Best Cybersecurity Programs in Virginia 2025

Virginia stands as the nation's cybersecurity education hub, offering more NSA-designated programs than most states combined. The Commonwealth's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique advantages: direct federal agency recruitment, internship opportunities at the NSA and CIA, and access to the world's largest concentration of defense contractors.

For national program comparisons, see our best cybersecurity bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering costs should review our most affordable cybersecurity degrees guide. Career-focused students will benefit from our cybersecurity analyst salary guide with Virginia-specific compensation data.

Virginia's cybersecurity ecosystem extends beyond academics. The state hosts major cybersecurity conferences, houses federal research facilities, and maintains strong industry partnerships that directly benefit students through internships, job placements, and real-world project experience.

Virginia offers 9 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are ECPI University, University of Richmond, Old Dominion University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $88,270 in the Virginia 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.

For graduate study, Virginia offers 7 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of Virginia-Main Campus, Marymount University, ECPI University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Virginia reaching $163,930 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Virginia are at Norfolk State University ($5,926/year), Old Dominion University ($7,590/year), Radford University ($8,401/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Virginia's competitive tech salaries.

At Norfolk State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $23,704 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $88,270, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.

Virginia's cybersecurity education strength stems from its diverse public university system and strategic private institutions. The state university system includes flagship programs at Virginia Tech and UVA, comprehensive programs across regional universities, and specialized offerings at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The Virginia public university system offers in-state students exceptional value, with tuition ranging from $9,000 to $17,000 annually. Eight Virginia universities hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations, more than most states achieve across all their institutions combined.

• Virginia Tech: Premier research university with comprehensive cybersecurity research facilities
• University of Virginia: Traditional flagship with growing cybersecurity focus
• George Mason: Strategic D.C. metro location with federal agency partnerships
• Virginia Commonwealth: Urban program with strong industry connections
• James Madison: Regional university with excellent undergraduate focus
• Old Dominion: Norfolk location serving military and defense contractor communities
• Norfolk State: HBCU with strong diversity initiatives in cybersecurity
• Virginia State: HBCU providing pathways for underrepresented students

Private institutions like Liberty University and Marymount University offer alternative approaches, with Marymount's Arlington location providing additional D.C. access. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and personalized attention, though at higher tuition costs.

Virginia leads the nation in NSA-designated cybersecurity programs, with eight universities holding Center of Academic Excellence status. This designation indicates programs meet rigorous NSA curriculum standards and maintain faculty with appropriate security clearances and expertise.

• Virginia Tech - CAE-Cyber Defense and CAE-Research designations
• George Mason University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• Virginia Commonwealth University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• James Madison University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• Old Dominion University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• Norfolk State University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• Virginia State University - CAE-Cyber Defense
• Marymount University - CAE-Cyber Defense (private institution)

NSA designation provides students with enhanced career opportunities, including eligibility for federal scholarships, priority consideration for federal internships, and direct recruitment pathways to national security agencies. Many NSA-designated programs also offer pathways to security clearances, essential for federal cybersecurity careers.