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Key Takeaways
2 cybersecurity programs from 2 public and 0 private institutions
2 schools physically in Orlando, plus 0 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $1,984 (Valencia College) to $4,478 (University of Central Florida).
Median cybersecurity salary: $108,000, 14% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $116,640, while cybersecurity managers command $156,600 in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford. Source: BLS OEWS Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
Florida has 23,792 total cybersecurity openings, 6% concentrated in the Orlando metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
Valencia College, University of Central Florida hold NSA/DHS CAE designation, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (full tuition + stipend).
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Orlando, Florida Cybersecurity programs
We rank 4 accredited cybersecurity programs in Orlando, Florida using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Orlando, Florida
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Orlando, Florida by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Orlando, Florida
Hakia ranks 1 accredited associate's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Orlando, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Orlando, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Valencia College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $1,984 to $1,984 per year. Community colleges offer the most affordable entry into cybersecurity, and many have articulation agreements with nearby four-year universities for seamless credit transfer. Students can complete foundational coursework in networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals while earning industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+. Graduates with a associate's degree in cybersecurity from Orlando-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $70,200 to $84,240 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Orlando metro area has an estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Valencia College holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Show all 13 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | Public | $1,750 | 43% | 83.0 |
| #7 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private nonprofit | $27,880 | 45% | 82.9 |
| #8 | Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Public | $1,968 | 39% | 82.8 |
| #9 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | Public | $1,884 | 36% | 82.3 |
| #10 | Tallahassee State College | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $2,002 | 38% | 82.3 |
| #11 | Florida SouthWestern State College | Fort Myers, FL | Public | $2,436 | 39% | 82.0 |
| #12 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | Public | $1,926 | 34% | 82.0 |
| #13 | Northwest Florida State College | Niceville, FL | Public | $2,151 | 39% | 78.8 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Orlando, Florida
Hakia ranks 1 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Orlando, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Orlando, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Central Florida. Annual tuition ranges from $4,478 to $4,478 (average: $4,478). A four-year cybersecurity degree covers core topics including network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security policy, preparing graduates for roles as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The average graduation rate across these programs is 93%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Orlando-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $95,040 to $102,600 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Orlando metro area has an estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Central Florida holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Show all 13 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | 46% | 80.1 |
| #7 | Stetson University | DeLand, FL | Private nonprofit | $57,010 | 62% | 77.5 |
| #8 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | Public | $1,943 | 38% | 75.3 |
| #9 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL | Private for-profit | $26,906 | 44% | 74.6 |
| #10 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private nonprofit | $27,880 | 45% | 73.3 |
| #11 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | Public | $1,884 | 36% | 71.2 |
| #12 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | Private for-profit | $14,024 | 42% | 66.9 |
| #13 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens, FL | Private nonprofit | $14,274 | 31% | 59.9 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Orlando, Florida
Hakia ranks 1 accredited master's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Orlando, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Orlando, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Central Florida. Graduate tuition ranges from $4,478 to $4,478 per year. Master's programs take 18-24 months and focus on advanced topics like threat intelligence, security architecture, risk management, and leadership, designed for professionals looking to move into senior technical or management roles. Average completion rate: 93%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Orlando-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $116,640 to $131,760 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Orlando metro area has an estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Central Florida holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Strayer University-Florida
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private nonprofit | $44,620 | 64% | 79.1 |
| #7 | Florida Institute of Technology-Online | Melbourne, FL | Private nonprofit | $12,480 | — | 78.5 |
| #8 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private nonprofit | $37,500 | 63% | 78.2 |
| #9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | Daytona Beach, FL | Private nonprofit | $12,072 | 21% | 72.7 |
| #10 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private nonprofit | $27,880 | 45% | 70.1 |
| #11 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private nonprofit | $23,856 | 61% | 66.6 |
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Orlando, Florida
Hakia ranks 1 accredited doctoral cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Orlando, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Orlando, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Central Florida. Doctoral program tuition ranges from $4,478 to $4,478 per year, though many programs offer research assistantships, teaching fellowships, or full-tuition waivers. Ph.D. programs in cybersecurity take 4-6 years and focus on original research in areas like cryptography, AI-driven threat detection, or privacy engineering. Graduates with a doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Orlando-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $131,760 to $156,600 in the local market, with roles such as chief information security officer, research scientist, or university professor. The Orlando metro area has an estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Central Florida holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Nova Southeastern University
Why Study Cybersecurity in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 2 accredited programs across 1 associate's, 1 bachelor's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Orlando, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford.
2 schools near Orlando hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Valencia College, University of Central Florida. The CAE program, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS, certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Students at CAE-designated schools may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation.
The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 1,420 open positions and a median salary of $108,000 for information security analysts (BLS OEWS May 2024). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% job growth for cybersecurity roles through 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. economy. For students in Orlando, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, University of Central Florida (92.5% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Orlando
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Orlando vs. National Average
| Role | Orlando Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $95,040 | $109,921 | -14% |
| Penetration Tester | $102,600 | $118,665 | -14% |
| Security Engineer | $116,640 | $134,903 | -14% |
| Security Architect | $131,760 | $152,390 | -14% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $156,600 | $181,120 | -14% |
Source: BLS OEWS Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Orlando: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford earn a median salary of $108,000, which is 14% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Orlando as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Orlando's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Orlando can expect starting salaries around $95,040, making cybersecurity one of the highest-paying entry points in the tech sector. With 2-5 years of experience, penetration testers, who simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, earn approximately $102,600. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $116,640, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $131,760.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford can earn $156,600 or more, a 65% premium over entry-level positions. This career trajectory from analyst to manager spans 8-12 years, with certifications like CISSP (82,494 openings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 openings), and CISA (52,337 openings) significantly accelerating advancement and salary growth.
Security clearances provide an additional salary boost of approximately $25,000 per year. Professionals with Top Secret/SCI clearances can earn between $104,000 and $185,000 nationally, making this a particularly lucrative path for graduates near Orlando. For a deeper dive into cybersecurity compensation trends, see our Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Guide. You can also explore related fields like Information Security and Network Administration for adjacent career paths.
Top Cybersecurity Employers in Orlando
The Orlando cybersecurity job market spans 4 major sectors, with employers actively recruiting for roles ranging from entry-level SOC analysts to senior security architects. Here are the key employers driving cybersecurity hiring locally:
Technology
Walt Disney World. Major entertainment operations managing customer data, payment systems, and theme park infrastructure.
Healthcare
AdventHealth. Large health system protecting patient information across multiple Orlando-area facilities.
HCA Healthcare. Healthcare network operator protecting patient data across Florida hospitals.
Finance
Publix Super Market. Regional grocery chain managing point-of-sale systems and customer payment security.
Government
University of Florida. Major research institution with cybersecurity programs and IT infrastructure protection.
Orange County Government. Local government agency managing public sector cybersecurity and services.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Orlando-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Orlando Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Orlando Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Orlando, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford:
Orange County Public Schools (2023), ransomware. School district experienced service disruptions affecting student information systems.
AdventHealth (2024), data breach. Patient records and personal health information exposed in healthcare provider incident.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Orlando-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Orlando metro area has an estimated 1,420 open cybersecurity positions, and the nationwide supply-to-demand ratio stands at just 74%, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity roles goes unfilled. For students considering a cybersecurity degree, these real-world incidents demonstrate that the skills learned in programs near Orlando directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Programs Accessible from Nearby Communities
If you live in a community near Orlando, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Orlando area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Orlando's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Sanford → Valencia College (18 mi), University of Central Florida (12 mi)
- Kissimmee → Valencia College (16 mi), University of Central Florida (24 mi)
All of these schools are within commuting distance, and many offer evening, weekend, or hybrid class schedules designed for students who travel from outside Orlando. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
The cybersecurity job market in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford reflects a broader national talent crisis. Florida has approximately 23,792 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 1,420 concentrated in the Orlando metro area. Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles across the United States, and the workforce gap continues to widen, the global shortfall reached 4.8 million positions in 2024, a 41% increase since 2022.
The supply-to-demand ratio for cybersecurity talent nationally is approximately 74%, meaning for every 100 cybersecurity jobs posted, only about 74 qualified candidates are available. This ratio has been declining steadily (from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025), which means cybersecurity graduates face increasingly favorable job prospects. For Orlando students specifically, this translates to strong local hiring demand and competitive starting salaries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% growth in information security analyst employment through 2033, compared to just 4% for all occupations. This makes cybersecurity the 6th fastest-growing occupation in the United States. Within Florida, the combination of a large technology sector, defense contracting, and growing digital transformation across industries is driving sustained demand for cybersecurity talent.
Most in-demand certifications that complement a cybersecurity degree from Orlando schools include CISSP (82,494 job postings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 postings), and CISA (52,337 postings). Many of the top-ranked programs near Orlando integrate certification preparation into their curricula, giving graduates a competitive edge in this seller's market. For statewide job market trends and additional programs, see our Florida Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Orlando
Cybersecurity degree programs near Orlando range from $1,984/year at Valencia College to $4,478/year at University of Central Florida.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $108,000 in the Orlando area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $12,924 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.2 years of the annual salary premium. Community college cybersecurity programs offer an even faster path, a two-year associate's degree for as little as $3,968 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $81,000+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Florida state grants, institutional scholarships, and cybersecurity-specific funding like the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program (full tuition + $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend). Many employers in the Orlando area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Orlando: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Orlando, Florida?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Orlando?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Orlando?
Which Orlando schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Orlando schools?
Data Sources
U.S. Department of Education institutional data: enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics for all Title IV schools
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212). National median: $124,910.
Cybersecurity workforce supply and demand data powered by CompTIA and NICE. Florida: 23,792 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Orlando.
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 institutional data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 release. Job market data from CyberSeek (January 2026). NSA CAE designations verified as of February 2026.
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.