University campus near Savannah, Georgia
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Savannah, Georgia, 2026 Rankings

4 accredited cybersecurity programs near Savannah ranked by IPEDS data. Median cybersecurity salary: $102,000. An estimated 280 open positions in the metro area.

#1 ProgramGeorgia Southern Unive.
Median Salary$102,000
Schools4
Job Growth+33%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

34

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$95,000

Savannah, Georgia median cybersecurity salary

BLS OEWS 2024

95.9/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

33%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

4 cybersecurity programs from 3 public and 1 private institutions

2 schools physically in Savannah, plus 2 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $2,400 (Savannah Technical College) to $40,095 (Savannah College of Art and Design).

IPEDS 2024

Median cybersecurity salary: $102,000, 18% below the national median

Security engineers earn up to $110,160, while cybersecurity managers command $147,900 in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro. Source: BLS OEWS Savannah MSA, May 2024.

BLS OEWS May 2024

An estimated 280 open cybersecurity positions in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro

Georgia has 17,254 total cybersecurity openings, 2% concentrated in the Savannah metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.

CyberSeek/CompTIA 2025

Georgia Southern University ranked #6 in Georgia for cybersecurity

Ranked by graduation rates, program completions, selectivity, and career outcomes using IPEDS 2024 data.

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Savannah, Georgia Cybersecurity programs

We rank 5 accredited cybersecurity programs in Savannah, 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 methodology

Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Savannah, Georgia

Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Savannah, Georgia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Savannah, Georgia

22
Programs ranked
$3,002
Avg tuition/yr
43%
Avg grad rate

Hakia ranks 2 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Savannah, 2 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Savannah, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Savannah Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $2,400 to $2,400 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 Savannah-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $66,300 to $79,560 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Savannah metro area has an estimated 280 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.

Show all 22 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville, GAPublic$2,56865%83.9
#7Coastal Pines Technical CollegeWaycross, GAPublic$2,56848%83.4
#8Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GAPublic$2,56850%83.1
#9South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus, GAPublic$3,21061%82.0
#10Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah, GAPublic$2,56842%81.9
#11Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GAPublic$2,58644%81.4
#12Albany Technical CollegeAlbany, GAPublic$2,56842%79.3
#13Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GAPublic$2,56843%79.0
#14Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville, GAPublic$2,56832%78.7
#15Georgia Military CollegeMilledgeville, GAPublic$7,60538%78.0
#16West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco, GAPublic$2,56835%76.7
#17Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville, GAPublic$3,21034%74.9
#18Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta, GAPublic$3,21031%72.7
#19Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia, GAPublic$2,56838%71.6
#20Southern Regional Technical CollegeThomasville, GAPublic$2,56831%70.3
#21Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GAPublic$4,48842%67.8
#22Columbus Technical CollegeColumbus, GAPublic$3,21027%64.1

Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Savannah, Georgia

5
Programs ranked
$10,350
Avg tuition/yr
50%
Avg grad rate

Hakia ranks 1 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Savannah, 1 public institution. The nearest programs are within 49 miles. The top-ranked programs include Georgia Southern University. Annual tuition ranges from $4,371 to $4,371 (average: $4,371). 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 94%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Savannah-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $89,760 to $96,900 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Savannah metro area has an estimated 280 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.

🥇
Mercer University
Macon, GAPrivate nonprofit
$31,265
Tuition/yr
70%
Grad rate
84.6
Hakia Score

Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Savannah, Georgia

7
Programs ranked
$11,619
Avg tuition/yr
59%
Avg grad rate

Hakia ranks 2 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Savannah, 1 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Savannah, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Georgia Southern University, Savannah College of Art and Design. Graduate tuition ranges from $4,371 to $40,095 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: 79%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Savannah-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $110,160 to $124,440 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Savannah metro area has an estimated 280 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.

🥉
Mercer University
Macon, GAPrivate nonprofit
$31,265
Tuition/yr
70%
Grad rate
80.6
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6Augusta UniversityAugusta, GAPublic$7,06449%67.1
#7Strayer University-GeorgiaChamblee, GAPrivate for-profit$13,72521%57.3

Why Study Cybersecurity in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 4 accredited programs across 2 associate's, 1 bachelor's, 2 master's degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Savannah, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro.

The Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 280 open positions and a median salary of $102,000 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 Savannah, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.

Among the top-ranked programs, Georgia Southern University (94.1% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.

Median Cybersecurity Salary in Savannah

$102,000
18% below the national median, but Savannah's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $89,760.

Source: BLS OEWS Savannah MSA, May 2024

Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Savannah vs. National Average

RoleSavannah MetroNational MedianDifference
Security Analyst
$89,760
$109,921
-18%
Penetration Tester
$96,900
$118,665
-18%
Security Engineer
$110,160
$134,903
-18%
Security Architect
$124,440
$152,390
-18%
Cybersecurity Manager / CISO
$147,900
$181,120
-18%

Source: BLS OEWS Savannah MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.

Cybersecurity Salaries in Savannah: What to Expect by Role

Cybersecurity professionals in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro earn a median salary of $102,000, which is 18% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Savannah as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Savannah's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.

Entry-level security analysts in Savannah can expect starting salaries around $89,760, 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 $96,900. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $110,160, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $124,440.

At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro can earn $147,900 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 Savannah. 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 Savannah

The Savannah cybersecurity job market spans 2 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:

Healthcare

Emory Healthcare. Large healthcare system with significant cybersecurity operations protecting patient data and medical systems.

Technology

Delta Air Lines. Major airline with corporate IT security operations and SCADA systems for aviation infrastructure.

Home Depot. Regional headquarters with e-commerce and point-of-sale security operations.

UPS. Logistics company with critical infrastructure security and supply chain cybersecurity focus.

Coca-Cola. Global beverage manufacturer with regional operations security and manufacturing control systems.

These employers represent a cross-section of the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Savannah-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.

Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Savannah Organizations

2
Including the Emory Healthcare ransomware (2023). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.

Notable Cyber Incidents in the Savannah Area

Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Savannah, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro:

Emory Healthcare (2023), ransomware. Systems disrupted across multiple facilities, causing delays in patient care and operations.

Home Depot (2020), data breach. Cardholder data compromise affecting thousands of customers across store locations.

These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Savannah-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Savannah metro area has an estimated 280 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 Savannah directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.

Cybersecurity Job Market in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro

The cybersecurity job market in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro reflects a broader national talent crisis. Georgia has approximately 17,254 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 280 concentrated in the Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah

Cybersecurity degree programs near Savannah range from $2,400/year at Savannah Technical College to $40,095/year at Savannah College of Art and Design. Public institutions average $3,057/year (in-state), while private schools average $40,095/year.

Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $102,000 in the Savannah area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $160,380 total) can be recouped in roughly 2.7 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 $76,500+.

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 Savannah area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.

Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Savannah: Frequently Asked Questions

How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Savannah, Georgia?
There are 2 cybersecurity programs physically located in Savannah and 4 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 2 associate's programs, 1 bachelor's programs, 2 master's 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 Savannah?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro is $102,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $89,760, penetration testers earn around $96,900, security engineers command $110,160, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $147,900 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 Savannah?
The Savannah metro area has an estimated 280 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 Emory Healthcare, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot. 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.
Are cybersecurity programs in Savannah accredited?
Yes, all 4 cybersecurity programs near Savannah hold regional accreditation, which is the benchmark for academic quality recognized by employers and graduate schools nationwide. While no schools in the immediate Savannah area currently hold NSA CAE (Center of Academic Excellence) designation, programs follow curriculum standards aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Many programs prepare students for industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, and CISA, which are increasingly valued by employers alongside formal degrees. Regional accreditation also ensures credits transfer between institutions and that graduates qualify for federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and government positions.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Savannah schools?
Yes. 1 institution near Savannah offers 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 Savannah-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. No designated schools in the immediate Savannah area.

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).

Taylor Rupe

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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Cybersecurity program profiles in Savannah, Georgia

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Associate's Cybersecurity programs

#10Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah, GA

Port city advantage: Savannah Tech's cybersecurity program trains you for maritime logistics, port operations, and coastal healthcare—industries with serious security requirements and serious hiring. The curriculum blends foundational certifications with real scenarios from actual employers: how a port secures SCADA systems, how hospitals protect patient data, how government contractors maintain compliance. You'll work in labs that simulate these environments and graduate with both credentials and portfolio projects employers ask to see. Savannah's tight relationship between the college and its major employers means many graduates start their career within 30 days of finishing.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity · campus

Accreditation & certifications

TCSG (Technical College System of Georgia)

Location advantage: Located in Savannah, Georgia with multiple campus locations Fort Stewart Army Education Center partnership Access to coastal Georgia's growing technology sector

#13Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GA

Rural cybersecurity training doesn't mean rural outcomes—Ogeechee Tech serves the coastal Georgia region with a practical security fundamentals program that attracts students who want small class sizes and personalized mentoring. You'll complete your associates while building CompTIA certifications and real-world troubleshooting skills, positioning you for roles in healthcare IT security, local government, and regional financial institutions. The college's cybersecurity pathway is part of a broader IT infrastructure program, so you'll graduate with flexibility to pivot into network administration or cloud support if your interests shift. Many graduates stay in Savannah or move to larger metros with credentials employers actually value.

Programs offered

  • AAS in Information Technology with Cybersecurity Track · 2 years · on-campus

Career outcomes

Top employers: Candler Hospital, Local government agencies, Regional healthcare systems, Financial institutions in Savannah