Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these analysts earn a median annual salary of $99,730 per year.
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Updated January 9, 2023

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Online cybersecurity programs train enrollees for careers preventing, detecting, and prosecuting online crimes. Common cybercrimes include identity theft, fraud, money laundering, and hacking.

Like on-campus programs, online cybersecurity degree programs can lead to high-paying positions such as information security analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these analysts earn a median annual salary of $99,730 per year. Top-ranking professionals such as chief information security officers boast an average salary of nearly $165,000, according to PayScale.

Companies and organizations increasingly rely on electronic records and online communication, contributing to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. The BLS projects a 32% growth rate in information security analyst positions from 2019-2029. Cybersecurity professionals can work for government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individual clients.

Applicants to cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs at regionally accredited schools often list minimum GPA and coursework requirements in computer science. The following sections detail program requirements, career options, and scholarship opportunities for students earning a cybersecurity degree.

FAQ on Online Cyber Security Degree

What kind of degree do you need for cybersecurity?

Many cybersecurity jobs require an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science. Employers often prefer candidates with relevant professional experience and certifications.

Is cybersecurity well paid?

According to PayScale, cybersecurity analysts and cybersecurity engineers earn average annual salaries of $76,520 and $96,640, respectively.

Is cybersecurity a good career?

Many cybersecurity careers feature positive growth rates. The BLS projects information security analyst positions to increase 32% from 2019-2029, a rate significantly higher than the average for all occupations.

What does a career in cybersecurity look like?

Cybersecurity professionals use technology to protect information and money from theft and tampering. Positions in the field include security systems administrator, security engineer, security architect, and security analyst.

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Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees 2022

#1 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Drexel University features a bachelor's in computing and security technology that is a great choice for people wanting a flexible online education in information assurance. The private institution offers eight online bachelor’s degree programs, providing industry-relevant education to 9,300 remote students. From its campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the school provides institutional resources to benefit its online learners, such as a supportive remote community.

Cybersecurity students learn industry knowledge through hands-on classes. Within the computing and security technology curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Enrollees supplement their education with hands-on learning experiences. Degree-seekers get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the information assurance field through internships, externships, and research projects.

Prospective students can learn more about enrollment requirements by asking the admissions office. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 100% of all enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,146
Out-of-state
$52,146
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,181
Out-of-state
$35,181
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
24,205
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

University of Charleston

  • Charleston, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the computer forensics field should check out the bachelor's in cybersecurity at the University of Charleston. The private school provides a premier education to 2,050 remote learners and offers six bachelor's programs virtually.

The bachelor's degree in cybersecurity helps students succeed in the computer forensics field by giving them the proper tools. Both foundational concepts and advanced topics in computer forensics are covered by the various classes in the broad curriculum. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their knowledge of the industry to help their career aspirations. Learners gain many benefits from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Academic advisors and career counselors assist students through the course of their degree.

To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A total of 99% of enrollees at the college receive financial aid from the leader in distance learning.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,189
Out-of-state
$22,189
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,584
Out-of-state
$16,584
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
2,718
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Penn State World Campus

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Penn State World Campus's bachelor's degree in cybersecurity analytics and operations offers a flexible education for people interested in the information assurance field.

The BS in cybersecurity gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the information assurance field. Classes provide enrollees with broad knowledge of the information assurance field, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. Depending on their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to increase their industry knowledge. Learners can benefit from internships and externships or industry-specific research projects. Throughout the degree, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.

Applicants who qualify can bring down the price of their degree with internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,484
Out-of-state
$13,484
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,682
Out-of-state
$21,682
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

  • Okmulgee, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The bachelor's degree in information technologies with a cybersecurity and digital forensics concentration at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology features a flexibility that appeals to many people interested in an online education in information assurance that fits their schedule. The two industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the public institution educate 1,266 remote degree-seekers. The Oklahoma school offers institutional resources from its Okmulgee campus that benefit its online learners, including the supportive remote learning community.

Cybersecurity students gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. Classes in the information technologies curriculum cover general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Experiential learning opportunities allow enrollees to supplement their education. Research, internships, and externships help provide a firsthand experience of working in the information assurance field.

Prospective applicants can contact the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Students should check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 98% of all enrollees are awarded some type of financial aid. Eligible learners can lower the price of their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,350
Out-of-state
$9,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,305
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Mercy College

  • Dobbs Ferry, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Interested in a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the information assurance field? Check out the online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity at Mercy College. A total of 3,814 remote learners get a top education from the private college, which offers 14 online bachelor's programs for them to choose from.

The bachelor of science in cybersecurity gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the information assurance field. Classes provide enrollees with broad knowledge of the information assurance field, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. Degree-seekers can deepen their industry knowledge with experiential learning opportunities to further their career goals. Applied research projects, externships, and internships provide learners with valuable knowledge. Throughout the degree, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 96% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,934
Out-of-state
$18,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,146
Out-of-state
$16,146
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
10,557
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#6 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Champlain College

  • Burlington, VT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners seeking competitive study should consider the premier online programs at Champlain College, located in Burlington, Vermont. The private institution's 12 online bachelor's programs enroll 2,301 remote learners. The rigorous education with industry relevance provided by the bachelor's degree in cybersecurity appeals to degree-seekers interested in computer forensics.

The cybersecurity program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. Enrollees attend classes that cover both foundational and advanced topics, giving them relevant knowledge for a future computer forensics career. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in cybersecurity. The institution provides degree-seekers with access to student success-focused resources, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.

Learners should seek funding opportunities with the help of a financial aid officer before budgeting for the costs of a cybersecurity degree. The college's funding opportunities include numerous scholarships, fellowship, and federal financial aid. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 100% of the institution's enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,728
Out-of-state
$41,728
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,310
Out-of-state
$14,310
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
4,385
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Eastern Oregon University

  • La Grande, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,515
Out-of-state
$20,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,572
Out-of-state
$17,118
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
3,067
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#8 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,720
Out-of-state
$26,160
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
11,420
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
47%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,031
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Herzing University-Madison

  • Madison, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
30%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
2,174
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#11 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Hodges University

  • Naples, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,800
Out-of-state
$13,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
977
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#12 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Immaculata University

  • Immaculata, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,500
Out-of-state
$26,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,780
Out-of-state
$12,780
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
2,479
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#13 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,808
Out-of-state
$19,808
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,162
Out-of-state
$27,162
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
19,567
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#14 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Lewis University

  • Romeoville, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,270
Out-of-state
$33,270
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,400
Out-of-state
$14,400
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
6,359
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#15 Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What Are the Goals of a Cybersecurity Degree?

Schools may offer cybersecurity as a concentration within another major, such as computer science, information technology, information systems, or criminal justice. However, some schools offer BA or BS degrees in information assurance, cybersecurity, computer forensics, and information security.

Cybersecurity bachelor's programs include general education requirements and major-specific coursework. Curricula vary based on specialization, such as network security, computer-forensic engineering technology, or cyberoperations.

Enrollees typically complete core coursework in information systems, information technology, and data communications and networking. Core coursework explores topics such as cyberdefense, digital forensics, and security systems. Learners also complete elective courses aligned with their career interests and goals.

Why Get a Cybersecurity Degree?

Earning a cybersecurity degree can lead to many professional and personal benefits. Degree-seekers obtain valuable skills, and graduates often qualify for career advancement and increased salaries. The list below highlights a few common benefits of completing a cybersecurity program.

Advanced education often leads to increased earning potential. According to PayScale data, individuals with a BS in information security earn an average salary of $76,190 per year.

Entry-level professionals, such as technical support staff, often pursue a cybersecurity bachelor's degree to qualify for more advanced positions. Many computer and information technology jobs require a bachelor's degree.

Cybersecurity programs help learners cultivate specialized skills. Companies, governments, and organizations need employees with these abilities to protect information.

Graduates of cybersecurity degree programs can work in most industries and sectors. Nearly every organization needs to protect electronic and online data.

Many cybersecurity programs feature internships and project-based courses that encourage collaboration. Learners can use these opportunities to form lasting professional connections. Students can also network with professors and guest speakers.

What Are the Requirements for a Cybersecurity Degree?

Applicants to bachelor's programs must typically submit official transcripts. Candidates usually need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and a high school diploma. Many schools also require minimum ACT or SAT scores, recommendation letters, and an essay. To enter the cybersecurity major, students often need to demonstrate successful academic performance in relevant prerequisites.

Most cybersecurity bachelor's programs require roughly 120 credits, including about 60 credits of general education coursework. Most online cybersecurity programs also require a capstone project or internship during which students gain practical experience working with cybersecurity professionals. Online learners usually complete internships at an approved local site, often their current place of employment. The focus of a learner's capstone project depends on their specialization area.

Professional Organizations for Cybersecurity Students

Many professional organizations support students and professionals by providing networking opportunities, continuing education, advocacy, and publications. Student members often benefit from access to student chapters, exclusive scholarships, mentorship programs, and discounted membership rates. The following professional organizations serve cybersecurity students and professionals.

This international nonprofit organization supports information security professionals. ISSA helps members network and share information. The association maintains a job board, runs web conferences and online forums, and publishes the ISSA Journal. ISSA also provides various awards and fellowships.

GIAC offers vendor-neutral computer security examinations and certifications. Candidates for GIAC certifications must have completed information security training through the Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies. GIAC also maintains a blog, podcasts, and a directory of certified professionals.

Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students

Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for a variety of scholarships from institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Scholarship programs often require applicants to boast a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, or belong to an underrepresented group. Many scholarships support learners in a certain field, such as cybersecurity.

(ISC)² Women's Cybersecurity Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Center for Cyber Safety and Education administers these scholarships for women applying to or enrolled in a program related to cybersecurity or information assurance. Full-time and part-time high school seniors and college students from any country can apply. Applicants submit one recommendation letter, a resume, essays, and unofficial transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.3 GPA.

Amount: $1,000-$6,000

Central Intelligence Agency Undergraduate Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This need-based scholarship supports learners at accredited universities. Recipients work for the CIA for 90 days during at least one summer while enrolled in school. Upon graduation, recipients work at the CIA for 1.5 years per year of scholarship funding. Applicants need a strong academic record.

Amount: Up to $25,000 tuition remission annually

Stokes Educational Scholarship

Who Can Apply: High school seniors who plan to major in computer science or electrical engineering can apply for this award. Applicants must demonstrate leadership ability and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and SAT or ACT scores of at least 1200 or 25, respectively. Recipients work for the NSA for 1.5 times the length of the scholarship period.

Amount: Up to $30,000 tuition remission per year, a salary, local housing for summer jobs at NSA, and benefits

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