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Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GAPublic
$2,568
Tuition/yr
47%
Grad rate
89.9
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
7 cybersecurity programs from 5 public and 2 private institutions
4 schools physically in Atlanta, plus 3 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $2,400 (Gwinnett Technical College) to $59,920 (Emory University).
Median cybersecurity salary: $118,000, 6% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $127,440, while cybersecurity managers command $171,100 in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta. Source: BLS OEWS Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 1,240 open cybersecurity positions in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta
Georgia has 17,254 total cybersecurity openings, 7% concentrated in the Atlanta metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Kennesaw State University 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 Atlanta, Georgia Cybersecurity programs
We rank 14 accredited cybersecurity programs in Atlanta, Georgia 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyCybersecurity Degree Rankings in Atlanta, Georgia
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Atlanta, Georgia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Atlanta, Georgia
22
Programs ranked
$3,002
Avg tuition/yr
43%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Atlanta, 2 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Atlanta, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Gwinnett Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Herzing University-Atlanta. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $2,400 to $12,360 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 Atlanta-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $76,700 to $92,040 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Atlanta metro area has an estimated 1,240 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Show all 22 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Sandersville, GA | Public | $2,568 | 65% | 83.9 |
| #7 | Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross, GA | Public | $2,568 | 48% | 83.4 |
| #8 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta, GA | Public | $2,568 | 50% | 83.1 |
| #9 | South Georgia Technical College | Americus, GA | Public | $3,210 | 61% | 82.0 |
| #10 | Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA | Public | $2,568 | 42% | 81.9 |
| #11 | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston, GA | Public | $2,586 | 44% | 81.4 |
| #12 | Albany Technical College | Albany, GA | Public | $2,568 | 42% | 79.3 |
| #13 | Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro, GA | Public | $2,568 | 43% | 79.0 |
| #14 | Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, GA | Public | $2,568 | 32% | 78.7 |
| #15 | Georgia Military College | Milledgeville, GA | Public | $7,605 | 38% | 78.0 |
| #16 | West Georgia Technical College | Waco, GA | Public | $2,568 | 35% | 76.7 |
| #17 | Lanier Technical College | Gainesville, GA | Public | $3,210 | 34% | 74.9 |
| #18 | Augusta Technical College | Augusta, GA | Public | $3,210 | 31% | 72.7 |
| #19 | Southeastern Technical College | Vidalia, GA | Public | $2,568 | 38% | 71.6 |
| #20 | Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville, GA | Public | $2,568 | 31% | 70.3 |
| #21 | Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | Public | $4,488 | 42% | 67.8 |
| #22 | Columbus Technical College | Columbus, GA | Public | $3,210 | 27% | 64.1 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Atlanta, Georgia
5
Programs ranked
$10,350
Avg tuition/yr
50%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Atlanta, 3 public and 1 private institutions. 3 are physically located in Atlanta, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Georgia Institute of Technology-Main., Georgia State University, Emory University. Annual tuition ranges from $4,450 to $59,920 (average: $20,447). 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 83%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Atlanta-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $103,840 to $112,100 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Atlanta metro area has an estimated 1,240 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Kennesaw State University hold 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.
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Atlanta, Georgia
7
Programs ranked
$11,619
Avg tuition/yr
59%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Atlanta, 3 public and 1 private institutions. 3 are physically located in Atlanta, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Georgia Institute of Technology-Main., Emory University, Georgia State University. Graduate tuition ranges from $4,450 to $59,920 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: 83%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Atlanta-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $127,440 to $143,960 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Atlanta metro area has an estimated 1,240 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Kennesaw State University hold 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.
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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GAPublic
$10,512
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad rate
95.9
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Augusta University | Augusta, GA | Public | $7,064 | 49% | 67.1 |
| #7 | Strayer University-Georgia | Chamblee, GA | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 21% | 57.3 |
Why Study Cybersecurity in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 7 accredited programs across 3 associate's, 4 bachelor's, 4 master's, 3 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 4 of these institutions are physically located in Atlanta, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta.
2 schools near Atlanta hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Kennesaw State University. 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 1,240 open positions and a median salary of $118,000 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 Atlanta, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus (76% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Atlanta
$118,000
6% below the national median, but Atlanta's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $103,840.
Source: BLS OEWS Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Atlanta vs. National Average
| Role | Atlanta Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $103,840 | $109,921 | -6% |
| Penetration Tester | $112,100 | $118,665 | -6% |
| Security Engineer | $127,440 | $134,903 | -6% |
| Security Architect | $143,960 | $152,390 | -6% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $171,100 | $181,120 | -6% |
Source: BLS OEWS Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Atlanta: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta earn a median salary of $118,000, which is 6% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Atlanta as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Atlanta's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Atlanta can expect starting salaries around $103,840, 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 $112,100. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $127,440, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $143,960.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta can earn $171,100 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta
The Atlanta cybersecurity job market spans 6 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:
Defense
Delta Air Lines. Major airline with headquarters in Atlanta operating global network security and aviation cybersecurity programs.
Technology
Coca-Cola Company. Fortune 500 consumer goods company with significant cybersecurity operations protecting intellectual property and supply chain.
UPS. Logistics giant with critical infrastructure and supply chain visibility security operations centered in Atlanta region.
Consulting
Home Depot. Retail technology leader with point-of-sale security, customer data protection, and payment card compliance programs.
Healthcare
Emory Healthcare. Major health system with research security, electronic health records protection, and clinical IT security infrastructure.
Government
Georgia Institute of Technology. Premier research university with cybersecurity research center, academic programs, and advanced security operations.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control). Federal health agency with critical infrastructure security, epidemiological data protection, and public health IT systems.
Energy
Southern Company. Major utility company with operational technology security, SCADA systems, and critical infrastructure protection.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Atlanta-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Atlanta Organizations
3
Including the Emory Healthcare ransomware (2018). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Atlanta Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Atlanta, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta:
Emory Healthcare (2018), ransomware. Major hospital system attacked with ransomware causing widespread operational disruptions affecting patient care and costing millions in recovery.
Home Depot (2014), data breach. Landmark breach exposing 56 million payment card numbers through compromised point-of-sale systems, resulting in $134 million settlement.
Georgia state government (2021), ransomware. Multiple Georgia government agencies affected by ransomware campaigns disrupting services and requiring significant remediation efforts.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Atlanta-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Atlanta metro area has an estimated 1,240 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Atlanta area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Atlanta's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Alpharetta → Herzing University-Atlanta (16 mi), Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus (16 mi), Georgia State University (16 mi), Emory University (13 mi)
- Sandy Springs → Herzing University-Atlanta (13 mi), Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus (12 mi), Georgia State University (13 mi), Emory University (11 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 Atlanta. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta
The cybersecurity job market in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta reflects a broader national talent crisis. Georgia has approximately 17,254 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 1,240 concentrated in the Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Georgia, 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Georgia Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Atlanta
Cybersecurity degree programs near Atlanta range from $2,400/year at Gwinnett Technical College to $59,920/year at Emory University. Public institutions average $5,333/year (in-state), while private schools average $36,140/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $118,000 in the Atlanta area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $110,052 total) can be recouped in roughly 1.4 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 $4,800 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $88,500+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Georgia 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 Atlanta area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Atlanta: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Atlanta, Georgia?
There are 4 cybersecurity programs physically located in Atlanta and 7 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 3 associate's programs, 4 bachelor's programs, 4 master's programs, and 3 doctoral programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $2,400/year to over $9,600/year. See our complete rankings for detailed comparisons of every program, including graduation rates, tuition, and career outcomes data from IPEDS 2024.
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Atlanta?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta is $118,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $103,840, penetration testers earn around $112,100, security engineers command $127,440, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $171,100 or more. The national median is $124,910, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing occupations. Security clearances can add approximately $25,000/year to base salary. See our salary comparison table for a full role-by-role breakdown.
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Atlanta?
The Atlanta metro area has an estimated 1,240 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 17,254 total openings across Georgia (January 2026). Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles with a 26% vacancy rate, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity positions goes unfilled due to the talent shortage. The supply-to-demand ratio has dropped from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025, creating increasingly favorable conditions for new graduates. Key local employers include Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola Company, UPS. The most in-demand certifications nationally are CISSP (82,494 postings), CompTIA Security+ (70,019), and CISA (52,337). See our job market analysis for more details.
Which Atlanta schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
2 schools near Atlanta hold NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Kennesaw State University. The CAE program certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This designation is significant for students because: (1) CAE programs are recognized by federal, state, and private employers as producing qualified graduates; (2) students 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; (3) graduates are eligible for expedited federal hiring through the OPM cybersecurity track. All 7 programs near Atlanta hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Atlanta schools?
Yes. 4 institutions near Atlanta offer fully online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, providing flexible scheduling for working professionals, career changers, and students who can't attend on-campus classes. Online cybersecurity degrees award the same credential as on-campus programs with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. Key considerations for online programs: (1) ensure the school holds regional accreditation; (2) check whether hands-on labs use virtual environments like CyberRange or require occasional campus visits; (3) look for programs that include certification prep (Security+, CISSP). Many Atlanta-area employers offer tuition reimbursement for online degrees. Use our online filter in the rankings to see which local programs offer distance learning options.
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. Georgia: 17,254 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Atlanta.
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.