Contents

    The best colleges for cybersecurity in 2024 – by value for money

    Jeremy Coppock
    Jeremy Coppock

    Jeremy is an education researcher, journalist, and editor for Degreechoices. He majored in Slavic languages and has a master’s degree in Eastern European studies.

    He has previous experience as a fraud analyst, in-house translator, teacher, and truck driver.

    The best colleges for cybersecurity in 2024 – by value for money
    Contents

      By value for money, the best colleges for cybersecurity are CUNY John Jay, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Kennesaw State University.

      While most roles require a bachelor’s degree, some people make it into cybersecurity with only a certificate.

      Computer science, computer engineering, and IT degrees all lead to higher salaries on average than cybersecurity degrees.

      A cybersecurity degree can lead to a high-paying job as an information security analyst, who earns $120,360 on average according to the BLS.

      www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

      Get a cybersecurity degree without ever leaving your house.

      We’ll help you find an online cybersecurity program that’s perfect for you.

      Cybersecurity is an exciting, dynamic branch of computer science that puts you at the forefront of an organization’s digital defenses.

      As a cybersecurity specialist, you will learn how to set up and maintain a safe network system, protect organizations from cyberattacks and hacking attempts, audit security systems, and conduct “penetration testing,” a dubiously named practice that involves testing a computer system to find vulnerabilities.

      Cybersecurity is a growing field, but not all cybersecurity degree programs are worth it. Read on to discover the best colleges for cybersecurity by value for money. These degrees offer the optimal combination of high earning potential and affordability.

      The 20 best cybersecurity degrees in the country – by value for money

      #1 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 0.65

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $3,780

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $65,483

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 62%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      CUNY John Jay is a public university in New York City. It is part of the CUNY college network, which offers some of the most affordable – yet high-quality – degrees in the country. John Jay’s BS in Computer Science & Information Security is the best in the country in terms of value for money. 

      Students learn how to program computers, build software systems, and solve computer crimes. Students are well prepared to enter the job market as cybersecurity professionals right after graduation. 

      See more
      #2 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 0.94

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $28,776

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $123,462

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 73%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university in Upstate New York, on the banks of Lake Ontario. It offers the 4th best cybersecurity program in the country.  

      Its BS in Cybersecurity teaches students to protect organizations from cyberattacks by preserving assets, identifying security vulnerabilities, and designing strategies for data recovery.  

      Typical job titles of RIT cybersecurity alumni include reverse engineer, cyber security analyst, penetration tester, cyber threat responder, and security assurance engineer. 

      See more
      #3 in Cybersecurity

      Kennesaw State University

      Kennesaw, Georgia

      Economic score 1.13

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $17,993

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $99,167

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 54%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      The 3rd best-value cybersecurity bachelor’s program is offered by Kennesaw State University, a public institution in the Atlanta metro area of Georgia.  

      Its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS-CYBR) trains tech-savvy, business-aware cybersecurity professionals. This interdisciplinary program draws on faculty from departments of IT, criminal justice, and business administration in information security. 

      The flexible program is offered entirely online. 

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      #4 in Cybersecurity

      Wilmington University

      New Castle, Delaware

      Economic score 1.15

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $15,343

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $87,564

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 54%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private university just outside Wilmington, Delaware.  

      It offers a well-regarded B.S. in Cybersecurity that can be individually tailored to fit your career goals with various concentrations, including digital forensics. Students will be prepared to take exams for industry-standard certifications like CISA, CISSP, A+, Linux+, and more. 

      See more
      #5 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 1.21

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $12,911

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $81,067

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 57%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      The University of Texas at San Antonio is a large public university on the outskirts of San Antonio.  

      It offers a cyber security bachelor’s degree that can be taken both online and on-campus. An “Honors Experience” is also available.  

      The program prepares students to work as penetration testers, information security engineers, digital forensics analysts, information security analysts, compliance offers, and much more.  

      See more
      #6 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 1.56

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $12,949

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $66,681

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 61%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      The SUNY Polytechnic Institute, usually referred to as SUNY Poly, is a public university in rural Onedia County, in Upstate New York. The college focuses on STEM degrees. 

      It offers a prestigious Network and Computer Security: Cybersecurity (NCS) bachelor’s degree that equips students with in-depth knowledge of the technologies that organizations use to keep modern network and computing infrastructures secure. 

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      #7 in Cybersecurity

      Ferris State University

      Big Rapids, Michigan

      Economic score 1.59

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $12,812

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $69,490

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 62%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Rounding out our top 5 best cybersecurity programs, Ferris State University is a large public university in Michigan. Its main campus is located in Big Rapids.  

      It offers a highly respected information security and intelligence degree with a high rate of student satisfaction: 98.4% of graduates said they would choose the same program again if offered the choice. Students go on to become cybersecurity professionals, data analysts, digital forensic investigators, FBI agents, risk analysts, penetration testers, and much more. 

      See more
      #8 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 2.19

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $16,489

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $64,524

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 60%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Alfred State College, often called SUNY Alfred or SUNY Alfred State, is a public college in a small town in Allegheny County, New York. 

      Its affordable Bachelor of Technology in Cyber Security places a special emphasis on network and host security. Program participants will graduate not only with a bachelor’s degree, but also pick up certifications along the way, including Cisco-certified Network Association, CCNA Security, Security+, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Network+.  

      One semester is spent on an internship.  

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      #9 in Cybersecurity

      Dakota State University

      Madison, South Dakota

      Economic score 2.23

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $18,356

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $72,059

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 46%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Dakota State University, or DSU, is a small public university in Madison, South Dakota.  

      It offers a 100% online Bachelor’s of Science in Cyber Operations that teaches students how to respond to attacks such as data breaches, malware infections, and software vulnerabilities. This degree can be completed in 3 years. Alternatively, students can opt for a 4+1 program and get a BS in Cyber Operations and an MS in Computer Science in just 5 years. 

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      #10 in Cybersecurity
      Economic score 2.49

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $13,565

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $69,188

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 84%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Brigham Young University, or BYU, is a private religious university in Provo, Utah. It is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church.  

      While BYU offers high-quality, affordable degrees, students should be prepared to follow the university’s strict honor code requirements. 

      Through its Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, it offers a cybersecurity major that features several emphases: digital forensics, penetration testing, Internet of Things (IoT), and system and network administration.  

      See more
      #11 in Cybersecurity

      Saint Cloud State University

      Saint Cloud, Minnesota

      Economic score 2.50

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $14,719

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $71,427

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 53%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is a public university in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It is home to the only cybersecurity bachelor’s program in the state of Minnesota.  

      The cybersecurity major boasts a 100% job placement rate within 2 years. A cyber security minor is also available. Students can take advantage of lab-based learning, faculty-guided research opportunities, junior and senior internships, and the Active Information Technology and Security Club. 

      See more
      #12 in Cybersecurity

      Metropolitan State University

      Saint Paul, Minnesota

      Economic score 2.69

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $19,523

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $75,756

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 65%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Metropolitan State University, or Metro State, is a public university in Minnesota’s Twin-Cities metro area. 

      Its BS in Cybersecurity is one of the best in the Midwest, and available both on campus and online. Its hands-on curriculum leverages lab-based courses that teach students to assess the security needs of computer and network systems and recommend safeguard solutions.  

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      #13 in Cybersecurity

      Lindenwood University

      Saint Charles, Missouri

      Economic score 2.78

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $16,806

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $63,962

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 54%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Lindenwood University is a small private university in St. Charles, Missouri, about 24 miles northwest of St. Louis. Its cybersecurity program is ideal for students who want to study in the challenging – yet nurturing – environment of a small liberal arts college. 

      Its B.S. in Cybersecurity trains undergraduate students to evaluate, plan, and protect organizations’ computer networks from malicious threats. Degree holders will be fully prepared for an exciting career in cybersecurity. 

      See more
      #14 in Cybersecurity

      East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

      East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

      Economic score 2.92

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $19,184

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $66,171

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 55%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      East Stroudsburg University (ESU) is a public university in East Stroudsburg, a small town in Eastern Pennsylvania. 

      Through the Computer Science Department, students can pursue a B.S. in Computer Security. Courses include data structures and algorithms, computer security, introduction to cybersecurity, computer programming, and much more. Students also complete an internship. 

      See more
      #15 in Cybersecurity

      New England Institute of Technology

      East Greenwich, Rhode Island

      Economic score 2.96

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $35,088

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $76,117

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 66%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      New England Institute of Technology (or NEIT) is a private university based in Rhode Island.  

      It offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering that teaches students to design secure, modern networks and protect computers and network systems. Program participants learn the ins and outs of computer systems, mobile and network forensics, Windows and Linux security, incident response, and much more. 

      NEIT has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. 

      See more
      #16 in Cybersecurity

      Columbia Basin College

      Pasco, Washington

      Economic score 3.14

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $8,820

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $51,473

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 49%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Columbia Basin College, or CBC, is a small college in Richland, Washington that offers associate degrees and some bachelor’s programs. Richland is a town in eastern Washington State on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. 

      It offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security. Major courses include programming fundamentals, database systems, cloud fundamentals, computer security, database design, network security, ethical hacking, cryptology, cyber-crime and terrorism, and many more. 

      See more
      #17 in Cybersecurity

      George Washington University

      Washington, District of Columbia

      Economic score 3.44

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $34,462

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $74,168

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 86%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      George Washington University, or GWU, is a private, federally charted research university in our nation’s capital. It is Washington D.C.’s first university. 

      Its Bachelor of Professional Studies with a Major in Cybersecurity is designed especially for students with an associate degree or non-technical bachelor’s degree who want to further their career. The curriculum includes experience in labs and virtual environments, and students collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and the military. 

      See more
      #18 in Cybersecurity

      SUNY at Albany

      Albany, New York

      Economic score 3.70

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $17,051

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $60,180

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 68%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      The State University of New York at Albany, also referred to simply as the University at Albany, is a public research university with several campuses throughout the Albany metro area. 

      It offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that is offered both on campus and fully online. Students are taught the fundamentals of safeguarding systems and privacy through a combination of coursework, research, and experiential learning. 

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      #19 in Cybersecurity

      Bellevue University

      Bellevue, Nebraska

      Economic score 3.77

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $26,946

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $68,140

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 65%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Bellevue University is a small private university just outside Omaha, Nebraska focused on adult education. 

      It offers a Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree whose mission is to train students to protect organizations from cyber threats. The program can be taken on campus or 100% online. Students learn Python, the foundations of governance, risk, and compliance, applying security controls, penetration testing, forensics, and more. 

      See more
      #20 in Cybersecurity

      Champlain College

      Burlington, Vermont

      Economic score 4.06

      Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

      Cost $32,455

      The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

      Earnings $71,224

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Graduation rate 66%

      Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

      Champlain is a small private college in Burlington, Vermont.  

      Champlain’s online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity is recognized nationally as a top program for cybersecurity and digital forensics. It is home to the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation & Cybersecurity, and it has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. 

      Graduates go on to become incident responders, penetration testers, security administrators, security analysts, and more. 

      See more

      How we made this list

      We looked at programs registered with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) under CIP Code 11.1003 (Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance). 73 bachelor’s programs are registered with the government under this code.

      To rank bachelor’s programs by value for money, we used our signature economic score metric, which determines which programs offer the optimal combination of high earning potential and affordability (in average net cost).

      Net cost refers to the average yearly cost of college after financial aid. It includes cost factors like room, board, and fees.

      Earnings data represents average annual earnings, 4 years after graduation, regardless of what field you end up working in.

      All data on cost and earnings comes from the NCES’ IPEDS tool and College Scorecard. It represents students who received at least $1 in federal financial aid (over 80% of all students).

      Read more about our our methodology here.

      www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

      Get a cybersecurity degree without ever leaving your house.

      We’ll help you find an online cybersecurity program that’s perfect for you.

      What kind of degree do you need for cyber security?

      If you want to work in cyber security, multiple types of degrees can help you reach your goal.


      1. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security

      These are bachelor’s programs that focus more or less exclusively on cybersecurity, in addition to the fundamentals of computer science and programming.

      These programs may prepare you to take certification exams in line with industry standards, saving you time and effort after graduation.


      2. A degree in computer science, IT, or computer engineering

      Many employers in the cybersecurity field are more than happy to hire grads with a general computer science, computer engineering, or IT degree. In fact, this is a very common route to a career in cybersecurity.

      Some universities offer a computer science/IT degree with a cybersecurity track, focus, or minor. People enrolled in these programs take cybersecurity courses as electives. This can be a great choice if you want to keep your options open after graduation while still learning about cybersecurity.

      Note that if you get a general computer science degree, you may have to commit to some independent study to pass cybersecurity certification exams.


      3. A cyber security certificate or bootcamp

      A certificate program is like a mini degree. You won’t emerge with a bachelor’s, but you’ll spend a lot less time and money on school. Certificate programs are great for people who want to earn career-specific qualifications without committing to 4 (more) years of college.

      Remember that a certificate program is not the same as certification!


      4. No degree at all

      Cybersecurity is a field that places a lot of importance on passing certification exams – of which there are several hundred (don’t worry, you won’t have to take them all). While many employers are willing to pay for these, you may need to take 1 or 2 on your own to kick-start your career.

      Some employers may overlook your lack of a degree if you are able to pass a certification exam on your own. This is a challenging route that requires more diligence and self-discipline than many can muster.

      Computer science vs cyber security

      While a cybersecurity degree offers a direct path to a cybersecurity job after graduation, computer science degree holders go on to earn a lot more 4 years after leaving school.

      The graduates of the 73 cybersecurity degree programs we analyzed earn an average of $71,103 four years after graduating; however, people with a bachelor’s in computer science earn $99,158: this is a 39.5% higher salary.

      While you can get a cybersecurity job with a comp sci degree, people with a cybersecurity degree may have a harder time landing other computer science roles.

      The typical “should I get a computer science or cybersecurity degree” Reddit post reveals an overwhelming consensus that computer science is a better degree.

      This is because a computer science degree offers higher earning potential and versatility than a degree in cybersecurity.

      “A computer science degree offers higher earning potential and versatility than a degree in cyber security.”

      In the chart below, we compare the average earnings of people with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity, 4 years after leaving school, to those of people with similar degrees.

      Bachelor’s degree Average earnings, 4 years after graduation
      Cybersecurity $71,103
      Computer science $99,158
      Computer engineering $90,189
      IT $82,099
      Computer networking $64,636
      Computer systems administration/management $59,738

      Source: IPEDS

      Is a master’s in cybersecurity worth it?

      According to IPEDS data, the weighted average earnings for people with a master’s degree in cybersecurity, 4 years after graduation, is $122,528.

      This is a significant salary boost compared to bachelor’s-level earnings, indicating that a master’s in cybersecurity is definitely worth the money.

      Do you need a degree for cyber security?

      While you don’t technically need a bachelor’s degree to work in cybersecurity, the majority of people in the field have one.

      According to O*NET data, a primary source from the Department of Labor, 42.8% of information security analysts have a bachelor’s degree and 23.7% have a master’s degree. Meanwhile, 31.5% have less than a bachelor’s degree (e.g., an associate degree, a certificate, or no degree at all).

      Below, we show some common roles associated with cybersecurity alongside typical educational attainment.

      Role Percent with less than a bachelor’s Percent with a bachelor’s Percent with more than a bachelor’s
      Information security analyst 31.5% 42.8% 25.7%
      Computer network support specialist 51.3% 37.1% 11.6%
      Computer network architect 44.7% 39.7% 15.5%
      Database administrator/architect 25.7% 45.4% 28.9%
      Network/computer systems administrator 45.4% 41.2% 13.4%
      Computer/information systems manager 25.3% 45.8% 28.8%

      What can you do with a cybersecurity degree?

      The most typical cybersecurity role is information security analyst. Information security analysts may be referred to as cybersecurity analysts, IT security analysts, cybersecurity consultants, data security analysts, or other names.

      However, a number of different careers are available to people with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity.

      Information security analyst

      Information security analysts design and implement measures to safeguard an organization’s computer networks and systems.

      10% $69,210
      25% $90,050
      Median $120,360
      75% $153,550
      90% $182,370

      Total employment

      175,350

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      33.4%

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      Computer network support specialist

      Computer support specialists take care of computer networks and help users with technical issues.

      10% $45,660
      25% $54,700
      Median $71,530
      75% $92,570
      90% $121,920

      Total employment

      158,720

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      7.5%

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      Computer network architect

      Computer network architects create and set up data communication networks like LANs, WANs, and intranets.

      10% $77,960
      25% $100,120
      Median $129,840
      75% $164,080
      90% $195,000

      Total employment

      174,100

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      5.4%

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      Database administrator/architect

      Database administrators and architects build and manage systems to store and protect data.

      10% $54,320
      25% $71,940
      Median $101,510
      75% $133,120
      90% $157,710

      Total employment

      76,140

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      N/A

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      Network/computer systems administrator

      Network and computer systems administrators set up, manage, and maintain computer networks and systems for organizations.

      10% $58,680
      25% $74,400
      Median $95,360
      75% $121,910
      90% $148,710

      Total employment

      323,020

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      5.4%

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      Computer/information systems manager

      Computer and information systems managers oversee and manage computer-related activities in an organization.

      10% $101,590
      25% $131,770
      Median $169,510
      75% $214,050
      90% $208,000

      Total employment

      592,600

      Projected growth (2018-2028)

      10.9%

      Degree required

      Bachelor’s

      How much do cybersecurity analysts make?

      The average cybersecurity salary for information security analysts is $120,360 per year according to the BLS.

      Final thoughts

      A cybersecurity degree can lead to a lucrative, stable career working with computers. It’s perfect for people who want to combine their tech skills with a bit of cyber-sleuthing.

      While studying computer science may be a better decision economically, CS programs tend to be highly competitive. Cybersecurity degrees, on the other hand, may be easier to get into and less intensive.

      As you chose your degree, remember that you don’t need to overpay for college. Prioritize public universities and programs that offer you financial aid over “prestigious” private institutions. Use the free tools on our site to determine which universities are offering the best-value degrees in the country.

      www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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