qualify for:

Federal Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid
Arizona resident tuition benefits
Maricopa Community College scholarships
ASU merit-based awards
Employer tuition reimbursement from companies like Intel or Wells Fargo

Students planning to transfer should consult both institutions early to maximize credit transfer and avoid excess coursework.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s in Information Systems

Associate Degree

Duration: 2 years
Lower cost
Entry-level IT support roles

Bachelor’s Degree

Duration: 4 years
Higher salary ceiling
Management-track opportunities

For long-term growth in Chandler’s competitive technology sector, a bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended.

What Makes a Program Truly “Best” in Chandler?

The best Information Systems degree is one that aligns with:

Your career goals
Your financial situation
Your schedule constraints
Local employer expectations

For recent high school graduates, ASU offers prestige and strong recruiting connections. For cost-conscious students, CGCC plus a transfer pathway provides outstanding value. For working adults, accredited online universities offer schedule flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Information Systems Degrees in Chandler

Is an Information Systems degree a good choice in Chandler, Arizona?

Yes. Chandler sits in a fast-growing tech corridor, with employers like Intel, Microchip Technology, and major banks and hospitals hiring for systems, data, and cybersecurity roles. This creates steady demand for Information Systems graduates in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area.

What jobs can you get with an Information Systems degree in Chandler?

You can pursue roles such as systems analyst, business analyst, IT project manager, cybersecurity analyst, database administrator, and business intelligence analyst. Many of these positions support local industries like semiconductors, healthcare, finance, and government.

What is the difference between starting at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and going straight to ASU?

Starting at Chandler-Gilbert Community College usually costs less and lets you earn an associate degree while completing lower-division courses. You can then transfer into a bachelor’s program at Arizona State University or another university. Going straight to ASU gives you four years at one school, with earlier access to W. P. Carey resources, internships, and recruiting events.

Are online Information Systems degrees a good option if you live in Chandler?

They can be a strong option if you work full-time or need schedule flexibility. Accredited online programs from schools like ASU, Franklin University, or the University of Arizona Global Campus let you study from Chandler while keeping your job. Many are transfer-friendly and geared toward adult learners and military students.

How much can you earn with an Information Systems degree in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler area?

Entry-level Information Systems and analyst roles in the region often start around $65,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on your skills, certifications, and employer. With experience, some computer and information systems positions report median wages above $100,000, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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