Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Massachusetts 2025
Northeastern University
24 Cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Bentley University
7 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Wentworth Institute of Technology
9 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Massachusetts has 25+ accredited cybersecurity and related bachelor's programs across top-tier universities and state colleges
- 2.MIT ranks #1 in Massachusetts with 96% graduation rate and world-class cybersecurity research facilities
- 3.Information security analysts in Massachusetts earn median $122,850 annually—20% above the national median
- 4.5 Massachusetts institutions hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations including Northeastern and UMass Lowell
- 5.Boston area hosts 450+ cybersecurity companies including Rapid7, Carbon Black, and Cybereason providing abundant internship opportunities
Cybersecurity Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts stands as a global leader in cybersecurity education, hosting world-renowned institutions like MIT alongside specialized programs at Northeastern and WPI. The state's proximity to major financial centers, defense contractors, and emerging tech companies creates an ideal environment for cybersecurity students to gain practical experience while studying.
Massachusetts offers diverse pathways from elite research universities to practical state college programs. Whether you're seeking the theoretical depth of MIT's cybersecurity research or the hands-on approach of co-op programs, Massachusetts provides options for every learning style. Students should also explore our cybersecurity career guide to understand the strong job market in the Boston area.
The state's cybersecurity education ecosystem benefits from close industry partnerships. Major firms like Rapid7, FireEye, and Akamai regularly recruit from local programs, while government contractors around Route 128 offer internships and entry-level positions. For broader context, see our national cybersecurity rankings and online cybersecurity degrees guide.
Massachusetts Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 66.1 |
| 2 | Bentley University | Waltham, MA | Private | $58,150 | 91% | — | 60 |
| 3 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 55.9 |
| 4 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | Chicopee, MA | Private | $40,095 | 88% | — | 55.2 |
| 5 | Assumption University | Worcester, MA | Private | $48,552 | — | — | 43.8 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Massachusetts: Side-by-Side
| School | Northeastern | Clark | Boston College | Tufts | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $62,000 | $54,760 | $66,410 | $66,358 | $64,348 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 98% | N/A% | 81% | 99% |
| Annual Graduates | 77 | 31 | 40 | 10 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 42% | 16% | 10% | 35% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 83.6/100 | 73.2/100 | 69.1/100 | 67.0/100 | 62.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers 5 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Northeastern University, Bentley University, Wentworth Institute of Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $90,048 in the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeastern | $62,000 | N/A% | 24 | 66.1 |
| #2 Bentley | $58,150 | 91% | 7 | 60.0 |
| #3 Wentworth Institute of... | $40,410 | 99% | 9 | 55.9 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Massachusetts
For graduate study, Massachusetts offers 7 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Northeastern University, Clark University, Boston College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Massachusetts reaching $167,232 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeastern | $62,000 | N/A% | 77 | 83.6 |
| #2 Clark | $54,760 | 98% | 31 | 73.2 |
| #3 Boston College | $66,410 | N/A% | 40 | 69.1 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Massachusetts
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Massachusetts are at College of Our Lady of the Elms ($40,095/year), Wentworth Institute of Technology ($40,410/year), Assumption University ($48,552/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Massachusetts's competitive tech salaries.
At College of Our Lady of the Elms, a 4-year degree costs approximately $160,380 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $90,048, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 2.9 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Massachusetts (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 College of Our Lady of... | $40,095 | $160,380 | 2.9 years | Private |
| #2 Wentworth Institute of... | $40,410 | $161,640 | 2.9 years | Private |
| #3 Assumption | $48,552 | $194,208 | 3.5 years | Private |
Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 83.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 83.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines essential computer science with conceptual and practical specialization in security, featuring hands-on laboratories as an essential component where students put learned knowledge into practice. Students take the standard computer science course sequence as foundation, then dive deep into cybersecurity-specific coursework covering threat modeling, cryptography, authentication, and secure systems design.
Clark University
Worcester, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $54,760 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 42%
- • Ranking Score: 73.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 31 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (42% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is designed for students who already hold an associate degree, allowing them to advance their careers in this rapidly expanding field. Full-time students can complete this 90-credit program in as little as 18 months with courses that are five credits each.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •associate degree
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 90 credits
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,410 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 16%
- • Ranking Score: 69.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 40 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 69.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (16% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Boston College offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity through Woods College and a Master of Legal Studies in Cybersecurity, Risk and Governance through the Law School, providing comprehensive technical and legal expertise. The programs are taught by industry experts and designed to address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide and flexible scheduling options including fully online, on-campus, or hybrid delivery.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $565,000 average salary for executives in cybersecurity
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,358 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 67.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 10 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 67.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This innovative joint program between The Fletcher School and the Department of Computer Science offers an interdisciplinary approach marrying technology and policy with international focus. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized study paths, and collaboration across multiple Tufts schools and departments, all located just five miles from Boston's high-tech hub.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,348 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 35%
- • Ranking Score: 62.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 4 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (35% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Design and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from cyber attacks
Security Engineer
Build secure systems and applications, conduct security assessments, and develop security architectures
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized simulated attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do
Cybersecurity Consultant
Provide expert advice to organizations on cybersecurity strategy, compliance, and risk management
Digital Forensics Analyst
Investigate cybercrimes, recover digital evidence, and analyze security incidents
Massachusetts University Systems and Cybersecurity Programs
Massachusetts cybersecurity education spans multiple institutional types, each offering distinct advantages. The state's private research universities provide world-class facilities and faculty, while the University of Massachusetts system offers quality education at more affordable in-state rates.
Private Research Universities dominate the top rankings with MIT, Northeastern, and WPI leading the way. These institutions offer small class sizes, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong industry connections. Students benefit from extensive alumni networks and high-tech laboratory facilities, though tuition costs are substantial.
University of Massachusetts System provides accessible cybersecurity education across multiple campuses. UMass Lowell holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation and offers strong programs at in-state tuition rates. UMass Boston and UMass Dartmouth provide urban and regional options respectively, with growing cybersecurity programs.
State Universities like Framingham State, Salem State, and Fitchburg State offer affordable cybersecurity and information technology programs. While smaller in scale, these programs provide practical training and often maintain partnerships with local businesses and government agencies for internship opportunities.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Virginia
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class cybersecurity research at MIT and other top universities
- Strong job market with 450+ cybersecurity companies in the Boston area
- NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence programs
- Proximity to major financial services and healthcare organizations
- Networking opportunities with leading cybersecurity professionals
- High + for new graduates
- Co-op and internship programs with established industry partnerships
- More affordable tuition options (Massachusetts private schools are expensive)
- Warmer climate and lower cost of living
- Larger program sizes with more course variety
- State residency for in-state tuition benefits
- Different industry focus areas (aerospace, energy, entertainment)
- Less competitive admission requirements
- Alternative cybersecurity specializations not available in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Cybersecurity Programs
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing comprehensive higher education statistics including graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data
Massachusetts-specific salary and employment data for cybersecurity and information security positions
Official directory of NSA-designated cybersecurity education programs meeting national standards
State agency data on public university tuition, enrollment, and program offerings
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.