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Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TNPrivate for-profit
—
Tuition/yr
60%
Grad rate
91.3
Hakia Score
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Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
2 cybersecurity programs from 1 public and 1 private institutions
2 schools physically in Knoxville, plus 0 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $11,332 (The University of Tennessee-Knoxville) to $16,450 (South College).
Median cybersecurity salary: $102,000, 18% below the national median
Security engineers earn up to $110,160, while cybersecurity managers command $147,900 in the Knoxville. Source: BLS OEWS Knoxville MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 195 open cybersecurity positions in the Knoxville
Tennessee has 5,500 total cybersecurity openings, 4% concentrated in the Knoxville metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ranked #2 in Tennessee for cybersecurity
Ranked by graduation rates, program completions, selectivity, and career outcomes using IPEDS 2024 data.
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Knoxville, Tennessee Cybersecurity programs
We rank 4 accredited cybersecurity programs in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Knoxville, Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, 1 private institution. 1 is physically located in Knoxville, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include South College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $16,450 to $16,450 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 Knoxville-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $66,300 to $79,560 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Knoxville metro area has an estimated 195 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Knoxville, Tennessee
7
Programs ranked
$25,997
Avg tuition/yr
60%
Avg grad rate
Hakia ranks 1 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity program within 50 miles of Knoxville, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Knoxville, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Annual tuition ranges from $11,332 to $11,332 (average: $11,332). 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 73%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Knoxville-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $89,760 to $96,900 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Knoxville metro area has an estimated 195 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
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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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, 1 public institution. 1 is physically located in Knoxville, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Graduate tuition ranges from $11,332 to $11,332 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: 73%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Knoxville-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $110,160 to $124,440 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Knoxville metro area has an estimated 195 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 2 accredited programs across 1 associate's, 1 bachelor's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Knoxville, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Knoxville.
The Knoxville cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 195 open positions and a median salary of $102,000 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 Knoxville, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (73% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Knoxville
$102,000
18% below the national median, but Knoxville's lower cost of living can offset the difference. Entry-level analysts start around $89,760.
Source: BLS OEWS Knoxville MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Knoxville vs. National Average
| Role | Knoxville Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $89,760 | $109,921 | -18% |
| Penetration Tester | $96,900 | $118,665 | -18% |
| Security Engineer | $110,160 | $134,903 | -18% |
| Security Architect | $124,440 | $152,390 | -18% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $147,900 | $181,120 | -18% |
Source: BLS OEWS Knoxville MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Knoxville: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Knoxville earn a median salary of $102,000, which is 18% below the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Knoxville as a market where cybersecurity salaries are offset by Knoxville's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
Entry-level security analysts in Knoxville can expect starting salaries around $89,760, 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 $96,900. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $110,160, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $124,440.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Knoxville can earn $147,900 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 Knoxville. 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 Knoxville
The Knoxville 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:
Government
Vanderbilt University. Research institution with cybersecurity teams protecting research networks, medical systems, and intellectual property.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory. U.S. Department of Energy research facility with extensive cybersecurity operations protecting classified research and critical infrastructure.
Healthcare
HCA Healthcare. Healthcare enterprise operating multiple hospitals in East Tennessee with centralized information security operations.
Technology
Amazon. Technology operations employer with cloud infrastructure and security teams based in the Knoxville area.
Finance
FedEx. Logistics employer with cybersecurity infrastructure protecting distribution centers and payment systems.
Defense
Nissan North America. Manufacturing operations with OT/IT security teams protecting production systems and connected vehicle technology.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Knoxville area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Knoxville-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Knoxville 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 Knoxville Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Knoxville, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Knoxville:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2021), ransomware. Ransomware attack disrupted hospital operations requiring system shutdowns and patient care delays.
Tennessee state government (2022), data breach. State agency breach exposing personal information of state employees and benefit recipients.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Knoxville-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Knoxville metro area has an estimated 195 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 Knoxville directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Knoxville
The cybersecurity job market in the Knoxville reflects a broader national talent crisis. Tennessee has approximately 5,500 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 195 concentrated in the Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Cybersecurity degree programs near Knoxville range from $11,332/year at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville to $16,450/year at South College. Public institutions average $11,332/year (in-state), while private schools average $16,450/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $102,000 in the Knoxville area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $55,564 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.9 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 $22,664 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $76,500+.
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 Knoxville area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Knoxville: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Knoxville, Tennessee?
There are 2 cybersecurity programs physically located in Knoxville and 2 total within a 50-mile radius. These span multiple degree levels: 1 associate's programs, 1 bachelor's programs, 1 master's programs, and 1 doctoral programs. Programs are offered at both public and private institutions, with tuition ranging from $11,332/year to over $45,328/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 Knoxville?
The median annual salary for information security analysts in the Knoxville is $102,000 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data (SOC 15-1212). This breaks down by role: entry-level security analysts earn approximately $89,760, penetration testers earn around $96,900, security engineers command $110,160, and cybersecurity managers/CISOs can earn $147,900 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 Knoxville?
The Knoxville metro area has an estimated 195 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.
Are cybersecurity programs in Knoxville accredited?
Yes, all 2 cybersecurity programs near Knoxville hold regional accreditation, which is the benchmark for academic quality recognized by employers and graduate schools nationwide. While no schools in the immediate Knoxville area currently hold NSA CAE (Center of Academic Excellence) designation, programs follow curriculum standards aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Many programs prepare students for industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, and CISA, which are increasingly valued by employers alongside formal degrees. Regional accreditation also ensures credits transfer between institutions and that graduates qualify for federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and government positions.
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Knoxville schools?
Yes. 1 institution near Knoxville 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 Knoxville-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. No designated schools in the immediate Knoxville area.
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).
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.