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Valley Forge Military College
Wayne, PAPrivate nonprofit
$30,976
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad rate
83.2
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
10 cybersecurity programs from 4 public and 6 private institutions
4 schools physically in Philadelphia, plus 6 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $7,500 (Northampton County Area Community College) to $67,522 (Haverford College).
Median cybersecurity salary: $125,000, 0% above the national median
Security engineers earn up to $135,000, while cybersecurity managers command $181,250 in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington. Source: BLS OEWS Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 1,200 open cybersecurity positions in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington
Pennsylvania has 14,200 total cybersecurity openings, 8% concentrated in the Philadelphia metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
University of Pennsylvania, Drexel 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Cybersecurity programs
We rank 15 accredited cybersecurity programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11
Programs ranked
$12,984
Avg tuition/yr
37%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 3 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Philadelphia, 3 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Philadelphia, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Northampton County Area Community Col.. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $7,500 to $8,100 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 Philadelphia-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $81,250 to $97,500 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Philadelphia metro area has an estimated 1,200 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
#5
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PAPublic
$7,632
Tuition/yr
24%
Grad rate
69.4
Hakia Score
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Northampton County Area Community College | Bethlehem, PA | Public | $7,800 | 24% | 67.4 |
| #7 | Harrisburg Area Community College | Harrisburg, PA | Public | $7,995 | 21% | 67.2 |
| #8 | Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | Public | $7,500 | 30% | 65.3 |
| #9 | Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood, PA | Public | $8,400 | 31% | 65.3 |
| #10 | Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $7,560 | 24% | 63.3 |
| #11 | Community College of Beaver County | Monaca, PA | Public | $11,220 | 12% | 55.0 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
22
Programs ranked
$27,406
Avg tuition/yr
56%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Philadelphia, 4 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Philadelphia, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Swarthmore College. Annual tuition ranges from $58,620 to $67,522 (average: $62,329). 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 92%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Philadelphia-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $110,000 to $118,750 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Philadelphia metro area has an estimated 1,200 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Pennsylvania 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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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PAPublic
$20,066
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad rate
94.1
Hakia Score
#5
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PAPublic
$7,716
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
80.6
Hakia Score
Show all 22 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Saint Vincent College | Latrobe, PA | Private nonprofit | $41,180 | 69% | 79.9 |
| #7 | Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA | Private nonprofit | $25,288 | 74% | 79.1 |
| #8 | York College of Pennsylvania | York, PA | Private nonprofit | $23,000 | 64% | 78.8 |
| #9 | Gannon University | Erie, PA | Private nonprofit | $39,270 | 66% | 78.4 |
| #10 | Immaculata University | Immaculata, PA | Private nonprofit | $28,130 | 71% | 77.8 |
| #11 | Seton Hill University | Greensburg, PA | Private nonprofit | $42,294 | 67% | 75.4 |
| #12 | Mercyhurst University | Erie, PA | Private nonprofit | $42,840 | 60% | 74.2 |
| #13 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | Public | $15,450 | 53% | 72.3 |
| #14 | Geneva College | Beaver Falls, PA | Private nonprofit | $32,080 | 61% | 72.1 |
| #15 | Neumann University | Aston, PA | Private nonprofit | $37,020 | 54% | 70.3 |
| #16 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,356 | 34% | 69.5 |
| #17 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | East Stroudsburg, PA | Public | $7,716 | 43% | 64.6 |
| #18 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown, PA | Public | $15,388 | 26% | 62.9 |
| #19 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | Harrisburg, PA | Private nonprofit | $23,900 | 34% | 61.6 |
| #20 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | Reading, PA | Public | $15,388 | 32% | 59.6 |
| #21 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | Altoona, PA | Public | $15,388 | 17% | 59.3 |
| #22 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine | Media, PA | Public | $14,624 | 26% | 58.9 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12
Programs ranked
$35,615
Avg tuition/yr
67%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 4 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Philadelphia, 4 private institutions. 2 are physically located in Philadelphia, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Villanova University. Graduate tuition ranges from $58,293 to $63,806 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: 90%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Philadelphia-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $135,000 to $152,500 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Philadelphia metro area has an estimated 1,200 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. University of Pennsylvania and Drexel 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.
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PAPrivate nonprofit
$64,596
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad rate
93.7
Hakia Score
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PAPublic
$20,066
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad rate
89.5
Hakia Score
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA | Private nonprofit | $53,060 | 79% | 73.7 |
| #7 | Mercyhurst University | Erie, PA | Private nonprofit | $42,840 | 60% | 70.9 |
| #8 | Geneva College | Beaver Falls, PA | Private nonprofit | $32,080 | 61% | 69.3 |
| #9 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township, PA | Private nonprofit | $34,360 | 66% | 69.2 |
| #10 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,356 | 34% | 65.5 |
| #11 | Pennsylvania Western University | California, PA | Public | $7,716 | 52% | 63.9 |
| #12 | La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA | Private nonprofit | $36,000 | 57% | 61.5 |
Why Study Cybersecurity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 10 accredited programs across 3 associate's, 4 bachelor's, 4 master's, 4 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 4 of these institutions are physically located in Philadelphia, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington.
2 schools near Philadelphia hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: University of Pennsylvania, Drexel 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 1,200 open positions and a median salary of $125,000 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 Philadelphia, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, University of Pennsylvania (100% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Philadelphia
$125,000
0% above the national median of $124,910. Cybersecurity managers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington earn up to $181,250.
Source: BLS OEWS Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Philadelphia vs. National Average
| Role | Philadelphia Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $110,000 | $109,921 | 0% |
| Penetration Tester | $118,750 | $118,665 | 0% |
| Security Engineer | $135,000 | $134,903 | 0% |
| Security Architect | $152,500 | $152,390 | 0% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $181,250 | $181,120 | 0% |
Source: BLS OEWS Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Philadelphia: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington earn a median salary of $125,000, which is 0% above the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Philadelphia as a competitive market for cybersecurity professionals.
Entry-level security analysts in Philadelphia can expect starting salaries around $110,000, 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 $118,750. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $135,000, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $152,500.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington can earn $181,250 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 Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia
The Philadelphia cybersecurity job market spans 3 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:
Technology
Comcast. Major telecommunications headquarters with large-scale SOC and network security operations.
Healthcare
UPMC. Large healthcare system with enterprise security operations and compliance infrastructure.
Penn Medicine. Academic medical center with integrated EHR security and clinical system protection.
Cigna. Insurance company headquarters with data protection and claims system security.
Finance
University of Pennsylvania. Major research institution with cybersecurity research programs and campus IT security operations.
PNC Financial Services. Major regional bank with significant cybersecurity and fraud prevention operations.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Philadelphia-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Philadelphia Organizations
2
Including the Comcast data breach (2021). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Philadelphia Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Philadelphia, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington:
Comcast (2021), data breach. Customer data exposure affecting account information for thousands of cable customers in the region.
University of Pennsylvania (2023), ransomware. Ransomware incident affected university systems requiring restoration from backups and operational downtime.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Philadelphia-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Philadelphia metro area has an estimated 1,200 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 Philadelphia directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington
The cybersecurity job market in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington reflects a broader national talent crisis. Pennsylvania has approximately 14,200 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 1,200 concentrated in the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Philadelphia
Cybersecurity degree programs near Philadelphia range from $7,500/year at Northampton County Area Community College to $67,522/year at Haverford College. Public institutions average $11,064/year (in-state), while private schools average $61,902/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $125,000 in the Philadelphia area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $200,268 total) can be recouped in roughly 2.4 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 $15,000 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $93,750+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Philadelphia: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
There are 4 cybersecurity programs physically located in Philadelphia and 10 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 3 associate's programs, 4 bachelor's programs, 4 master's programs, and 4 doctoral programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $7,500/year to over $30,000/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 Philadelphia?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $125,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $110,000, penetration testers earn around $118,750, security engineers command $135,000, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $181,250 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 Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia metro area has an estimated 1,200 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 14,200 total openings across Pennsylvania (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 Comcast, UPMC, University of Pennsylvania. 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 Philadelphia schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
2 schools near Philadelphia hold NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University. 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 10 programs near Philadelphia hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Philadelphia schools?
Yes. 5 institutions near Philadelphia offer 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 Philadelphia-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. Pennsylvania: 14,200 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Philadelphia.
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.