Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Texas 2025
The University of Texas at San Antonio
398 Cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Lone Star College System
60 Cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
5 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
- 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.
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $6,239 | — | — | — | 69 |
| 2 | Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, TX | Public | $5,544 | — | — | — | 51.9 |
| 3 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Public | $7,637 | 96% | — | — | 46.7 |
| 4 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX | Public | $5,856 | 82% | — | — | 43.9 |
| 5 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $36,510 | 95% | — | — | 43.1 |
| 6 | Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, TX | Private | $30,804 | — | — | — | 42.9 |
| 7 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | — | 40.7 |
| 8 | Hallmark University | San Antonio, TX | Private | $0 | — | — | — | 39.5 |
| 9 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | Public | $3,450 | 89% | — | — | 37.9 |
| 10 | Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | Public | $4,495 | — | — | — | 34.2 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Texas: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Texas at... | Texas A&M | University of Texas at... | U of Houston | Lone Star College System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,239 | $9,003 | $11,678 | $8,685 | $5,544 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 84% | 89% | 91% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 398 | 73 | 28 | 49 | 60 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 63% | 29% | 70% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 69.0/100 | 62.1/100 | 61.6/100 | 56.8/100 | 54.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Texas
Texas offers 11 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A & M University-College Station, Lone Star College System. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas 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 Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Texas at... | $6,239 | N/A% | 398 | 69.0 |
| #2 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 73 | 62.1 |
| #3 Lone Star College System | $5,544 | N/A% | 60 | 54.5 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Texas
For graduate study, Texas offers 14 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include The University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, University of Dallas. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Texas at... | $11,678 | 89% | 28 | 61.6 |
| #2 U of Houston | $8,685 | 91% | 49 | 56.8 |
| #3 U of Dallas | $47,300 | N/A% | 59 | 53.5 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Texas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Texas are at Collin County Community College District ($3,450/year), Angelo State University ($4,495/year), Lone Star College System ($5,544/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.
At Collin County Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,800 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Texas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Collin County Community... | $3,450 | $13,800 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Angelo State | $4,495 | $17,980 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Lone Star College System | $5,544 | $22,176 | 0.5 years | Public |
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.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,239 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 398 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 69.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 398 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (398 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UT San Antonio offers one of the top-ranked cybersecurity programs in the nation and is one of only 10 institutions nationwide to achieve all three National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Center for Academic Excellence designations. The program curriculum maps to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's NICE Framework and is available both in classroom and online formats.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MAT 1053 Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) or higher with grade of C- or better for Cybersecurity BBA
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,003 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 62.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 73 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,678 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 29%
- • Ranking Score: 61.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 28 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UT Computer Science offers more than 50 courses spanning the full spectrum of modern computer science topics with six specialized concentrations including cybersecurity, AI/ML, and game development. Students can pursue an integrated five-year program to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees, and the program includes partnerships with Arts and Entertainment Technology for the world-class GAMMA program.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Houston
Houston, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,685 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 49 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 56.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 49 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (49 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Houston's Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive 30-credit program with required core courses covering essential cybersecurity domains and flexible elective options including thesis or project tracks. As part of a Tier One university, the program provides diverse academic pathways with accelerated degree options available.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.50
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 hours
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,544 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 60 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 54.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 60 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (60 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
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
Other Tech Degree Programs in Texas
Compare Cybersecurity Programs by State
California
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
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
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
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.