On this page
Key Takeaways
6 cybersecurity programs from 3 public and 3 private institutions
2 schools physically in Norfolk, plus 4 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $4,818 (Tidewater Community College) to $26,198 (Hampton University).
Median cybersecurity salary: $138,410, 11% above the national median
Security engineers earn up to $149,483, while cybersecurity managers command $200,695 in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News. Source: BLS OEWS Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News
Virginia has 53,855 total cybersecurity openings, 2% concentrated in the Norfolk metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
2 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated schools
Tidewater Community College, Hampton University 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 Norfolk, Virginia Cybersecurity programs
We rank 8 accredited cybersecurity programs in Norfolk, Virginia 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.
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Norfolk, Virginia
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Norfolk, Virginia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Norfolk, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Norfolk, 1 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Norfolk, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Tidewater Community College, Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $4,818 to $17,352 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 Norfolk-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $89,967 to $107,960 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The Norfolk metro area has an estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Tidewater Community College 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.
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Norfolk, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Norfolk, 1 public and 1 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 37 miles. The top-ranked programs include William & Mary, Hampton University. Annual tuition ranges from $18,253 to $26,198 (average: $22,226). 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 90%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from Norfolk-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $121,801 to $131,490 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The Norfolk metro area has an estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. Hampton University 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.
University of Richmond
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | Public | $7,800 | 46% | 73.7 |
| #7 | Randolph-Macon College | Ashland, VA | Private nonprofit | $47,666 | 70% | 72.5 |
| #8 | Radford University | Radford, VA | Public | $8,528 | 49% | 67.5 |
| #9 | Bluefield University | Bluefield, VA | Private nonprofit | $24,950 | 18% | 67.2 |
| #10 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Private nonprofit | $39,270 | 54% | 64.6 |
| #11 | Ferrum College | Ferrum, VA | Private nonprofit | $27,370 | 32% | 57.9 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Norfolk, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Norfolk, 1 public and 1 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 37 miles. The top-ranked programs include William & Mary, Regent University. Graduate tuition ranges from $18,253 to $18,986 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: 79%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from Norfolk-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $149,483 to $168,860 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The Norfolk metro area has an estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Strayer University-Virginia | Arlington, VA | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 36% | 59.0 |
| #7 | American National University | Salem, VA | Private for-profit | $10,716 | 33% | 57.8 |
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Norfolk, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited doctoral cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Norfolk, 2 public institutions. 1 is physically located in Norfolk, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include William & Mary, Old Dominion University. Doctoral program tuition ranges from $7,590 to $18,253 per year, though many programs offer research assistantships, teaching fellowships, or full-tuition waivers. Ph.D. programs in cybersecurity take 4-6 years and focus on original research in areas like cryptography, AI-driven threat detection, or privacy engineering. Graduates with a doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Norfolk-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $168,860 to $200,695 in the local market, with roles such as chief information security officer, research scientist, or university professor. The Norfolk metro area has an estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 6 accredited programs across 2 associate's, 2 bachelor's, 2 master's, 2 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 2 of these institutions are physically located in Norfolk, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News.
2 schools near Norfolk hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: Tidewater Community College, Hampton University. 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 Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 920 open positions and a median salary of $138,410 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 Norfolk, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, William & Mary (94.4% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in Norfolk
Source: BLS OEWS Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Norfolk vs. National Average
| Role | Norfolk Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $121,801 | $109,921 | +11% |
| Penetration Tester | $131,490 | $118,665 | +11% |
| Security Engineer | $149,483 | $134,903 | +11% |
| Security Architect | $168,860 | $152,390 | +11% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $200,695 | $181,120 | +11% |
Source: BLS OEWS Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in Norfolk: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News earn a median salary of $138,410, which is 11% above the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions Norfolk as one of the highest-paying metro areas for cybersecurity talent in the country.
Entry-level security analysts in Norfolk can expect starting salaries around $121,801, 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 $131,490. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $149,483, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $168,860.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News can earn $200,695 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 Norfolk, especially given the proximity to defense contractors and federal agencies. You can also explore related fields like Information Security and Network Administration for adjacent career paths.
Top Cybersecurity Employers in Norfolk
The Norfolk cybersecurity job market spans 4 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:
Defense
U.S. Navy. Naval Station Norfolk hosts major cybersecurity operations including Naval Information Warfare Centers.
Consulting
Booz Allen Hamilton. Global consulting firm with large defense and intelligence contracting operations in Hampton Roads.
Healthcare
Inova Health System. Regional health system managing healthcare IT security and HIPAA compliance across multiple hospitals.
Sentara Healthcare. Major healthcare provider managing medical device security and patient data protection systems.
Technology
Amazon. AWS data centers and regional operations with cloud infrastructure security teams.
These employers represent a cross-section of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a Norfolk-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Norfolk Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Norfolk Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Norfolk, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News:
Hampton Roads Transit Authority (2021), ransomware. Ransomware attack disrupted transit operations and payment systems across the region.
Inova Health System (2022), data breach. Unauthorized access to patient medical records and personal health information across the health system.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Norfolk-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Norfolk metro area has an estimated 920 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 Norfolk directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Programs Accessible from Nearby Communities
If you live in a community near Norfolk, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Norfolk area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Norfolk's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Newport News → Tidewater Community College (21 mi), Old Dominion University (18 mi)
- Virginia Beach (also has 2 local programs) → Tidewater Community College (9 mi), Old Dominion University (11 mi)
All of these schools are within commuting distance, and many offer evening, weekend, or hybrid class schedules designed for students who travel from outside Norfolk. Several programs also offer fully online options, see our rankings with online filter above.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News
The cybersecurity job market in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News reflects a broader national talent crisis. Virginia has approximately 53,855 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 920 concentrated in the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Virginia, the combination of a large technology sector, defense contracting, and growing digital transformation across industries is driving sustained demand for cybersecurity talent.
Most in-demand certifications that complement a cybersecurity degree from Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Virginia Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in Norfolk
Cybersecurity degree programs near Norfolk range from $4,818/year at Tidewater Community College to $26,198/year at Hampton University. Public institutions average $10,220/year (in-state), while private schools average $20,845/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $138,410 in the Norfolk area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $80,788 total) can be recouped in roughly 0.8 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 $9,636 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $103,808+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), Virginia 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 Norfolk area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Norfolk: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Norfolk, Virginia?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Norfolk?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Norfolk?
Which Norfolk schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Norfolk schools?
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. Virginia: 53,855 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 2 designated schools near Norfolk.
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.