- 1.Hakia's analysis of the most affordable cybersecurity degree programs reveals that information security Analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Cybersecurity programs include Dalton State College, Palm Beach State College, Collin County Community College District based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Dalton State College offers cybersecurity education at $2,563/year with 98% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Cybersecurity programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Florida State College at Jacksonville
FSCJ provides affordable cybersecurity education with industry certifications in Jacksonville's strong financial services and healthcare IT market.
Florida State College at Jacksonville Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Florida State College at Jacksonville as the #1 in cybersecurity degree program.
Florida State College at Jacksonville provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $2,095 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 89% graduation rate. Jacksonville financial services hub
Hakia Insight: Students at Florida State College at Jacksonville benefit from active collaborations with FIS and Baptist Health, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Jacksonville financial services hub
- •Industry certification programs
- •Strong healthcare IT sector
- •Multiple campus locations
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
FIS, Black Knight, Baptist Health, CSX
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
St Petersburg College
SPC holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation, providing recognized cybersecurity education at community college pricing in the Tampa Bay market.
St Petersburg College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks St Petersburg College as the #2 in cybersecurity degree program.
St Petersburg College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $1,943 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Tampa Bay tech market
Hakia Insight: Students at St Petersburg College benefit from active collaborations with KnowBe4 and Raymond James, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Tampa Bay tech market
- •NSA CAE-CD designation
- •Industry certification programs
- •Multiple campus locations
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
USAA, Raymond James, Tampa General Hospital, Tech Data
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Pensacola State College
PSC provides affordable cybersecurity education with strong connections to Northwest Florida's military installations and defense technology sector.
Pensacola State College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pensacola State College as the #3 in cybersecurity degree program.
Pensacola State College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $1,871 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Military installation proximity
Hakia Insight: Pensacola State College's industry network — including Naval Air Station Pensacola and Eglin AFB — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Military installation proximity
- •Defense sector opportunities
- •Lower cost of living
- •Growing tech sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
US Navy, Air Force civilian, Defense contractors, Healthcare systems
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Miami Dade College
MDC's scale provides extensive program options and scheduling flexibility at community college pricing in Miami's international business hub.
Miami Dade College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Miami Dade College as the #4 in cybersecurity degree program.
Miami Dade College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $1,987 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Miami international business hub
Hakia Insight: Miami Dade College leverages partnerships with IBM and Cisco to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
penetration testing and digital forensics
firewall configuration and intrusion detection
Location Advantages
- •Miami international business hub
- •Multiple campus locations
- •Flexible scheduling
- •Diverse tech economy
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Baptist Health, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Miami tech startups
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Dalton State College
Dalton State provides affordable cybersecurity education in Northwest Georgia with strong regional employer connections at Georgia public college pricing.
Dalton State College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Dalton State College as the #5 in cybersecurity degree program.
Dalton State College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $2,563 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 98% graduation rate. Northwest Georgia location
Hakia Insight: Students at Dalton State College benefit from active collaborations with Northwest Georgia employers and Manufacturing sector, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Northwest Georgia location
- •Low cost of living
- •Manufacturing and healthcare IT opportunities
- •Atlanta metro access
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Shaw Industries, Hamilton Health Care, Regional businesses
Admissions
Palm Beach State College
PBSC provides quality cybersecurity education at community college pricing in Palm Beach County's affluent technology market.
Palm Beach State College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Palm Beach State College as the #6 in cybersecurity degree program.
Palm Beach State College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $3,030 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 90% graduation rate. Palm Beach County location
Hakia Insight: Palm Beach State College's PBSC Cybersecurity Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Palm Beach County employers, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
real-world cyber defense simulations
Location Advantages
- •Palm Beach County location
- •Affluent job market
- •FAU transfer pathway
- •Multiple campus locations
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
G4S, NextEra Energy, Healthcare systems, Financial services
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Whatcom Community College
WCC provides affordable cybersecurity education in Northwest Washington with strong WWU transfer pathways and regional employer connections.
Whatcom Community College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Whatcom Community College as the #7 in cybersecurity degree program.
Whatcom Community College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $3,633 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 78% graduation rate. Bellingham location
Hakia Insight: Students at Whatcom Community College benefit from active collaborations with Anvil Corporation and SPIE, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
cyberattack defense projects and demonstrations
Location Advantages
- •Bellingham location
- •WWU transfer pathway
- •Lower cost of living than Seattle
- •Growing regional tech sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Regional businesses, Healthcare systems, Government agencies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Green River College
Green River is NSA/DHS CAE2Y designated for cybersecurity. Affordable community college pathway to cybersecurity careers. Strong industry certification preparation including CompTIA Security+.
Green River College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #8 in cybersecurity degree program.
Green River College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $4,074 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 99% graduation rate. NSA CAE2Y designation
Hakia Insight: Green River College's direct partnerships with Boeing and Amazon give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •NSA CAE2Y designation
- •Seattle metro access
- •Affordable tuition
- •Certification focus
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Highline College
Highline combines community college pricing with access to Seattle's tech economy, offering BAS degrees and industry certifications in IT and cybersecurity.
Highline College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Highline College as the #9 in cybersecurity degree program.
Highline College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $3,633 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. South Seattle location
Hakia Insight: Highline College's industry network — including Amazon and Microsoft — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •South Seattle location
- •Seattle tech market access
- •BAS degree programs
- •Industry certification prep
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Seattle tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government agencies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Tacoma Community College
TCC provides affordable cybersecurity education in the South Sound with connections to JBLM defense technology opportunities.
Tacoma Community College Cybersecurity Program Overview
Hakia ranks Tacoma Community College as the #10 in cybersecurity degree program.
Tacoma Community College provides budget-friendly Cybersecurity education at $4,477 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 87% graduation rate. Tacoma location
Hakia Insight: Tacoma Community College's direct partnerships with Microsoft and CompTIA give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Tacoma location
- •JBLM military connections
- •UW Tacoma transfer pathway
- •Lower cost than Seattle
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
JBLM civilian, State government, Healthcare systems
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. Florida State College at Jacksonville Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Florida State College at Jacksonville as the #1 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Jacksonville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,095/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 100.0
What makes Florida State College at Jacksonville stand out: FSCJ provides affordable cybersecurity education with industry certifications in Jacksonville's strong financial services and healthcare IT market.
Hakia Insight: Students at Florida State College at Jacksonville benefit from active collaborations with FIS and Baptist Health, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: FSCJ offers cybersecurity and IT programs in Jacksonville, serving the region's financial services and healthcare industries. The college provides industry certifications alongside degree programs, preparing students for immediate employment. FSCJ's partnerships with Jacksonville employers provide internship and job placement opportunities.
Degree Programs: AS Cybersecurity (2 years); BAS Information Systems Security (4 years)
Industry Partners: FIS, Baptist Health
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: FIS, Black Knight, Baptist Health, CSX | Common Roles: Security Analyst, Network Administrator, IT Support
Notable Faculty: Dr. Brian Dopson (Interim Dean of IT); Dr. Ahmed Al Zaidy (IT Security); Dr. James Huskins (IT Security); Dr. Cecile Washington (IT Security)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: SACSCOC, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, Certified Ethical Hacking, CompTIA Pentest+
#2. St Petersburg College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks St Petersburg College as the #2 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: St. Petersburg, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,943/year | Score: 98.5
What makes St Petersburg College stand out: SPC holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation, providing recognized cybersecurity education at community college pricing in the Tampa Bay market.
Hakia Insight: Students at St Petersburg College benefit from active collaborations with KnowBe4 and Raymond James, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: St. Petersburg College offers cybersecurity and IT programs serving the Tampa Bay technology market. SPC provides both associate degrees and bachelor's programs in technology fields, with strong emphasis on industry certifications. The college's NSA/DHS designation as a Center of Academic Excellence adds credibility to its cybersecurity programs.
Degree Programs: AS Network Systems Technology (2 years); BAS Technology Development & Management (4 years)
Industry Partners: KnowBe4, Raymond James, Tech Data, Honeywell, Citigroup, Bayside Solutions, Vology, TirOrg Solutions, City of St. Petersburg, City of Largo
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: USAA, Raymond James, Tampa General Hospital, Tech Data | Common Roles: Network Administrator, Security Analyst, IT Technician
Notable Faculty: John Long (Associate Dean, College of Computer Info and Tech); Dr. Mark McKinney (Dean, College of Computer and Info Tech)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE2Y), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA Cyber Operations, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
#3. Pensacola State College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Pensacola State College as the #3 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Pensacola, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,871/year | Score: 98.2
What makes Pensacola State College stand out: PSC provides affordable cybersecurity education with strong connections to Northwest Florida's military installations and defense technology sector.
Hakia Insight: Pensacola State College's industry network — including Naval Air Station Pensacola and Eglin AFB — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: Pensacola State College offers cybersecurity and IT programs in Northwest Florida, serving the region's military, aerospace, and healthcare industries. The college's proximity to Naval Air Station Pensacola and Eglin Air Force Base provides unique opportunities for defense-related technology careers. PSC emphasizes practical skills and industry certifications.
Degree Programs: AS Cybersecurity (2 years); AS Network Administration (2 years)
Industry Partners: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Eglin AFB
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: US Navy, Air Force civilian, Defense contractors, Healthcare systems | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Security Technician
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, Network certifications
#4. Miami Dade College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Miami Dade College as the #4 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Miami, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,987/year | Score: 93.0
What makes Miami Dade College stand out: MDC's scale provides extensive program options and scheduling flexibility at community college pricing in Miami's international business hub.
Hakia Insight: Miami Dade College leverages partnerships with IBM and Cisco to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Miami Dade College, the nation's largest college by enrollment, offers diverse technology programs serving South Florida's multicultural economy. MDC provides pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's programs in IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The college's extensive campus network and flexible scheduling make education accessible throughout Miami-Dade County.
Degree Programs: AS Computer Programming (2 years); BAS Cybersecurity (4 years); AS Data Analytics (2 years)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity Training Lab - penetration testing and digital forensics; Network Security Lab - firewall configuration and intrusion detection
Industry Partners: IBM, Cisco, CompTIA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Baptist Health, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Miami tech startups | Common Roles: IT Support, Junior Developer, Data Analyst, Security Technician
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA Security
#5. Dalton State College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Dalton State College as the #5 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Dalton, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,563/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 72.4
What makes Dalton State College stand out: Dalton State provides affordable cybersecurity education in Northwest Georgia with strong regional employer connections at Georgia public college pricing.
Hakia Insight: Students at Dalton State College benefit from active collaborations with Northwest Georgia employers and Manufacturing sector, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Dalton State College offers cybersecurity and IT programs in Northwest Georgia, serving the region's manufacturing and healthcare industries. The college provides both associate and bachelor's degrees in technology fields. DSC emphasizes practical skills and industry certifications at affordable Georgia public college pricing.
Degree Programs: BBA Information Technology (4 years); AS Computer Science (2 years)
Industry Partners: Northwest Georgia employers, Manufacturing sector
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Shaw Industries, Hamilton Health Care, Regional businesses | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Business Analyst, Network Administrator
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 89%
#6. Palm Beach State College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Palm Beach State College as the #6 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Lake Worth, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,030/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 70.1
What makes Palm Beach State College stand out: PBSC provides quality cybersecurity education at community college pricing in Palm Beach County's affluent technology market.
Hakia Insight: Palm Beach State College's PBSC Cybersecurity Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Palm Beach County employers, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: Palm Beach State College offers cybersecurity and IT programs serving the Palm Beach County technology market. The college provides industry-aligned education with certification programs preparing students for immediate employment. PBSC's connections to local employers facilitate internships and job placement.
Degree Programs: AS Network Security (2 years); AS Information Technology (2 years)
Research Labs: PBSC Cybersecurity Lab - real-world cyber defense simulations
Industry Partners: Palm Beach County employers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: G4S, NextEra Energy, Healthcare systems, Financial services | Common Roles: Network Technician, Security Analyst, IT Support
Notable Faculty: Dr. Dwight Elliott (cybersecurity); Dr. Theo Owusu (cybersecurity program coordination)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: CompTIA, Cisco certifications
#7. Whatcom Community College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Whatcom Community College as the #7 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Bellingham, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,633/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Score: 64.0
What makes Whatcom Community College stand out: WCC provides affordable cybersecurity education in Northwest Washington with strong WWU transfer pathways and regional employer connections.
Hakia Insight: Students at Whatcom Community College benefit from active collaborations with Anvil Corporation and SPIE, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Whatcom Community College offers cybersecurity and IT programs in Bellingham, serving Northwest Washington. The college provides industry-aligned education with certification preparation and transfer pathways to Western Washington University. WCC emphasizes practical skills for regional technology employers.
Degree Programs: AAS Cybersecurity (2 years); AAS Network Administration (2 years)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity lab - cyberattack defense projects and demonstrations
Industry Partners: Anvil Corporation, SPIE, ESO
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Regional businesses, Healthcare systems, Government agencies | Common Roles: Network Administrator, IT Technician, Security Analyst
Notable Faculty: Corrinne Sande (Director/PI for the NCyTE Center, Computer Science and CIS)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: CompTIA, Network certifications
#8. Green River College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #8 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 61.9
What makes Green River College stand out: Green River is NSA/DHS CAE2Y designated for cybersecurity. Affordable community college pathway to cybersecurity careers. Strong industry certification preparation including CompTIA Security+.
Hakia Insight: Green River College's direct partnerships with Boeing and Amazon give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Green River College offers affordable cybersecurity and IT education in Washington state. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Strong hands-on training with industry certifications.
Degree Programs: BAS (180 credits); AAS-T (92 credits (18 months))
Industry Partners: Boeing, Amazon
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile | Common Roles: Security Analyst, IT Security Specialist, Network Admin
Notable Faculty: Katie Markham (BAS Program Manager); Niki Nelson (AAS-T Program Manager); Alan Carter (IT Faculty)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
Accreditations: NSA CAE2Y, CompTIA Partner
#9. Highline College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Highline College as the #9 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Des Moines, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,633/year | Score: 59.3
What makes Highline College stand out: Highline combines community college pricing with access to Seattle's tech economy, offering BAS degrees and industry certifications in IT and cybersecurity.
Hakia Insight: Highline College's industry network — including Amazon and Microsoft — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: Highline College offers cybersecurity and IT programs serving South King County and the greater Seattle area. The college provides both associate and bachelor's degrees in technology fields, with strong industry partnerships. Highline's location provides access to Seattle's technology economy while maintaining community college affordability.
Degree Programs: BAS Cybersecurity (4 years); AAS Network Technology (2 years); AAS Digital Forensics (2 years)
Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Seattle tech companies, Healthcare systems, Government agencies | Common Roles: Security Analyst, Network Administrator, IT Specialist, UX Designer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, CISSP prep
#10. Tacoma Community College Cybersecurity Program
Hakia ranks Tacoma Community College as the #10 in cybersecurity degree program. Location: Tacoma, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 53.0
What makes Tacoma Community College stand out: TCC provides affordable cybersecurity education in the South Sound with connections to JBLM defense technology opportunities.
Hakia Insight: Tacoma Community College's direct partnerships with Microsoft and CompTIA give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Tacoma Community College offers cybersecurity and IT programs serving the South Sound region. TCC provides affordable pathways to technology careers with industry certifications and transfer options. The college's connection to Joint Base Lewis-McChord creates opportunities in defense-related technology.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Networking & Data Security (4 years); Associate in Applied Science in Networking & Cybersecurity (2 years); Technical Support Certificate (6 months); Help Desk Certificate (3 months)
Industry Partners: Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, Dell/EMC
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: JBLM civilian, State government, Healthcare systems | Common Roles: IT Technician, Security Analyst, Network Support
Admissions:
Accreditations: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA CySA+, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Linux+
Best Cybersecurity Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | Public | $1,943 | N/A | 98.5/100 |
| #3 Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | Public | $1,871 | N/A | 98.2/100 |
| #4 Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | N/A | 93.0/100 |
| #5 Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | 72.4/100 |
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Top 25 Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | $2,095 | — | 89% |
| 2 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | $1,943 | — | — |
| 3 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | $1,871 | — | — |
| 4 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | $1,987 | — | — |
| 5 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $2,563 | — | 98% |
| 6 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL | $3,030 | — | 90% |
| 7 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | $3,633 | — | 78% |
| 8 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | — | 99% |
| 9 | Highline College | Des Moines, WA | $3,633 | — | — |
| 10 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | $4,477 | — | 87% |
| 11 | Clark College | Vancouver, WA | $4,306 | — | — |
| 12 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | — | 85% |
| 13 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | — | 84% |
| 14 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | — | 100% |
| 15 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | $4,623 | — | 55% |
| 16 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | — | 66% |
| 17 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | $5,514 | — | 97% |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | $4,422 | — | — |
| 19 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | $4,167 | — | — |
| 20 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $4,640 | — | — |
| 21 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | $3,450 | — | 89% |
| 22 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | — | 92% |
| 23 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | — | 92% |
| 24 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | $4,721 | — | — |
| 25 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | $5,736 | — | 100% |
Showing 1–25 of 50
How Much Does a Cybersecurity Affordable Degree Cost?
The total cost of a affordable's degree in Cybersecurity ranges from $47,858 at public universities to over $91,183 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (Programs.com, IPEDS 2023-24, Research.com).
- Public University (In-State): $11,965/year × 4 years = $47,860 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $42,376/year × 4 years = $169,504 total
- Private University: $91,183/year × 4 years = $364,732 total
- Online Programs: $27,446/year × 4 years = $109,784 total
With median starting salaries of $124,910, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$133,333
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.
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 2023. 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
Affordable Cybersecurity Degrees: Quality Education Without the Debt
Cybersecurity education doesn't require six-figure debt. Our analysis of accredited programs reveals exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement—proving that cost doesn't determine quality in cybersecurity education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Return on Investment Analysis
Affordable cybersecurity programs deliver exceptional ROI with typical payback periods of 2-4 years. Students graduating with $15,000-$25,000 in total educational debt can expect starting salaries of $55,000-$70,000, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. The high demand for cybersecurity professionals ensures strong job security and rapid salary growth potential.
A University of North Dakota graduate with $18,000 in total costs earning $62,000 annually will recoup their investment in approximately 3.5 years. Compare this to private university graduates carrying $80,000+ in debt who may require 8-12 years to achieve positive ROI despite marginally higher starting salaries.
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a Cybersecurity degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce Cybersecurity degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce Cybersecurity degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a Cybersecurity program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor and protect organizational systems from cyber threats, analyze security incidents, and implement protective measures.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from cyber attacks and unauthorized access.
Network Security Engineer
Design and implement secure network infrastructures, configure firewalls, and maintain network security protocols.
Digital Forensics Specialist
Investigate cybercrimes by collecting and analyzing digital evidence from computers, networks, and mobile devices.
Security Consultant
Assess organizational security posture, recommend improvements, and help implement cybersecurity best practices.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized simulated attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Most Affordable States for Cybersecurity Education
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Georgia | 5 | $4,450 | Dalton State College |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Florida | 5 | $4,559 | Palm Beach State College |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Washington | 6 | $4,623 | Green River College |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Utah | 3 | $5,614 | Ensign College |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in New York | 5 | $7,070 | University at Albany |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Texas | 2 | $9,003 | Collin County Community College District |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Pennsylvania | 5 | $15,388 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan | 3 | $16,930 | University of Michigan-Dearborn |
| Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Maryland | 2 | $26,088 | University of Maryland Global Campus |
Financial Aid for Cybersecurity Students
Financial aid can make already affordable cybersecurity programs even more accessible. Federal Pell Grants, state grants, and cybersecurity-specific scholarships help reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly. Students at public universities often qualify for need-based aid that can cover substantial portions of tuition and living expenses.
The CyberSeek scholarship database lists over 200 cybersecurity-specific scholarships ranging from $1,000 to full-ride awards. Many are specifically targeted at students attending affordable public universities and HBCUs. Federal agencies like NSA and DHS also offer scholarships for service programs that provide full tuition coverage in exchange for government employment commitments.
Students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility. At schools with tuition under $10,000 annually, Pell Grant recipients often receive awards that cover 50-80% of total educational costs. State-specific aid programs in North Dakota, Wyoming, and other affordable states provide additional support for in-state students pursuing cybersecurity degrees.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative to a Cybersecurity Degree
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers, typically lasting 3-6 months. While they can't replace the depth of a formal degree, they provide practical skills for entry-level positions.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program designed to teach practical programming and tech skills. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus on job-ready skills and real-world projects.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking for a fast entry into tech
- Professionals wanting to add coding skills
- Those who prefer hands-on learning over academics
- Budget-conscious learners
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Cybersecurity demand is massive—skills shortage works in your favor
- Certifications (Security+, CEH) often included in programs
- Hands-on labs with real security tools and simulations
- Many entry paths: SOC analyst, pentesting, GRC compliance
- High-paying field once you get your foot in the door
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Entry-level security often requires IT/networking experience first
- Certifications matter more than bootcamp credentials in security
- SOC analyst burnout is real—long hours monitoring alerts
- Many roles require security clearances, limiting options
- Bootcamp may not teach offensive security depth for pentesting
Explore Bootcamps with Springboard
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund.
Programs for Cybersecurity careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
- Data Science Career Track
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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Cybersecurity Career Track
+$11K avg salary increase·6 months
- CompTIA Security+ certification prep included
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Degrees
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, fees, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics
Cybersecurity analyst salaries and employment projections
CAE-CD and CAE-R designation status for cybersecurity programs
Graduate earnings and debt levels by institution
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.