- 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 Western Governors University, University of Maryland Global Campus, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers cybersecurity education at $7,710/year
- 4.50 accredited Cybersecurity programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Best Value
Western Governors University
1514 cybersecurity graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Cybersecurity based on 1514 graduates, and overall score of 77/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 1514 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
Program Overview
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology is a 30-credit online program specifically designed for working professionals seeking to advance their cybersecurity careers. The program combines 15 credits of core courses covering threat analysis, attack prevention strategies, and exploitation methodologies with 12 elective credits that allow students to specialize in areas like cloud computing, digital forensics, or cyber operations. What sets UMGC's approach apart is their innovative use of the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that provides students with practical, immersive cybersecurity training environments. Students work with industry-standard tools including Microsoft Windows, Kali Linux, Red Hat Linux, and Cisco routers, while being taught by faculty who are active cybersecurity professionals. The program concludes with a 3-credit capstone project that synthesizes the technical and strategic knowledge gained throughout the curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Applied research, consulting services, and specialized cybersecurity education tools including virtual labs and simulations
Industry Partners
Admissions
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
202 cybersecurity graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Cybersecurity based on 90% graduation rate, 202 graduates, and overall score of 65/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 202 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
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.
Columbia Basin College
32 cybersecurity graduates annually
Grambling State University
9 cybersecurity graduates annually
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.
University at Albany
57 cybersecurity graduates annually
American Public University System
252 cybersecurity graduates annually
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 77/100 |
| #2 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 65.5/100 |
| #3 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | 65/100 |
| #4 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 63.9/100 |
| #5 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 59.3/100 |
Top 25 Best Value Cybersecurity Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | — | — |
| 3 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | — | — | — |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | — | — |
| 5 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | — | — |
| 6 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | — | — | — |
| 7 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | Public | $5,140 | 99% | — | — | — |
| 8 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | — | — |
| 9 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | — | — |
| 10 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | For-Profit | $8,400 | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | — | — | — |
| 12 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $10,080 | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | — | — |
| 14 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | Private | $31,162 | 85% | — | — | — |
| 15 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | For-Profit | $12,100 | 89% | — | — | — |
| 16 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | Bentley University | Waltham, MA | Private | $58,150 | 91% | — | — | — |
| 18 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | For-Profit | $17,424 | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | — | — | — |
| 20 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | — | — | — |
| 21 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $6,239 | — | — | — | — |
| 22 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | Public | $7,997 | 99% | — | — | — |
| 23 | United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | Public | $0 | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | — | — | — |
| 25 | Wilmington University | New Castle, DE | Private | $12,270 | — | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Cybersecurity Degree Value Analysis: Finding the Highest ROI
Cybersecurity education represents one of the strongest ROI investments in higher education, with graduates earning and mid-career salaries reaching $120,000 (BLS OEWS May 2024). However, program costs vary dramatically from $7,296 at public institutions to $45,000+ at private schools, making value comparison critical for prospective students.
Our analysis of 285 cybersecurity programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver superior value, with graduates achieving identical career outcomes at 60% lower total cost. NSA-designated Centers of Excellence programs show particularly strong ROI, combining rigorous curricula with industry recognition that translates to 23% higher starting salaries.
The cybersecurity job market remains exceptionally strong, with Information Security Analysts projected to grow 35% through 2032—much faster than average for all occupations. This demand, combined with relatively modest educational costs compared to other tech fields, creates an compelling value proposition for cybersecurity degrees.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Plan and implement security measures to protect organization's computer networks and systems. Monitor security breaches, investigate violations, and install security software.
Cybersecurity Specialist
SOC 15-1299Specialized roles focusing on specific aspects of cybersecurity such as incident response, digital forensics, or security architecture.
Network Security Engineer
SOC 15-1241Design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructure. Configure firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
SOC 15-1212Conduct authorized simulated attacks on computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Security Consultant
SOC 15-1121Advise organizations on cybersecurity best practices, risk assessment, and compliance requirements across various industries.
Digital Forensics Analyst
SOC 15-1299Investigate cybercrimes, recover and analyze digital evidence, and support legal proceedings involving computer systems.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
SOC 11-3021Executive-level position responsible for enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and security program leadership.
Compliance Analyst
SOC 13-1041Ensure organizational adherence to cybersecurity regulations and standards such as SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR.
Top States for Value-Oriented Cybersecurity Education
Virginia
Arizona
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Texas
Florida
California
Ohio
North Carolina
Maximizing Value Through Financial Aid and Scholarships
Cybersecurity students have access to unique funding opportunities including NSA scholarships, industry-sponsored programs, and federal cybersecurity workforce development grants. These opportunities can significantly enhance program value by reducing total educational costs.
The NSA Scholarship for Service (SFS) program provides full tuition plus stipends for students committing to federal cybersecurity service. Industry partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and IBM offer paid internships and tuition assistance programs specifically for cybersecurity students.
Students should also explore FAFSA opportunities for STEM majors and employer tuition reimbursement programs, which are particularly common in the cybersecurity field due to workforce development priorities.
Choose Your Program Based on Your Situation
- You're cost-conscious and qualify for in-state tuition
- You want maximum ROI with payback under 3.5 years
- You prefer NSA-designated programs for federal career paths
- You're comfortable with larger class sizes in exchange for lower costs
- You're working full-time and need flexible scheduling
- You want brand recognition for career advancement
- You need consistent out-of-state tuition pricing
- You value comprehensive student support services
- You're interested in cybersecurity research or graduate school
- You want hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies
- You're targeting specialized roles in digital forensics or security architecture
- You value smaller class sizes and faculty mentorship
- You have existing IT experience and want to accelerate completion
- You're self-motivated and prefer self-paced learning
- You want to minimize time-to-degree and opportunity costs
- You're focused on industry certifications alongside degree completion
Best Value Cybersecurity Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 285 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for 285 cybersecurity programs
Salary data for Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212) and related occupations
List of NSA-designated cybersecurity programs and designation types
Analysis of 847 student reviews from Reddit, Google Reviews, Niche.com, and Coursereport.com (January 2024 - November 2024)
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.