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Key Takeaways
6 cybersecurity programs from 3 public and 3 private institutions
2 schools physically in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia Cybersecurity programs
We rank 8 accredited cybersecurity programs in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Virginia Beach, 1 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach-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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Virginia Beach, 1 public and 1 private institutions. The nearest programs are within 44 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 Virginia Beach-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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Virginia Beach, 1 public and 1 private institutions. 1 is physically located in Virginia Beach, with the rest accessible via short commutes. 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 Virginia Beach-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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hakia ranks 2 accredited doctoral cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of Virginia Beach, 2 public institutions. The nearest programs are within 44 miles. 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 Virginia Beach-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 Virginia Beach metro area has an estimated 920 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Why Study Cybersecurity in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News.
2 schools near Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach
Source: BLS OEWS Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA, May 2024
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: Virginia Beach vs. National Average
| Role | Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach: 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 Virginia Beach as one of the highest-paying metro areas for cybersecurity talent in the country.
Entry-level security analysts in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, especially given the proximity to defense contractors and federal agencies. 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 Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach 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 and Joint Base Langley-Eustis drive significant cybersecurity and CISO operations.
CACI International. Cybersecurity and IT solutions provider specializing in defense and federal government contracts.
Consulting
Booz Allen Hamilton. Major defense contractor with extensive classified security operations and clearance requirements.
Technology
Amazon. Regional AWS operations and logistics infrastructure with cloud security engineering teams.
Healthcare
Inova Health System. Multi-hospital system managing healthcare cybersecurity, medical records protection, and HIPAA programs.
Sentara Healthcare. Healthcare network managing patient data security, electronic health records protection, and clinical IT systems.
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 Virginia Beach-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting Virginia Beach Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the Virginia Beach Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for Virginia Beach, 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 caused extended service disruptions and required operational recovery.
Sentara Healthcare (2023), data breach. Unauthorized access to patient personally identifiable information and protected health information.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing Virginia Beach-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, you can access the same cybersecurity programs without relocating. The greater Virginia Beach area is well-connected, and many students commute from surrounding cities to attend programs locally. Here's how Virginia Beach's cybersecurity schools are accessible from nearby areas:
- Newport News → Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach (27 mi), Regent University (27 mi)
- Norfolk (also has 2 local programs) → Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach (7 mi), Regent University (6 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Cybersecurity degree programs near Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Virginia Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in Virginia Beach?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in Virginia Beach?
Which Virginia Beach schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.
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.