- 1.Security Analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Security programs include Purdue University-Main Campus, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, University of South Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Purdue University-Main Campus offers information security education at $9,718/year with 83% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Information Security programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue's cybersecurity program uniquely integrates criminological studies with technical training, teaching students both how to build secure systems and understand cybercriminal behavior through courses like Cyber Criminology - a perspective that most programs overlook.
Program Overview
Purdue University operates one of the nation's most comprehensive cybersecurity programs through its School of Applied and Creative Computing within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. The program offers a distinctive Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that uniquely combines technical depth with criminological understanding, teaching students both how to build secure systems and understand the minds behind cyber threats. Students can pursue their degree on either the historic West Lafayette campus with its advanced research labs and traditional university atmosphere, or at the Indianapolis campus, which offers expanded internship opportunities in Indiana's capital city. The program distinguishes itself through hands-on learning in specialized facilities like the Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab and Cyber Security and Networking Lab, where students gain practical experience in digital forensics, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. What sets Purdue's approach apart is its integration of courses like Cyber Criminology alongside traditional technical coursework, providing graduates with a holistic understanding of cybersecurity that spans from secure coding and cryptography to understanding cybercrime motivations and legal frameworks.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Digital forensics and incident response training
Network security and infrastructure protection
Industry Partners
Admissions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's cybersecurity program stands out through its integration with the Applied Research Laboratory, a Department of Defense-designated University Affiliated Research Center established in 1945, and the newly launched National Security Institute, positioning students at the intersection of academic research and real-world defense applications.
Program Overview
Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity programs anchored by its flagship B.S. in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations and Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. The undergraduate program uniquely combines cyber-defense technologies with risk analysis and management, requiring students to complete courses spanning from malware analytics to legal frameworks. Students must maintain a grade of C or better in all major courses and complete a mandatory internship. The 33-credit online master's program, delivered entirely through Penn State World Campus, focuses on incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management with interactive coursework taught by experienced practitioners and researchers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
University Affiliated Research Center supporting Navy and DoD with cybersecurity, communications, and information systems research
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of South Florida
USF's cybersecurity program operates within Tampa Bay's rapidly growing tech corridor, which has expanded 28.5% over five years, providing direct access to major employers like Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, and cybersecurity firms like ReliaQuest and Rapid7 for internships and recruiting.
Program Overview
The University of South Florida offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (B.S.C.Y.S.) through the newly established Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. This 120-credit hour program combines technical computing foundations with specialized cybersecurity knowledge, covering everything from penetration testing and network security to human factors and policy considerations. Students gain hands-on experience through required courses like CIS 4622 (Hands-on Cybersecurity), CIS 4200 (Penetration Testing), and CNT 4403 (Network Security and Firewalls), while also exploring the ethical and organizational dimensions through courses on information policy and risk management. The program requires 59 credit hours of major core courses plus 21 credit hours of electives, allowing students to specialize in areas like malware analysis, cyber forensics, cloud computing, or health information security through partnerships across multiple USF colleges.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Statewide cybersecurity research center hosted at USF, collaborating with industry, government, and military
Industry Partners
Admissions
Rochester Institute of Technology
89 information security graduates annually
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC operates the award-winning Cybersecurity Competition Team that ranks among the top 5 globally and was named 2023 Academic Partner of the Year by EC-Council, while utilizing the groundbreaking MARS AI-driven virtual learning platform for immersive cybersecurity training.
Syracuse University
Syracuse's cybersecurity program stands out for its interdisciplinary curriculum that draws courses from the College of Law, iSchool, and Maxwell School, offering a uniquely holistic approach to cybersecurity education that combines technical expertise with legal, policy, and management perspectives.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
202 information security graduates annually
University at Albany
57 information security graduates annually
Western Governors University
1514 information security graduates annually
Northeastern University
24 information security graduates annually
Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 75.5/100 |
| #2 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 71.8/100 |
| #3 University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | 68.8/100 |
| #4 Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 67.5/100 |
| #5 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 67.2/100 |
Top 25 Information Security Bachelor's Programs
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 75.5 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 71.8 |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | 68.8 |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 67.5 |
| 5 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 67.2 |
| 6 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | 66.6 |
| 7 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | 66.1 |
| 8 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | 64.7 |
| 9 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | 62.8 |
| 10 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | 61.1 |
| 11 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $6,239 | — | 60.9 |
| 12 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | 59.5 |
| 13 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | 59.5 |
| 14 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | 58.5 |
| 15 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | 57.9 |
| 16 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,228 | 78% | 57.4 |
| 17 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 57.2 |
| 18 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | Public | $5,140 | 99% | 57.1 |
| 19 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | Public | $4,230 | 100% | 56.8 |
| 20 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | 56.8 |
| 21 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | Private | $31,162 | 85% | 56.5 |
| 22 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | 55.8 |
| 23 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,000 | 81% | 55.7 |
| 24 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | Public | $7,997 | 99% | 55.7 |
| 25 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | Public | $9,665 | 92% | 55.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and implement security measures
Information Security Manager
Oversee security operations, develop policies, and manage security teams
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities
Security Consultant
Advise organizations on security best practices and risk management
Incident Response Specialist
Respond to security breaches, contain threats, and conduct forensic analysis
Compliance Officer
Ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements and security standards
Information Security Job Market Analysis
The cybersecurity job market continues to experience unprecedented growth, with information security specialists earning a median annual salary of $112,000 (BLS Occupational Outlook). Employment in this field is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This explosive growth is driven by increasing cyber threats and the digital transformation of businesses across industries. Organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure, creating high demand for qualified professionals. The CISA National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework identifies information security as a critical specialty area within cybersecurity.
Bachelor's degree programs in information security prepare students for roles across the cybersecurity spectrum, from entry-level security analyst positions to specialized roles in penetration testing and incident response. Many graduates also pursue advanced certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ to enhance their credentials.
Choose Your Information Security Program Type
- You want to pursue graduate study or research careers
- Access to cutting-edge cybersecurity research is important
- You prefer theoretical depth alongside practical skills
- Faculty expertise in emerging security technologies matters
- Your goal is immediate employment after graduation
- You prefer hands-on training with current industry tools
- Internship and co-op opportunities are priorities
- Certification preparation is built into the curriculum
- You need schedule flexibility for work or family
- You're already working in IT and want to specialize
- Cost considerations are a primary factor
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 127 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for information security analysts
Program data, graduation rates, and institutional information
Graduate earnings and employment outcomes by program
List of designated cybersecurity programs meeting national standards
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.