- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best cybersecurity associate's degree programs reveals that associate's degree in cybersecurity costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs—average $3,056/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Northern Virginia Community College, Collin County Community College District, Green River College—selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level cybersecurity technician positions start at $42,000 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working—many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Source: An associate's degree in cybersecurity is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Cybersecurity?
An associate's degree in cybersecurity offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts earn a median salary of $124,910 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $69,660.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: 29% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 182,800 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits typically transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level cybersecurity positions start at $69,660, with experienced professionals earning up to $186,420 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs - Top 10
Northern Virginia Community College
NOVA is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS, and covers the cost of CompTIA Security+ certification for qualifying students.
Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #1 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Northern Virginia Community College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,550 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Multiple campus locations: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge
Hakia Insight: Through ties with George Mason University and George Washington University, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Multiple campus locations: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge
- •Online program availability
- •Northern Virginia tech corridor proximity
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Federal agencies, Defense contractors, DC tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Collin County Community College District
NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education with over 1,000 degrees and certificates awarded annually and first-place ISACA competition wins.
Collin County Community College District Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Collin County Community College District as the #2 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Collin County Community College District's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $3,450 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
Hakia Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
- •Growing Texas tech sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Dallas tech companies, Defense contractors
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Green River College
Award-winning cybersecurity program with 18-month completion and pathway to bachelor's degree, aligned with NICE Framework standards.
Green River College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #3 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Green River College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Seattle metro area
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Seattle metro area
- •Access to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Seattle tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Columbia Basin College
NSA CAE2Y designation since 2014 with full-ride DoD-NSA scholarship eligibility and PNNL internship partnerships.
Columbia Basin College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia Basin College as the #4 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Columbia Basin College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $5,514 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Tri-Cities area
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Tri-Cities area
- •Access to PNNL and national labs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
PNNL, Federal agencies, Tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Edmonds College
NSA CAE-CD designation through 2030, first in Washington to offer digital forensics since 1999, instructed by DHS cyberterrorism subject matter experts.
Edmonds College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #5 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Edmonds College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,073 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Seattle metro area
Hakia Insight: Edmonds College's direct partnerships with Microsoft and City of Seattle give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Seattle metro area
- •Pathways to Microsoft and major employers
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, City of Seattle, Telecommunications providers
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Bellevue College
Located in the heart of Washington's tech sector with industry partnerships and curriculum updated annually to meet employer demands.
Bellevue College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #6 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Bellevue College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Bellevue tech hub
Hakia Insight: Students at Bellevue College benefit from active collaborations with Bellevue tech companies and Seattle area employers, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Bellevue tech hub
- •Close to Microsoft, Amazon headquarters
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Bellevue tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Everett Community College
Comprehensive IT program with multiple industry certification pathways and strong regional employment outlook.
Everett Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #7 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Everett Community College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,046 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Everett/Seattle metro area
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Boeing and Microsoft, Everett Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
network security simulation
incident response training
Location Advantages
- •Everett/Seattle metro area
- •Growing tech job market
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Boeing, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Alaska Airlines
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
MiraCosta College
Comprehensive certification preparation including CompTIA, EC Council CEH, and Red Hat certifications with transfer pathway to National University.
MiraCosta College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #8 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
MiraCosta College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. San Diego County
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta College's direct partnerships with National University and San Diego tech companies give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
artificial intelligence
Location Advantages
- •San Diego County
- •Defense industry and tech sector access
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Whatcom Community College
NSA/DHS CAE2Y designation since 2014, lead institution of NCyTE (NSF cybersecurity education center), with direct transfer to WWU cybersecurity bachelor's.
Whatcom Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Whatcom Community College as the #9 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Whatcom Community College's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $3,633 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Bellingham, WA
Hakia Insight: Students at Whatcom Community College benefit from active collaborations with Anvil Corporation and SPIE, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
cyberattack defense projects and demonstrations
Location Advantages
- •Bellingham, WA
- •Direct university transfer pathways
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Seattle area tech, Federal agencies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Pierce College District
High employment rates for graduates with pathway to CWU bachelor's degree and comprehensive boot camp option.
Pierce College District Associate's Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #10 associate's in cybersecurity degree program.
Pierce College District's associate's Cybersecurity program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lakewood/Tacoma area
Hakia Insight: Students at Pierce College District benefit from active collaborations with Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
attack simulation and defense
evidence analysis
Location Advantages
- •Lakewood/Tacoma area
- •CWU bachelor's completion on-site
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
JBLM, MultiCare, State of Washington, Pierce County
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Northern Virginia Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Northern Virginia Community College as the #1 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Annandale, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,550/year | Score: 100.0
What makes Northern Virginia Community College stand out: NOVA is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS, and covers the cost of CompTIA Security+ certification for qualifying students.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with George Mason University and George Washington University, Northern Virginia Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: NOVA offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity - one of the Commonwealth's largest and fastest growing cyber defense programs. The program prepares both mid-career professionals and newcomers for careers as cybersecurity technicians or analysts. NOVA is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS, with curriculum mapped to NSA/DHS Knowledge Units.
Degree Programs: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity (2 years); Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Cybersecurity (1 year)
Industry Partners: George Mason University, George Washington University, Virginia Cyber Range
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Federal agencies, Defense contractors, DC tech companies
Admissions: GPA: 2.5 for ADVANCE program
Accreditations: CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense), SACSCOC accredited, Security+, CISSP
#2. Collin County Community College District Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Collin County Community College District as the #2 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: McKinney, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,450/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 99.0
What makes Collin County Community College District stand out: NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education with over 1,000 degrees and certificates awarded annually and first-place ISACA competition wins.
Hakia Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
Program Overview: Collin College's cybersecurity program has grown from 18 students in 2008 to over 2,000 enrolled students today, with about 1,700 in the associate program. The NSA designated Collin College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Students complete certification testing for Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA certifications through hands-on labs and coursework.
Degree Programs: Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity (2 years); Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity (2 additional years)
Industry Partners: Texas tech industry
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Dallas tech companies, Defense contractors
Admissions:
Accreditations: Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA
#3. Green River College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #3 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 98.2
What makes Green River College stand out: Award-winning cybersecurity program with 18-month completion and pathway to bachelor's degree, aligned with NICE Framework standards.
Program Overview: Green River College offers a Cybersecurity and Networking Associate of Applied Science degree that can be completed in just 18 months. The 92-credit program follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Framework and aligns with industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA. Students can continue to the BAS in Cybersecurity and Networking at Green River.
Degree Programs: AAS in Cybersecurity and Networking (18 months); BAS in Cybersecurity and Networking (2 additional years)
Industry Partners: Seattle area tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Seattle tech companies
Notable Faculty: Katie Markham (BAS Program Manager); Niki Nelson (AAS-T Program Manager); Alan Carter (IT Faculty)
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA
#4. Columbia Basin College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Columbia Basin College as the #4 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Pasco, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,514/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 94.5
What makes Columbia Basin College stand out: NSA CAE2Y designation since 2014 with full-ride DoD-NSA scholarship eligibility and PNNL internship partnerships.
Program Overview: Columbia Basin College is certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE2Y) in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education by the NSA since 2014. Students become eligible for DoD-NSA full-ride scholarships with stipends. CBC has partnerships with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for internships that often lead to full-time positions.
Degree Programs: Cyber Security AAS (2 years); Cyber Security BAS (2 additional years)
Industry Partners: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: PNNL, Federal agencies, Tech companies
Admissions:
Accreditations: CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education)
#5. Edmonds College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Edmonds College as the #5 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Lynnwood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,073/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 93.2
What makes Edmonds College stand out: NSA CAE-CD designation through 2030, first in Washington to offer digital forensics since 1999, instructed by DHS cyberterrorism subject matter experts.
Hakia Insight: Edmonds College's direct partnerships with Microsoft and City of Seattle give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Edmonds College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2030. The college was one of the first in Washington to offer digital forensics classes since 1999. Students graduate with an associate degree and typically 5-6 industry certifications. Program instructors are internationally recognized professionals and DHS subject matter experts.
Degree Programs: Associate of Technical Arts in Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics (2 years)
Industry Partners: Microsoft, City of Seattle, Major telecommunications providers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, City of Seattle, Telecommunications providers
Notable Faculty: Steve Hailey (digital forensics and cyberterrorism); Mike Andrew (digital forensics and cyberterrorism)
Admissions:
Accreditations: Network+, Security+, CEH, PenTest+, Network Security Certificate, Digital Forensics Certificate
#6. Bellevue College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #6 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 92.0
What makes Bellevue College stand out: Located in the heart of Washington's tech sector with industry partnerships and curriculum updated annually to meet employer demands.
Hakia Insight: Students at Bellevue College benefit from active collaborations with Bellevue tech companies and Seattle area employers, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Bellevue College offers an Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) in Information Technology that prepares students for the BAS in Cybersecurity. Located in Washington's tech sector heart, the program collaborates with local employers and offers hybrid/online courses for working professionals. All bachelor's students complete a capstone project or internship.
Degree Programs: AAS-T in Information Technology (2 years); BAS in Cybersecurity (2 additional years)
Industry Partners: Bellevue tech companies, Seattle area employers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Bellevue tech companies
Admissions:
Accreditations: Desktop Support, Network Support, Cloud Architecture
#7. Everett Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Everett Community College as the #7 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Everett, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,046/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 90.7
What makes Everett Community College stand out: Comprehensive IT program with multiple industry certification pathways and strong regional employment outlook.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Boeing and Microsoft, Everett Community College bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Everett Community College offers IT degrees with cybersecurity focus, including a Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate. The program provides advanced computer network systems and security training with certification testing for CompTIA, Cisco, Linux Professional Institute, and Microsoft Technology Associate certifications. IT jobs in the region are growing at 12% annually.
Degree Programs: IT Associate Degree with Cybersecurity Focus (2 years); Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate (1 year)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity Lab - network security simulation; Digital Forensics Lab - incident response training
Industry Partners: Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Boeing, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Alaska Airlines | Common Roles: Network Security Technician, SOC Analyst, IT Security Specialist
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco, Microsoft Technology Associate
#8. MiraCosta College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #8 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Oceanside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 90.6
What makes MiraCosta College stand out: Comprehensive certification preparation including CompTIA, EC Council CEH, and Red Hat certifications with transfer pathway to National University.
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta College's direct partnerships with National University and San Diego tech companies give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: MiraCosta College offers an Associate in Science in Cybersecurity designed to meet demand for cybersecurity professionals. The program provides preparatory training for CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, EC Council CEH, and Linux/Red Hat certifications. Students can transfer to National University for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
Degree Programs: Certificate of Achievement - Cybersecurity; Associate in Science - Cybersecurity
Research Labs: AI Discovery Lab - artificial intelligence
Industry Partners: National University, San Diego tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Notable Faculty: Steve Isachsen (Chair of CSIT Department); Rick White (Full-Time Faculty)
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, CEH, RHCSA
#9. Whatcom Community College Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Whatcom Community College as the #9 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Bellingham, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,633/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Score: 89.9
What makes Whatcom Community College stand out: NSA/DHS CAE2Y designation since 2014, lead institution of NCyTE (NSF cybersecurity education center), with direct transfer to WWU cybersecurity bachelor's.
Hakia Insight: Students at Whatcom Community College benefit from active collaborations with Anvil Corporation and SPIE, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Whatcom Community College was designated by NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense 2-year education (CAE2Y) in 2014 - one of the first community colleges on the West Coast. WCC is also the lead institution of NCyTE, one of only four NSF cybersecurity education centers in the nation. The 91-credit AAS-T degree transfers directly to Western Washington University's cybersecurity bachelor's program.
Degree Programs: AAS-T in Cybersecurity (2 years); BAS in IT Networking - Cybersecurity (2 additional years)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity lab - cyberattack defense projects and demonstrations
Industry Partners: Anvil Corporation, SPIE, ESO
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Seattle area tech, Federal agencies
Notable Faculty: Corrinne Sande (Director/PI for the NCyTE Center, Computer Science and CIS)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum for program courses, 2.5 for WWU transfer
Accreditations: Cisco CCNA
#10. Pierce College District Associate's Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #10 associate's in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Lakewood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 89.6
What makes Pierce College District stand out: High employment rates for graduates with pathway to CWU bachelor's degree and comprehensive boot camp option.
Hakia Insight: Students at Pierce College District benefit from active collaborations with Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Pierce College offers Computer Network Engineering and Cybersecurity programs with high employment rates for graduates. Full-time students can complete the certificate in one year and the associate degree in two years. The college also offers a comprehensive 6-month cybersecurity boot camp covering CompTIA certifications and ethical hacking. Students can continue to Central Washington University for a bachelor's in IT Cybersecurity.
Degree Programs: Associate Degree in Computer Network Engineering (2 years); Certificate in Computer Network Engineering (1 year)
Research Labs: Cyber Range Lab - attack simulation and defense; Digital Forensics Center - evidence analysis
Industry Partners: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MultiCare Health System, Tacoma Public Utilities
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: JBLM, MultiCare, State of Washington, Pierce County | Common Roles: Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Systems Security Manager, Network Security Analyst
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+
Full Cybersecurity Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, VA | Public | $5,550 | — | 100 |
| 2 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | Public | $3,450 | 89% | 99 |
| 3 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 4 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | 94.5 |
| 5 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 93.2 |
| 6 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 92 |
| 7 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 90.7 |
| 8 | MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | Public | $1,104 | 94% | 90.6 |
| 9 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | Public | $3,633 | 78% | 89.9 |
| 10 | Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 89.6 |
| 11 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | 92% | 89.2 |
| 12 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,477 | 87% | 89 |
| 13 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA | Public | $4,197 | 85% | 87.6 |
| 14 | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | Public | $2,904 | 86% | 87.6 |
| 15 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | 85 |
| 16 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | Public | $1,472 | — | 84.8 |
| 17 | Cypress College | Cypress, CA | Public | $1,104 | 68% | 83.4 |
| 18 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | Public | $1,306 | 65% | 82.8 |
| 19 | Oxnard College | Oxnard, CA | Public | $1,340 | — | 82.8 |
| 20 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | Public | $4,673 | 65% | 82.3 |
| 21 | Coastline Community College | Fountain Valley, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 82.2 |
| 22 | Grossmont College | El Cajon, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 81.5 |
| 23 | Tidewater Community College | Norfolk, VA | Public | $4,818 | — | 81.4 |
| 24 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD | Public | $8,190 | — | 80.9 |
| 25 | Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Public | $4,050 | 71% | 80.7 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Transfer Pathways to Bachelor's Programs
Transfer pathways are critical for associate's degree students. According to NCES, about 34% of first-time community college students transfer to another institution within 150% of normal completion time.
Preparation is Key: Success in transfer requires strong foundations and careful planning. Students should complete prerequisite courses at their community college and verify course equivalencies through official articulation agreements before transferring.
State Transfer Systems
- California: The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) guarantees CSU admission. Use ASSIST.org to verify course-by-course transfer equivalencies.
- Washington: Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) programs provide guaranteed pathways to state universities.
- North Carolina: The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement ensures seamless credit transfer to UNC System schools.
- Texas: The Texas Common Course Numbering System facilitates transfer between community colleges and state universities.
Key to Success: Research from PPIC shows successful transfer students share common traits: they start planning early, attend colleges with strong transfer partnerships, and choose universities with robust support services for transfer students.
Community College Advantages
Community colleges are experiencing a significant resurgence. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment increased 5.4% between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (+288,000 students)—the largest growth among all institutional sectors.
As Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), noted: "Community colleges have always been gateways to opportunity, but in 2025, they are increasingly engines of innovation in workforce development."
Why Community Colleges Excel for Technology Programs
- Smaller class sizes: Community college classes average 25-35 students, compared to 100+ in university introductory courses (Community College Review)
- Industry-connected instructors: Many instructors work in tech and teach part-time, bringing current industry practices to the classroom
- Lower cost: Average public community college tuition is $3,990/year vs $11,260 at public 4-year schools (AACC Fast Facts 2024)
- Open access: No SAT/ACT requirements—community colleges serve all students regardless of prior academic performance
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and hybrid options designed for working adults
- Transfer pathways: State articulation agreements provide guaranteed transfer to 4-year universities
2-Year Curriculum Overview
Cybersecurity associate's programs typically require 60-65 credit hours completed over 2 years full-time. The curriculum balances technical skills with general education requirements, preparing students for both employment and transfer to bachelor's programs.
Core Cybersecurity Courses
- Network Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Cryptography Basics
- Security Operations
- Risk Management
- Incident Response
Typical Course Sequence
- Year 1: Programming fundamentals, math requirements (algebra/statistics), English composition, introductory technical courses
- Year 2: Advanced technical courses, electives in specialization area, capstone project or internship
Transfer Requirements: Most courses will transfer to 4-year universities through articulation agreements. A grade of C or better is typically required for technical courses. Check your state's transfer agreements (e.g., ASSIST.org for California, Direct Transfer Agreement for Washington).
Accelerated & Online Options
Online learning has become mainstream in higher education. According to NCES, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2022-23. BestColleges research found that 60% of institutions reported online classes filling first in 2024—indicating strong student preference for flexible formats.
Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports associate degree enrollment grew 6.3% in Spring 2025. Notably, older first-year students are driving growth—enrollment among those aged 25+ increased 19.7% compared to the prior year.
Flexible Format Options
- Fully online: Complete your degree from anywhere with asynchronous courses—many community colleges now offer 100% online associate's degrees
- Hybrid programs: Mix of online coursework and in-person labs—ideal for hands-on technical practice
- Accelerated tracks: Complete in 18 months with year-round enrollment at schools offering quarterly or trimester calendars
- Evening/weekend programs: Designed for working adults; many community colleges offer courses starting at 6pm or on Saturdays
Tip: Look for programs with asynchronous course delivery if your work schedule is unpredictable. Synchronous (live) classes require logging in at specific times.
Associate's vs Bootcamp vs Certificate
Choosing between an associate's degree, bootcamp, or certificate depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path has trade-offs.
Coding Bootcamp Outcomes: According to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), 71% of coding bootcamp graduates find a job within 6 months of completion. Course Report's 2025 survey found 79% of alumni land programming jobs within six months, with a 51% average salary increase over pre-bootcamp income.
Comparison
- Associate's degree (2 years, $7-15K total): Regionally accredited credential, transfers to bachelor's programs, qualifies for federal financial aid, recognized by employers across industries
- Coding bootcamp (3-6 months, $10-20K): 71% job placement within 6 months (CIRR), fastest path to specific dev roles, but limited to certain job titles and employers
- Industry certificate (6-12 months, $2-5K): CompTIA, AWS, or vendor-specific certifications focus on specific skills; best for career changers with some tech background
Key difference: Only associate's degrees are regionally accredited and qualify for federal student aid. Bootcamps typically require full upfront payment or income share agreements. As The Century Foundation notes, always read the fine print on any education program's outcomes claims.
Our recommendation: Choose an associate's degree if you want maximum flexibility—transfer options, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Choose a bootcamp if you're confident about a specific developer role and can afford the upfront cost.
Financial Aid & Employer Tuition Assistance
Community college programs qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, and employer tuition assistance. With average tuition under $4,000/year, many students graduate debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants: The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 (minimum $740). Since this exceeds typical community college tuition, eligible students may have funds left for books and fees. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters.
Free Community College Programs: Over 300 promise programs now operate at state and local levels, including:
- California: California College Promise provides free tuition for first-time students at participating community colleges
- Maryland: Community College Promise Scholarship covers up to $5,000/year in tuition
- Oregon: Oregon Promise Grant covers tuition for recent high school graduates
- Maine: Free College Scholarship covers tuition at all 7 Maine community colleges for classes 2020-2025
Employer Tuition Assistance: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion annually (Learn & Work Ecosystem Library). Key programs:
- Amazon Career Choice: Pre-pays 100% of tuition, books, and fees for associates and bachelor's degrees at participating schools. Available to hourly employees after 90 days.
- Target Dream to Be: 100% tuition coverage for 250+ programs at 40 partner schools, or up to $5,250/year for other programs
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan: 100% tuition coverage for Arizona State University online bachelor's programs after 3 months of 20+ hours/week
Tax benefits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500/year in tax credits for the first four years of higher education.
Top States for Cybersecurity Associate's Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in California | 2 | $14,800 | Ashford University |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Texas | 10 | $6,200 | The University of Texas at San Antonio |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in New York | 22 | $21,200 | Rochester Institute of Technology |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Florida | 14 | $14,300 | University of South Florida |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Virginia | 9 | $27,900 | University of Richmond |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania | 20 | $27,700 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Maryland | 6 | $26,100 | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Best Cybersecurity Associate's Programs in Illinois | 15 | $37,000 | DePaul University |
Cybersecurity Career Track
+$11K avg salary increase·6 months
- CompTIA Security+ certification prep included
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
Affiliate link · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.