Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina 2025
Montreat College
31 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Guilford College
9 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
Campbell University
26 Cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.North Carolina has 18 accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.NC State ranks #1 in North Carolina with 82% graduation rate and premier cybersecurity research institute
- 3.8 programs hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations - more than most states (NSA 2025)
- 4.North Carolina cybersecurity analysts earn median $98,740 annually - 2% above national average (BLS North Carolina 2024)
- 5.Research Triangle, Charlotte, and Greensboro provide 12,500+ cybersecurity jobs with Bank of America, Credit Suisse, and Red Hat
Cybersecurity Education in North Carolina
North Carolina has emerged as a major cybersecurity education hub, with 18 accredited programs serving the growing demand from Research Triangle tech companies, Charlotte's financial sector, and federal agencies. The state leads the Southeast in NSA-designated programs, offering students rigorous academic preparation and direct pathways to high-paying security careers.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide, and those exploring career outcomes can check our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for North Carolina-specific compensation data.
North Carolina's cybersecurity landscape benefits from the Research Triangle's concentration of tech companies, Charlotte's banking and fintech sector, and military installations requiring security expertise. Major employers like Bank of America, Red Hat, IBM, and SAS actively recruit from state programs, creating strong job placement outcomes.
North Carolina Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montreat College | Montreat, NC | Private | $31,460 | 89% | — | 63.2 |
| 2 | Guilford College | Greensboro, NC | Private | $40,400 | 94% | — | 51.9 |
| 3 | Campbell University | Buies Creek, NC | Private | $37,750 | — | — | 46.3 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 43.3 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | North Carolina A & T State | U of North Carolina at... | Montreat College | Guilford College | Campbell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,540 | $3,812 | $31,460 | $40,400 | $37,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 76% | 89% | 94% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 40 | 53 | 31 | 9 | 26 |
| Acceptance Rate | 46% | 80% | 66% | 84% | 94% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 68.6/100 | 66.3/100 | 63.2/100 | 51.9/100 | 46.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in North Carolina
North Carolina offers 4 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Montreat College, Guilford College, Campbell University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,138 in the North Carolina 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 North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montreat College | $31,460 | 89% | 31 | 63.2 |
| #2 Guilford College | $40,400 | 94% | 9 | 51.9 |
| #3 Campbell | $37,750 | N/A% | 26 | 46.3 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in North Carolina
For graduate study, North Carolina offers 2 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include North Carolina A & T State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in North Carolina reaching $139,542 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Carolina A & T State | $3,540 | 84% | 40 | 68.6 |
| #2 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 53 | 66.3 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in North Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in North Carolina are at North Carolina A & T State University ($3,540/year), University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($3,812/year), University of North Carolina Wilmington ($4,443/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At North Carolina A & T State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $14,160 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,138, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Carolina A & T State | $3,540 | $14,160 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | $15,248 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of North Carolina... | $4,443 | $17,772 | 0.4 years | Public |
North Carolina University Systems Overview
North Carolina's cybersecurity education landscape is anchored by the University of North Carolina System, which operates 16 campuses across the state. Eight UNC system schools offer cybersecurity programs, with NC State and UNC Charlotte leading in research and industry partnerships.
The UNC system schools provide excellent value for cybersecurity education, with in-state tuition ranging from $5,985 at Fayetteville State to $9,058 at NC State. Most programs hold or are pursuing NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations, ensuring curriculum meets national cybersecurity education standards.
Private universities like Wake Forest and Duke offer smaller class sizes and extensive resources, though at significantly higher tuition costs. Campbell University stands out among private schools with both affordability and NSA designation, making it an attractive middle-ground option.
Community colleges throughout North Carolina also offer cybersecurity associate degrees and certificates, providing affordable pathways to four-year programs. Many have articulation agreements with UNC system schools for seamless transfer.
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 68.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 40 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 76% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 53 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 66.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- 53 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (76%), program size (53 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC Charlotte's M.S. in Cybersecurity program has over 20 years of excellence and ranks among the top 30 in the U.S. for career outcomes and ROI for international students. Graduates earn an average salary of $151,346, which is 22% higher than the national average for OPT graduates.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Data structures
- •Object-oriented programming in C++, C#, or java
- •Computer networks
- •Web application development
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $151,346
Montreat College
Montreat, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,460 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 31 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 63.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Montreat College is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and DHS, offering multiple cybersecurity specializations including an optional AI minor. The program emphasizes ethical hacking and responsible cybersecurity practices with flexible online delivery and significant tuition discounts through the Corporate Advantage Program.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •CYBR 1131
- •MATH 1210
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Guilford College
Greensboro, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 9 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and develop security protocols for North Carolina's banking and tech sectors
Information Security Manager
Oversee security teams and develop enterprise-wide security strategies for Research Triangle companies and financial institutions
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities for consulting firms and internal security teams
Digital Forensics Investigator
Analyze digital evidence for law enforcement, legal firms, and corporate investigations across North Carolina
Security Consultant
Provide cybersecurity expertise to businesses and government agencies, often focusing on compliance and risk assessment
Other Tech Degree Programs in North Carolina
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Virginia
Georgia
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality cybersecurity education with 8 NSA-designated programs
- Direct access to Research Triangle tech jobs and Charlotte financial sector opportunities
- Strong job market with 12,500+ cybersecurity positions and growing demand
- Lower cost of living compared to other major tech states
- Excellent in-state tuition rates averaging $7,300 annually
- Programs with proven industry partnerships and high job placement rates
- Access to Silicon Valley or other major tech hubs for specialized roles
- Higher salary potential in expensive markets like California or New York
- Specialized programs in emerging areas like IoT security or automotive cybersecurity
- Extensive alumni networks at specific target companies
- Research opportunities in specific cybersecurity niches
- International exposure or study abroad opportunities
North Carolina Cybersecurity Programs FAQ
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official data on enrollment, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics from the National Center for Education Statistics
May 2024 state-specific salary data for cybersecurity analysts and related occupations in North Carolina
Official list of NSA-designated cybersecurity and cyber operations programs meeting national curriculum standards
Individual institution data on curriculum, faculty, facilities, and career outcomes for verification and additional context
$7,300
Average In-State Tuition
8
NSA Designated Programs
32%
Projected Job Growth
450+
Major Tech Employers
28
Average Class Size
4 years
Time to Degree
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.