Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Tennessee 2025
Strayer University-Tennessee
1 cybersecurity graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Lipscomb University
2 cybersecurity graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Southern Adventist University
1 cybersecurity graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 6+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Strayer University-Tennessee leads with 100% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 6 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 12 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Strayer University-Tennessee, Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 53.4 |
| 2 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 49 |
| 3 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 43.6 |
| 4 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 43.4 |
| 5 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 35.2 |
| 6 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 34.7 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Strayer University-Tennessee | Lipscomb | Southern Adventist | South College | Freed-Hardeman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,725 | $35,848 | $24,350 | $16,450 | $25,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 90% | 75% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 67% | 67% | N/A | 91% |
| Type | For-Profit | Private | Private | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 53.4/100 | 49.0/100 | 43.6/100 | 43.4/100 | 35.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 5 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, South College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lipscomb | $35,848 | 90% | 2 | 49.0 |
| #2 Southern Adventist | $24,350 | 75% | 1 | 43.6 |
| #3 South College | $16,450 | N/A% | 3 | 43.4 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 2 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Strayer University-Tennessee, South College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 1 | 53.4 |
| #2 South College | $16,450 | N/A% | 3 | 43.4 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Tennessee are at Strayer University-Tennessee ($13,725/year), South College ($16,450/year), Southern Adventist University ($24,350/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Strayer University-Tennessee, a 4-year degree costs approximately $54,900 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | $54,900 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
| #2 South College | $16,450 | $65,800 | 1.6 years | For-Profit |
| #3 Southern Adventist | $24,350 | $97,400 | 2.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, TN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 53.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,848 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 49.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 2 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $24,350 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 43.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
South College
Knoxville, TN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 43.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 43.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $25,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 35.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 35.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
FHU's Cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning in state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs with expert faculty who bring industry experience into the classroom. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics from network security to ethical hacking, preparing students for high-demand cybersecurity careers.
Program Details
- Credits: 51 hours for major requirements
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Penetration Tester opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
SOC 15-1212SOC Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity in Tennessee FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.