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Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TNPrivate for-profit
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Tuition/yr
60%
Grad rate
91.3
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
2 cybersecurity programs from 1 public and 1 private institutions
2 schools physically in Chattanooga, plus 0 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $8,232 (The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga) to $8,232 (The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga).
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 Chattanooga. Source: BLS OEWS Tennessee state median, May 2024.
An estimated 215 open cybersecurity positions in the Chattanooga
Tennessee has 5,500 total cybersecurity openings, 4% concentrated in the Chattanooga metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
1 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated school
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee Cybersecurity programs
We rank 2 accredited cybersecurity programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
1
Programs ranked
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Avg tuition/yr
60%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 1 accredited associate's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Chattanooga, 1 private institution. 1 is physically located in Chattanooga, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga. Graduates with a associate's degree in cybersecurity from Chattanooga-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 Chattanooga metro area has an estimated 215 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
7
Programs ranked
$25,997
Avg tuition/yr
60%
Avg grad rate
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Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TNPrivate nonprofit
$25,620
Tuition/yr
71%
Grad rate
78.8
Hakia Score
#5
Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TNPrivate for-profit
—
Tuition/yr
60%
Grad rate
73.8
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,458 | 50% | 72.2 |
| #7 | The University of Tennessee Southern | Pulaski, TN | Public | $9,640 | 37% | 60.1 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
2
Programs ranked
$15,088
Avg tuition/yr
42%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 1 accredited master's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Chattanooga, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Chattanooga, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Graduate tuition ranges from $8,232 to $8,232 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: 91%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Chattanooga-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 Chattanooga metro area has an estimated 215 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 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.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 2 accredited programs across 1 associate's, 1 master's degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Chattanooga, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Chattanooga.
1 school near Chattanooga holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 215 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 Chattanooga, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga tops the master's programs. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Chattanooga
$105,000
16% below the national median, but Chattanooga's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $92,400.
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Chattanooga vs. National Average
| Role | Chattanooga 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 Tennessee state median, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Chattanooga: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Chattanooga's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga
The Chattanooga cybersecurity job market spans 6 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:
Government
Vanderbilt University. Research institution with extensive cybersecurity operations protecting research data, intellectual property, and medical systems.
Healthcare
HCA Healthcare. Large healthcare enterprise operating multiple hospitals with centralized security operations center in Tennessee region.
Technology
Amazon. Technology employer with AWS infrastructure operations and cloud security teams operating in Chattanooga.
Finance
FedEx. Major logistics employer with cybersecurity infrastructure protecting shipping, logistics, and payment systems.
Defense
Nissan North America. Manufacturing facility with OT/IT security operations protecting automotive production and connected vehicle systems.
Energy
EPB Chattanooga. Municipal utility providing fiber-optic infrastructure with cybersecurity operations protecting critical infrastructure.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Chattanooga area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Chattanooga-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Chattanooga Organizations
2
Including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center ransomware (2021). These incidents demonstrate why local employers urgently need trained cybersecurity professionals.
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Chattanooga Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Chattanooga, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Chattanooga:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2021), ransomware. Significant disruption to patient care operations requiring diversion of emergency patients and extended recovery period.
Tennessee healthcare systems (2023), phishing. Multiple healthcare provider phishing campaigns affecting employee credentials and patient data access controls.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Chattanooga-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Chattanooga metro area has an estimated 215 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 Chattanooga directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Chattanooga
The cybersecurity job market in the Chattanooga reflects a broader national talent crisis. Tennessee has approximately 5,500 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 215 concentrated in the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Tennessee, 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Tennessee Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Chattanooga
Cybersecurity degree programs near Chattanooga range from $8,232/year at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to $8,232/year at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $105,000 in the Chattanooga area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $32,928 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.5 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 $16,464 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $78,750+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Tennessee 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 Chattanooga area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Chattanooga: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Chattanooga, Tennessee?
There are 2 cybersecurity programs physically located in Chattanooga and 2 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 1 associate's programs, 1 master's programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $8,232/year to over $32,928/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 Chattanooga?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Chattanooga is $105,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $92,400, penetration testers earn around $99,750, security engineers command $113,400, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $152,250 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 Chattanooga?
The Chattanooga metro area has an estimated 215 open cybersecurity positions, based on CyberSeek data showing 5,500 total openings across Tennessee (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 Vanderbilt University, HCA Healthcare, Amazon. 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 Chattanooga schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
1 school near Chattanooga holds NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation: The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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 2 programs near Chattanooga hold regional accreditation regardless of CAE status.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Chattanooga schools?
Yes. 1 institution near Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga-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. Tennessee: 5,500 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 1 designated school near Chattanooga.
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.