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Key Takeaways
6 cybersecurity programs from 4 public and 2 private institutions
3 schools physically in Omaha, plus 3 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $2,912 (Southeast Community College Area) to $45,000 (Creighton University).
Median cybersecurity salary: $105,000, 16% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $113,400, while cybersecurity managers command $152,250 in the Omaha-Council Bluffs. Source: BLS OEWS Omaha-Council Bluffs MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions in the Omaha-Council Bluffs
Nebraska has 3,200 total cybersecurity openings, 6% concentrated in the Omaha metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
University of Nebraska at Omaha, Bellevue 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 Omaha, Nebraska Cybersecurity programs
We rank 9 accredited cybersecurity programs in Omaha, Nebraska 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 Omaha, Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Omaha, Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Omaha, Nebraska
Hakia ranks 2 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Omaha, 2 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Omaha, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Metropolitan Community College Area, Southeast Community College Area. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $2,912 to $3,060 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 Omaha-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $68,250 to $81,900 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Omaha metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Omaha, Nebraska
Hakia ranks 3 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Omaha, 2 public and 1 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Omaha, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Creighton University. Annual tuition ranges from $6,536 to $45,000 (average: $19,849). 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 97%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Omaha-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $92,400 to $99,750 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Omaha metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Nebraska at Omaha 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.
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Omaha, Nebraska
Hakia ranks 3 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Omaha, 2 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Omaha, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bellevue University. Graduate tuition ranges from $6,536 to $8,136 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: 54%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Omaha-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $113,400 to $128,100 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Omaha metro area has an estimated 185 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Nebraska at Omaha and Bellevue University hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 6 accredited programs across 2 associate's, 3 bachelor's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 3 of these institutions are physically located in Omaha, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Omaha-Council Bluffs.
2 schools near Omaha hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: University of Nebraska at Omaha, Bellevue 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 Omaha-Council Bluffs cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 185 open positions and a median salary of $105,000 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 Omaha, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, University of Nebraska at Omaha (96.6% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Omaha
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Omaha vs. National Average
| Role | Omaha Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $92,400 | $109,921 | -16% |
| Penetration Tester | $99,750 | $118,665 | -16% |
| Security Engineer | $113,400 | $134,903 | -16% |
| Security Architect | $128,100 | $152,390 | -16% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $152,250 | $181,120 | -16% |
Source: BLS OEWS Omaha-Council Bluffs MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Omaha: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Omaha-Council Bluffs earn a median salary of $105,000, which is 16% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Omaha as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Omaha's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Omaha can expect starting salaries around $92,400, 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 $99,750. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $113,400, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $128,100.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Omaha-Council Bluffs can earn $152,250 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 Omaha. 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 Omaha
The Omaha cybersecurity job market spans 4 major sectors, with employers actively recruiting for roles ranging from entry-level SOC analysts to senior security architects. Here are the key employers driving cybersecurity hiring locally:
Healthcare
Nebraska Medicine. Major healthcare system with regional headquarters and extensive electronic health records security infrastructure.
Transportation
Union Pacific Railroad. Major transportation corporation with headquarters and significant IT operations securing critical rail infrastructure.
Finance
Berkshire Hathaway. Major holding company with corporate headquarters managing extensive financial systems and customer data security.
First National Tower/FirstData Operations. Financial services and payment processing operations with significant data security and PCI compliance requirements.
Government
Creighton University. Major private research university with cybersecurity programs and enterprise IT security operations.
University of Nebraska Omaha. University with cybersecurity degree programs and critical infrastructure research initiatives.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Omaha-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Omaha Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Omaha Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Omaha, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Omaha-Council Bluffs:
Union Pacific Railroad (2022), ransomware. Operational systems disrupted affecting freight operations across North American rail network.
Nebraska Medicine (2023), ransomware. Regional healthcare provider experienced significant operational disruption affecting patient services and records access.
Omaha Financial Services Sector (2021), phishing. Multiple financial institutions targeted with sophisticated attacks compromising employee credentials and customer accounts.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Omaha-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Omaha metro area has an estimated 185 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 Omaha directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Omaha-Council Bluffs
The cybersecurity job market in the Omaha-Council Bluffs reflects a broader national talent crisis. Nebraska has approximately 3,200 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 185 concentrated in the Omaha 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 Omaha 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 Nebraska, 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 Omaha 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 Omaha 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 Nebraska Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Omaha
Cybersecurity degree programs near Omaha range from $2,912/year at Southeast Community College Area to $45,000/year at Creighton University. Public institutions average $5,130/year (in-state), while private schools average $26,568/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $105,000 in the Omaha area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $81,528 total) can be recouped in roughly 1.3 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 $5,824 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $78,750+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Nebraska 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 Omaha area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Omaha: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Omaha, Nebraska?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Omaha?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Omaha?
Which Omaha schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Omaha 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. Nebraska: 3,200 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Omaha.
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.