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Key Takeaways
9 cybersecurity programs from 9 public and 0 private institutions
2 schools physically in Dearborn, plus 7 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $2,909 (Wayne County Community College District) to $17,977 (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor).
Median cybersecurity salary: $115,000, 8% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $124,200, while cybersecurity managers command $166,750 in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn. Source: BLS OEWS Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 1,680 open cybersecurity positions in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn
Michigan has 8,500 total cybersecurity openings, 20% concentrated in the Dearborn metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
1 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated school
Eastern Michigan 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 Dearborn, Michigan Cybersecurity programs
We rank 12 accredited cybersecurity programs in Dearborn, Michigan 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.
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Dearborn, Michigan
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Dearborn, Michigan by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Dearborn, Michigan
Hakia ranks 4 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Dearborn, 4 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Dearborn, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Henry Ford College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $2,909 to $6,240 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 Dearborn-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $74,750 to $89,700 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Dearborn metro area has an estimated 1,680 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Show all 15 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Delta College | University Center, MI | Public | $6,720 | 27% | 68.4 |
| #7 | Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | Public | $6,360 | 18% | 67.6 |
| #8 | Monroe County Community College | Monroe, MI | Public | $6,638 | 34% | 67.5 |
| #9 | Henry Ford College | Dearborn, MI | Public | $4,848 | 17% | 66.4 |
| #10 | Schoolcraft Community College District | Livonia, MI | Public | $4,126 | 18% | 65.8 |
| #11 | Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek, MI | Public | $5,450 | 30% | 64.4 |
| #12 | Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI | Public | $7,200 | 25% | 64.0 |
| #13 | Mid Michigan College | Harrison, MI | Public | $8,710 | 28% | 62.9 |
| #14 | Jackson College | Jackson, MI | Public | $6,750 | 16% | 59.9 |
| #15 | Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor, MI | Public | $7,755 | 22% | 56.3 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Dearborn, Michigan
Hakia ranks 4 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Dearborn, 4 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Dearborn, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Wayne State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn. Annual tuition ranges from $13,660 to $17,977 (average: $15,345). 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 91%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Dearborn-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $101,200 to $109,250 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Dearborn metro area has an estimated 1,680 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Eastern Michigan 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.
University of Detroit Mercy
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Public | $15,861 | 58% | 74.9 |
| #7 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,920 | 46% | 71.3 |
| #8 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private nonprofit | $23,376 | 57% | 69.0 |
| #9 | Baker College | Owosso, MI | Private nonprofit | $12,600 | 36% | 66.2 |
| #10 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Public | $14,582 | 47% | 66.2 |
| #11 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | Public | $15,030 | 59% | 65.8 |
| #12 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | Private nonprofit | $29,500 | 39% | 64.6 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Dearborn, Michigan
Hakia ranks 3 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Dearborn, 3 public institutions. The nearest programs are within 26 miles. The top-ranked programs include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Wayne State University, Oakland University. Graduate tuition ranges from $13,660 to $17,977 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 Dearborn-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $124,200 to $140,300 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Dearborn metro area has an estimated 1,680 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
University of Detroit Mercy
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $20,206 | 68% | 72.3 |
| #7 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,920 | 46% | 67.2 |
| #8 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private nonprofit | $23,376 | 57% | 63.0 |
| #9 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Public | $14,582 | 47% | 62.6 |
Why Study Cybersecurity in Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 9 accredited programs across 4 associate's, 4 bachelor's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Dearborn, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn.
1 school near Dearborn holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Eastern Michigan 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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 1,680 open positions and a median salary of $115,000 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 Dearborn, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (91.8% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Dearborn
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Dearborn vs. National Average
| Role | Dearborn Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $101,200 | $109,921 | -8% |
| Penetration Tester | $109,250 | $118,665 | -8% |
| Security Engineer | $124,200 | $134,903 | -8% |
| Security Architect | $140,300 | $152,390 | -8% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $166,750 | $181,120 | -8% |
Source: BLS OEWS Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Dearborn: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn earn a median salary of $115,000, which is 8% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Dearborn as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Dearborn's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Dearborn can expect starting salaries around $101,200, 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 $109,250. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $124,200, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $140,300.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn can earn $166,750 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 Dearborn. 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 Dearborn
The Dearborn cybersecurity job market spans 2 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:
Technology
Ford Motor Company. Major automotive manufacturer with significant cybersecurity operations protecting connected vehicle platforms and manufacturing systems.
General Motors. Automotive giant with extensive IoT and connected vehicle security infrastructure in Detroit metro.
Amazon Web Services Detroit Operations. Cloud computing presence in metro area supporting data center security and regional operations.
Healthcare
Beaumont Health. Large healthcare system managing patient data across multiple Michigan facilities with dedicated SOC.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Dearborn-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Dearborn Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Dearborn Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Dearborn, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn:
Ford Motor Company (2021), insider threat. Employee data breach exposed sensitive manufacturing and employee information, affecting workforce records.
Michigan State Government (2022), data breach. Secretary of State office breach exposed driver's license and vehicle registration information for hundreds of thousands.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Dearborn-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Dearborn metro area has an estimated 1,680 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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Dearborn area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Dearborn's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Detroit (also has 2 local programs) → Henry Ford College (7 mi), University of Michigan-Dearborn (7 mi)
- Warren (also has 1 local program) → Henry Ford College (17 mi), University of Michigan-Dearborn (17 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 Dearborn. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn
The cybersecurity job market in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn reflects a broader national talent crisis. Michigan has approximately 8,500 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 1,680 concentrated in the Dearborn 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 Dearborn 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 Michigan, 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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn 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 Michigan Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Dearborn
Cybersecurity degree programs near Dearborn range from $2,909/year at Wayne County Community College District to $17,977/year at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $115,000 in the Dearborn area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $62,248 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.9 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 $5,818 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $86,250+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Michigan 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 Dearborn area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Dearborn: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Dearborn, Michigan?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Dearborn?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Dearborn?
Which Dearborn schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Dearborn schools?
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. Michigan: 8,500 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 1 designated school near Dearborn.
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.