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Key Takeaways
Best cybersecurity degree programs: Alcorn State, Mississippi State,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,500 to $9,665/year
Hinds Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,550/yr
Cybersecurity degree programs available: 6 associate's, 1 master's in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online cybersecurity degree programs in Mississippi
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
6 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Jackson and Gulfport
Hakia Research 2026
Cybersecurity degree programs near 43+ cities across Mississippi
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Mississippi Cybersecurity programs
We rank 9 accredited cybersecurity programs in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in cybersecurity, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Hinds Community College, Jones County Junior College, East Mississippi Communit..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Mississippi offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,586/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 $45,348 in Mississippi.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Mississippi's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin 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 Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cybersecurity degrees in Mississippi.
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | Public | $3,500 | 37% | 75.6 |
| #7 | Meridian Community College | Meridian, MS | Public | $3,758 | 34% | 68.1 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for cybersecurity education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Alcorn State, Mississippi State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi cybersecurity programs earn a median salary of $70,083, 29% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,869 to $9,665 annually, with an average of $8,767/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 92%, with the highest reaching 92%. 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 Mississippi's leading technology employers. For students seeking cybersecurity degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked cybersecurity schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mississippi State University
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 1 master's degree programs in cybersecurity, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Mississippi State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Mississippi earn a median salary of $82,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin 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 $9,665/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 Mississippi's cybersecurity schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Mississippi State University
Cybersecurity Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $4,882/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $12,205/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,221/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $29,292 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $7,322 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi residents pursuing cybersecurity degrees have access to multiple funding pathways, including federal aid and state-specific merit programs. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant provides merit-based awards for high-achieving Mississippi residents, supporting both undergraduate and graduate students (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). These federal programs apply across all Mississippi institutions, from community colleges to research universities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal support, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and assistantships. Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and the University of Mississippi each provide cybersecurity-specific and general STEM scholarships for qualified applicants (College Scorecard). Community college students benefit from lower tuition costs, making financial aid dollars stretch further, with many programs costing under $4,000 annually. Students should explore both need-based and merit-based options, and consider the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool when planning to transition from a community college to a four-year institution (Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool), as this pathway can significantly reduce total degree costs. For detailed information on all available aid programs, visit Federal Student Aid or consult your institution's financial aid office.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree in Mississippi. 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
+801%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,482,166
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.
$123,810
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 Mississippi metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $91K |
| Gulfport | $87K |
| Hattiesburg | $82K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cybersecurity Graduates in Mississippi
Find cybersecurity jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring cybersecurity degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cybersecurity Jobs in Jackson
MSCybersecurity Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Cybersecurity Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi's structured transfer system makes it seamless for community college cybersecurity students to advance to bachelor's degree programs. The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool facilitates credit transfer between institutions by defining course equivalencies and degree pathways. 8 associate degree programs across community colleges like Hinds Community College (20 completions), Jones County Junior College (13 completions), and East Mississippi Community College (10 completions) provide foundational cybersecurity training with guaranteed pathways to 2 bachelor's degree programs and 2 master's degree programs (IPEDS). Students completing associate degrees in cybersecurity or IT fields meet prerequisites for upper-level bachelor's coursework, allowing them to enter four-year institutions as juniors.
How Transfers Work
Mississippi State University and Jackson State University actively participate in transfer articulation agreements, accepting transfer credits and recognizing community college competencies. The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool details specific course mappings, allowing students to plan their transfer trajectory before enrolling. Financial benefits accompany transfer pathways: community college tuition averages $3,300–$3,750 versus four-year institutions at $8,642, resulting in substantial savings while completing general education and foundational cybersecurity requirements. After transferring, students complete specialized upper-level security coursework, capstone projects, and internships at universities like University of Mississippi and University of Southern Mississippi. Students should explore complementary transfer options through Information Technology in Mississippi, Network Administration in Mississippi, and Computer Science in Mississippi to identify alternative transfer pathways aligned with career goals.
Why Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi offers a strong pathway into cybersecurity education with 12 institutions offering dedicated cybersecurity programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state's 19 four-year institutions and 17 two-year institutions provide accessible entry points for students at all educational stages. Whether you're beginning at a community college or pursuing an advanced degree, Mississippi's higher education infrastructure supports comprehensive cybersecurity training aligned with industry demands.
Salary Outlook
Top-ranked programs like Mississippi State University and Jackson State University deliver quality education at affordable costs. Average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions stands at $8,642, making Mississippi an economical choice compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Mississippi's major employment hubs, including Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and the Hattiesburg metro area, host major employers such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, and Nissan, creating strong job placement opportunities for cybersecurity graduates. The state's commitment to workforce development through programs like the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant further supports student success.
Regional Tech Hubs
Students interested in related fields can explore complementary programs such as Information Security in Mississippi, Network Administration in Mississippi, and Computer Science in Mississippi to build a comprehensive technology career foundation.
Cybersecurity Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Cybersecurity Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's cybersecurity job market is growing as organizations across the state prioritize digital security and data protection. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity roles are increasingly in demand across Mississippi's major metropolitan areas, including Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. The state's diverse employer base, from healthcare institutions to retail and manufacturing, creates varied opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. Major employers like the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, Sanderson Farms, and Nissan are all investing in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect their operations and customer data. Entry-level positions through associate's degree programs have become a popular pathway, with 56 completions reported across 8 institutions offering associate's credentials (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
For those pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees, Mississippi offers 12 institutions with cybersecurity programs. The state's public four-year institutions offer competitive tuition rates, with average public in-state tuition at $8,642 and out-of-state tuition at $13,183 (IPEDS). Career advancement opportunities are strongest in the Capital District and Gulf Coast regions, where major employers maintain significant operations. Students interested in exploring related fields may also consider Information Security in Mississippi, Network Administration in Mississippi, or Computer Science in Mississippi for complementary skill development. These interconnected fields expand job prospects across Mississippi's growing tech sector.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cybersecurity Programs in Mississippi
Online Programs
1 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $16,000
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
- 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 Mississippi: FAQ
What are the best cybersecurity degree programs in Mississippi?
How much do cybersecurity degree programs cost in Mississippi?
What salary can cybersecurity degree graduates earn in Mississippi?
Are there online cybersecurity degree programs in Mississippi?
What companies hire cybersecurity degree graduates in Mississippi?
Is a cybersecurity degree program worth it in Mississippi?
How long do cybersecurity degree programs take in Mississippi?
What financial aid is available for cybersecurity degree students in Mississippi?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Mississippi 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.