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Key Takeaways
Best cybersecurity degree programs: Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,400 to $32,750/year
Wichita State University-... offers the most affordable option at $4,552/yr
Cybersecurity degree programs available: 7 associate's in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online cybersecurity degree programs in Kansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
7 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Cybersecurity degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Cybersecurity programs
We rank 10 accredited cybersecurity programs in Kansas 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.
Are Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in cybersecurity, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Wichita State University-..., Butler Community College, Johnson County Community ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,006/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,787 in Kansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among cybersecurity schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cybersecurity degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for cybersecurity education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas cybersecurity programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $9,964 to $32,750 annually, with an average of $24,941/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 70%, with the highest reaching 70%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking cybersecurity degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked cybersecurity schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Kansas State University
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas
Ottawa University-Online
Cybersecurity Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,986/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $27,465/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,747/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $65,916 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,478 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas cybersecurity students have access to multiple layers of financial support, starting with federal aid programs. Through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The Federal Student Aid website provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility and application procedures. Additionally, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based financial aid program specifically designed for students attending Kansas independent institutions. This state-level support complements federal aid and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible cybersecurity majors.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants and federal aid, many Kansas institutions offer institution-specific scholarships and merit-based awards for cybersecurity and technology students. The Kansas Board of Regents website details available state financial aid programs and connects students with resources at public universities and community colleges. Students should also explore scholarships through their chosen institution, as schools like Wichita State University and the University of Kansas often have dedicated funding for STEM and cybersecurity programs. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early and contact financial aid offices to maximize available funding opportunities.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+801%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,482,166
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$123,810
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Cybersecurity Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cybersecurity Graduates in Kansas
Find cybersecurity jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring cybersecurity degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cybersecurity Jobs in Overland Park
KSCybersecurity Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Cybersecurity Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas students can seamlessly transition from associate to bachelor's degree programs through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, which provides statewide course transfer agreements and articulation pathways (Kansas Transfer Equivalency System). With 11 community colleges offering cybersecurity associate degrees and 4 universities with bachelor's programs, students have multiple pathways to complete a four-year degree. Institutions like Butler Community College (19 completions), Johnson County Community College (9 completions), and Manhattan Area Technical College (11 completions) prepare students for seamless transfer to university partners including Wichita State University, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.
How Transfers Work
Community college cybersecurity programs provide an affordable entry point, with average tuition as low as $2,380–$5,976 annually, compared to $7,625 at public four-year institutions (Federal Student Aid). Graduates of associate programs can earn credentials while completing general education requirements, then transfer completed coursework to bachelor's degree programs with minimal repetition. The Kansas Comprehensive Grant supports financial need at independent institutions, easing the transition (Kansas Board of Regents). Students should consult with admissions advisors at their community college and target university to confirm transfer agreements. For additional context, explore information security and IT programs which follow similar transfer frameworks across Kansas institutions.
Why Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong cybersecurity education landscape with 16 institutions providing dedicated programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Kansas cybersecurity programs awarded 84 associate degrees, 9 bachelor degrees, and grew steadily to meet regional demand. The state's strong technical education foundation is reflected in 11 community colleges and 4 universities offering cybersecurity credentials, positioning Kansas as a reliable source for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Salary Outlook
Kansas's major metropolitan areas. Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence, host thriving tech ecosystems anchored by major employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, and the University of Kansas. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages just $7,625, making Kansas one of the more affordable states for cybersecurity education (Federal Student Aid). Students also benefit from the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based financial aid program for those attending Kansas independent institutions. For those seeking national perspectives, explore national best cybersecurity programs or most affordable cybersecurity schools. Related fields like information security, network administration, and IT in Kansas provide complementary career pathways.
Cybersecurity Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Cybersecurity Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas has a growing cybersecurity employment landscape anchored by major metropolitan areas and defense-adjacent industries. The state's primary tech hubs include the Kansas City Metro, Wichita, Topeka, and Northeast Kansas regions, each supporting distinct employer bases and career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity professionals in Kansas benefit from strong regional demand driven by aerospace, manufacturing, and agricultural technology sectors. Wichita, in particular, is a significant employment center due to its concentration of advanced manufacturing and aerospace companies. The Kansas City Metro area, spanning Kansas and Missouri, offers additional opportunities in financial services, telecommunications, and government contracting, sectors with elevated cybersecurity staffing needs.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Kansas directly support workforce development for these regional markets. IPEDS data shows 16 institutions currently offer cybersecurity programs, with 84 associate's degree completions and 9 bachelor's degree completions annually, producing a pipeline of qualified professionals for state employers. The affordability of Kansas public institutions, with average in-state tuition of $7,625 for four-year programs, makes credential acquisition accessible to potential workforce entrants. Career seekers should explore resources like the College Scorecard and BLS occupational data to align their education with regional hiring trends. For more context on related IT pathways, consider exploring Information Security in Kansas and Network Administration in Kansas programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
3 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $12,300
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $28,000
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $8,900
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
- Total Programs
- 50
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $18,600
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best cybersecurity degree programs in Kansas?
How much do cybersecurity degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can cybersecurity degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online cybersecurity degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire cybersecurity degree graduates in Kansas?
Is a cybersecurity degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do cybersecurity degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for cybersecurity degree students in Kansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.