How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst in Virginia, Best Programs for 2025

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 Virginia.

Compare Popular Online Cybersecurity Programs

What is Cyber Security?

According to one cyber security company, Virginia is the ninth worst state in which to store your data. In 2016, hackers intruded through a bank’s firewalls 2 times, stealing $2.4M. This, among other things has led to an increase in innovation in Virginia, prompting them to rethink how they evaluate cyber-threats. If you’re looking for a position in which you can make a difference, enjoy lasting stability and options to move up, and make a good amount of money; this might just be the job for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Search Programs

Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Virginia

1

Virginia Tech

Score: 85.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,478
- Out-of-State:$36,694
Net Price: $19,301
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 86%
Total Enrollment: 38,170
Undergrad Students: 30,434
Graduate Students: 7,736
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

2

Virginia Military Institute

Score: 85.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,484
- Out-of-State:$51,186
Net Price: $18,129
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 1,512
Undergrad Students: 1,512
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $88,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

3

James Madison University

Score: 79.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,576
- Out-of-State:$30,790
Net Price: $18,274
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 22,224
Undergrad Students: 20,346
Graduate Students: 1,878
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

4

George Mason University

Score: 79.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,815
- Out-of-State:$39,397
Net Price: $18,479
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 39,049
Undergrad Students: 27,014
Graduate Students: 12,035
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

5

University of Mary Washington

Score: 74.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,559
- Out-of-State:$31,479
Net Price: $21,863
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 3,757
Undergrad Students: 3,493
Graduate Students: 264
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

6

Christopher Newport University

Score: 74.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,351
- Out-of-State:$30,988
Net Price: $23,287
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 4,559
Undergrad Students: 4,449
Graduate Students: 110
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

7

Shenandoah University

Score: 73.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,028
- Out-of-State:$36,028
Net Price: $26,143
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 4,260
Undergrad Students: 2,461
Graduate Students: 1,799
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

8

Virginia Commonwealth University

Score: 71.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,458
- Out-of-State:$39,042
Net Price: $21,294
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 28,082
Undergrad Students: 20,958
Graduate Students: 7,124
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

9

Randolph-Macon College

Score: 70.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,002
- Out-of-State:$48,002
Net Price: $28,389
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 1,490
Undergrad Students: 1,490
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

10

Old Dominion University

Score: 69.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,262
- Out-of-State:$32,662
Net Price: $16,098
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 23,107
Undergrad Students: 18,375
Graduate Students: 4,732
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

11

Radford University

Score: 68.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,286
- Out-of-State:$25,185
Net Price: $17,105
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 7,718
Undergrad Students: 6,008
Graduate Students: 1,710
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

12

University of Lynchburg

Score: 67.37

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,540
- Out-of-State:$35,540
Net Price: $23,256
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 2,394
Undergrad Students: 1,589
Graduate Students: 805
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

13

Regent University

Score: 67.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State:$20,686
Net Price: $17,341
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,337
Undergrad Students: 4,541
Graduate Students: 5,796
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

14

Norfolk State University

Score: 65.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,910
- Out-of-State:$21,412
Net Price: $14,652
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 5,783
Undergrad Students: 5,337
Graduate Students: 446
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

15

ECPI University

Score: 63.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,484
- Out-of-State:$18,484
Net Price: $22,578
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 11,740
Undergrad Students: 11,399
Graduate Students: 341
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

16

Bluefield University

Score: 63.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,696
- Out-of-State:$29,696
Net Price: $22,904
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 991
Undergrad Students: 705
Graduate Students: 286
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

17

Hampton University

Score: 62.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,162
- Out-of-State:$29,162
Net Price: $32,421
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 3,286
Undergrad Students: 2,846
Graduate Students: 440
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

18

Liberty University

Score: 61.18

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,222
- Out-of-State:$21,222
Net Price: $29,913
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 96,709
Undergrad Students: 48,906
Graduate Students: 47,803
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

19

Virginia Union University

Score: 58.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,880
- Out-of-State:$14,880
Net Price: $21,057
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 1,860
Undergrad Students: 1,329
Graduate Students: 531
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

20

Germanna Community College

Score: 53.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,066
- Out-of-State:$11,069
Net Price: $6,535
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 7,688
Undergrad Students: 7,688
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,500
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

21

Mountain Gateway Community College

Score: 53.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,878
- Out-of-State:$10,881
Net Price: $6,503
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 946
Undergrad Students: 946
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,500
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

22

New River Community College

Score: 52.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,835
- Out-of-State:$10,837
Net Price: $8,219
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 3,980
Undergrad Students: 3,980
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,200
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

23

Laurel Ridge Community College

Score: 52.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,928
- Out-of-State:$10,931
Net Price: $6,499
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 5,720
Undergrad Students: 5,720
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,600
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

24

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Score: 51.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,928
- Out-of-State:$10,931
Net Price: $6,315
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 5,022
Undergrad Students: 5,022
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,600
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

25

Northern Virginia Community College

Score: 50.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,703
- Out-of-State:$11,786
Net Price: $10,109
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 51,896
Undergrad Students: 51,896
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,000
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

Online Cyber Security Education in Virginia

When you embark on a career in cyber security, you will soon find that your earnings are directly tied to your knowledge and skills. One sure way to boost your knowledge and provide verifiable credentials is to earn a degree, certificate, or non-academic certification in your field. The most robust and worthy credential comes by way of an academic degree. For cyber security, you can start your career with either an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree.

Find Your Online Cybersecurity Program

You can also pursue non-academic certifications, which come in a variety of formats. For most, you are responsible for learning the material on which you will be tested. Sometimes you can take classroom courses to prepare, but you can also prepare online. Many professionals add certifications to their resumes this way after completing a degree. For instance, if their firm uses Microsoft products, they might work on a certification to use those products.

Of course, some in the computer-related fields are self-taught. However, it’s a good idea to attain some sort of credential so that an employer will bring you in to interview, especially as the field becomes more and more competitive.

Online Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)

This is the most basic college degree you can earn. However, that is not to say that a two-year degree is necessarily any lesser than other degrees. Everything depends on the level of training you receive. Many technical professionals conduct stellar careers with just an associate degree. For instance, if you attend a CAE-accredited cyber security program, whether it’s a bachelor’s or associate degree program, you are likely to launch a tremendous career. Further, an associate degree is cheaper and you can earn one faster than you can a bachelor's degree, which is appealing to many who are just starting out or starting over.

Entry into an associate degree program requires that you be able to provide your high school transcripts or GED. Some more exclusive schools may also require that you have a minimum GPA, but other than this, entry into an associate degree program is relatively easy, even for those who didn’t do well in high school.

Rankings for Online Cybersecurity Associates Colleges

Online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security (BS)

A four-year degree is typically thought to be the best route to a career. In fact, those with bachelor’s degrees tend to earn more than those with associate degrees, or no degree. It will be more difficult to gain admission to a four-year college, and you may even need to apply again if you wish to enter the Computer Science department. This is because many programs ask that you have a certain level of accomplishment prior to embarking on the major. Thus, you may need a minimum GPA and certain prerequisite courses, such as Calculus. Discuss your application with an academic advisor at your college or university.

Other requirements for entry into a bachelor’s degree program include high school transcripts or GED, college transcripts if you’ve earned an associate degree, a minimum GPA, application and fee, and SAT or ACT scores.

Rankings for Online Cybersecurity Bachelors Colleges

Online Master's Degree in Cyber Security (MS)

A master's degree implies exactly what the name indicates – that you are a master of a specific subject. Often people wait to attend graduate school until after they have worked with their bachelor's degree for a number of years. However, you can apply to graduate school whenever you like. You will need to have a minimum GPA, typically 2.5 is the lowest accepted average, as well as evidence that you've taken and passed certain prerequisite courses. Some of the more elite master’s programs require you to provide a resume when you apply, without which you won’t gain access to said program.

Rankings for Online Cybersecurity Masters Colleges

Online Certifications in Cyber Security

Another option is to earn a cyber security certificate from an academic institution or a certification from a non-academic outlet. Certificates are a great option if you want to quickly upgrade or expand your qualifications. For instance, you might be working in IT but want to transition to cyber security. Thus, you could earn a postgraduate certificate to frame yourself as a security expert. On the other hand, you might wish to earn non-academic certifications from organizations that will certify skills in areas that the universities are not yet covering, or which are too specific to be covered in university courses, such as specific systems like Cisco and Microsoft.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation should be a huge part of your college search. It is important because it attests to the overall quality of your program. When a program receives accreditation, it means that an independent agency has audited their curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes, among other items. Rather than making a promise, accreditation affirms that the school has achieved certain levels of excellence. Programs with regional accreditation should be at the top of your list. Regional accreditation in Virginia is provided by the Higher Learning Commission

Cyber security programs with accreditation from the Centers in Academic Excellence (CAE) are approved by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Their accreditation is the gold standard for cyber security. If a CAE program isn't available, you can also seek out a program with ABET certification. ABET originally sought to accredit engineering programs but they have extended their scope to include computer science and computer engineering programs. However, as you’ll see, with the number of CAE programs in the state, there’s no reason not to attend one if you plan to go to school in the state of Virginia.

Find Online Cybersecurity Schools

CAE Accredited Programs in Virginia

Danville Community College
CAE-2Y / 2017-2022
ECPI University
CAE-CD / 2018-2023
George Mason University
CAE-CD / 2014-2021
CAE-R / 2014-2021
Germanna Community College
CAE-2Y / 2019-2024
Hampton University
CAE-CD / 2016-2021
James Madison University
CAE-CD / 2014-2020
Liberty University
CAE-CD / 2018-2023
Lord Fairfax Community College
CAE-2Y / 2016-2021
Marymount University
CAE-CD / 2014-2020
Norfolk State University
CAE-CD / 2014-2020
Northern Virginia Community College
CAE-2Y / 2014-2020
Radford University
CAE-CD / 2016-2021
Regent University
CAE-CD / 2018-2023
Southwest Virginia Community College
CAE-2Y / 2019-2024
Thomas Nelson Community College
CAE-2Y / 2017-2022
Tidewater Community College
CAE-2Y / 2016-2021
University of Virginia
CAE-CD / 2018-2023
CAE-R / 2019-2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
CAE-CD / 2019-2024
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State university
CAE-R / 2014-2021
Virginia Western Community College
CAE-2Y / 2019-2024

Careers for Cyber Security Graduates

Cyber security jobs are slated to be among the most important any company or government agency staffs. Already we see how invaluable it is to take protective measures regarding our cyber safety. Thus, if you're a cyber security professional, you are sure to see rising demand and salaries for the foreseeable future. Since the field is still rather new, employment statistics are still catching up. The field has so many subdivisions and job descriptions that it is difficult to track it all. However, statistics are out there that paint a rosy picture.

For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that information security analysts are slated for national growth in excess of 30%. In the state of Virginia, however, the outlook is even better. The Virginia Employment Commission shows that between 2016 and 2026, the job is expected to grow by more than 40%. Even better, the annual mean wage for this field is currently $111,800, according to the BLS.

For comparison, Computer Systems analysts are also expecting tremendous growth. However, the Virginia Employment Commission expects that sector to grow by only 13% and their salaries trail information security analysts with an annual mean wage of $102,300.

it's assumed that the primary geographical area for these jobs will be in Northern Virginia, in the DC Metropolitan area. This is due to the intense concentration of government agencies, financial firms, and various governmental contractors in the area. Furthermore, DC is home to our federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Cyber Security Job Opportunities for Graduates

Top College Scholarships in Virginia for Cyber Security

CyberCorps(R) Scholarship for Service (SFS)

Amount: $25,000 (undergraduate); $34,000 (graduate)
Deadline: July 31
Link: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504991&org=NSF
This generous scholarship does more than offset the cost of your books. Indeed, this award can pay your way through school and provide a stipend for your room and board. When you complete your degree, either graduate or undergraduate, you are then required to work for the federal government for a time equal to or greater than the duration of your time on the scholarship. Since you were already going to land a top cyber security position, you might as well gain some valuable experience in a government agency.
Women Techmakers Scholars Program Scholarship

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 5
Link: https://developers.google.com/womentechmakers
Women in tech fields, including cyber security, are encouraged to apply to this prestigious scholarship opportunity. The award itself is hefty, and then you'll be invited to an exclusive retreat where you'll rub elbows with Google professionals. The retreat features workshops and personal development training. This scholarship has the potential to make your career.
Cra-W Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security

Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: February 1
Link: https://cra.org/cra-wp/scholarships-and-awards/scholarships/swsis/
The nation needs more and more cyber security professionals. We also must make sure that this growing field includes women, who have been typically left out of technology fields. With a 10k award, this is a scholarship that will go very far towards offsetting your expenses and long-term debt.
CIA Undergraduate Scholarship

Amount: Up to $18,000/year
Deadline: June 15
Link: https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-programs/
If you're studying in Northern Virginia, this is especially good for you. That's because you won't have to move to work for the CIA over the summers. The agency will pay you a handsome wage plus benefits. On top of this terrific working opportunity, the CIA will cover up to $18,000 of your yearly tuition. When you graduate, you can continue working for the agency and qualify for tuition forgiveness.
SAIC Cyberwarrior Scholarship (veterans)

Amount: Certification Exam Voucher for one of the following (ISC)² credentials: CISSP, CSSLP, CCSP, HCISPP, SSCP or CAP.
Deadline: March 16
Link: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/cyberwarrior
If you are a veteran with experience working with technology, you may need additional credentials to land a great job when you return home to Virginia. Thus, this scholarship will cover your tuition for a range of cyber security certification examinations. Once you have a certification on top of your military service you'll be prepped for success.

Conferences and Workshops

International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS)

Norfolk, VA will host this 15th annual conference on cyber security. Hosted by the Center for Cyber security Education and Research at Old Dominion University, this is primarily an academic conference. For 2020, the conference keynote speakers are Rodney Petersen from the National institute of Standards and Technology and Dr. Emily Goldman from the United States Department of State.

CYBERWARCON

The sole purpose of Cyberwarcon is to explore the nature of threats. It is a one-day event that promises to be packed with valuable information stemming from military, academic, governmental, and private sector sources. Previously, the conference has hosted speakers from Google, Facebook, Stanford, Wired Magazine, and Crowdstrike, among many others.

AdvaMed Cybersecurity Summit

This cyber security conference focuses solely on security issues as they relate to the health care industry. Issues include medical device security, FDA security regulations, and cyber security management practices. Previous conference speakers delved into Artificial Intelligence, Best Practices, Penetration Testing, and Risk Quantification.

Cyber Security Summit: DC Metro

July 2020 will mark the 7th anniversary of this cyber security summit in the DC Metro. The summit will provide opportunities to learn, evaluate solution providers, earn CEUs/CPEs, and receive a valuable wake-up call for yourself and your company vis-a-vis cyber security. On top of all this, you'll have the opportunity to network with your colleagues from all over the DC Metro.

Resources in Virginia for Cyber Security

CyberVirginia
CyberVirginia is an online resource that offers visitors endless insights into cyber security. There are cyber security jobs listings for public and private concerns, resources for citizens, professionals, and government officials alike.
SANS Institute – Cybersecurity Training in Virginia
SANS offers a range of cyber security courses in Virginia. Most of the trainings occur in Northern Virginia and cover many topics including Open Source, Cyber Threats, and Defeating Adversaries, among other topics. Check the website SANS.org to learn more about the simulcasts, mentoring sessions, and cyber security training SANS offers.
ISSA-NOVA
This is a professional organization for cyber security experts. In fact, ISSA is an international organization with a huge presence in Northern Virginia. You can join the organization and take advantage of many benefits including conferences, educational opportunities, and a top industry journal.
Certstaffix Training – Charlottesville, Virginia
Your firm surely needs to bolster its cyber security measures. Certstaffix is available in Charlottesville to train you or your staff in preparation for a professional certification. You can choose instructor led or self-paced courses that will help you achieve certification for Certified Information Systems Securing Professional, CompTIA Security+, or CompTIA PenTest.

Best Educational Programs in Virginia for Cyber Security Professionals

What is Cyber Security?

Search Programs

Top Ranked Campus & Online Cybersecurity Programs in Virginia

University of Mary Washington

Christopher Newport University

Shenandoah University

Randolph-Macon College

University of Lynchburg

Virginia Union University

Germanna Community College

Mountain Gateway Community College

New River Community College

Laurel Ridge Community College

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College

Online Cyber Security Education in Virginia

Find Your Online Cybersecurity Program

Online Associate Degree in Cyber Security (AS)

Online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security (BS)

Online Master's Degree in Cyber Security (MS)

Online Certifications in Cyber Security

Why is Accreditation Important?

Find Online Cybersecurity Schools

CAE Accredited Programs in Virginia

Careers for Cyber Security Graduates

Top College Scholarships in Virginia for Cyber Security

Conferences and Workshops

International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS)

CYBERWARCON

AdvaMed Cybersecurity Summit

Cyber Security Summit: DC Metro

Resources in Virginia for Cyber Security

Sources:

Search All Programs