Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Illinois 2025
DePaul University
52 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
Illinois State University
68 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
Lewis University
14 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Illinois has 15 accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs, with 8 holding NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations
- 2.Northwestern University leads Illinois rankings with 97% graduation rate and elite industry partnerships in Chicago's financial district
- 3.UIC offers exceptional cybersecurity education at $16,886 in-state tuition with NSA designation and direct Chicago job placement
- 4.Illinois cybersecurity analysts earn median $108,440 annually—2% above national median with Chicago premium (BLS Illinois 2024)
- 5.Chicago metro area hosts 8,200+ cybersecurity jobs across finance, healthcare, and government sectors
Cybersecurity Education in Illinois
Illinois offers a concentrated selection of high-quality cybersecurity programs, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. With 8 NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence among 15 total programs, Illinois provides exceptional cybersecurity education across public and private institutions. The state's cybersecurity programs benefit from proximity to major financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government agencies in Chicago.
For nationwide comparison, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Illinois-specific compensation data and job market trends.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 67.6 |
| 2 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,000 | 81% | — | 66.8 |
| 3 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | Private | $37,592 | 99% | — | 58.8 |
| 4 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private | $50,270 | 92% | — | 55.9 |
| 5 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | Private | $49,607 | 89% | — | 52.9 |
| 6 | Aurora University | Aurora, IL | Private | $28,000 | 97% | — | 52.7 |
| 7 | University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield, IL | Public | $9,865 | — | — | 48.7 |
| 8 | McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | Private | $32,660 | 84% | — | 48.6 |
| 9 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | Private | $41,258 | 82% | — | 47.8 |
| 10 | Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | Private | $36,950 | — | — | 46.8 |
| 11 | Millikin University | Decatur, IL | Private | $42,778 | — | — | 43.3 |
| 12 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL | Private | $39,248 | — | — | 41.9 |
| 13 | Western Illinois University | Macomb, IL | Public | $9,359 | — | — | 40 |
| 14 | Roosevelt University | Chicago, IL | Private | $20,000 | — | — | 39.7 |
| 15 | Blackburn College | Carlinville, IL | Private | $26,758 | — | — | 35.5 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Illinois: Side-by-Side
| School | DePaul | Illinois State | Illinois Institute of... | Lewis | Governors State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $43,379 | $11,000 | $49,607 | $37,592 | $7,872 |
| Graduation Rate | 86% | 81% | 89% | 99% | 80% |
| Annual Graduates | 64 | 68 | 28 | 23 | 23 |
| Acceptance Rate | 74% | 89% | 55% | 73% | N/A |
| Type | Private | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 73.8/100 | 70.1/100 | 65.4/100 | 62.5/100 | 62.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Illinois
Illinois offers 15 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are DePaul University, Illinois State University, Lewis University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $79,240 in the Illinois market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DePaul | $43,379 | 86% | 52 | 70.9 |
| #2 Illinois State | $11,000 | 81% | 68 | 70.1 |
| #3 Lewis | $37,592 | 99% | 14 | 58.8 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Illinois
For graduate study, Illinois offers 6 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Lewis University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Illinois reaching $147,160 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DePaul | $43,379 | 86% | 64 | 73.8 |
| #2 Illinois Institute of... | $49,607 | 89% | 28 | 65.4 |
| #3 Lewis | $37,592 | 99% | 23 | 62.5 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Illinois
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Illinois are at Governors State University ($7,872/year), Western Illinois University ($9,359/year), University of Illinois Springfield ($9,865/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Illinois's competitive tech salaries.
At Governors State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $31,488 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $79,240, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Illinois (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Governors State | $7,872 | $31,488 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Western Illinois | $9,359 | $37,436 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 U of Illinois Springfield | $9,865 | $39,460 | 0.9 years | Public |
DePaul University
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $43,379 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 64 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 73.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 64 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (64 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
DePaul's cybersecurity program offers hands-on experience through a state-of-the-art Security Laboratory and is taught by working professionals in downtown Chicago's technology district. The program is STEM-designated and offers both undergraduate and graduate concentrations with online learning options.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 94% of Cybersecurity graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Illinois State University
Normal, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 68 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 68 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (68 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Illinois State's Cybersecurity program offers practical, hands-on experience including simulated attacks and computer forensics, while being designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.8
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,607 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 55%
- • Ranking Score: 65.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 28 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 65.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (55% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Illinois Tech's Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and Information Technology offers a comprehensive 129-credit program combining technical IT foundations with specialized cybersecurity courses including cyber forensics, vulnerability analysis, and security management. The program is part of Illinois Tech's tech-focused university environment in Chicago with strong industry connections.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 129
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,592 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 62.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 23 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Governors State University
University Park, IL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,872 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 62.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 23 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Governors State University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with cybersecurity focus offers three specialized concentrations and has successfully placed graduates at major technology companies including Amazon, Google, IBM, Accenture, and Cisco. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through team-based projects.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Amazon, Google, IBM, Accenture, Cisco
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor security threats and implement protective measures for Chicago's major financial institutions and healthcare systems
Information Security Manager
Lead cybersecurity teams and develop security strategies for Illinois corporations and government agencies
Penetration Tester
Conduct security assessments for Chicago consulting firms and major corporations
Security Engineer
Design and implement security systems for Illinois manufacturing and healthcare organizations
Illinois University Systems for Cybersecurity
Illinois cybersecurity education is anchored by several strong university systems. The University of Illinois system offers programs at Chicago (UIC) and Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), both with NSA designations. UIC serves as the urban campus with direct Chicago industry connections, while UIUC provides the flagship research university experience with world-class computer science facilities.
Chicago's private universities, including Northwestern, IIT, and DePaul, offer smaller class sizes and extensive industry partnerships. These programs often feature higher tuition but provide exceptional career networking and placement services. For students considering the full spectrum of technology programs, our computer science programs in Illinois and data science programs in Illinois provide additional options.
- University of Illinois System: UIC (urban, industry-focused) and UIUC (research flagship)
- Illinois State University System: Strong regional programs with affordable tuition
- Chicago Private Universities: Northwestern, IIT, DePaul with premium industry access
- Community College Pathways: 2+2 transfer programs from Chicago City Colleges
Other Tech Degree Programs in Illinois
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Virginia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Chicago's finance and healthcare cybersecurity jobs
- Multiple NSA-designated programs with federal agency connections
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Urban internship and networking opportunities
- Strong alumni networks in Midwest business sector
- West Coast tech company culture (California, Washington)
- Larger cybersecurity job markets (California, Texas, New York)
- Lower cost of living outside Chicago metro area
- Warmer climate year-round (Texas, Florida, California)
- More diverse cybersecurity specialization options
Illinois Cybersecurity Programs FAQ
Based on 15 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
Explore More Cybersecurity Resources
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.