Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
18 cybersecurity graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
77 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Southeast Missouri State University
35 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 12+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 12 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 236 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 71 |
| 2 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 66.9 |
| 3 | Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | Public | $8,151 | — | 51.7 |
| 4 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 51.6 |
| 5 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 49.8 |
| 6 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | 48.4 |
| 7 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 48.1 |
| 8 | William Woods University | Fulton, MO | Private | $27,800 | 88% | 47.6 |
| 9 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $28,276 | 88% | 45.8 |
| 10 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 40.6 |
| 11 | Park University | Parkville, MO | Private | $11,908 | — | 40.3 |
| 12 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 39.9 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | U of Central Missouri | Southeast Missouri State | Columbia College | U of Missouri-St Louis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $8,325 | $8,151 | $12,268 | $14,400 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 18 | 77 | 35 | 18 | 17 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 69% | 79% | N/A | 57% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.0/100 | 66.9/100 | 51.7/100 | 51.6/100 | 49.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Missouri
Missouri offers 10 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, Columbia College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri 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 Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 38 | 54.5 |
| #2 Southeast Missouri State | $8,151 | N/A% | 35 | 51.7 |
| #3 Columbia College | $12,268 | N/A% | 18 | 51.6 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 6 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-St Louis. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 18 | 71.0 |
| #2 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 77 | 66.9 |
| #3 U of Missouri-St Louis | $14,400 | N/A% | 17 | 49.8 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Missouri State University-Springfield ($7,812/year), Southeast Missouri State University ($8,151/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Missouri State University... | $7,812 | $31,248 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Southeast Missouri State | $8,151 | $32,604 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 18 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Washington University offers both MS in Cybersecurity Engineering and Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Engineering programs with fully funded PhD opportunities including full tuition support, health insurance, and generous stipends. The program benefits from faculty who are ACM and IEEE Fellows with research spanning cybersecurity, privacy, and AI, plus access to specialized facilities like makerspaces and machine shops.
Available Scholarships
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 66.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM's Cybersecurity program is ABET-accredited and designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2022, with SANS GIAC certified faculty. The program blends deep theoretical knowledge with technical expertise in a student-centered environment with small classes and personalized attention.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,151 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 51.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 35 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
SEMO was the first university in Missouri to offer a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and boasts 100% employment within six months of graduation. The program features state-of-the-art facilities including a Cyber Range and IoT Laboratory, with a Cyber Defense team that has won nine consecutive state championships.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% employed within six months
- Top Employers: FireEye Mandiant, CrowdStrike, Emerson Electric Company, Enterprise Holding, Accretive Health, Big-River Communications, MasterCard
Columbia College
Columbia, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,268 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 18 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 49.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 17 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMSL's MS in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program with NCAE-CD validation, offering flexible online options and designed for professionals transitioning into cybersecurity management roles. The program can be completed in 1-1.5 years full-time with STEM designation.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Business Statistics
- •computer programming coursework or application development work experience
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 Credit Hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Penetration Tester opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
SOC 15-1212SOC Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Missouri
Explore machine learning programs in Missouri
Explore data science programs in Missouri
Explore data analytics programs in Missouri
Explore information security programs in Missouri
Explore software engineering programs in Missouri
Explore computer science programs in Missouri
Explore computer engineering programs in Missouri
Explore information technology programs in Missouri
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity in Missouri FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Missouri salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.