50 Most Affordable Cyber Security School Programs

Get Matched With Cybersecurity Colleges

Cyber security is and will continue to be one of the most stable and in-demand careers through 2029. There are over 3 million unfilled cyber security jobs worldwide and over 2,200 cyber-attacks on a daily basis. The combination of a massive professional cyber security shortage and a thriving cyber-criminal industry is leading to an overworked and under qualified workforce. It is also resulting in severely high cyber-threat risks and threats for businesses and organizations paired with skyrocketing cyber security salaries.

The cyber security field is a mix of insecurity for employers and job security for employees. In general, employers are desperate for cyber security professionals with relevant experience, a high-quality skill set, and a proper education. This is leading to more and more colleges and universities with cyber security degrees. Currently, the number of cyber security degrees being offered are also in shortage in comparison to the demand. And the industry is still struggling to attract more women in cyber security. For those interested in cyber security degrees, be sure to look for both affordable programs and programs designated as a center for excellence.

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Top 50 Affordable Cyber Security College Rankings

University Headquarters takes great pride in establishing a fair, unbiased, and representative ranking of the most affordable programs. The research team has evaluated far more than simply the cost of cyber security programs. The University HQ ranking system is designed to provide a list of colleges and universities with cyber security degrees that are of high quality, that have affordable prices, and offer an impressive probability of employment upon graduation.

One aspect taken into consideration is the acceptance rate of a college or university. Various studies have demonstrated that the rate of acceptance can be directly associated with the graduation rate. This means that, if a school is more selective with the number of applicants they approve, it’s more likely that students will graduate rather than to drop out or transfer. The on-time graduation rate is another consideration. This is reflective of whether or not the higher learning institution provides adequate support and graduation pathways for students to succeed. These are only a few considerations out of many that we use to create the best ranking lists for you, the student.

1

St. Petersburg College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 38%
Grads Salary: $61,000

2

Seminole State College of Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $3,131
- Out-of-State: $11,456
Net Price: $3,144
Total Enrollment: 14,323
Undergrad Students: 14,323

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Grads Salary: $58,000

3

Pensacola State College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,365
- Out-of-State: $9,475
Net Price: $3,305
Total Enrollment: 7,981
Undergrad Students: 7,981

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 37%
Grads Salary: $58,000

4

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State: $15,420
Net Price: $5,001
Total Enrollment: 13,921
Undergrad Students: 12,061

Graduate Students: 1,860
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Grads Salary: $66,000

5

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Tuition
- In-State: $7,060
- Out-of-State: $18,940
Net Price: $5,068
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969

Graduate Students: 2,457
Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Grads Salary: $73,000

6

CUNY City College

Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State: $15,290
Net Price: $5,181
Total Enrollment: 14,489
Undergrad Students: 11,929

Graduate Students: 2,560
Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Grads Salary: $77,000

7

Miami Dade College

Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Grads Salary: $59,000

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8

Purdue Global

Tuition
- In-State: $10,134
- Out-of-State: $14,445
Net Price: $6,785
Total Enrollment: 45,125
Undergrad Students: 33,510

Graduate Students: 11,615
Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 17%
Graduation Rate: 20%
Grads Salary: $80,000

9

Northern Kentucky University

Tuition
- In-State: $10,592
- Out-of-State: $20,848
Net Price: $7,259
Total Enrollment: 15,801
Undergrad Students: 10,776

Graduate Students: 5,025
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Grads Salary: $68,000

10

California State University-Stanislaus

Tuition
- In-State: $7,734
- Out-of-State: $19,614
Net Price: $7,555
Total Enrollment: 10,154
Undergrad Students: 8,926

Graduate Students: 1,228
Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Grads Salary: $73,000

11

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Tuition
- In-State: $7,327
- Out-of-State: $20,481
Net Price: $7,587
Total Enrollment: 8,721
Undergrad Students: 2,465

Graduate Students: 6,256
Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 33%
Grads Salary: $63,000

12

California State University-Fullerton

Tuition
- In-State: $7,007
- Out-of-State: $18,887
Net Price: $7,925
Total Enrollment: 40,386
Undergrad Students: 35,432

Graduate Students: 4,954
Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Grads Salary: $77,000

13

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Tuition
- In-State: $9,538
- Out-of-State: $19,333
Net Price: $8,105
Total Enrollment: 31,559
Undergrad Students: 26,434

Graduate Students: 5,125
Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Grads Salary: $65,000

14

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Tuition
- In-State: $3,495
- Out-of-State: $7,495
Net Price: $8,208
Total Enrollment: 7,666
Undergrad Students: 5,643

Graduate Students: 2,023
Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Grads Salary: $58,000

15

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Tuition
- In-State: $7,466
- Out-of-State: $15,736
Net Price: $8,510
Total Enrollment: 3,947
Undergrad Students: 3,236

Graduate Students: 711
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Grads Salary: $67,000

16

The University of West Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $8,609
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291

Graduate Students: 4,230
Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Grads Salary: $67,000

17

Clark College

Tuition
- In-State: $4,529
- Out-of-State: $10,133
Net Price: $8,670
Total Enrollment: 6,593
Undergrad Students: 6,593

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: 39%
Grads Salary: $61,000

18

Marshall University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,604
- Out-of-State: $19,658
Net Price: $8,756
Total Enrollment: 10,691
Undergrad Students: 7,952

Graduate Students: 2,739
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Grads Salary: $67,000

19

Monroe College

Tuition
- In-State: $17,442
- Out-of-State: $17,442
Net Price: $9,157
Total Enrollment: 7,011
Undergrad Students: 5,916

Graduate Students: 1,095
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Grads Salary: $64,000

20

Purdue University Northwest

Tuition
- In-State: $8,174
- Out-of-State: $15,165
Net Price: $9,162
Total Enrollment: 8,911
Undergrad Students: 8,176

Graduate Students: 735
Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Grads Salary: $70,000

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21

Western Governors University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,010
- Out-of-State: $8,010
Net Price: $9,207
Total Enrollment: 156,935
Undergrad Students: 112,807

Graduate Students: 44,128
Student-to-faculty: 42:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 49%
Grads Salary: $77,000

22

Utah Valley University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State: $17,830
Net Price: $9,346
Total Enrollment: 43,099
Undergrad Students: 42,296

Graduate Students: 803
Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Grads Salary: $67,000

23

University of Washington-Bothell

Tuition
- In-State: $12,224
- Out-of-State: $40,722
Net Price: $9,357
Total Enrollment: 5,735
Undergrad Students: 5,192

Graduate Students: 543
Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Grads Salary: $80,000

24

Savannah State University

Tuition
- In-State: $5,498
- Out-of-State: $16,218
Net Price: $9,452
Total Enrollment: 2,945
Undergrad Students: 2,740

Graduate Students: 205
Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Grads Salary: $63,000

25

University of Arkansas Grantham

Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State: $8,280
Net Price: $9,546
Total Enrollment: 5,436
Undergrad Students: 4,598

Graduate Students: 838
Student-to-faculty: 33:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 25%
Grads Salary: $78,000

26

Northeastern State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,400
- Out-of-State: $16,385
Net Price: $9,669
Total Enrollment: 6,702
Undergrad Students: 5,242

Graduate Students: 1,460
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 38%
Grads Salary: $65,000

27

Cameron University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,705
- Out-of-State: $16,125
Net Price: $9,674
Total Enrollment: 3,418
Undergrad Students: 3,133

Graduate Students: 285
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 25%
Grads Salary: $69,000

28

Florida Atlantic University

Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $9,711
Total Enrollment: 29,592
Undergrad Students: 24,191

Graduate Students: 5,401
Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Grads Salary: $70,000

29

Green River College

Tuition
- In-State: $4,434
- Out-of-State: $4,916
Net Price: $9,797
Total Enrollment: 6,252
Undergrad Students: 6,252

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: 41%
Grads Salary: $62,000

30

Florida International University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688

Graduate Students: 9,921
Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Grads Salary: $68,000

31

University of Maine at Augusta

Tuition
- In-State: $8,378
- Out-of-State: $19,778
Net Price: $9,973
Total Enrollment: 4,446
Undergrad Students: 4,384

Graduate Students: 62
Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 23%
Grads Salary: $62,000

32

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Tuition
- In-State: $23,900
- Out-of-State: $23,900
Net Price: $10,022
Total Enrollment: 3,082
Undergrad Students: 649

Graduate Students: 2,433
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Grads Salary: $86,000

33

Charter Oak State College

Tuition
- In-State: $8,254
- Out-of-State: $10,796
Net Price: $10,191
Total Enrollment: 1,602
Undergrad Students: 1,501

Graduate Students: 101
Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Grads Salary: $80,000

34

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Tuition
- In-State: $9,234
- Out-of-State: $21,474
Net Price: $10,370
Total Enrollment: 5,848
Undergrad Students: 4,640

Graduate Students: 1,208
Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Grads Salary: $69,000

35

New Mexico State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,627
- Out-of-State: $24,751
Net Price: $10,407
Total Enrollment: 14,268
Undergrad Students: 11,591

Graduate Students: 2,677
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Grads Salary: $72,000

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36

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Tuition
- In-State: $7,930
- Out-of-State: $20,659
Net Price: $10,646
Total Enrollment: 2,110
Undergrad Students: 1,761

Graduate Students: 349
Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Grads Salary: $98,000

37

University of Washington-Tacoma

Tuition
- In-State: $12,458
- Out-of-State: $40,956
Net Price: $10,680
Total Enrollment: 4,794
Undergrad Students: 4,083

Graduate Students: 711
Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Grads Salary: $72,000

38

Fairmont State University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,008
- Out-of-State: $17,836
Net Price: $10,794
Total Enrollment: 3,498
Undergrad Students: 3,197

Graduate Students: 301
Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Grads Salary: $65,000

39

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Tuition
- In-State: $7,498
- Out-of-State: $22,657
Net Price: $10,979
Total Enrollment: 17,978
Undergrad Students: 14,198

Graduate Students: 3,780
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Grads Salary: $62,000

40

Morehead State University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,560
- Out-of-State: $14,286
Net Price: $10,991
Total Enrollment: 8,807
Undergrad Students: 8,215

Graduate Students: 592
Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Grads Salary: $64,000

41

University of South Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $11,004
Total Enrollment: 49,600
Undergrad Students: 38,047

Graduate Students: 11,553
Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Grads Salary: $70,000

42

Murray State University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,432
- Out-of-State: $18,888
Net Price: $11,042
Total Enrollment: 9,479
Undergrad Students: 7,679

Graduate Students: 1,800
Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Grads Salary: $68,000

43

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Tuition
- In-State: $9,548
- Out-of-State: $22,764
Net Price: $11,043
Total Enrollment: 7,309
Undergrad Students: 6,616

Graduate Students: 693
Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 31%
Grads Salary: $70,900

44

American Public University System

Tuition
- In-State: $7,360
- Out-of-State: $7,360
Net Price: $11,172
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206

Graduate Students: 9,462
Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Grads Salary: $76,000

45

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Tuition
- In-State: $8,366
- Out-of-State: $18,957
Net Price: $11,173
Total Enrollment: 8,197
Undergrad Students: 5,825

Graduate Students: 2,372
Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Grads Salary: $63,000

46

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Tuition
- In-State: $7,873
- Out-of-State: $16,091
Net Price: $11,365
Total Enrollment: 9,599
Undergrad Students: 9,146

Graduate Students: 453
Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Grads Salary: $65,000

47

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Tuition
- In-State: $5,774
- Out-of-State: $11,384
Net Price: $11,450
Total Enrollment: 2,357
Undergrad Students: 2,357

Graduate Students: 0
Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Grads Salary: $65,000

48

University of New Orleans

Tuition
- In-State: $9,172
- Out-of-State: $14,008
Net Price: $11,508
Total Enrollment: 7,111
Undergrad Students: 5,804

Graduate Students: 1,307
Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 38%
Grads Salary: $70,000

49

Mississippi Valley State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,414
- Out-of-State: $7,414
Net Price: $11,598
Total Enrollment: 1,879
Undergrad Students: 1,654

Graduate Students: 225
Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 26%
Grads Salary: $57,000

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50

University of North Georgia

Tuition
- In-State: $4,995
- Out-of-State: $15,391
Net Price: $11,721
Total Enrollment: 18,029
Undergrad Students: 17,240

Graduate Students: 789
Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Grads Salary: $63,000

Why a Degree from an Affordable Cybersecurity School?

One of the best reasons to choose a more affordable cybersecurity school is to gain relevant experience sooner in one’s career. Affordable colleges and universities often offer greater program flexibility. As a result, students at less expensive schools are able to secure part-time or full-time work within the cyber security sector. While other students are restricted from daytime working hours to attend courses, affordable cyber security degrees allow students to study and work. Because educated cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, the earlier one is able to secure work experience, the better.

Another advantage is the wide array of career possibilities. It’s possible to focus on computer-related careers, cloud-based systems, software, penetration testing, recovery, ransomware, and much more. A more affordable degree also allows for people to pursue additional education opportunities after they earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. This is an ever-changing profession. As such, continuing education gained through certifications and advanced degrees will be necessary. And most people who graduate with an affordable cyber security degree are able to minimize their debt and free up money to spend on more interesting items after graduation, such as trips, a house, a family, etc.

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Choosing an Affordable Cyber Security College

For millions of students each year, choosing an affordable college is a priority for many reasons. And each person will have a unique set of reasons. However, a number of additional factors should be taken into consideration during the decision-making process. To begin, examine the accreditation of the school and the program. Unfortunately, not all education standards are equal throughout the country. Colleges and universities with regional accreditation are considered to offer the most rigid and demanding curriculums. This is a factor employers are likely to consider.

It’s also important to consider whether or not a cybersecurity program is designated as a center for excellence by the NSA and DHS. Many programs have such endorsements including community colleges, state schools, and private schools. Another aspect to consider is where to attend school. In-state schools are almost always around half the cost of out-of-state programs. Online programs at out-of-state schools can also offer similar pricing to in-state tuition. However, be aware that some schools ask you to pay more for online education, which may prevent an equitable education for all at those institutions. Be sure to check degree costs for all types of learning platforms prior to committing to a program.

In-state and online cyber security degree programs also appeal to individuals who want to maximize their savings by living at home while taking courses. This minimizes travel time, allows for students to work or care for family members, and avoid the additional housing expenses associated with living on or off-campus. Don’t forget to look into whether or not the school offers a career center. Colleges and universities with career centers often provide students with a competitive advantage by matching students with internships, part-time work, and full-time jobs. In many cases, employers reach out to the school for qualified candidates. And the career center will assist with resume writing, mock job interviewing, and much more.

Online Options

Today, online cybersecurity jobs are becoming more standard. While some positions require working onsite to manage equipment, peripherals, networks, and others, many cyber security workers will work online at one point or another.

Because there is a massive shortage of cybersecurity professionals, many employers do not require relocation for cyber security jobs. This is another example of how online cyber security degrees are potentially more beneficial than in-person cyber security degrees. These careers will also likely have to work with people in other regions of states, the country, and the world. It will be important to be able to learn the best ways to communicate without meeting people in person, and this is one way to gain experience doing so.

Online cyber security degrees are available at all degree levels. The same is true for online cybersecurity certifications. As continuing education is essential for cybersecurity professionals, online degrees and certifications will be particularly helpful for these career pathways. And, because many colleges and universities do not yet have dedicated cybersecurity degrees, programs or departments, online programs from schools in other states may be the only option for many students.

Are Cyber Security Programs in High Demand?

Cyber security programs are in demand by both employers and students alike. At the moment, only around 300 colleges and universities have cybersecurity programs designated as centers for excellence. This is only 5.66% of the over 5,300 higher learning institutions in the whole of the US. This leaves a frightening gap in the area of cyber security education standards for such a critical field.

The expected cyber security career growth rate is 31%. This is significantly higher than the average job growth rate of four percent throughout all careers in the US. This projected growth is directly related to the already significant lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Another reason for the rising demand for cyber security experts is due to the incessant increase in cyber-attacks each day, month, and year. Greater need for these individuals is also related to the increasingly connected lives of the everyday person, such as remote working and using more items connected to the Internet of Things.

This demand will also continue as businesses become more reliant on technology. Businesses today have to be careful with their networks and their employees as each endpoint is just as vulnerable as an untrained employee clicking on or responding to the wrong email or website.

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What Can You Do with a Degree in Cyber Security?

A degree in cybersecurity can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. At the entry-level stage, it’s possible to become a support technician or an associate system or network administrator. Many different types of analyst roles are also available at this level such as cyber security analyst, security analyst, penetration tester, and information security analyst. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security can lead to better paying roles with more responsibilities such as administrators, managers, engineers, and others. Those with a master’s degree often quickly rise to the ranks of management and executive roles.

The types of employers who hire cybersecurity professionals are everywhere. One of the fastest-growing employers of cyber security professionals is the government. All levels of the government are finally taking cyber security seriously. As such, the demand is great at the local, regional, and national levels. Individuals can also choose to work as consultants to help establish cybersecurity programs. Or you can work for corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and every other type of organization.

Nearly every industry is desperate for more well-trained cyber security professionals. It’s an option to work for school districts, healthcare entities, tech businesses, colleges or universities, food manufacturers, and others. Bad actors and cyber-criminals will seek out any place with a vulnerability. Right now, no one and no industry is safe. It’s even possible to specialize in a type of business or an industry as a way to make more money or to advance one’s career more quickly.

Cybersecurity Graduates Earn More After College

Salaries for cybersecurity jobs are some of the highest of all fields at the moment. Many graduates will start out earning over $50,000 a year for entry-level positions. Those who gain work experience while they complete a degree can expect to earn over $60,000 to begin. Keep in mind that smaller communities and smaller companies may not pay as much as others.

For those with a bachelor’s degree and some relevant experience, it’s more likely that a person will make over $70,000 a year. Many individuals with more work experience and this degree will make over $100,000 annually. A master’s degree in cyber security will catapult one’s earning potential to over $100,000 with very little experience.

Certificates and continued learning opportunities can also increase pay quite quickly. It can also be more monetarily advantageous to work as a consultant as many companies simply cannot afford to keep cybersecurity professionals on staff. To jumpstart one’s salary base upon graduation, be certain to work with the school’s career center to secure work while completing a degree. This might be in the form of an internship, part-time job, or full-time work. The more experience one has before graduation, the higher one’s starting salary and long-term earning potential will be. This can also directly impact the number and quality of job offers.

FAQs

Are there professional associations I should join while earning a master’s in cyber security degree?
A growing number of cyber security professional associations show up as the field becomes larger and more varied. Keep in mind that many memberships are free or discounted for students.

Some of the most popular cybersecurity professional organizations include:
- Association for Women in Computing
- Information Systems Security Association
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association - ISACA
- International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium - (ISC)2
- Information Security Research Association
- CompTIA
- ASIS International
What will I learn in a cyber security bachelor’s program?
The courses and curriculum of a cyber security bachelor’s degree program will depend entirely on the specialization of the program.

General cybersecurity degrees might have similar courses, such as:
- Business Communications
- Microeconomics
- Business Law
- Cyber Security Principles
- Cyber Law, Policy and Compliance
- Database Design
- Applied Operating Systems
- Information Technology Concepts and Applications
- Introduction to Programming
What are the admission requirements for master’s degrees?
The admission requirements for a cyber security master’s degree are rapidly evolving. Some schools will still require a GMAT or GRE graduation examination score. However, this is quickly becoming obsolete. A minimum bachelor’s degree GPA will often still be a requirement, as well as various prerequisite courses. Those changing careers may have to complete a few courses before being accepted. Each school will have its own set of admission requirements, and some will be more difficult than others.
How do I get a job in cybersecurity management?
Right now, it‘s possible to get a job in cyber security management with as little as an associate degree and a few years of experience. This is largely due to the lack of qualified candidates in the field. Most management positions in cyber security will require at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree in cybersecurity. While completing degrees, a college or university’s career center can help make invaluable connections that lead to management careers in cyber security.

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Cybersecurity Graduates Earn More After College

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