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 highlight the best programs for cybersecurity in Texas.
Compare Popular Online Cybersecurity Programs
What is Cyber Security?
We live in a digital world, and no one is free from hacking and those otherwise seeking to harm the systems we depend on. The demand for cyber security experts far exceeds the current supply, so these are jobs in great demand. Texas boasts some of the top colleges and universities for cyber security in the country. No matter where you live in this huge state, it is possible to find a school offering cyber security classes and degrees from community colleges to the top universities. Of course, you can live anywhere and benefit from obtaining a degree online. Cyber security jobs are also portable, as there is a shortage of such professionals globally.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Texas
The University of Texas at Austin
Score: 88.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,678
- Out-of-State:$42,778
- Net Price: $17,434
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 52,384
- Undergrad Students: 41,309
- Graduate Students: 11,075
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Texas A&M University-College Station
Score: 82.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,099
- Out-of-State:$40,328
- Net Price: $20,375
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 74,014
- Undergrad Students: 57,512
- Graduate Students: 16,502
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
LeTourneau University
Score: 78.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,500
- Out-of-State:$35,500
- Net Price: $26,974
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,536
- Undergrad Students: 3,350
- Graduate Students: 186
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
The University of Texas at Dallas
Score: 78.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,564
- Out-of-State:$40,064
- Net Price: $13,555
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 31,570
- Undergrad Students: 21,617
- Graduate Students: 9,953
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Southern Methodist University
Score: 77.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,460
- Out-of-State:$64,460
- Net Price: $45,094
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Total Enrollment: 12,053
- Undergrad Students: 7,056
- Graduate Students: 4,997
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Houston
Score: 75.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,711
- Out-of-State:$22,191
- Net Price: $14,056
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 46,700
- Undergrad Students: 37,943
- Graduate Students: 8,757
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Austin College
Score: 74.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,500
- Out-of-State:$46,500
- Net Price: $24,739
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 1,182
- Undergrad Students: 1,167
- Graduate Students: 15
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Hallmark University
Score: 74.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,240
- Out-of-State:$41,240
- Net Price: $12,281
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 876
- Undergrad Students: 792
- Graduate Students: 84
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Dallas
Score: 73.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,880
- Out-of-State:$50,880
- Net Price: $27,250
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 2,328
- Undergrad Students: 1,453
- Graduate Students: 875
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Score: 73.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,026
- Out-of-State:$22,626
- Net Price: $13,025
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 11,306
- Undergrad Students: 7,383
- Graduate Students: 3,923
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of St. Thomas-Houston
Score: 72.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,660
- Out-of-State:$33,660
- Net Price: $19,207
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 3,588
- Undergrad Students: 2,646
- Graduate Students: 942
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Baylor University
Score: 70.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,844
- Out-of-State:$54,844
- Net Price: $45,988
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 20,709
- Undergrad Students: 15,213
- Graduate Students: 5,496
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of North Texas at Dallas
Score: 70.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,590
- Out-of-State:$22,189
- Net Price: $10,351
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 3,685
- Undergrad Students: 3,001
- Graduate Students: 684
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Score: 70.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,930
- Out-of-State:$20,947
- Net Price: $10,646
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,110
- Undergrad Students: 1,761
- Graduate Students: 349
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of North Texas
Score: 69.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,164
- Out-of-State:$21,244
- Net Price: $15,283
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 44,767
- Undergrad Students: 33,023
- Graduate Students: 11,744
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Score: 69.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,991
- Out-of-State:$21,965
- Net Price: $12,664
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 34,393
- Undergrad Students: 29,686
- Graduate Students: 4,707
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
St. Mary's University
Score: 68.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,242
- Out-of-State:$36,242
- Net Price: $21,379
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,253
- Undergrad Students: 2,001
- Graduate Students: 1,252
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Sam Houston State University
Score: 68.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State:$19,020
- Net Price: $13,632
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 21,480
- Undergrad Students: 18,235
- Graduate Students: 3,245
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Score: 68.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State:$19,939
- Net Price: $8,105
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 31,559
- Undergrad Students: 26,434
- Graduate Students: 5,125
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
McMurry University
Score: 68.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,372
- Out-of-State:$31,372
- Net Price: $18,757
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 1,237
- Undergrad Students: 1,231
- Graduate Students: 6
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Texas Woman's University
Score: 67.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,648
- Out-of-State:$18,720
- Net Price: $11,682
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 15,958
- Undergrad Students: 10,153
- Graduate Students: 5,805
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Angelo State University
Score: 67.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,319
- Out-of-State:$18,399
- Net Price: $12,838
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 10,599
- Undergrad Students: 9,066
- Graduate Students: 1,533
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Lamar University
Score: 67.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,690
- Out-of-State:$18,482
- Net Price: $11,757
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 16,803
- Undergrad Students: 8,264
- Graduate Students: 8,539
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Stephen F. Austin State University
Score: 67.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,600
- Out-of-State:$20,680
- Net Price: $13,858
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 11,327
- Undergrad Students: 9,905
- Graduate Students: 1,422
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Score: 66.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,904
- Out-of-State:$23,212
- Net Price: $10,370
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 5,848
- Undergrad Students: 4,640
- Graduate Students: 1,208
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Online Cyber Security Education in Texas
Landing a good job in cybersecurity often requires an advanced degree. An associate degree can start a tech career, but advancing in IT requires more education, including ongoing training due to the field's rapid evolution. Many accredited Texas institutions offer programs for every career stage. Employers often reimburse tuition, especially for specialized master's degrees that benefit the company. Certifications also keep professionals current, and more education generally means higher pay in this already well-paid field.
Students have options for earning a cybersecurity degree, including in-person, online, or hybrid classes. Personal circumstances, like having small children or a full-time job, can influence the choice. From associate to doctorate levels, quality programs are available to set you on the path to a lucrative and rewarding career.
Online Associate Degree in CyberSec
If attending school full-time, a cyber security associate degree can be completed within two years. These degrees present you with the skills necessary for an entry-level job in the field. Requirements include a high school diploma, though prospective students will be well served by achieving good grades in their high school science and math courses. Core courses may include algebra and specific classes relating to computers, such as introductions to Linux and Unix operating systems and security concepts.
Example Courses
- Beginning HTML and CSS
- A+ Hardware
- Principles of Info Assurance
- Network Security
Online Bachelor's Degree in CyberSec
It’s possible to complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years if the student goes to school each summer, but most full-time students take four years to finish. Admissions requirements mirror those of the associate degree, though bachelor’s programs may require a higher GPA and/or a minimum SAT/ACT score. The core courses might include information technology, networking, computer ethics, cyber defense, and digital forensics.
Example Courses
- Introduction to IT
- Network and Security - Foundations
- Network and Security - Applications
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
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Online Master's Degree in CyberSec
Because most people pursuing a cyber security master’s degree are already employed in a related field, the majority choose to take classes online. You can expect to earn the degree in 18 to 24 months. Eligibility usually includes having already earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related degree; strong familiarity with programming; and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a similar field with strong work experience in tech fields may prove eligible at some universities. Schools often require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results for consideration. Core courses vary based on the student’s specific track.
Example Courses
- Advanced Computer Networks
- Computer Forensics
- Computer Network Security
- Advanced Database and Database Security (Elective)
Online Certifications in CyberSec
Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, most certifications are completed within one year. Certifications are mostly focused on those currently working in the cyber security realm. Advanced certifications often require a prior certification, degree, and/or several years employment in the cyber security industry. Such certifications include Certified Cloud Security Professional, Ethical Cyber Hacker, Certified Information Security Manager, and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, among others. For those just entering the field, there are certifications designed for newbies and requirements depend upon the particular certification sought.
Example Certificate Options
- Microsoft Professional OS
- Network Security
- Tactical Perimeter Defense
- Computer Forensics
Why is Accreditation Important?
Do not consider attending a school that is unaccredited. A college or university’s accreditation status is vital, because it means the institution has met at least the minimum standards in the field. It is also not possible to receive financial aid from the federal or state government, and many scholarships, if the school has no accreditation. Few employers will hire someone graduating from an unaccredited school. In Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is responsible for regional accreditation.
As far as cyber security is concerned, the best schools receive National Centers in Academic Excellence (CAE) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA). Such colleges and universities meet the highest academic and program standards in cyber security in order to become CAEs.
CAE Accredited Programs in Texas
- El Paso Community College
CAE-2Y / 2018-2023 - Hill College
CAE-2Y / 2019-2024 - Houston Community College
CAE-2Y / 2017-2022 - Laredo College
CAE-2Y / 2018-2023 - McLennan Community College
CAE-2Y / 2019-2024 - Our Lady of the Lake University
CAE-CD / 2017-2022 - San Antonio College
CAE-2Y / 2014-2020 - South Texas College
CAE-2Y / 2017-2022 - Southern Methodist University
CAE-CD / 2014-2021 - St. Phillip’s College
CAE-2Y / 2014-2020 - Texas A&M University
CAE-CD / 2016-2021
CAE-R / 2016-2021 - Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
CAE-CD / 2016-2021 - The University of Texas at San Antonio
CAE-CD / 2017-2022 - Texas State Technical College in Harlingen
CAE-2Y / 2018-2023 - The University of Texas at San Antonio
CAE-CD / 2014-2021 - University of Dallas
CAE-CD / 2014-2021 - University of Houston
CAE-CD / 2014-2020
CAE-R / 2014-2020 - University of North Texas
CAE-CD / 2017-2022
CAE-R / 2019-2024 - University of Texas at Austin
CAE-R / 2019-2024 - University of Texas at San Antonio
CAE-CD / 2014-2021
CAE-R / 2014-2021 - University of Texas at Dallas
CAE-CD / 2014-2021
CAE-R / 2014-2021
CAE-CO / 2015-2020 - University of Texas at El Paso
CAE-CD / 2014-2020
CAE-CO / 2016-2021
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Careers for Cyber Security Graduates
More than 200,000 people in the Lone Star State are employed in the information and computer technology industries. In Texas, the mean annual salary for those in computer-related occupations as of May, 2023, was $104,420 and some in this field earn considerably more. From 2016 to 2026, the number of workers in this field is expected to grow by 11% between 2023 to 2033, meaning demand is very high. Many of these careers require a bachelors in cyber security or computer science.
A breakdown of employees and wages according to specific jobs includes:
- Computer Programmers -Â 7,530 workers - $100,470 mean annual page
- Computer systems analysts - 50,680 workers - $115,240 mean annual wage
- Database administrators -Â 6,900 workers - $100,490 mean annual wage
- Information security analysts -Â 14,870 workers - $119,480 mean annual wage
- Network and computer systems administrators - 33,700 workers - $97,380 mean annual wage
- Software developers - 138,510 workers - $125,890 mean annual wage
Top College Scholarships in Texas for Cyber Security
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CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service – Texas A&M University
Amount: $22,500 undergraduate - $34,000 graduate
Deadline: February 2
Link: https://cybersecurity.tamu.edu/students-corner/available-scholarships/sfs-scholarship/
In partnership with Houston Community College, Texas A&M offers the Scholarship for Service to students in their final year at HC who plan to pursue further education at Texas A&M. For the graduate scholarship, students must be in their junior or senior year at Texas A&M and plan to pursue a master’s degree there. Recipients must undertake summer internships in cyber security at a federal, state, or local government agency and after graduation, they must work in a position at a similar government agency or national laboratory for as many years as they received the award. -
Cyber Security Scholarship – University of Texas at Dallas
Amount: $22,500 undergraduate - $34,000 graduate
Deadline: April 19
Link: https://utdallas.edu/finaid/scholarships/scholarship-listing/109
Only US citizens may apply for this scholarship. Students require enrollment or admission in the undergraduate fast track program or as a graduate student in the Computer Science Department when applying. A minimum GPA of 3.2 for undergraduates and 4.0 for graduate students is necessary for eligibility. -
Infosec Scholarship for Service - University of Texas at Austin
Amount: $24,000/Year
Deadline: Spring
Link: https://www.cs.utexas.edu/undergraduate/academics/scholarship-service
Students already enrolled full-time in the UTA computer science program may apply for the Infosec Scholarship for Service (SFS). The scholarship is only available for undergraduates. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and must complete the cyber security concentration of coursework within two years of entering the SFS. -
Texas National Security Network Fellowships
Amount: Minimum $3,000
Deadline: N/A
Link: http://www.archercenter.org/texas-national-security-network-fellowship.html
Archer Fellows are competitively selected from applicants throughout the University of Texas system to participate in the graduate program in public policy at the Archer Center in Washington, D.C. The goal of these fellowship is creating the top university system in the nation for network security. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this internship.
Conferences and Workshops
Cyber Texas
Held each August in San Antonio by the Cyber Texas Foundation, this conference also features a vendor hall with the latest cyber tech products. Visitors come from around the world to share information and analysis and learn from experts in the field.
InfoSec Southwest
Early May in Austin means it is time for the annual InfoSec Southwest information security and hacking conference. Designed and hosted by the Austin hacker community, InfoSec covers a broad range of subjects, from hacker culture and legal issues to cutting edge tech. The open forum permits anyone to speak at this conference.
Texas Cyber Summit
Held each October in Houston, the Texas Cyber Summit welcomes every cyber security group or organization to its multi-day conference. The event features renowned keynote speakers, cutting-edge research papers, technical briefings, various workshops and hands-on training. Most training sessions are held in English, but there are Spanish speakers and trainers available. The TCS is run by the Texas for-profit companies TXCIBER, Inc. and Grayhat.
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