55 Best Cyber Security Schools and Universities in the U.S.

This private university is located in Stanford, California, in a large suburb just south of San Francisco and northwest of San Jose. This four-year university offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students from within CA or from out-of-state pay the same tuition at around $53,500. First-year students have a 99% rate of retention and can look forward to very small class sizes since the university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1. Students who graduate from Stanford earn an average salary of $106,000.

Carnegie Mellon is located in the middle of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Students attending Carnegie Mellon pay the same tuition, regardless of whether they are in-state or out of state: $57,100. The school is a private, not-for-profit institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as post-graduate certificates. Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn an average salary of $98,000.

Johns Hopkins University is located near downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It’s excellent reputation and high educational standards means that students who want to major in cyber security can be sure they will benefit from knowledgeable professors. Both in- and out-of-state students pay around $55,400 for tuition and can likely expect great class sizes considering the student-to-faculty ratio is 7 to 1. Even with over 26,000 students, that translates to engaging classes and a great retention rate; which for full-time students is 97%. Graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn an average salary of $86,000.

Located on a picturesque campus in Austin, Texas, The University of Texas at Austin offers a Computer and Information Sciences bachelor’s degree program to students, as well as more advanced degrees in that and Computer and Information Systems Security, or Information Assurance. Attending students Texas pay about $10,800 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay closer to $38,300. Retention rates for students attending full-time is 95% and graduates earn an average salary of $75,000.

Located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University is a private, four-year institution offering. In their off-time, students at BYU can enjoy the beautiful vistas and nearby mountains visible from campus. Students majoring in cyber security at the bachelor’s and master’s level will find degree programs in information assurance, computer science, computer/information technology services, and information technology. BYU students pay around $5,800 for tuition and fees, regardless of whether they are in-state or out-of-state students. Graduates of BYU earn an average salary of $75,000.

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is a private university offering four-year degree programs. USC is located in a large city offering a wide range of recreational activities, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and near Disney Land. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same amount for tuition and fees: around $58,200. First-time students have a 97% retention rate and USC graduates have an average salary of $83,000.

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is a public, four-year university that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees to its student. Those interested in cyber security will find several options available. In-state students pay $9,992 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay $28,794 in tuition and fees. The student-to-faculty ratio is solid at 13 to 1 and full-time students will enjoy a 92% retention rate. Graduates of Purdue University earn an average salary of $76,000.

Located on the northern side of the city of Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a public institution offering mostly STEM degree programs, though others, such as Communications, are also offered. The school’s 32,000+ students can expect to pay around $12,700 in tuition if they are in-state students or $33,800 if they are out-of-state students. Full-time students hold a 97% retention rate and can expect larger class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. Graduates of the GIT earn an average salary of $85,000.

Rutgers beautiful New Brunswick campus is located at the north edge of New Brunswick, near the edge of the Raritan River. The university is a public, four-year institution offering computer science and cyber security undergraduate and master’s degrees. In their off-time, students can explore this smaller city or make their way to the coast or about 45 minutes northeast to New York City. Students from within the state of New Jersey pay around $15,400 for tuition, while out-of-state students pay up to $32,200. First-time students pursuing bachelor’s degrees can expect to experience a 93% retention rate, meaning they are likely to be able to graduate with the same students they start their college career with. Graduates of Rutgers University earn an average salary of $72,000.

Located downtown in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University is a public institution, offering a wide selection of degrees to its students including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as postgraduate certificates. As the capital of NC, Raleigh offers many points of interest and even free-to-enter museums for students to enjoy. In-state students pay $9,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $29,200. Graduates of NCSU earn an average salary of $72,000.

This large university is located within Baltimore, on the city’s southwest side. Its Information Technology school is located at the southwest edge of campus. Students who want to find fun activities are sure to find things of interest either on campus or within Baltimore itself. Over 13,000 students enroll here every year, 11,000+ of which are undergraduates. Students from Maryland can expect to pay around $12,000 in tuition but out-of-state students will pay closer to $27,700. Graduates of the University of Maryland have an average salary of $72,000.

The University of Amherst’s campus is a mix of classic and modern, located close to the northwest edge of the city of Amherst. This four-year institution offers computer science as well as information security degree program options for undergraduate and graduate students. While the city itself is small, it still offers several sites of interest, such as the Emily Dickinson Museum, located not far from the university. In-state students pay $16,400 in tuition and fees and out-of-state students pay $35,700. The retention rate for first-time students is 91% and graduates of the University of Amherst earn an average salary of $71,000.

George Mason University’s modern campus is located just south of Fairfax, Virginia. It’s a relatively large campus offering students a wide selection of computer majors including information sciences, computer and information systems security/information assurance, computer science, computer systems networking and telecommunications, data modeling/warehousing and database administration, information science, and information technology. In-state students pay around $12,600 in tuition and out-of-state students pay $36,000. Graduates of George Mason University have an average salary of $72,000.

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is well-situated for offering high-quality educational experiences and recreational activities. For example, students can visit the Liberty Bell, located on the southeast edge of the city; Philadelphia is a great location for those who are interested in history. Regardless of whether students are in-state or out-of-state, they pay $57,770 in tuition. The retention rate of first-time students attending classes full-time is 98% and the student-to-faculty ratio is excellent at 6 to 1. Graduates earn, on average, $82,000.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private, four-year, not-for-profit college offering degrees in computer science or information technology to students seeking either a bachelor’s or master’s in the field. They also have a cyber security option for those who want to receive training in security specifically. Located in Worcester, WPI is a featured part of a midsize city in Massachusetts. Whether in-state or out-of-state, students pay around $52,300 in tuition and fees. First-time students hold a retention rate of 96% and can expect good class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1. Graduates of this institute earn an average salary of $82,000.

Located in the Windy City, with great views of downtown from the campus, DePaul University is perfectly situated so its students can partake of the plentiful local sites and activities in the city. The school’s small campus is easy to traverse for students on foot, bicycle, or skateboard. All 22,000+ enrolled students, whether in-state or out-of-state, pay the same amount in tuition and fees: around $41,200. The retention rate for first-time students is 86%. Graduates of DePaul University earn an average salary of $69,000.

Located right next to the Charles River, Boston University’s campus also mixes classic and modern architecture and is easily navigable by foot. Because the university is located in a busy city, students may choose to take in the sights during their free time. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same for their tuition and fees: around $55,900. For first-time students, the retention rate is 94%. Graduates of Boston University earn an average salary of $77,000.

Another school located in Boston, Northeastern University is a four-year, private university that can be found close to downtown, just south of the Charles River. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in computer and information sciences, computer and information systems security/information assurance, computer systems and networking telecommunications, data modeling/warehousing and database administration, and information sciences. In-state and out-of-state students pay around $53,500 in tuition and fees and first-time students have a retention rate of 97%. Graduates of Northeastern University earn an average salary of $76,000.

Covered in palms and containing some beautiful architecture, Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona is located within the city of Tempe. This four-year institution offers cybersecurity/information security, computer science, and informatics degrees to undergraduate and graduate students. In-state students pay around $11,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $29,400. The retention rate of first-time students attending full-time is 88%. Graduates of Arizona State University earn an average salary of $70,000.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology, located in Newark, New Jersey offers students a sprawling campus near the Passaic River and inside the city itself. There are also a number of computer-related degrees to choose between including computer and information, information assurance, computer science, computer networking and telecommunications, information technology, and cyber security specializations. Graduates of NJIT have an average salary of $80,000.

Located near the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey, the Stevens Institute of Technology offers cyber security and other computer-related degree programs to its students. This small college is set within Hoboken’s boundaries, offering students areas where they can relax. Its campus sits right across the Hudson from Chelsea Market, in New York. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay around $54,000 in tuition. The retention rate for first-time students is 95%. Graduates of the SIT earn an average salary of $88,000.

Based out of Adelphi, Maryland, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers 100% online education. Among its offerings are cyber security/information security for students interested in this career path. Over 60,000 students enroll every year, but in-state students pay only +-$7,600 for tuition, while out-of-state students pay closer to +-$12,300. Graduates of the University of Maryland Global campus earn an average salary of $77,000.

the University of Texas at Dallas has a lovely, tree-filled, mid-size campus located outside of Dallas proper, away from downtown. However, students who are interested in visiting the city on their weekends can easily make their way south to take in the sights, such as the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. In-state students pay +-$13,400 in tuition and fees; out-of-state students pay +- $38,200. First-time students attending full-time have retention rates of 88%. Graduates earn an average salary of $73,000.

The suburb of Vestal, New York hosts Binghamton University on a beautiful campus surrounded by trees and hills. Students can drive through the trees, visit Pennsylvania, or relax at Arnold Park or The Rail Trail when they aren’t in class. Students who live in New York State pay in-state tuition of $10,200. Out-of-state students pay closer to $27,800. The retention rate for first-time students attending full-time is 92% and graduates of Binghamton University earn an average salary of $75,000.

Villanova University is a private, not-for-profit university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia. This suburb of Philadelphia is small, allowing students to easily familiarize themselves with the area. All 11,000+ students pay the same for tuition: around $55,300 for tuition and fees. First-time students have a 96% retention rate and can expect good class sizes as the student-to-teacher ratio sits at 11 to 1. Graduates of Villanova University earn an average salary of $81,000.

New York University is located in the heart of New York City, near Lower Manhattan. Here, students have a lot of places to stop and visit, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and other beautiful parks or architectural finds when they have free time. In-state and out-of-state students, over 51,000 in all, pay the same fees and tuition: $53,300. The average salary for graduates of New York University is $75,000.

This institution, located in Madison, Wisconsin on the edge of a large lake named Lake Mendota, is a four-year public university. With 43,000+ students, the campus is quite large. In-state students pay around $10,700 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay up to $37,800. Students looking for a computer-related degree can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in computer and information sciences with a focus in cyber security. Graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison earn an average salary of $72,000.

The Rochester Institute of Technology is located on a modern campus south of the main city of Rochester and Lake Ontario. Their 16,000+ students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees including cyber security focused degrees such as information assurance. Tuition and fees are around $45,900 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. Graduates of RIT earn an average salary of $76,000.

Oregon State University sits within the relatively remote city of Corvallis, Oregon. The town may not be large, but it certainly swells when the school’s 30,000+ students show up for classes. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees focused on cyber security. Students living in Oregon pay $11,700 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $31,200. Graduates of OSU earn an average salary of $71,000.

The University of Central Florida, located on the northeast side of Orlando, FL is close enough that students can enjoy the Universal Orlando Resort if they want to during their free time. This large, palm-strewn campus is located in a suburb of Orlando. Students from Florida pay +-$6,400 in tuition and fees and out-of-state students pay +-$22,500. First-time students attending full-time have a retention rate of 90% and graduates of UCF earn an average salary of $63,000.

Here we have another FL options, Florida State University, though this campus is located in Tallahassee, a mid-size city. The university itself is a larger one with a student body of 41,000+. In their free time, students can explore Tallahassee, see the sights, and perhaps even visit the wildlife management areas to the south. Florida residents pay +-$5,700 in tuition but students from out-of-state pay +-$18,800. Graduates of FSU earn an average salary of $62,000.

Students attending Drexel, which is a private, not-for-profit institution, become one of a student body of a little less than 25,000. The campus is located close to downtown Philadelphia, which gives students the opportunity to spend explore or visit the local museums and sites when they aren’t busy with their studies. In-state and out-of-state students both pay +-$54,500 in tuition whether they aim to earn a degree in information security, informatics, or cyber security. Graduates of Drexel University earn average salaries of $75,000.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public, four-year university. The city of Charlotte is a large one and the campus, located on the northeast fringes, has a student population of close to 30,000. Students from North Carolina pay +-$6,900 in tuition and students from other states pay +-$20,300. The retention rate of first-time students attending full-time is 82% and graduates of UNC earn an average salary of $67,000.

The Missouri University of Science and Technology is located in the relatively remote, small town of Rolla, MO. The campus is also small, holding just over 8,000 students. Students from Missouri pay +-$9,900 in tuition and students from other states pay +-$27,500. First-time students attending school full-time have an 83% retention rate and graduates of the university have an average salary of $79,000.

This institution is located on the south side of one of the biggest cities in the South: Houston, Texas. Students who choose this university will have plenty of available, out-of-school activities from which to choose, including the Houston Space Center. In-state students pay +-$9,200 in tuition and out-of-state students pay +-$21,700. Those interested in cyber security will have the option of earning a bachelor’s or master’s in information assurance, systems analysis, or another computer related degree. Graduates of the University of Houston earn an average salary of $69,000.

Students who choose to study at Indiana University - Bloomington will find themselves in a small town southwest of Indianapolis. This institution is the university of choice for 43,000+ students each year. These students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate certificates. Students from Indiana pay +-$10,900 in tuition and students from other states pay +-$36,500. Graduates of IU - Bloomington have an average salary of $66,000.

Washington University can be called the proverbial “small fish in a big pond”, though you wouldn’t know it from its beautiful campus. It’s located within a large suburb, close to the heart of St. Louis, Missouri but the university itself only has a total student population of 15,852. Of course, the low numbers of students enrolled lead to small class sizes, with the student-to-faculty ratio sitting at 7 to 1, and freshmen attending full-time have a 97% retention rate. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay around $55,300 in tuition and fees. Graduates of Washington University earn an average salary of $75,000.

Cornell University is well-known, offering a high-quality education to students. It is located in a small city offering several natural areas for students to hike and relax in, including nearby Cayuga Lake, the longest of the glacial Finger Lakes in central New York. All 23,600 students, in-state and out-of-state, pay the same tuition and fees: +-$57,200 and freshmen at Cornell have a 97% retention rate. The average salary for graduates of Cornell University is $84,000.

This private, not-for-profit university is small, with a total student population of just over 9,000. It has two campuses in New York — one located within a large suburb and another near Midtown Manhattan and Central Park, giving students easy access to the best of New York — as well as a campus in Vancouver that also offers a graduate cybersecurity program. All undergraduate students in New York pay the same in tuition and fees: $38,000. New York Tech has a 72% retention rate for first-time students attending full-time and they have a good faculty-to-student ratio at 12 to 1. Graduates of New York Tech have an average salary of $73,000.

This university in South Carolina offers degrees in computer science, programming, informatics, and cyber security specialization to both undergraduate and graduate students. The campus is mid-sized with a total student population of 24,000+ and is located in a large city. This means students will have plenty of activities to keep them busy in their free time. Students from South Carolina pay around $15,600 in tuition and fees. Students from other states pay closer to $38,600. The average annual salary for Clemson University graduates is $68,000.

George Washington University is located within the US capital, near the Potomac River. With a total student population of 28,000+, GWU offers interested students the opportunity to walk and tour DC itself - a wonderful way to spend your free time. Students from The District as well as students from other states pay the same in tuition and fees: +-$56,900. GWU’s retention rate for first-time students attending full time is 93% and the average salary for graduates of GWU is $76,000.

Northwestern University is a private, not-for-profit educational institution that sits on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. It has a mid-sized campus with over 22,000 students enrolled. In-state and out-of-state students pay +-$56,700 in tuition and fees. NU also boasts a 97% retention rate for first-time students and a 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average salary for graduates of NU is $81,000.

Old Dominion University has a sprawling campus situated in the midsize city of Norfolk, Virginia. Students can sight-see around Virginia or even travel up to Washington, DC in their free time. Those interested in cyber security can earn a degree in computer and information system security/information assurance. In-state students pay around $10,700 in tuition and out-of-state students pay closer to $30,800. ODU’s retention rate for first-time students attending full-time is 79% and graduates of Old Dominion earn an average salary of $66,000.

This small university is located at the northern edge of the city of Lowell, just beside the Merrimack River. The total student population is just over 18,000. When students have time away from their classes and studies, they may choose to hike in the nearby forest, go to the Whistler House Museum of Art, or visit the Lowell National Historic Park. Students from Massachusetts pay around $15,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $33,600. The university’s retention rate for first-time students who are attending full-time is 85%. Graduates of UM earn an average salary of $75,000.

This campus is located in the small city of Bellingham, Washington but students still have the opportunity to enjoy themselves after they finish a week of classes. For instance, Fairhaven Park allows them to enjoy nature or they may choose to visit the shore of Bellingham Bay. Washington residents pay +-$8,300 in tuition and out-of-state students pay +-$24,700. Students may choose to earn a bachelor’s or master’s in information assurance and graduates of WWU earn an average salary of $67,000.

Brown University is another small campus, located near the heart of Providence, RI. The total student population is a little more than 10,000 students who enjoy a student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1. Students from Rhode Island, as well as those who live in other states, can expect to pay around $58,400 in tuition and fees. First-time students attending Brown full-time have an excellent 98% retention rate and can choose to earn a bachelor’s in information assurance of computer science. Graduates of Brown earn an average salary of $82,000.

Wright State is a smaller university within a large suburb. Students interested in the military should know that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is not far away. Those interested in cyber security can earn a bachelor’s in computer science and a master’s or undergraduate certificate in information assurance. In-state students pay +-$9,600 in tuition and out-of-state students pay +-$19,000. WSU graduates earn an average salary of $68,000.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers computer and information systems security/information assurance, computer systems analysis, and cyber security degrees and specializations to undergraduate and graduate students. This midsize campus is located in a large city. Students can drive through the city to find places of interest during their free time. Students who are residents of Nebraska pay +-$8,000 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay +-$21,200. First-time students who are attending full-time have a 75% retention rate. Graduates of this university earn average salaries of $65,000.

The University of Washington in Tacoma is a small campus with a small student body; the total student population is just over 5,000. Located in a midsize city, the university is close to activities and sights students may enjoy. Additionally, the school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer and information sciences, computer and information systems security/information assurance, and information technology. Residents of Washington pay around $11,600 in tuition and students from other states pay closer to $38,300. Average salaries for graduates of UW are $70,000.

The University of New Hampshire is a midsize campus in a small suburb called Manchester. Here, students can choose to major in computer and information sciences or information technology while specializing in cyber security. The total student body numbers at just over 750 and in-state students can expect to pay around $15,685 in tuition, while out-of-state students will pay closer to $35,400. First-time students attending UNH have an 86% retention rate. Graduates of UNH have an average salary of $62,000.

Located in the well-known city of Miami, Florida International University draws students from all over the country and the world. This is a large campus with nearly 58,000 enrolled students. On-campus or off, students will find enjoyable activities to fill their free time. Florida residents pay +-$6,600 in tuition and fees and out-of-state students pay +-$19,000. For those interested in cyber security, you can choose to earn a bachelor’s in computer sciences with a focus in cyber security, or earn a degree in information assurance or computer systems analysis. The average salary for FIU graduates is $62,000.

James Madison University is a midsize campus in the small city of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The 21,000+ enrolled students have the option to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees as well as undergraduate or postgraduate certificates. In-state students pay around $12,200 in tuition and fees and out-of-state students pay more than double that: +-$29,100. First-time students attending full-time have a solid 90% retention rate. The average salary of JMU graduates is $65,000.

This four-year private, not-for-profit university is located in New York City. However, the campus itself is relatively small, accommodating over 6,000 students. Because of its location in New York, students should be able to find activities of interest no matter what their hobbies are. In-state and out-of-state students pay $44,900 in tuition and fees. The retention rate for first-time students attending full-time is 87% and the average salary for YU graduates is $72,000.

West Virginia University, a public institution, is a midsize institution in a relatively small city, though it might feel like a big city if you live in West Virginia. Those interested in computer-related degrees among the rolling hills of West Virginia have the opportunity to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorates in computer and information sciences, systems security/information assurance, or computer systems analysis. Students from West Virginia can expect to pay around $9,000 in tuition and fees; out-of-state students will pay closer to $25,300. Graduates of WVU earn an average salary of $68,000.

Mercy College is a small institution with a student population of just over 9,000. The college is located at the northwest border of Dobbs Ferry on the shore of the Hudson River. Students can earn a varying degrees in computer and information sciences, systems security/information security, or information science. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay around $19,600 in tuition and fees. First-time students attending full-time have a 75% retention rate, which could be higher, but Mercy College graduates have an average salary of $65,000.