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Key Takeaways
Best cybersecurity degree programs: U of Maryland Global, Capitol Technology, Stevenson
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,640 to $62,840/year
Montgomery College offers the most affordable option at $8,190/yr
Cybersecurity degree programs available: 12 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Maryland
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online cybersecurity degree programs in Maryland
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maryland community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
12 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Baltimore and Bethesda
Hakia Research 2026
Cybersecurity degree programs near 43+ cities across Maryland
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Maryland Cybersecurity programs
We rank 25 accredited cybersecurity programs in Maryland 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 Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 12 accredited associate's degree programs in cybersecurity, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community Co..., Community College of Balt..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Maryland offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $6,724/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 $67,331 in Maryland.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Maryland's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL 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 Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cybersecurity degrees in Maryland.
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, MD | Public | $5,880 | 33% | 73.8 |
| #7 | Cecil College | North East, MD | Public | $7,500 | 37% | 70.9 |
| #8 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,856 | 19% | 68.6 |
| #9 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | Public | $5,136 | 18% | 67.8 |
| #10 | Garrett College | McHenry, MD | Public | $8,260 | 34% | 65.6 |
| #11 | Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore, MD | Public | $2,640 | 17% | 64.4 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for cybersecurity education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland Global, Capitol Technology, Stevenson, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland cybersecurity programs earn a median salary of $104,057, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,110 to $45,660 annually, with an average of $23,947/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 87%. 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 Maryland's leading technology employers. For students seeking cybersecurity degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked cybersecurity schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mount St. Mary's University
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private nonprofit | $26,350 | 43% | 68.9 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 6 master's degree programs in cybersecurity, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maryland Global, Johns Hopkins, Capitol Technology, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Maryland earn a median salary of $122,420, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $27,928/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Maryland's cybersecurity schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Capitol Technology University
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Public | $7,590 | 38% | 62.9 |
| #7 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, MD | Public | $5,750 | 35% | 58.4 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 38% | 57.6 |
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 1 doctoral programs in cybersecurity, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Capitol Technology are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Maryland PhD holders earning a median of $153,025, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Maryland programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing cybersecurity degrees in Maryland, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Capitol Technology University
Cybersecurity Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,093/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $40,233/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,023/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $96,560 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $24,140 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland residents pursuing cybersecurity degrees have access to multiple funding sources at both state and federal levels. The Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship provides need-based awards distributed through state legislators, offering direct financial support to eligible Maryland residents (Maryland Higher Education Commission). This program complements federal financial aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. All students should complete the FAFSA to access federal aid programs outlined on (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Maryland institutions offering cybersecurity programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Students should research specific opportunities at their target schools, including public universities like the University of Maryland system and private institutions such as Johns Hopkins University. The College Scorecard tool (College Scorecard) provides transparency on average aid packages and net price calculators for individual institutions. Community college students benefit from lower tuition costs overall, making institutions like Montgomery College and Anne Arundel Community College excellent pathways for starting cybersecurity education affordably. Explore related programs in Information Security in Maryland and Computer Science in Maryland for additional scholarship opportunities.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree in Maryland. 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
+1011%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,869,485
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.
$103,448
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 Maryland metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $135K |
| Bethesda | $129K |
| Rockville | $122K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cybersecurity Graduates in Maryland
Find cybersecurity jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring cybersecurity degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cybersecurity Jobs in Baltimore
MDCybersecurity Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDCybersecurity Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Cybersecurity Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's strong transfer system facilitates seamless progression from two-year to four-year institutions. The ARTSYS (Articulation System) maps course equivalencies between Maryland institutions, allowing students to transfer credits without loss (ARTSYS). With 18 two-year institutions and 36 four-year institutions in the state (IPEDS), students have numerous pathway options. Community colleges such as Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Prince George's Community College, and College of Southern Maryland collectively produced 445 associate's degree completions in 2023, with many students advancing to bachelor's programs at Maryland universities.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate's degrees in cybersecurity or related fields like information technology and network administration can transfer to bachelor's programs at University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University, and Johns Hopkins University. These institutions have established transfer agreements that honor coursework completed at Maryland community colleges. The Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship supports qualified Maryland residents with need-based financial aid (Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship). For detailed transfer information, visit ARTSYS and consult your community college's transfer advisor. Explore related fields such as information security in Maryland and computer science in Maryland, which often share articulation agreements and transfer pathways with cybersecurity programs.
Why Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland has established itself as a premier destination for cybersecurity education, with 29 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). The state produced 1,625 cybersecurity completions in 2023 alone, with master's programs leading at 1,084 completions, followed by bachelor's degrees at 466 completions and associate's degrees at 445 completions (IPEDS). This strong academic ecosystem reflects strong demand in the region and comprehensive educational pathways for students at every level.
Salary Outlook
Maryland's strategic location within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro areas positions students near major employers including Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lockheed Martin, and the University of Maryland system. Public four-year institutions offer affordable pathways with average in-state tuition of just $7,730, compared to $22,763 for out-of-state students (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs like University of Maryland-College Park, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Maryland-Baltimore County provide education with strong industry connections. Learn more about cybersecurity programs nationally and explore related fields like information security in Maryland and network administration in Maryland to understand your full educational options.
Cybersecurity Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Cybersecurity Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's cybersecurity job market is strong and growing, supported by strong employer demand across multiple sectors. The state hosts major technology and defense hubs in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region (Maryland portion), creating abundant opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland's technology and information security sectors continue to expand, with organizations across Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, Bethesda, and Towson actively recruiting skilled professionals. The state's 29 institutions offering cybersecurity programs reflect strong regional demand, with educational pathways ranging from 13 associate's programs to 8 master's programs designed to meet industry needs.
Salaries by Metro
Maryland produced 1,584 cybersecurity degree completions in 2023 across all credential levels, with master's programs leading at 1,084 completions (IPEDS Program Data). The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $7,730, making cybersecurity education accessible compared to national alternatives. Career pathways in Maryland are strengthened by institutional diversity, from community colleges offering associate's degrees to research-intensive universities providing advanced credentials. Entry-level positions in cybersecurity operations, network defense, and information security analysis are particularly available in the Baltimore and DC suburbs regions, where federal agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies maintain significant presences. Students completing cybersecurity degrees at Maryland institutions position themselves for immediate employment in a market with consistent talent shortages.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland
Online Programs
1 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $18,300
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $12,300
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- 25
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
- 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 Maryland: FAQ
What are the best cybersecurity degree programs in Maryland?
How much do cybersecurity degree programs cost in Maryland?
What salary can cybersecurity degree graduates earn in Maryland?
Are there online cybersecurity degree programs in Maryland?
What companies hire cybersecurity degree graduates in Maryland?
Is a cybersecurity degree program worth it in Maryland?
How long do cybersecurity degree programs take in Maryland?
What financial aid is available for cybersecurity degree students in Maryland?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Maryland 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.