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Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LAPrivate nonprofit
$64,372
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad rate
92.2
Hakia Score
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Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
4 cybersecurity programs from 4 public and 0 private institutions
2 schools physically in Monroe, plus 2 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $3,214 (Louisiana Delta Community College) to $6,401 (Louisiana Tech University).
Median cybersecurity salary: $96,000, 23% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $103,680, while cybersecurity managers command $139,200 in the Monroe metro area. Source: BLS OEWS Louisiana state median, May 2024.
An estimated 115 open cybersecurity positions in the Monroe metro area
Louisiana has 4,200 total cybersecurity openings, 3% concentrated in the Monroe metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
1 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated school
Louisiana Tech University hold NSA/DHS CAE designation, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (full tuition + stipend).
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Monroe, Louisiana Cybersecurity programs
We rank 5 accredited cybersecurity programs in Monroe, Louisiana 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 methodologyCybersecurity Degree Rankings in Monroe, Louisiana
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Monroe, Louisiana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Monroe, Louisiana
3
Programs ranked
$38,967
Avg tuition/yr
60%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Monroe, 3 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Monroe, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, University of Louisiana at Monroe. Annual tuition ranges from $5,140 to $6,401 (average: $5,776). 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 92%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Monroe-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $84,480 to $91,200 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Monroe metro area has an estimated 115 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Louisiana Tech University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
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Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LAPrivate nonprofit
$47,390
Tuition/yr
59%
Grad rate
66.9
Hakia Score
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Monroe, Louisiana
2
Programs ranked
$35,231
Avg tuition/yr
62%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 1 accredited master's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Monroe, 1 public institution. The nearest programs are within 33 miles. The top-ranked programs include Louisiana Tech University. Graduate tuition ranges from $6,401 to $6,401 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: 85%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Monroe-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $103,680 to $117,120 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Monroe metro area has an estimated 115 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Louisiana Tech University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
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Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LAPrivate nonprofit
$64,372
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad rate
89.7
Hakia Score
Why Study Cybersecurity in Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 4 accredited programs across 1 associate's, 3 bachelor's, 1 master's degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Monroe, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Monroe metro area.
1 school near Monroe holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Louisiana Tech University. The CAE program, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS, certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Students at CAE-designated schools may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation.
The Monroe metro area cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 115 open positions and a median salary of $96,000 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 Monroe, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, Louisiana Tech University (84.7% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Monroe
$96,000
23% below the national median, but Monroe's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $84,480.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Monroe vs. National Average
| Role | Monroe Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $84,480 | $109,921 | -23% |
| Penetration Tester | $91,200 | $118,665 | -23% |
| Security Engineer | $103,680 | $134,903 | -23% |
| Security Architect | $117,120 | $152,390 | -23% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $139,200 | $181,120 | -23% |
Source: BLS OEWS Louisiana state median, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Monroe: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Monroe metro area earn a median salary of $96,000, which is 23% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Monroe as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Monroe's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Monroe can expect starting salaries around $84,480, 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 $91,200. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $103,680, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $117,120.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Monroe metro area can earn $139,200 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 Monroe. 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 Monroe
The Monroe cybersecurity job market spans 4 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
Ochsner Health System Monroe. Regional healthcare operations requiring HIPAA-compliant security infrastructure and patient data protection.
Energy
Entergy Louisiana Operations. Utility company with critical infrastructure cybersecurity and grid management systems security.
Technology
Walmart Regional Hub. Regional distribution and technology center with network security operations.
Government
Northeast Louisiana University. Public university with institutional cybersecurity and academic network protection.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Monroe metro area area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Monroe-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Monroe Organizations
1
Including the Louisiana Healthcare Sector data breach (2023). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Monroe Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Monroe, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Monroe metro area:
Louisiana Healthcare Sector (2023), data breach. Regional healthcare organizations affected by credential theft targeting patient records and health information systems.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Monroe-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Monroe metro area has an estimated 115 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 Monroe directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Monroe metro area
The cybersecurity job market in the Monroe metro area reflects a broader national talent crisis. Louisiana has approximately 4,200 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 115 concentrated in the Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Louisiana, the combination of growing digital transformation across industries is driving sustained demand for cybersecurity talent.
Most in-demand certifications that complement a cybersecurity degree from Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Louisiana Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Monroe
Cybersecurity degree programs near Monroe range from $3,214/year at Louisiana Delta Community College to $6,401/year at Louisiana Tech University.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $96,000 in the Monroe area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $20,544 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.4 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 $6,428 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $72,000+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Louisiana 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 Monroe area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Monroe: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Monroe, Louisiana?
There are 2 cybersecurity programs physically located in Monroe and 4 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 1 associate's programs, 3 bachelor's programs, 1 master's programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $3,214/year to over $12,856/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 Monroe?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Monroe metro area is $96,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $84,480, penetration testers earn around $91,200, security engineers command $103,680, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $139,200 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 Monroe?
The Monroe metro area has an estimated 115 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 4,200 total openings across Louisiana (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 Ochsner Health System Monroe, Entergy Louisiana Operations, Walmart Regional Hub. 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.
Which Monroe schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
1 school near Monroe holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: Louisiana Tech University. The CAE program certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This designation is significant for students because: (1) CAE programs are recognized by federal, state, and private employers as producing qualified graduates; (2) students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation; (3) graduates are eligible for expedited federal hiring through the OPM cybersecurity track. All 4 programs near Monroe hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Monroe schools?
Yes. 2 institutions near Monroe offer 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 Monroe-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. Louisiana: 4,200 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 1 designated school near Monroe.
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). NSA CAE designations verified as of February 2026.
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.