Best Cybersecurity Bachelor&#39;s Degree Programs 2026

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (96.1/100): 83% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $9,718 in-state tuition, 144 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

83% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$9,718 in-state tuition
144 graduates annually

🥈

University of South Florida

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

Tampa, FLPublic

$129,180 median salary · 77% graduation rate

95.3

Score

$5K

Tuition/yr

77%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.3/100): 77% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $4,559 in-state tuition, 124 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

77% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$4,559 in-state tuition
124 graduates annually

🥉

Northeastern University

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 91% graduation rate

95.2

Score

$65K

Tuition/yr

91%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.2/100): 91% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $64,990 in-state tuition, 22 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

91% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$64,990 in-state tuition
22 graduates annually

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

University Park, PAPublic

$129,180 median salary · 86% graduation rate

94.1

Score

$20K

Tuition/yr

86%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.1/100): 86% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $20,066 in-state tuition, 272 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

86% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$20,066 in-state tuition
272 graduates annually

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 84% graduation rate

93.6

Score

$67K

Tuition/yr

84%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.6/100): 84% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $67,420 in-state tuition, 26 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

84% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$67,420 in-state tuition
26 graduates annually

Brigham Young University

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

Provo, UTPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 81% graduation rate

93.2

Score

$7K

Tuition/yr

81%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.2/100): 81% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $6,688 in-state tuition, 42 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

81% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$6,688 in-state tuition
42 graduates annually

United States Military Academy

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

West Point, NYPublic

$129,180 median salary · 87% graduation rate

93.0

Score

87%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93/100): 87% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

87% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
10 graduates annually

Stevens Institute of Technology

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

Hoboken, NJPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 87% graduation rate

92.5

Score

$61K

Tuition/yr

87%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.5/100): 87% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $61,028 in-state tuition, 27 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

87% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$61,028 in-state tuition
27 graduates annually

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/PolicyOn-campus

Columbia, SCPublic

$91,315 median salary · 79% graduation rate

92.4

Score

$12K

Tuition/yr

79%

Grad Rate

$91K

Median Salary

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among cybersecurity defense strategy/policy bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.4/100): 79% graduation rate, $91,315 median salary, $12,288 in-state tuition, 3 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

79% graduation rate
$91,315 median salary
$12,288 in-state tuition
3 graduates annually

#10

Tulane University of Louisiana

Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information AssuranceOn-campus

New Orleans, LAPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 86% graduation rate

92.2

Score

$64K

Tuition/yr

86%

Grad Rate

$129K

Median Salary

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in California

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.2/100): 86% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $64,372 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

86% graduation rate
$129,180 median salary
$64,372 in-state tuition
5 graduates annually

Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data

#1. Purdue University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Purdue University-Main Campus's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 96.1
#2. University of South Florida — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks University of South Florida's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 95.3
#3. Northeastern University — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Northeastern University's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,990/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 95.2
#4. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $20,066/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 94.1
#5. George Washington University — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks George Washington University's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,420/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.6
#6. Brigham Young University — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Brigham Young University's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Provo, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $6,688/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.2
#7. United States Military Academy — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks United States Military Academy's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Point, NY | Type: Public | Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.0
#8. Stevens Institute of Technology — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Stevens Institute of Technology's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Hoboken, NJ | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $61,028/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 92.5
#9. University of South Carolina-Columbia — Bachelor's Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy
Hakia ranks University of South Carolina-Columbia's bachelor's cybersecurity defense strategy/policy program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Columbia, SC | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,288/year | Graduation Rate: 79% | Median Salary: $91,315 | Score: 92.4
#10. Tulane University of Louisiana — Bachelor's Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Hakia ranks Tulane University of Louisiana's bachelor's computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New Orleans, LA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,372/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 92.2

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

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

Top 50 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs 2026

Rank	Program & School	Delivery	Annual Tuition	Grad Rate	Median Salary	Hakia Score
#1	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	On-campus	$9,718	83%	$129,180	96.1
#2	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of South Florida Tampa, FL · Public	On-campus	$4,559	77%	$129,180	95.3
#3	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Northeastern University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$64,990	91%	$129,180	95.2
#4	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	On-campus	$20,066	86%	$129,180	94.1
#5	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance George Washington University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$67,420	84%	$129,180	93.6
#6	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$6,688	81%	$129,180	93.2
#7	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance United States Military Academy West Point, NY · Public	On-campus	—	87%	$129,180	93.0
#8	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$61,028	87%	$129,180	92.5
#9	Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC · Public	On-campus	$12,288	79%	$91,315	92.4
#10	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$64,372	86%	$129,180	92.2
#11	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT · Public	On-campus	—	93%	$129,180	91.9
#12	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	On-campus	$4,721	74%	$129,180	91.8
#13	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit	Online	$63,710	84%	$129,180	91.6
#14	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$60,720	84%	$129,180	91.2
#15	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Bentley University Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$61,000	87%	$129,180	90.7
#16	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC · Public	On-campus	$4,443	71%	$129,180	89.9
#17	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$65,230	85%	$129,180	89.9
#18	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$58,260	70%	$129,180	89.6
#19	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Marist University Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$46,920	80%	$129,180	89.5
#20	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Touro University New York, NY · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$19,472	72%	$129,180	89.4
#21	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance The University of Tampa Tampa, FL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$32,096	64%	$129,180	88.8
#22	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$50,636	75%	$129,180	88.8
#23	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC · Public	On-campus	$8,356	75%	$129,180	88.6
#24	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Excelsior University Albany, NY · Private nonprofit	Online	—	—	$129,180	87.4
#25	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$48,340	72%	$129,180	87.1
#26	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$60,042	78%	$129,180	87.1
#27	Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy Charter Oak State College New Britain, CT · Public	Online	$7,896	67%	$91,315	87.0
#28	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	Online	$11,685	75%	$129,180	86.2
#29	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University at Albany Albany, NY · Public	On-campus	$7,070	61%	$129,180	86.0
#30	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Hallmark University San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit	On-campus	—	66%	$129,180	85.9
#31	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance American Public University System Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit	Online	$8,400	57%	$129,180	85.7
#32	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Hofstra University Hempstead, NY · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$56,545	69%	$129,180	85.6
#33	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL · Public	On-campus	$11,380	73%	$129,180	85.1
#34	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Public	On-campus	$3,735	59%	$129,180	85.1
#35	Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy Regent University Virginia Beach, VA · Private nonprofit	Online	$19,950	57%	$91,315	85.0
#36	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Mercer University Macon, GA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$31,265	70%	$129,180	84.6
#37	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance DePaul University Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$44,601	68%	$129,180	84.3
#38	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance St. John Fisher University Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$40,090	74%	$129,180	84.2
#39	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Anderson University Anderson, SC · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$34,020	66%	$129,180	83.9
#40	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$20,800	83%	$129,180	83.5
#41	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Lipscomb University Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$37,460	72%	$129,180	83.5
#42	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO · Public	On-campus	$8,550	54%	$129,180	83.4
#43	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY · Public	On-campus	$6,930	56%	$129,180	83.1
#44	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS · Public	On-campus	$10,052	67%	$129,180	82.7
#45	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of New Haven West Haven, CT · Private nonprofit	Online	$45,644	63%	$129,180	82.6
#46	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Union University Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$36,005	66%	$129,180	82.6
#47	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit	On-campus	$52,230	73%	$129,180	82.3
#48	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, MI · Public	On-campus	$15,240	58%	$129,180	82.2
#49	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, MO · Public	Online	$15,120	57%	$129,180	82.0
#50	Bachelor's in Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance Sullivan University Louisville, KY · Private for-profit	Online	$15,480	71%	$129,180	81.8

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

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.

Data from 318 NSA-designated cybersecurity programs shows 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 2024, NSA designations, and employer feedback to identify the programs that deliver the strongest return on investment for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed

A Cybersecurity bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.

What to Expect Your First Year:

Introduction to programming fundamentals (Python or Java)
Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
Computer systems basics and computational thinking
Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking

Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice, not prior experience.

General Education Requirements

Bachelor's programs require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Cybersecurity major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.

Common General Education Requirements:

English Composition (6 credits). Technical writing skills are essential. 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
Mathematics (6-12 credits). Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
Natural Sciences (6-8 credits). Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits). Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
Communication (3 credits). Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings

Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.

Campus Resources for Students

Top Cybersecurity programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who use campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.

Essential Campus Resources:

Computer Labs, 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
Career Services. Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections. Top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
Tutoring Centers. Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses. Many offer drop-in hours
Student Organizations. ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
Research Opportunities. Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations

When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.

Internships & Co-op Programs

Cybersecurity internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more, often 3-5x the average rate.

Top Employers for Cybersecurity Interns:

NSA, $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
CrowdStrike, $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
Palo Alto Networks, $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
Mandiant, $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
Cisco, $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs

53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer, start preparing early.

For salary expectations after graduation, see our security analyst salary guide.

$82,000

Starting Salary

$125,000

Mid-Career

+35%

Job Growth

18,900

Annual Openings

Career Paths

Cybersecurity Engineer

SOC 15-1299

+0.32%

Design and build secure systems, implement security protocols, and develop security architecture for organizations.

Median Salary:$118,000

Penetration Tester

SOC 15-1212

+0.35%

Conduct authorized simulated cyber attacks to identify system vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.

Median Salary:$125,000

Security Consultant

SOC 15-1199

+0.28%

Provide cybersecurity expertise to organizations, assess security posture, and recommend improvements.

Median Salary:$135,000

Incident Response Specialist

SOC 15-1212

+0.35%

Respond to security breaches, conduct forensic analysis, and coordinate recovery efforts during cyber incidents.

Median Salary:$108,000

Top States for Cybersecurity Education

Total Programs: 28
Median Tuition: $8,200

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Texas

UC San Diego

Total Programs: 22
Median Tuition: $9,850

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in New York

UT San Antonio

Total Programs: 18
Median Tuition: $12,400

Rochester Institute of Technology

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Virginia

Total Programs: 16
Median Tuition: $11,200

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Florida

Virginia Tech

Total Programs: 14
Median Tuition: $6,850

University of South Florida

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania

Total Programs: 12
Median Tuition: $14,600

Carnegie Mellon University

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Maryland

Total Programs: 11
Median Tuition: $9,200

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Ohio

University of Maryland

Total Programs: 10
Median Tuition: $10,800

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Illinois

University of Cincinnati

Total Programs: 9
Median Tuition: $13,200

Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina

DePaul University

Total Programs: 8
Median Tuition: $7,400