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Springfield Technical Community College
Springfield, MAPublic
$600
Tuition/yr
32%
Grad rate
75.5
Hakia Score
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Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
10 cybersecurity programs from 4 public and 6 private institutions
3 schools physically in Boston, plus 7 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $576 (Bunker Hill Community College) to $66,358 (Tufts University).
Median cybersecurity salary: $135,000, 8% above the national median
Security engineers earn up to $145,800, while cybersecurity managers command $195,750 in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton. Source: BLS OEWS Boston-Cambridge-Nashua MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton
Massachusetts has 11,900 total cybersecurity openings, 24% concentrated in the Boston metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
Northeastern University, Boston 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 Boston, Massachusetts Cybersecurity programs
We rank 17 accredited cybersecurity programs in Boston, Massachusetts 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 Boston, Massachusetts
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Boston, Massachusetts by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Boston, Massachusetts
7
Programs ranked
$1,317
Avg tuition/yr
23%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Boston, 4 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Boston, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Bunker Hill Community College, Northern Essex Community College, Bristol Community College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $576 to $600 per year. Community colleges offer the most affordable entry into cybersecurity, and many have articulation agreements with nearby four-year universities for seamless credit transfer. Students can complete foundational coursework in networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals while earning industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+. Graduates with a associate's degree in cybersecurity from Boston-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $87,750 to $105,300 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills, MA | Public | $576 | 17% | 62.5 |
| #7 | North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | Public | $600 | 18% | 61.8 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Boston, Massachusetts
6
Programs ranked
$47,801
Avg tuition/yr
75%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Boston, 4 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Boston, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Northeastern University, Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Annual tuition ranges from $59,750 to $66,358 (average: $63,114). 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 90%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Boston-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $118,800 to $128,250 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Northeastern 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.
#4
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit
$41,984
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
75.5
Hakia Score
#5
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MAPrivate nonprofit
$41,300
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
74.2
Hakia Score
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Lasell University | Newton, MA | Private nonprofit | $27,040 | 59% | 67.4 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Boston, Massachusetts
6
Programs ranked
$64,409
Avg tuition/yr
92%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Boston, 4 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Boston, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Northeastern University, Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Graduate tuition ranges from $59,750 to $66,358 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: 90%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Boston-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $145,800 to $164,700 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Northeastern 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.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private nonprofit | $59,700 | 90% | 83.6 |
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Boston, Massachusetts
1
Programs ranked
$64,990
Avg tuition/yr
91%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 5 accredited doctoral cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Boston, 5 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Boston, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University. Doctoral program tuition ranges from $54,269 to $66,358 per year, though many programs offer research assistantships, teaching fellowships, or full-tuition waivers. Ph.D. programs in cybersecurity take 4-6 years and focus on original research in areas like cryptography, AI-driven threat detection, or privacy engineering. Graduates with a doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Boston-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $164,700 to $195,750 in the local market, with roles such as chief information security officer, research scientist, or university professor. The Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Northeastern University and Boston University hold 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.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 10 accredited programs across 4 associate's, 4 bachelor's, 4 master's, 5 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 3 of these institutions are physically located in Boston, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton.
2 schools near Boston hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Northeastern University, Boston 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 2,840 open positions and a median salary of $135,000 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 Boston, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, Northeastern University leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Boston
$135,000
8% above the national median of $124,910. Cybersecurity managers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton earn up to $195,750.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Boston vs. National Average
| Role | Boston Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $118,800 | $109,921 | +8% |
| Penetration Tester | $128,250 | $118,665 | +8% |
| Security Engineer | $145,800 | $134,903 | +8% |
| Security Architect | $164,700 | $152,390 | +8% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $195,750 | $181,120 | +8% |
Source: BLS OEWS Boston-Cambridge-Nashua MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Boston: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton earn a median salary of $135,000, which is 8% above the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Boston as one of the highest-paying metro areas for cybersecurity talent in the country.
Entry-level security analysts in Boston can expect starting salaries around $118,800, 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 $128,250. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $145,800, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $164,700.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton can earn $195,750 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 Boston. 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 Boston
The Boston 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
Partners HealthCare System. Major integrated healthcare system with enterprise-wide cybersecurity operations protecting millions of patient records and medical research data.
Technology
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Leading research university with extensive cybersecurity research programs and critical IT infrastructure protecting advanced research systems.
Harvard University. Major research institution with comprehensive cybersecurity operations protecting intellectual property and academic networks.
Akamai Technologies. Cybersecurity and content delivery company headquartered locally with advanced threat protection research and operations.
Defense
Raytheon Technologies. Major defense contractor with significant cybersecurity operations protecting classified systems and critical defense infrastructure.
Finance
State Street Corporation. Global financial services company headquartered in Boston with major cybersecurity operations protecting financial systems and customer data.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Boston-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Boston Organizations
3
Including the Mass General Hospital (Partners HealthCare) ransomware (2024). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Boston Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Boston, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton:
Mass General Hospital (Partners HealthCare) (2024), ransomware. Ransomware attack disrupted patient care operations across Boston area hospitals requiring system restoration and payment processing delays.
Boston University (2023), data breach. Unauthorized access to student and employee data compromising personal information of thousands. Notification and credit monitoring provided.
State Street Corporation (2021), insider threat. Employee data theft attempt targeting customer financial information requiring investigation and enhanced access controls.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Boston-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 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 Boston directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Programs Accessible from Nearby Communities
If you live in a community near Boston, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Boston area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Boston's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Cambridge (also has 2 local programs) → Bunker Hill Community College (2 mi), Northeastern University (2 mi), Boston University (2 mi)
All of these schools are within commuting distance, and many offer evening, weekend, or hybrid class schedules designed for students who travel from outside Boston. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton
The cybersecurity job market in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton reflects a broader national talent crisis. Massachusetts has approximately 11,900 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 2,840 concentrated in the Boston 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 Boston 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 Massachusetts, 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 Boston 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 Boston 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 Massachusetts Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Boston
Cybersecurity degree programs near Boston range from $576/year at Bunker Hill Community College to $66,358/year at Tufts University. Public institutions average $582/year (in-state), while private schools average $61,754/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $135,000 in the Boston area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $247,016 total) can be recouped in roughly 2.7 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 $1,152 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $101,250+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts 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 Boston area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Boston: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Boston, Massachusetts?
There are 3 cybersecurity programs physically located in Boston and 10 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 4 associate's programs, 4 bachelor's programs, 4 master's programs, and 5 doctoral programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $576/year to over $2,304/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 Boston?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $135,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $118,800, penetration testers earn around $128,250, security engineers command $145,800, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $195,750 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 Boston?
The Boston metro area has an estimated 2,840 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 11,900 total openings across Massachusetts (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 Partners HealthCare System, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Harvard University. 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 Boston schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
2 schools near Boston hold NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: Northeastern University, Boston 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 10 programs near Boston hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Boston schools?
Yes. 6 institutions near Boston 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 Boston-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. Massachusetts: 11,900 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Boston.
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.