- 1.Information Security Analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Cybersecurity programs include Purdue University-Main Campus, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, University of South Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Purdue University-Main Campus offers cybersecurity education at $9,718/year with 83% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Cybersecurity programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue holds dual NSA designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) across multiple programs and maintains ABET accreditation for its cybersecurity programs, while offering the unique flexibility of studying cybersecurity across three distinct educational pathways within the same university system.
Program Overview
Purdue University's cybersecurity education spans multiple colleges and formats, creating one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystems in higher education. The flagship undergraduate Cybersecurity major through Purdue Polytechnic's School of Applied and Creative Computing offers hands-on experience in specialized labs like the Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab and Cyber Security and Networking Lab. Students master everything from cryptographic techniques and digital forensics to cyber criminology and incident response management. For graduate study, the Computer Science department offers a Professional Master's Degree in Information and Cybersecurity designed specifically for IT professionals seeking to advance into technical cybersecurity roles, while Purdue Global provides a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management for working professionals. The undergraduate program is available on both the West Lafayette campus with its traditional university environment and the Indianapolis campus, which leverages Indiana's capital city for expanded internship and industry connections with employers like West Monroe, Crowe LLP, and Deloitte.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Digital forensics and cybersecurity investigations
Network security and infrastructure protection
Industry Partners
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's cybersecurity program uniquely combines academic rigor with direct access to the Applied Research Laboratory, a DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center conducting classified cybersecurity research for the U.S. Navy and other government agencies since 1945.
Program Overview
Penn State's cybersecurity program offers two distinct master's degree pathways through the College of Information Sciences and Technology. The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations is available 100% online through Penn State World Campus, designed for working professionals with 33 credits spanning core security foundations, analytics, and project management. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations is offered on-campus at University Park as a research-focused program requiring 30 credits, with options for one-year intensive study or traditional two-year completion.
Both programs blend technology education with incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management to prepare graduates for comprehensive cyber-defense strategies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through courses like Cybersecurity Analytics, Software Security Foundations, and Threat Hunting and Offensive Cybersecurity. Students can customize their education through specialized electives in enterprise architecture, visual analytics, and forensics. The program is led by Graduate Program Head Carleen Maitland and taught by experienced practitioners and researchers, with strong connections to Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory, a Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center that conducts cybersecurity research for national security applications.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Interdisciplinary cybersecurity and privacy research, threat detection and mitigation
Attack-resilient control systems, IoT security, malware analysis, and proactive threat containment
Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for cybersecurity applications using big data
DOD University Affiliated Research Center conducting cybersecurity research for national security
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of South Florida
USF hosts the state's official Cyber Florida initiative and recently launched the Rapid7 Cyber Threat Intelligence Lab with $1.5 million in industry funding, giving students unprecedented access to real-world threat intelligence data and global cyberattack tracking.
Program Overview
The University of South Florida offers one of the nation's most comprehensive cybersecurity education ecosystems, spanning multiple colleges and degree levels. At the undergraduate level, the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing houses a rigorous B.S. in Cybersecurity (B.S.C.Y.S.) that combines technical foundations with hands-on experience through courses like penetration testing and malware analysis. The program requires 120 credit hours and emphasizes real-world application through mandatory industry internships and specialized labs. For graduate students, USF offers multiple pathways including the innovative M.S. in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security through the College of Arts and Sciences, which can be completed entirely online and focuses on the intelligence function of cybersecurity. The university's cybersecurity programs are enhanced by the $1.5 million Rapid7 Cyber Threat Intelligence Lab, established in 2023, which provides students hands-on experience tracking global threat actors using real-world data. Faculty and students collaborate across four colleges, creating an interdisciplinary approach that spans technical, behavioral, business, and policy aspects of cybersecurity.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Real-world cyber threat detection and intelligence analysis with global threat actor tracking
State-wide cybersecurity research and workforce development initiative hosted at USF
Industry Partners
Admissions
Rochester Institute of Technology
89 cybersecurity graduates annually
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC has achieved dual prestigious designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and as a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by DC3, while pioneering the use of AI-driven virtual learning through their MARS platform for hands-on cybersecurity training.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University's cybersecurity program is ranked #1 for military and veteran students by Military Times, and faculty have received NSA funding to develop innovative open-source, hands-on cybersecurity curriculum that bridges theory with real-world application.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
202 cybersecurity graduates annually
University at Albany
57 cybersecurity graduates annually
Western Governors University
1514 cybersecurity graduates annually
Northeastern University
24 cybersecurity graduates annually
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 75.5/100 |
| #2 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 71.8/100 |
| #3 University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | 68.8/100 |
| #4 Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 67.5/100 |
| #5 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 67.2/100 |
Top 50 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 75.5 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 71.8 |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 68.8 |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 67.5 |
| 5 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 67.2 |
| 6 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 66.6 |
| 7 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | — | 66.1 |
| 8 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 64.7 |
| 9 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 10 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 61.1 |
| 11 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $6,239 | — | — | 60.9 |
| 12 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | — | 59.5 |
| 13 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | — | 59.5 |
| 14 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | — | 58.5 |
| 15 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | — | 57.9 |
| 16 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,228 | 78% | — | 57.4 |
| 17 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 57.2 |
| 18 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | Public | $5,140 | 99% | — | 57.1 |
| 19 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | Public | $4,230 | 100% | — | 56.8 |
| 20 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | — | 56.8 |
| 21 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | Private | $31,162 | 85% | — | 56.5 |
| 22 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | — | 55.8 |
| 23 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,000 | 81% | — | 55.7 |
| 24 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | Public | $7,997 | 99% | — | 55.7 |
| 25 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | Public | $9,665 | 92% | — | 55.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Cybersecurity Education Overview: Why Rankings Matter
The cybersecurity job market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 35% job growth from 2021-2031. As cyber threats evolve and organizations prioritize digital security, choosing the right cybersecurity bachelor's program has never been more critical for career success.
Our comprehensive analysis of 318 NSA-designated cybersecurity programs reveals significant differences in curriculum quality, career outcomes, and return on investment. Top-tier programs like Carnegie Mellon's Information Security and University of Maryland's Cybersecurity consistently produce graduates with starting salaries 20-30% above the national average.
The cybersecurity field offers diverse career paths from security analyst to AI engineer, with median salaries ranging from $82,000 for entry-level positions to $165,000 for senior roles. Unlike traditional computer science programs, cybersecurity degrees focus specifically on threat detection, incident response, and security architecture—skills that are immediately applicable in today's digital landscape.
This ranking evaluates programs based on four key factors: graduation rates (40%), career outcomes (30%), curriculum quality (20%), and industry recognition (10%). We've analyzed data from IPEDS 2023, NSA designations, and employer feedback to identify the programs that deliver the strongest return on investment for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, install security software, and conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and build secure systems, implement security protocols, and develop security architecture for organizations.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Conduct authorized simulated cyber attacks to identify system vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Security Consultant
SOC 15-1199Provide cybersecurity expertise to organizations, assess security posture, and recommend improvements.
Incident Response Specialist
SOC 15-1212Respond to security breaches, conduct forensic analysis, and coordinate recovery efforts during cyber incidents.
Security Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop security applications, encryption software, and security tools for organizations and consumers.
Top States for Cybersecurity Education
California
Texas
New York
Virginia
Florida
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Ohio
Illinois
North Carolina
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Cybersecurity students have access to unique funding opportunities beyond traditional financial aid. The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program provides full tuition, fees, and stipends in exchange for government service commitments. Many defense contractors offer tuition reimbursement and co-op programs that provide both experience and income during college.
NSF cybersecurity scholarships, SMART scholarships from DoD, and various industry-sponsored programs can significantly reduce education costs. Students should explore cybersecurity-specific financial aid resources and consider the total cost of attendance when comparing programs.
Choose Your Cybersecurity Program Based on Your Goals
- You want the most prestigious cybersecurity education available
- Cost is less important than program reputation and outcomes
- You're interested in cybersecurity research or PhD pathways
- You want access to cutting-edge labs and faculty expertise
- You want excellent education at reasonable cost
- You qualify for in-state tuition at top public universities
- You value strong industry connections and job placement
- You want balance between quality and affordability
- You want to work for government agencies or contractors
- You're interested in security clearance opportunities
- You prefer structured career pathways with excellent benefits
- You want to work on national security challenges
- You need flexibility to work while studying
- You live far from quality on-campus programs
- You want to minimize education costs and debt
- You already have some cybersecurity experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 318 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, graduation rates, tuition data, and program completions
Occupational employment and wage statistics for cybersecurity roles
Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense program designations
Student outcomes and institutional performance metrics
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.