Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland 2025
University of Maryland Global Campus
354 cybersecurity graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Johns Hopkins University
89 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
SANS Technology Institute
84 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Maryland offers 9+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Maryland Global Campus leads with 74% graduation rate
- 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
- 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)
Cybersecurity Education in Maryland: Overview
Maryland offers 9 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 639 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by University of Maryland Global Campus, Johns Hopkins University, SANS Technology Institute, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 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)
Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Maryland Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 84.4 |
| 2 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | 68.5 |
| 3 | SANS Technology Institute | North Bethesda, MD | For-Profit | $20,250 | — | 59.2 |
| 4 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | 53 |
| 5 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | 52.7 |
| 6 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private | $45,120 | 84% | 46.8 |
| 7 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, MD | Public | $5,637 | 78% | 43.9 |
| 8 | Mount St. Mary's University | Emmitsburg, MD | Private | $45,660 | — | 43.2 |
| 9 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 38.5 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side
| School | UMGC | Johns Hopkins | SANS Technology Institute | Capitol Technology | Stevenson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,632 | $62,840 | $20,250 | $26,088 | $36,940 |
| Graduation Rate | 74% | N/A% | N/A% | 87% | 87% |
| Annual Graduates | 354 | 89 | 84 | 29 | 34 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 8% | N/A | 78% | 83% |
| Type | Public | Private | For-Profit | Private | Private |
| Score | 84.4/100 | 68.5/100 | 59.2/100 | 53.0/100 | 52.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Maryland
Maryland offers 6 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland Global Campus, Capitol Technology University, Stevenson University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland 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 Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMGC | $7,632 | 74% | 354 | 84.4 |
| #2 Capitol Technology | $26,088 | 87% | 29 | 53.0 |
| #3 Stevenson | $36,940 | 87% | 34 | 52.7 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland
For graduate study, Maryland offers 6 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of Maryland Global Campus, Johns Hopkins University, SANS Technology Institute. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMGC | $7,632 | 74% | 861 | 84.4 |
| #2 Johns Hopkins | $62,840 | N/A% | 89 | 68.5 |
| #3 SANS Technology Institute | $20,250 | N/A% | 84 | 59.2 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Maryland
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Maryland are at University of Maryland Eastern Shore ($5,637/year), Frostburg State University ($7,110/year), University of Maryland Global Campus ($7,632/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,548 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMD Eastern Shore | $5,637 | $22,548 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Frostburg State | $7,110 | $28,440 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 UMGC | $7,632 | $30,528 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Maryland
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,632 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 354 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 84.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 354 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (354 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMGC's online Cybersecurity Technology program offers courses taught by full-time cybersecurity professionals and prepares students for important industry certifications including CompTIA A+, CISSP, and Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert. Students can gain hands-on experience through the award-winning Cybersecurity Competition Team and Virtual Security Lab.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Sources
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 89 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 68.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 89 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 68.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (89 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
SANS Technology Institute
North Bethesda, MD • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 59.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 84 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 59.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
SANS Technology Institute delivers curriculum taught by world-renowned instructors who train the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies, with GIAC certifications integrated into degree programs and 100% alumni satisfaction with education quality. Graduates achieve high starting salaries averaging $110K and benefit from strong employer recognition of the SANS name.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $110,000
- Job Placement: 91% currently employed in a cyber/IT role
- Top Employers: Amazon, Deloitte, Dragos, Google, Adobe, Microsoft, Allianz Life, Anvilogic
Sources
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,088 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 53.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 29 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 53.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Capitol Technology University's BS in Cybersecurity is both ABET accredited and designated as an NSA Center, offering high job security with 31% projected growth in cybersecurity employment from 2019-2029. The program provides access to a field where professionals earn competitive salaries averaging $76,000 annually with experienced professionals earning over $120,000.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $76,000
Stevenson University
Owings Mills, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $36,940 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 34 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 52.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 34 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 52.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stevenson University's Cybersecurity program holds prestigious NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation and is one of only 16 undergraduate programs nationally designated as Digital Forensics Academic Excellence. Graduates receive certificates exchangeable for Department of Defense training course credit, allowing immediate work as recognized digital forensic practitioners.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 36 credits
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
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Penetration Tester
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Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
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Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
- You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
- You prefer Maryland's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 9)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Maryland
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Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity in Maryland 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 - Maryland 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.