Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of the Cumberlands
300 cybersecurity graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Murray State University
31 cybersecurity graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Sullivan University
26 cybersecurity graduates annually, 56% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 5+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of the Cumberlands leads with 75% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 5 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 395 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by University of the Cumberlands, Murray State University, Sullivan University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | 75.6 |
| 2 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 48.4 |
| 3 | Sullivan University | Louisville, KY | For-Profit | $14,220 | 56% | 46.9 |
| 4 | Union College | Barbourville, KY | Private | $28,737 | — | 42.8 |
| 5 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 34.6 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of the Cumberlands | Murray State | Sullivan | Union College | Northern Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,875 | $8,436 | $14,220 | $28,737 | $10,512 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 87% | 56% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 300 | 31 | 26 | 19 | 19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71% | 86% | N/A | 55% | 96% |
| Type | Private | Public | For-Profit | Private | Public |
| Score | 75.6/100 | 48.4/100 | 46.9/100 | 42.8/100 | 34.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 3 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Murray State University, Sullivan University, Northern Kentucky University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 31 | 48.4 |
| #2 Sullivan | $14,220 | 56% | 13 | 49.3 |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 3 | 31.9 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 5 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of the Cumberlands, Murray State University, Union College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 300 | 75.6 |
| #2 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 9 | 43.2 |
| #3 Union College | $28,737 | N/A% | 19 | 42.8 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), University of the Cumberlands ($9,875/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | $39,500 | 1.4 years | Private |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,875 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 300 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 75.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 300 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (300 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 48.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 31 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Murray State's Cybersecurity program is recognized as a Kentucky Program of Distinction with curriculum guided by a distinguished national advisory board, offering flexible online and on-campus options with specialized tracks in high-demand areas like digital forensics and cloud administration.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Kentucky Program of Distinction
- Programs of the Year by the International Telecommunications Education and Research Association
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,220 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 56% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 56% graduation rate
- 26 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 46.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (56%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Sullivan University's Cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with industry-standard technology and simulation software, featuring small classes for personalized attention and flexible online/on-campus formats. The program includes four specialized concentrations and courses that may qualify for industry-recognized certifications through CompTIA.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Union College
Barbourville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,737 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 55%
- • Ranking Score: 42.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 19 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (55% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,512 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 34.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 19 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 34.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 5)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 5 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)
Kentucky-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
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 - Kentucky salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.