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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHPrivate nonprofit
$16,200
Tuition/yr
43%
Grad rate
74.3
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
8 cybersecurity programs from 4 public and 4 private institutions
3 schools physically in Manchester, plus 5 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $6,450 (Manchester Community College) to $45,360 (Saint Anselm College).
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 Manchester-Nashua. Source: BLS OEWS Manchester-Nashua MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 285 open cybersecurity positions in the Manchester-Nashua
New Hampshire has 2,800 total cybersecurity openings, 10% concentrated in the Manchester metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
1 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated school
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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 Manchester, New Hampshire Cybersecurity programs
We rank 12 accredited cybersecurity programs in Manchester, New Hampshire 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyCybersecurity Degree Rankings in Manchester, New Hampshire
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Manchester, New Hampshire by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Manchester, New Hampshire
4
Programs ranked
$8,888
Avg tuition/yr
36%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Manchester, 3 public and 1 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Manchester, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester Community College, Great Bay Community College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $6,450 to $15,450 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 Manchester-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 Manchester metro area has an estimated 285 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Manchester, New Hampshire
3
Programs ranked
$17,889
Avg tuition/yr
46%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Manchester, 1 public and 3 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Manchester, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Southern New Hampshire University, University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, Saint Anselm College. Annual tuition ranges from $15,450 to $45,360 (average: $28,210). 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 86%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Manchester-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 Manchester metro area has an estimated 285 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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.
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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHPrivate nonprofit
$16,200
Tuition/yr
43%
Grad rate
66.9
Hakia Score
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Manchester, New Hampshire
4
Programs ranked
$18,146
Avg tuition/yr
51%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Manchester, 1 public and 3 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Manchester, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, Southern New Hampshire University, Rivier University. Graduate tuition ranges from $15,450 to $36,508 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: 81%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Manchester-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 Manchester metro area has an estimated 285 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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.
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University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NHPublic
$15,520
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad rate
74.6
Hakia Score
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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHPrivate nonprofit
$16,200
Tuition/yr
43%
Grad rate
65.6
Hakia Score
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University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Manchester, NHPublic
$15,150
Tuition/yr
50%
Grad rate
64.8
Hakia Score
Why Study Cybersecurity in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 8 accredited programs across 4 associate's, 4 bachelor's, 4 master's degree levels within 50 miles. 3 of these institutions are physically located in Manchester, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Manchester-Nashua.
1 school near Manchester holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: University of New Hampshire-Main Campus. 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 Manchester-Nashua cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 285 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 Manchester, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, Southern New Hampshire University (67.2% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings, while University of New Hampshire-Main Campus tops the master's programs. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Manchester
$115,000
8% below the national median, but Manchester's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $101,200.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Manchester vs. National Average
| Role | Manchester 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 Manchester-Nashua MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Manchester: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Manchester-Nashua 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 Manchester as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Manchester's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Manchester 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 Manchester-Nashua 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester
The Manchester cybersecurity job market spans 5 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:
Finance
Fidelity Investments. Major operations center in Merrimack County with significant cybersecurity and fraud detection teams.
Defense
BAE Systems. Defense contractor with local security operations and classified systems protection requirements.
Healthcare
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Regional health system managing patient data security and healthcare IT infrastructure across northern New England.
Government
University System of New Hampshire. Multi-campus university system operating centralized cybersecurity operations and research initiatives.
Technology
Hypertherm Inc.. Manufacturing technology company with growing industrial control systems security needs.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Manchester-Nashua area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Manchester-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Manchester Organizations
2
Including the University System of New Hampshire data breach (2023). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Manchester Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Manchester, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Manchester-Nashua:
University System of New Hampshire (2023), data breach. Student and employee personal information compromised through credential compromise affecting multiple campus systems.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock (2021), ransomware. Healthcare operations disrupted requiring system rebuilds and impacting patient scheduling and records access.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Manchester-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Manchester metro area has an estimated 285 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 Manchester 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 Manchester, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Manchester area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Manchester's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Nashua (also has 2 local programs) → Southern New Hampshire University (19 mi), Manchester Community College (18 mi), Saint Anselm College (16 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 Manchester. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Manchester-Nashua
The cybersecurity job market in the Manchester-Nashua reflects a broader national talent crisis. New Hampshire has approximately 2,800 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 285 concentrated in the Manchester 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 Manchester 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 New Hampshire, 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 New Hampshire Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Manchester
Cybersecurity degree programs near Manchester range from $6,450/year at Manchester Community College to $45,360/year at Saint Anselm College. Public institutions average $8,718/year (in-state), while private schools average $30,758/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $115,000 in the Manchester area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $110,840 total) can be recouped in roughly 1.5 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 $12,900 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $86,250+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), New Hampshire 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 Manchester area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Manchester: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Manchester, New Hampshire?
There are 3 cybersecurity programs physically located in Manchester and 8 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 4 associate's programs, 4 bachelor's programs, 4 master's programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $6,450/year to over $25,800/year. See our complete rankings for detailed comparisons of every program, including graduation rates, tuition, and career outcomes data from IPEDS 2024.
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Manchester?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Manchester-Nashua is $115,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $101,200, penetration testers earn around $109,250, security engineers command $124,200, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $166,750 or more. The national median is $124,910, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing occupations. Security clearances can add approximately $25,000/year to base salary. See our salary comparison table for a full role-by-role breakdown.
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Manchester?
The Manchester metro area has an estimated 285 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 2,800 total openings across New Hampshire (January 2026). Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles with a 26% vacancy rate, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity positions goes unfilled due to the talent shortage. The supply-to-demand ratio has dropped from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025, creating increasingly favorable conditions for new graduates. Key local employers include Fidelity Investments, BAE Systems, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The most in-demand certifications nationally are CISSP (82,494 postings), CompTIA Security+ (70,019), and CISA (52,337). See our job market analysis for more details.
Which Manchester schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
1 school near Manchester holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: University of New Hampshire-Main Campus. The CAE program certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This designation is significant for students because: (1) CAE programs are recognized by federal, state, and private employers as producing qualified graduates; (2) students 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; (3) graduates are eligible for expedited federal hiring through the OPM cybersecurity track. All 8 programs near Manchester hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Manchester schools?
Yes. 1 institution near Manchester offers fully online or hybrid cybersecurity programs, providing flexible scheduling for working professionals, career changers, and students who can't attend on-campus classes. Online cybersecurity degrees award the same credential as on-campus programs with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. Key considerations for online programs: (1) ensure the school holds regional accreditation; (2) check whether hands-on labs use virtual environments like CyberRange or require occasional campus visits; (3) look for programs that include certification prep (Security+, CISSP). Many Manchester-area employers offer tuition reimbursement for online degrees. Use our online filter in the rankings to see which local programs offer distance learning options.
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. New Hampshire: 2,800 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 1 designated school near Manchester.
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.