Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Texas 2025
University of Texas at Austin
NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence with direct recruiting from Austin tech companies and federal agencies
Rice University
Elite private program with 6:1 student-faculty ratio and strong connections to Houston energy sector cybersecurity
Texas A&M University
NSA-designated program with extensive research opportunities and strong alumni network in defense contractors
- 1.Texas has 20+ accredited cybersecurity programs with 8 holding NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designations
- 2.UT Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and direct recruiting pipeline to Austin's tech corridor
- 3.Texas public universities offer excellent value with in-state tuition averaging $11,000-$13,000 annually
- 4.Texas cybersecurity analysts earn median $112,850 annually—6% above the national median (BLS Texas 2024)
- 5.Austin, Dallas, and Houston provide 45,000+ cybersecurity jobs across tech, energy, and financial sectors
Cybersecurity Education in Texas
Texas offers exceptional cybersecurity education opportunities across its diverse higher education landscape. With no state income tax, lower cost of living, and booming tech hubs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas provides an attractive environment for cybersecurity students and professionals.
The state's cybersecurity programs benefit from proximity to major corporations, government agencies, and the nation's energy infrastructure, providing students with real-world experience and internship opportunities. For national context, see our best cybersecurity bachelor's programs ranking and cybersecurity degree hub.
Students considering cybersecurity careers should review our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Texas-specific compensation data and career progression paths. Those evaluating education costs can explore our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Texas May 2024, NSA CAE Program List
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility to professors
Texas-specific salaries and job placement rates
NSA/DHS designations and industry partnerships
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Public | $11,698 | 87% | 18:1 | Yes | 94.8 |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston | Private | $54,960 | 94% | 6:1 | Yes | 92.5 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Public | $12,413 | 83% | 20:1 | Yes | 90.2 |
| 4 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | Public | $14,564 | 77% | 24:1 | Yes | 88.7 |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Public | $11,880 | 68% | 22:1 | Yes | 85.9 |
| 6 | University of Houston | Houston | Public | $11,966 | 65% | 23:1 | No | 83.4 |
| 7 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Public | $11,520 | 59% | 26:1 | Yes | 81.8 |
| 8 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | $10,875 | 54% | 25:1 | Yes | 79.5 |
| 9 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Private | $53,070 | 79% | 13:1 | No | 78.2 |
| 10 | University of North Texas | Denton | Public | $11,328 | 58% | 28:1 | No | 76.9 |
| 11 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | Public | $10,350 | 55% | 24:1 | Yes | 75.6 |
| 12 | Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce | Public | $9,720 | 47% | 23:1 | No | 73.2 |
| 13 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Public | $10,710 | 42% | 20:1 | No | 71.8 |
| 14 | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi | Public | $11,040 | 49% | 21:1 | No | 70.5 |
| 15 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | Public | $9,526 | 41% | 17:1 | No | 69.1 |
| 16 | Texas Southern University | Houston | Public | $9,617 | 29% | 19:1 | No | 67.3 |
| 17 | Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches | Public | $9,870 | 51% | 25:1 | No | 65.7 |
| 18 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville | Public | $9,240 | 48% | 22:1 | No | 64.2 |
| 19 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | Public | $8,790 | 45% | 21:1 | No | 62.8 |
| 20 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo | Public | $8,292 | 38% | 19:1 | No | 61.4 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • 87% graduation rate with excellent job placement
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for graduates
- • Internship partnerships with Dell, IBM, and Texas state agencies
- • Student-run cybersecurity competition teams
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
- Direct recruiting pipeline from Austin tech companies and federal agencies
- Research opportunities in the Institute for Information Security
- Strong alumni network in both private sector and government positions
- Access to Austin's thriving cybersecurity startup ecosystem
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin leads Texas cybersecurity education with its NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation and prime location in the heart of Austin's tech corridor. The program benefits from direct industry partnerships with Dell, IBM, and numerous Austin startups.
Rice University
Houston, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate among highest in Texas
- • Strong placement in Houston energy companies
- • Research collaborations with Texas Medical Center
- • Small class sizes enabling close faculty mentorship
Program Strengths
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation
- Strong focus on energy sector and critical infrastructure security
- Extensive research opportunities in cryptography and network security
- Houston Medical Center and energy company partnerships
Why Ranked #2
Rice offers an elite cybersecurity education with exceptional faculty-to-student ratios and strong connections to Houston's energy sector. The program emphasizes both technical depth and critical infrastructure protection.
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • 83% graduation rate with strong job placement record
- • High placement rates in defense contractors and federal agencies
- • Active cybersecurity research with $2M+ annual funding
- • Student teams regularly compete in national cybersecurity competitions
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- Strong research programs in network security and digital forensics
- Extensive alumni network in defense contractors and federal agencies
- Cybersecurity Research Center with cutting-edge facilities
- Corps of Cadets military leadership development
Why Ranked #3
Texas A&M combines strong cybersecurity fundamentals with extensive research opportunities and a powerful alumni network. The program's NSA designation and defense contractor connections make it ideal for students interested in government and military cybersecurity.
Texas Cybersecurity Education Landscape
Texas's cybersecurity education benefits from several strong university systems. The University of Texas System includes flagship programs at UT Austin and UT Dallas, both holding NSA designations. The Texas A&M System offers programs at College Station and other campuses, providing options across the state.
The state's programs are strategically located near major employment centers. Austin programs benefit from the city's tech boom, Houston programs connect with energy sector cybersecurity needs, and Dallas/Fort Worth area schools serve the region's corporate headquarters and financial institutions.
Students interested in cybersecurity certifications should explore our security certifications guide, including paths for CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certification. Those considering intensive training options can review our cybersecurity bootcamps guide.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor security events, investigate incidents, and implement protective measures across Texas corporations and agencies
Information Security Engineer
Design and implement security systems for Texas energy companies, financial institutions, and tech firms
Penetration Tester
Conduct security assessments and vulnerability testing for government agencies and private companies
Security Consultant
Provide cybersecurity expertise to diverse Texas businesses across energy, healthcare, and technology sectors
Compare Cybersecurity Programs by State
California
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $11,500 | $28,400 | $45,200 |
| Graduation Rate | 62% | 62% | 78% |
| Class Size | Large (100+) | Large (100+) | Medium (30-50) |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Moderate |
| Industry Connections | Strong Regional | Strong Regional | National Network |
| NSA Designation Rate | 40% | 40% | 35% |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living
- Access to Austin's booming tech scene
- Energy sector cybersecurity opportunities in Houston
- Strong public university options with NSA designations
- Diverse job market across tech, energy, and finance
- Year-round internship and job opportunities
- More elite private university options
- Stronger government/defense contractor presence
- Higher average starting salaries
- More established cybersecurity ecosystems
- Proximity to major financial centers
- More diverse tech industry presence
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Cybersecurity Programs
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, graduation rates, and enrollment data from 2023
Texas cybersecurity salary data from May 2024
Current CAE designations for cybersecurity education programs
State university system data and transfer agreements
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.