University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs for cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity remains one of the most stable and in-demand career fields, with the global need for professionals set to continue growing through 2029. Currently, there are over 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, and the industry faces more than 2,200 cyber-attacks each day. This shortage of skilled professionals, combined with increasing cyber threats, has led to an overworked and underqualified workforce. As a result, cybersecurity salaries have soared, reflecting the urgent demand for experts in the field.
The cybersecurity field offers both job security for professionals and a sense of insecurity for employers due to the increasing demand for qualified experts. With a growing shortage of cybersecurity degrees and an industry still struggling to attract more women into the field, the need for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Employers are eager to hire cybersecurity specialists with the right education, experience, and skill set, driving more colleges and universities to offer specialized degrees in this area.
When considering a cybersecurity degree, it's essential to seek out affordable programs that provide high-quality education and the opportunity to be designated as a "Center of Excellence." These institutions are recognized for their exceptional programs, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a fast-growing, high-demand field. Explore our list of Top Affordable Cybersecurity Schools to find the best options for your career in this rapidly evolving industry.
Top 50 Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges and Universities
1
St. Petersburg College
Score: 100
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State:$9,286
- Net Price: $300
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 23,350
- Undergrad Students: 23,350
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
2
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 89.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State:$11,447
- Net Price: $2,889
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 14,104
- Undergrad Students: 14,104
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
3
Pensacola State College
Score: 87.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,348
- Out-of-State:$9,407
- Net Price: $3,436
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,518
- Undergrad Students: 8,518
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
4
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Score: 84.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State:$15,420
- Net Price: $4,141
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 13,510
- Undergrad Students: 11,678
- Graduate Students: 1,832
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
5
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Score: 83.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State:$18,944
- Net Price: $4,438
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 15,181
- Undergrad Students: 12,730
- Graduate Students: 2,451
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
6
CUNY City College
Score: 83.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State:$15,290
- Net Price: $4,599
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 15,012
- Undergrad Students: 12,356
- Graduate Students: 2,656
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
7
Miami Dade College
Score: 80.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,661
- Net Price: $5,367
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 39,139
- Undergrad Students: 39,139
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
8
California State University-Fullerton
Score: 76.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State:$18,953
- Net Price: $6,283
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 41,962
- Undergrad Students: 37,125
- Graduate Students: 4,837
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
9
California State University-San Bernardino
Score: 75.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,675
- Out-of-State:$19,555
- Net Price: $6,645
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 18,925
- Undergrad Students: 16,067
- Graduate Students: 2,858
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
10
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Score: 73.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State:$19,939
- Net Price: $6,978
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 31,931
- Undergrad Students: 27,040
- Graduate Students: 4,891
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
11
Fayetteville State University
Score: 72.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $7,298
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 6,847
- Undergrad Students: 5,845
- Graduate Students: 1,002
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
12
California State University-Stanislaus
Score: 72.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State:$19,706
- Net Price: $7,316
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 9,841
- Undergrad Students: 8,669
- Graduate Students: 1,172
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
13
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Score: 71.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,327
- Out-of-State:$20,481
- Net Price: $7,554
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 9,736
- Undergrad Students: 2,548
- Graduate Students: 7,188
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
14
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 69.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $8,151
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 14,961
- Undergrad Students: 9,927
- Graduate Students: 5,034
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
15
New Mexico State University
Score: 68.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State:$25,271
- Net Price: $8,353
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 14,779
- Undergrad Students: 12,113
- Graduate Students: 2,666
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
16
Savannah State University
Score: 67.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,498
- Out-of-State:$16,218
- Net Price: $8,506
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 3,078
- Undergrad Students: 2,857
- Graduate Students: 221
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
17
Utah Valley University
Score: 67.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State:$17,830
- Net Price: $8,650
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 44,651
- Undergrad Students: 43,794
- Graduate Students: 857
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
18
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Score: 66.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,855
- Out-of-State:$16,497
- Net Price: $8,778
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 4,008
- Undergrad Students: 3,263
- Graduate Students: 745
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
19
The University of West Florida
Score: 66.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,908
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 14,371
- Undergrad Students: 9,661
- Graduate Students: 4,710
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
20
University of Arkansas Grantham
Score: 65.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State:$8,280
- Net Price: $9,186
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 3,742
- Undergrad Students: 3,203
- Graduate Students: 539
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
21
Purdue Global
Score: 63.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,110
- Out-of-State:$14,421
- Net Price: $9,494
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 44,421
- Undergrad Students: 31,791
- Graduate Students: 12,630
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
22
Western Governors University
Score: 63.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,555
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 185,015
- Undergrad Students: 135,822
- Graduate Students: 49,193
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
23
Purdue University Northwest
Score: 63.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,419
- Out-of-State:$15,620
- Net Price: $9,637
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 8,679
- Undergrad Students: 7,902
- Graduate Students: 777
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
24
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Score: 63.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State:$7,571
- Net Price: $9,687
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 7,630
- Undergrad Students: 5,485
- Graduate Students: 2,145
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
25
Marshall University
Score: 62.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State:$20,294
- Net Price: $9,734
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 11,027
- Undergrad Students: 8,235
- Graduate Students: 2,792
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
26
Murray State University
Score: 62.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State:$19,452
- Net Price: $9,738
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,878
- Graduate Students: 1,963
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
27
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 62.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,839
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 30,790
- Undergrad Students: 24,614
- Graduate Students: 6,176
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
28
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Score: 61.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State:$22,752
- Net Price: $9,985
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 6,640
- Undergrad Students: 5,638
- Graduate Students: 1,002
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
29
University of Washington-Bothell
Score: 61.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,559
- Out-of-State:$41,913
- Net Price: $10,013
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 5,809
- Undergrad Students: 5,248
- Graduate Students: 561
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
30
Morehead State University
Score: 61.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State:$14,706
- Net Price: $10,017
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 8,618
- Undergrad Students: 8,058
- Graduate Students: 560
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
31
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Score: 61.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,904
- Out-of-State:$23,212
- Net Price: $10,143
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,899
- Undergrad Students: 4,654
- Graduate Students: 1,245
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
32
Hallmark University
Score: 61.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,240
- Out-of-State:$41,240
- Net Price: $10,153
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 879
- Undergrad Students: 782
- Graduate Students: 97
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
33
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Score: 60.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,342
- Out-of-State:$16,929
- Net Price: $10,289
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 10,326
- Undergrad Students: 9,853
- Graduate Students: 473
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
34
American Public University System
Score: 60.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $10,322
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 50,187
- Undergrad Students: 40,478
- Graduate Students: 9,709
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
35
University of North Alabama
Score: 60.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State:$22,190
- Net Price: $10,441
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 10,059
- Undergrad Students: 7,451
- Graduate Students: 2,608
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
36
California State University-San Marcos
Score: 59.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,739
- Out-of-State:$19,619
- Net Price: $10,500
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 15,431
- Undergrad Students: 14,246
- Graduate Students: 1,185
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
37
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Score: 59.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State:$23,339
- Net Price: $10,592
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 17,743
- Undergrad Students: 14,156
- Graduate Students: 3,587
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
38
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Score: 58.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,045
- Out-of-State:$14,325
- Net Price: $10,736
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,406
- Undergrad Students: 1,357
- Graduate Students: 49
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
39
Florida International University
Score: 58.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $10,742
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 53,953
- Undergrad Students: 44,363
- Graduate Students: 9,590
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
40
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Score: 58.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,991
- Out-of-State:$21,965
- Net Price: $10,831
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 34,864
- Undergrad Students: 30,310
- Graduate Students: 4,554
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
41
Eastern Kentucky University
Score: 58.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State:$20,820
- Net Price: $10,852
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,008
- Undergrad Students: 12,726
- Graduate Students: 2,282
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,774
- Out-of-State:$11,384
- Net Price: $10,889
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,493
- Undergrad Students: 2,493
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
43
Fairmont State University
Score: 57.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,454
- Out-of-State:$18,372
- Net Price: $10,993
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,307
- Undergrad Students: 3,060
- Graduate Students: 247
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
44
Lamar University
Score: 57.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,690
- Out-of-State:$18,482
- Net Price: $10,999
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 17,473
- Undergrad Students: 7,998
- Graduate Students: 9,475
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
45
Cameron University
Score: 57.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,900
- Out-of-State:$16,320
- Net Price: $11,094
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 3,559
- Undergrad Students: 3,244
- Graduate Students: 315
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
46
Northeastern State University
Score: 57.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State:$16,633
- Net Price: $11,153
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 6,466
- Undergrad Students: 5,006
- Graduate Students: 1,460
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
47
University of New Orleans
Score: 57.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,172
- Out-of-State:$14,008
- Net Price: $11,190
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,601
- Undergrad Students: 5,476
- Graduate Students: 1,125
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
48
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Score: 57.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,455
- Out-of-State:$19,210
- Net Price: $11,225
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 8,158
- Undergrad Students: 5,789
- Graduate Students: 2,369
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
49
University of Washington-Tacoma
Score: 56.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,817
- Out-of-State:$42,171
- Net Price: $11,290
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 4,777
- Undergrad Students: 4,014
- Graduate Students: 763
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
50
Columbus State University
Score: 56.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,751
- Out-of-State:$16,805
- Net Price: $11,384
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 7,610
- Undergrad Students: 6,008
- Graduate Students: 1,602
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
