Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Indiana 2025
Purdue University Global
241 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Purdue University-Main Campus
121 cybersecurity graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
40 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Indiana offers 11+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Purdue University Global leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Indiana software developers earn median $103,570 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- 5.Cost of living index: 91.5% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Indiana: Overview
Indiana offers 11 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 463 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, with major employers including Salesforce, Angie, Cummins.
With a median software developer salary of $103,570 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 91.5% compared to the US average, Indiana offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Purdue University Global, Purdue University-Main Campus, Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Indiana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Indiana Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $10,080 | — | 75.3 |
| 2 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 73.2 |
| 3 | Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | Marion, IN | Private | $8,680 | — | 51 |
| 4 | Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | Public | $7,259 | 92% | 46.1 |
| 5 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | Public | $10,312 | 84% | 44.2 |
| 6 | Taylor University | Upland, IN | Private | $38,140 | 80% | 43.5 |
| 7 | Indiana Institute of Technology | Fort Wayne, IN | Private | $29,936 | — | 42.1 |
| 8 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | Public | $8,688 | — | 41.9 |
| 9 | Anderson University | Anderson, IN | Private | $34,590 | — | 41.2 |
| 10 | Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies | Fort Wayne, IN | Private | $9,900 | — | 41.2 |
| 11 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Public | $9,241 | — | 38.9 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Indiana: Side-by-Side
| School | Purdue University Global | Purdue | Indiana Wesleyan... | Purdue University Northwest | IU Bloomington |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,080 | $9,718 | $8,680 | $7,259 | $10,312 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 83% | N/A% | 92% | 84% |
| Annual Graduates | 241 | 121 | 40 | 2 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 50% | N/A | 71% | 80% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.3/100 | 73.2/100 | 51.0/100 | 46.1/100 | 44.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Indiana
Indiana offers 10 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Purdue University Global, Purdue University-Main Campus, Purdue University Northwest. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,499 in the Indiana 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 Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University Global | $10,080 | N/A% | 241 | 75.3 |
| #2 Purdue | $9,718 | 83% | 121 | 73.2 |
| #3 Purdue University Northwest | $7,259 | 92% | 2 | 46.1 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Indiana
For graduate study, Indiana offers 4 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Purdue University Global, Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, Indiana University-Bloomington. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Indiana reaching $134,641 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University Global | $10,080 | N/A% | 81 | 71.6 |
| #2 Indiana Wesleyan... | $8,680 | N/A% | 40 | 51.0 |
| #3 IU Bloomington | $10,312 | 84% | 5 | 44.2 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Indiana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Indiana are at Purdue University Northwest ($7,259/year), Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global ($8,680/year), Ball State University ($8,688/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Indiana's competitive tech salaries.
At Purdue University Northwest, a 4-year degree costs approximately $29,036 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,499, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Indiana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University Northwest | $7,259 | $29,036 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Indiana Wesleyan... | $8,680 | $34,720 | 0.9 years | Private |
| #3 Ball State | $8,688 | $34,752 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Indiana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Indiana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 241 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 75.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 241 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (241 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Purdue Global's cybersecurity program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. The program offers flexibility with online delivery and ExcelTrack accelerated options, while preparing students for critical industry certifications including those mandated by DoD Directive 8570.1.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180 quarter credit hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,718 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 121 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 73.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 121 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (121 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Purdue's cybersecurity program combines comprehensive IT education with key security concepts through a holistic approach that integrates secure coding, cryptography, digital forensics and UNIX fundamentals with analytical thinking and criminology. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through daily practical application of theories and access to industry partnerships for internships.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Math: 4 years
- •English: 4 years
- •Lab science: 3 years
- •Social studies: 3 years
- •World language: 2 years
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,680 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 40 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,259 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 46.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 2 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Information Technology program is ABET-accredited and designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and CISA. The curriculum meets national standards for cyber defense education and prepares graduates for careers as software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and IT professionals.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •12 credit hours of college-level coursework post-high school
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,312 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 44.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 5 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program combines technical cybersecurity knowledge with risk management and policy, offering flexible scheduling options (2-5 years completion) and hands-on experience through a cybersecurity risk management practicum with real government consulting projects. The interdisciplinary approach covers technical, legal, and policy aspects of cybersecurity.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $75,262
- Job Placement: 97% employed or in graduate school
- Top Employers: Crowe, abbvie, Liberty Mutual
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Penetration Tester opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
SOC 15-1212SOC Analyst opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (91.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Salesforce or Angie
- You prefer Indiana's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Indiana's 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity in Indiana FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Indiana salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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