In today’s world, with our growing dependence on technology and online platforms for communication, purchases, and sensitive data storage, it’s not surprising that cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and risky. To address and prevent these attacks, companies, governments, and other organizations require well-trained cybersecurity experts. To meet this demand, many institutions now provide convenient and affordable online degrees in cybersecurity.
If you’re interested in becoming a cybersecurity expert, but are concerned about what it might cost, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you explore accredited universities that offer the most affordable online cybersecurity programs and find other ways to lower the cost of your college education.
Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in 2024
Choosing the right online cybersecurity degree program can help you reach your professional goals, and a key factor is finding a program you can afford. To help, we’ve developed a ranking list of accredited schools that offer a solid online education and are also very affordable. We created this list by looking at a combination of cost and quality characteristics provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Click on the “About the ranking” button below to learn more about how we ranked these schools.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Tucson, Arizona
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Arizona is entirely online and is designed for working professionals who want to gain technical mastery in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Students will complete a core set of courses and then choose from two tracks: Information Systems or Physical Systems. Course topics include business intelligence data mining, information security, risk management, systems security management, penetration testing, network security, and system cybersecurity engineering. Core courses and the courses in the Information Systems track are offered in an 8-week accelerated format, whereas the Physical Systems track is given in a traditional 16-week format. To apply, students must have at least three years of work experience.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1.5+ years
- Cost: $1,332/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
2
Cedar City, Utah
Southern Utah University is helping to fill the global cybersecurity workforce gap by offering students a Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance that has two available tracks — Cybersecurity Strategy and Management. Both tracks are available entirely online and can be completed in as few as 12 months. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year and focuses on network security, cyberlaw, risk management, compliance, and policies. Near the end of their studies, students will have the opportunity to complete a thesis or capstone internship. Example courses in the Cybersecurity Strategy track include Incident Response Preparedness, Cyber Security and Enterprise Frameworks, and Cyber Security Auditing.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12+ months
- Cost: $14,550 tuition
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
3
Saint Louis, Missouri
The University of Missouri--St. Louis has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This means that the rigorous curricula in both its Bachelor of Science and accelerated Master of Science in Cybersecurity are designed with quality in mind. Both are available 100% online, with evening courses available for students nearby. The bachelor's degree focuses on applied aspects of cybersecurity and is suitable for students interested in pursuing cybersecurity management and analyst roles in industry and government. Undergraduate students can take up to four graduate courses in their final two years of school if they intend to pursue the M.S. in Cybersecurity. The graduate courses will count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Information Systems and Technology emphasis
- Credits: 123
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $541/credit (resident), $1,255/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Accelerated Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Credits: BS in Cybersecurity + 18 credits (141 total)
- Length: 2 semesters after BS
- Cost: $769/credit (resident), $1,615/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
4
Kingston, Rhode Island
5
Springfield, Illinois
6
Highland Heights, Kentucky
7
Morgantown, West Virginia
8
Newark, Delaware
9
Princess Anne, Maryland
10
Augusta, Maine
11
Auburn, Alabama
12
Rolla, Missouri
13
Columbia, Missouri
14
Springfield, Missouri
15
Greensboro, North Carolina
16
Commerce, Texas
17
Norfolk, Virginia
18
Marshall, Minnesota
19
California, Pennsylvania
20
Dearborn, Michigan
21
San Marcos, California
22
Madison, South Dakota
23
Omaha, Nebraska
24
Greenville, North Carolina
25
Ypsilanti, Michigan
26
Houston, Texas
27
Grand Forks, North Dakota
28
Cincinnati, Ohio
29
Ellensburg, Washington
30
San Antonio, Texas
31
Norfolk, Virginia
32
West Lafayette, Indiana
33
Dayton, Ohio
34
Canyon, Texas
35
St. Petersburg, Florida
36
Kalamazoo, Michigan
37
Louisville, Kentucky
38
Port Angeles, Washington
39
Bismarck, North Dakota
40
Kennesaw, Georgia
41
Blacksburg, Virginia
42
Zanesville, Ohio
43
Vincennes, Indiana
44
Bronx, New York
45
Huntsville, Texas
46
Owosso, Michigan
47
Jackson, Michigan
48
Denver, Colorado
49
Lenexa, Kansas
50
Green Bay, Wisconsin
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Arkansas City, Kansas
Cowley College offers one of the most affordable Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Software, Security, and Development degrees in Kansas. The 100% online program is a perfect springboard for students looking to enter the field of cybersecurity and gain basic knowledge in the areas of computer development, hardware, and programming. Students also have the chance to earn two vocational certificates while they work through their AAS. Upon graduation, students will be eligible for entry-level work and will be prepared to pursue other industry certifications in Compatia, Oracle, and Microsoft. Potential courses include Java Programming, Visual Basic Programming, 3D Computer Animation Programming, Principles of Information Assurance, Ethical Hacking, and Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching.
Program Highlights:
Vocational Certificate A: Software, Security, and Development
- Credits: 18
- Length: 1 semester
- Cost: $145-$165/credit (resident), $205/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Vocational Certificate B: Software, Security, and Development
- Credits: 39
- Length: 2 semesters
- Cost: $145-$165/credit (resident), $205/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Applied Science in Software, Security, and Development
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $145-$165/credit (resident), $205/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has earned the designation of a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity. This high-quality program offers a 60-credit, 2-year, online Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity that helps students obtain skills through work-based learning. Students can expect to learn how to utilize fundamental security tools, techniques, and concepts to identify and protect information security assets; learn the use of cryptography as a tool, software development processes, and protection; learn ethics, laws, and regulations required for the cybersecurity profession; and address the needs of government agencies, organizations, and the private sector related to cybersecurity. Though classes are available online, students can also choose from hybrid or in-person class options.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $181/credit (resident), $327/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Bedford, Massachusetts
Middlesex Community College offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology -- Cybersecurity with a curriculum that's based on the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education (NICE) framework for academic programs. While students pursue their degree, they can also work toward earning three stackable, one-semester IT certificates—IT Networking and User Support, IT Cybersecurity and Operations, and IT Advanced Cybersecurity Operations. Most of the certificate credits count toward MCC's cybersecurity degree. At the end of the program, students will complete a capstone project. Graduates of the MCC IT Cybersecurity program will have cybersecurity knowledge and will be prepared to find entry-level positions within the cybersecurity industry.
Program Highlights:
Certificate Programs
- Credits: 16-17, depending on certificate
- Length: 1 semester each
- Cost: $252-$279/credit (resident), $505/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Associate of Science in Information Technology -- Cybersecurity
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $252-$279/credit (resident), $505/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
4
Waco, Texas
5
Council Bluffs, Iowa
6
Raymond, Mississippi
7
Norwalk, California
8
Cumberland, Maryland
9
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
10
Killeen, Texas
11
Fall River, Massachusetts
12
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
13
Sandersville, Georgia
14
Gresham, Oregon
15
Wausau, Wisconsin
16
Appleton, Wisconsin
17
Portland, Oregon
18
Atlanta, Georgia
19
Indianapolis, Indiana
20
Baltimore, Maryland
21
Waco, Georgia
22
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
23
Canandaigua, New York
24
Granite Falls, Minnesota
25
Willmar, Minnesota
26
Winona, Minnesota
27
Morgantown, West Virginia
28
Lincroft, New Jersey
5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Your Online Cybersecurity Degree
Tuition for a degree in cybersecurity can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to make earning a degree more affordable. We discuss a few of those ways below and encourage you to utilize as many as possible to make getting your degree easier and less of a drain on your bank account.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for cybersecurity students.
One of the most common ways to lower the cost of your cybersecurity degree is through scholarships, grants, and fellowships. These are popular because they don’t have to be paid back and are often awarded based on merit, financial need, or both. CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service Program is an example of these types of awards. Find out about additional grant, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities through prospective schools, our financial aid guide, and this list of cybersecurity scholarships.
2
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Cybersecurity is a quickly evolving field, so cybersecurity employers understand the value of continuing education. That’s why many employers like the National Security Agency help their employees pay for additional training. Employers differ in how they implement these programs with some directly paying for an employee’s tuition and others offering fellowships to eligible employees. Keep in mind that some employers place certain conditions on tuition reimbursement. Most common is asking employees to continue working for them for a set period of time.
3
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
National governments play a significant role in how cyber threats and security concerns are addressed, and many graduates of cybersecurity programs find employment with government agencies. One benefit of working for the government after graduation is potential eligibility for public service loan forgiveness. Specifically, the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program allows eligible students working in a public service job to enjoy forgiveness of any remaining student loan debt after 120 qualified monthly payments are made. Learn more about PSLF financial aid programs.
4
Work-Study
Work-study is an often-overlooked form of financial aid. While it doesn’t need to be paid back, students must work to earn this financial aid assistance. The primary work-study option is the Federal Work-Study program. The type of work varies, but schools try to give students jobs in fields related to their areas of study or that provide civil education.
5
Paid Internships
One of the best ways to enhance your cybersecurity educational experience is to gain real-world exposure to the cyber defense field. One way to do this is through internships. Many internships are unpaid, but a good number have a respectable income. One prominent example in the cybersecurity field is the paid internship at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
What Affects the Cost of an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
Learning about a cybersecurity program’s tuition rate gives you a starting point as to how much your degree will cost. There are many other factors, however, that influence the total dollar amount of your degree. We’ve identified five notable factors below that may impact the total cost of your online degree.
Accelerated Learning Options
Although most bachelor’s degrees require approximately four years of full-time study, many online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs offer accelerated curriculums and generous transfer policies, allowing students to graduate much earlier. Some accelerated programs can even reduce the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree by one or two years, resulting in significant cost savings.
Type of School
Post-secondary institutions are either private or public. Private schools usually have higher tuition costs compared to public schools. Public schools, however, are generally more affordable, particularly for students who are residents of the state where the institution is located, as much of their funding comes from state-based government aid.
In-State Residency
Public schools may be less expensive than private schools, at least with respect to tuition rates, but that is usually only the case when a student is taking classes as an in-state student. Often, the cost of attending a public college or university as a non-resident is roughly equal to the tuition of private post-secondary institutions.
Financial Aid Availability
There is an abundance of financial aid options available to students pursuing a cybersecurity degree, including private scholarships, state grants, and subsidized federal student loans. Some schools are particularly noteworthy for their financial aid programs because they provide superior assistance to students in accessing available financial aid sources. Additionally, many institutions offer exclusive scholarships to their students, which can significantly reduce overall costs.
Education Fees and Added Costs
Tuition cost is typically the biggest number you see when checking the tuition and financial aid information of a potential school. It’s important to realize that there are almost always additional fees that can easily double a tuition rate. Schools use various terms to describe these fees, but they range from technology fees to health fees to books and supplies.