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 Cybersecurity Colleges and Universities

1

St. Petersburg College

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

2

Seminole State College of Florida

Score: 95.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State: $11,447
Net Price: $3,144
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 14,323
Undergrad Students: 14,323
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

3

Pensacola State College

Score: 94.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,348
- Out-of-State: $9,407
Net Price: $3,305
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 7,981
Undergrad Students: 7,981
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

4

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Score: 87.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State: $15,420
Net Price: $5,001
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 13,921
Undergrad Students: 12,061
Graduate Students: 1,860
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

5

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Score: 87.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
Net Price: $5,068
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

6

CUNY City College

Score: 86.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State: $15,290
Net Price: $5,181
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 14,489
Undergrad Students: 11,929
Graduate Students: 2,560
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

7

Miami Dade College

Score: 85.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

8

Fayetteville State University

Score: 81.34

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State: $7,969
Net Price: $6,355
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 6,787
Undergrad Students: 5,748
Graduate Students: 1,039
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

9

Purdue Global

Score: 79.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,110
- Out-of-State: $14,421
Net Price: $6,785
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 17%

Graduation Rate: 20%
Total Enrollment: 45,125
Undergrad Students: 33,510
Graduate Students: 11,615
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

10

Northern Kentucky University

Score: 77.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
Net Price: $7,259
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 15,801
Undergrad Students: 10,776
Graduate Students: 5,025
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

11

California State University-Stanislaus

Score: 76.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State: $19,706
Net Price: $7,555
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,154
Undergrad Students: 8,926
Graduate Students: 1,228
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

12

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Score: 75.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,327
- Out-of-State: $20,481
Net Price: $7,587
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 8,721
Undergrad Students: 2,465
Graduate Students: 6,256
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

13

California State University-Fullerton

Score: 74.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State: $18,953
Net Price: $7,925
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 40,386
Undergrad Students: 35,432
Graduate Students: 4,954
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

14

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Score: 73.61

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

15

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Score: 73.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State: $7,571
Net Price: $8,208
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 7,666
Undergrad Students: 5,643
Graduate Students: 2,023
Grads Salary: $56,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

16

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Score: 71.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,855
- Out-of-State: $16,497
Net Price: $8,510
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 3,947
Undergrad Students: 3,236
Graduate Students: 711
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

17

The University of West Florida

Score: 71.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $8,609
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291
Graduate Students: 4,230
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

18

Clark College

Score: 71.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,632
- Out-of-State: $10,380
Net Price: $8,670
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 6,593
Undergrad Students: 6,593
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,700
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

19

Marshall University

Score: 70.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State: $20,294
Net Price: $8,756
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 10,691
Undergrad Students: 7,952
Graduate Students: 2,739
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

20

California State University-San Bernardino

Score: 70.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,675
- Out-of-State: $19,555
Net Price: $8,805
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 19,803
Undergrad Students: 17,034
Graduate Students: 2,769
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

21

Monroe College

Score: 68.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
Net Price: $9,157
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 7,011
Undergrad Students: 5,916
Graduate Students: 1,095
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

22

Purdue University Northwest

Score: 68.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,419
- Out-of-State: $15,620
Net Price: $9,162
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 8,911
Undergrad Students: 8,176
Graduate Students: 735
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

23

Western Governors University

Score: 68.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State: $8,300
Net Price: $9,207
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 156,935
Undergrad Students: 112,807
Graduate Students: 44,128
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 42:1

24

Utah Valley University

Score: 68.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State: $17,830
Net Price: $9,346
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 43,099
Undergrad Students: 42,296
Graduate Students: 803
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

25

University of Washington-Bothell

Score: 68.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,559
- Out-of-State: $41,913
Net Price: $9,357
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 5,735
Undergrad Students: 5,192
Graduate Students: 543
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

26

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Score: 67.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State: $22,752
Net Price: $9,450
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 6,607
Undergrad Students: 5,636
Graduate Students: 971
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

27

Savannah State University

Score: 67.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,498
- Out-of-State: $16,218
Net Price: $9,452
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 2,945
Undergrad Students: 2,740
Graduate Students: 205
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

28

University of Arkansas Grantham

Score: 67.25

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State: $8,280
Net Price: $9,546
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 5,436
Undergrad Students: 4,598
Graduate Students: 838
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 33:1

29

Northeastern State University

Score: 66.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State: $16,633
Net Price: $9,669
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 6,702
Undergrad Students: 5,242
Graduate Students: 1,460
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

30

Cameron University

Score: 66.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,900
- Out-of-State: $16,320
Net Price: $9,674
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 3,418
Undergrad Students: 3,133
Graduate Students: 285
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

31

Florida Atlantic University

Score: 66.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $9,711
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 29,592
Undergrad Students: 24,191
Graduate Students: 5,401
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

32

Green River College

Score: 66.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,580
- Out-of-State: $5,105
Net Price: $9,797
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 6,252
Undergrad Students: 6,252
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

33

University of North Alabama

Score: 65.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State: $22,190
Net Price: $9,837
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 9,830
Undergrad Students: 7,214
Graduate Students: 2,616
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

34

Florida International University

Score: 65.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

35

University of Maine at Augusta

Score: 65.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,618
- Out-of-State: $21,548
Net Price: $9,973
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 4,446
Undergrad Students: 4,384
Graduate Students: 62
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

36

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Score: 65.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,900
- Out-of-State: $23,900
Net Price: $10,022
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 3,082
Undergrad Students: 649
Graduate Students: 2,433
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

37

Charter Oak State College

Score: 64.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,506
- Out-of-State: $8,506
Net Price: $10,191
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 100%
Total Enrollment: 1,602
Undergrad Students: 1,501
Graduate Students: 101
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

38

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Score: 63.61

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

39

New Mexico State University

Score: 63.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State: $25,271
Net Price: $10,407
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 14,268
Undergrad Students: 11,591
Graduate Students: 2,677
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

40

California State University-San Marcos

Score: 63.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,739
- Out-of-State: $19,619
Net Price: $10,463
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 15,109
Undergrad Students: 13,914
Graduate Students: 1,195
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

41

Weber State University

Score: 62.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,391
- Out-of-State: $17,084
Net Price: $10,525
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 29,914
Undergrad Students: 28,903
Graduate Students: 1,011
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

42

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Score: 62.39

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

43

University of Washington-Tacoma

Score: 62.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,817
- Out-of-State: $42,171
Net Price: $10,680
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 4,794
Undergrad Students: 4,083
Graduate Students: 711
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

44

Fairmont State University

Score: 61.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,454
- Out-of-State: $18,372
Net Price: $10,794
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 3,498
Undergrad Students: 3,197
Graduate Students: 301
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

45

Eastern Kentucky University

Score: 61.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State: $20,820
Net Price: $10,806
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 14,324
Undergrad Students: 12,072
Graduate Students: 2,252
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

46

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Score: 60.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State: $23,339
Net Price: $10,979
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 17,978
Undergrad Students: 14,198
Graduate Students: 3,780
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

47

Morehead State University

Score: 60.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State: $14,706
Net Price: $10,991
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 8,807
Undergrad Students: 8,215
Graduate Students: 592
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

48

University of South Florida

Score: 60.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $11,004
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 49,600
Undergrad Students: 38,047
Graduate Students: 11,553
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

49

Murray State University

Score: 60.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State: $19,452
Net Price: $11,042
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 9,479
Undergrad Students: 7,679
Graduate Students: 1,800
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

50

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Score: 60.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,548
- Out-of-State: $23,124
Net Price: $11,043
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 7,309
Undergrad Students: 6,616
Graduate Students: 693
Grads Salary: N/A
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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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