Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs 2025
Updated July 28, 2026

Best Information Security Bachelor's Degree Programs 2026

Rankings of top information security bachelor's degree programs based on academics, career outcomes, and value

Programs Analyzed127
Median Starting Salary$68,000
Job Growth Rate32%
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Key Takeaways

  • 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 2024 completion data

Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's

🥇

Purdue University-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
West Lafayette, INPublic

$129,180 median salary · 83% graduation rate

96.1
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
83%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (96.1/100): 83% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $9,718 in-state tuition, 144 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $9,718 in-state tuition
  • 144 graduates annually
🥈

University of South Florida

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
Tampa, FLPublic

$129,180 median salary · 77% graduation rate

95.3
Score
$5K
Tuition/yr
77%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.3/100): 77% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $4,559 in-state tuition, 124 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 77% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $4,559 in-state tuition
  • 124 graduates annually
🥉

Northeastern University

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 91% graduation rate

95.2
Score
$65K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.2/100): 91% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $64,990 in-state tuition, 22 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $64,990 in-state tuition
  • 22 graduates annually
#4

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
University Park, PAPublic

$129,180 median salary · 86% graduation rate

94.1
Score
$20K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.1/100): 86% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $20,066 in-state tuition, 272 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 86% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $20,066 in-state tuition
  • 272 graduates annually
#5

George Washington University

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 84% graduation rate

93.6
Score
$67K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.6/100): 84% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $67,420 in-state tuition, 26 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $67,420 in-state tuition
  • 26 graduates annually
#6

Brigham Young University

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
Provo, UTPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 81% graduation rate

93.2
Score
$7K
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.2/100): 81% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $6,688 in-state tuition, 42 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 81% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $6,688 in-state tuition
  • 42 graduates annually
#7

United States Military Academy

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
West Point, NYPublic

$129,180 median salary · 87% graduation rate

93.0
Score
87%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93/100): 87% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • 10 graduates annually
#8

Stevens Institute of Technology

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
Hoboken, NJPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 87% graduation rate

92.5
Score
$61K
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.5/100): 87% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $61,028 in-state tuition, 27 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $61,028 in-state tuition
  • 27 graduates annually
#9

Tulane University of Louisiana

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
New Orleans, LAPrivate nonprofit

$129,180 median salary · 86% graduation rate

92.2
Score
$64K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.2/100): 86% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, $64,372 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 86% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • $64,372 in-state tuition
  • 5 graduates annually
#10

United States Coast Guard Academy

Bachelor's in Information SecurityOn-campus
New London, CTPublic

$129,180 median salary · 93% graduation rate

91.9
Score
93%
Grad Rate
$129K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among information security bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (91.9/100): 93% graduation rate, $129,180 median salary, 17 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $129,180 median salary
  • 17 graduates annually

Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Purdue University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Purdue University-Main Campus's bachelor's information security program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 96.1

  2. #2. University of South Florida — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks University of South Florida's bachelor's information security program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 95.3

  3. #3. Northeastern University — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Northeastern University's bachelor's information security program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,990/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 95.2

  4. #4. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's bachelor's information security program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $20,066/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 94.1

  5. #5. George Washington University — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks George Washington University's bachelor's information security program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Washington, DC | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,420/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.6

  6. #6. Brigham Young University — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Brigham Young University's bachelor's information security program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Provo, UT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $6,688/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.2

  7. #7. United States Military Academy — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks United States Military Academy's bachelor's information security program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: West Point, NY | Type: Public | Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 93.0

  8. #8. Stevens Institute of Technology — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Stevens Institute of Technology's bachelor's information security program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Hoboken, NJ | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $61,028/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 92.5

  9. #9. Tulane University of Louisiana — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks Tulane University of Louisiana's bachelor's information security program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New Orleans, LA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,372/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 92.2

  10. #10. United States Coast Guard Academy — Bachelor's Information Security

    Hakia ranks United States Coast Guard Academy's bachelor's information security program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New London, CT | Type: Public | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $129,180 | Score: 91.9

Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#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

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

Top 25 Information Security Bachelor's Programs

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Bachelor's in Information Security
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
On-campus$9,71883%$129,18096.1
#2
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
On-campus$4,55977%$129,18095.3
#3
Bachelor's in Information Security
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,99091%$129,18095.2
#4
Bachelor's in Information Security
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
On-campus$20,06686%$129,18094.1
#5
Bachelor's in Information Security
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
On-campus$67,42084%$129,18093.6
#6
Bachelor's in Information Security
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$6,68881%$129,18093.2
#7
Bachelor's in Information Security
United States Military Academy
West Point, NY · Public
On-campus87%$129,18093.0
#8
Bachelor's in Information Security
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
On-campus$61,02887%$129,18092.5
#9
Bachelor's in Information Security
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,37286%$129,18092.2
#10
Bachelor's in Information Security
United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT · Public
On-campus93%$129,18091.9
#11
Bachelor's in Information Security
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
On-campus$4,72174%$129,18091.8
#12
Bachelor's in Information Security
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
Online$63,71084%$129,18091.6
#13
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,72084%$129,18091.2
#14
Bachelor's in Information Security
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$61,00087%$129,18090.7
#15
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public
On-campus$4,44371%$129,18089.9
#16
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,23085%$129,18089.9
#17
Bachelor's in Information Security
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$58,26070%$129,18089.6
#18
Bachelor's in Information Security
Marist University
Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$46,92080%$129,18089.5
#19
Bachelor's in Information Security
Touro University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$19,47272%$129,18089.4
#20
Bachelor's in Information Security
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$32,09664%$129,18088.8
#21
Bachelor's in Information Security
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$50,63675%$129,18088.8
#22
Bachelor's in Information Security
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC · Public
On-campus$8,35675%$129,18088.6
#23
Bachelor's in Information Security
Excelsior University
Albany, NY · Private nonprofit
Online$129,18087.4
#24
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK · Private nonprofit
On-campus$48,34072%$129,18087.1
#25
Bachelor's in Information Security
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,04278%$129,18087.1
#26
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH · Public
Online$11,68575%$129,18086.2
#27
Bachelor's in Information Security
University at Albany
Albany, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07061%$129,18086.0
#28
Bachelor's in Information Security
Hallmark University
San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit
On-campus66%$129,18085.9
#29
Bachelor's in Information Security
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit
Online$8,40057%$129,18085.7
#30
Bachelor's in Information Security
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$56,54569%$129,18085.6
#31
Bachelor's in Information Security
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public
On-campus$11,38073%$129,18085.1
#32
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · Public
On-campus$3,73559%$129,18085.1
#33
Bachelor's in Information Security
Mercer University
Macon, GA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$31,26570%$129,18084.6
#34
Bachelor's in Information Security
DePaul University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$44,60168%$129,18084.3
#35
Bachelor's in Information Security
St. John Fisher University
Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$40,09074%$129,18084.2
#36
Bachelor's in Information Security
Anderson University
Anderson, SC · Private nonprofit
On-campus$34,02066%$129,18083.9
#37
Bachelor's in Information Security
Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$20,80083%$129,18083.5
#38
Bachelor's in Information Security
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
On-campus$37,46072%$129,18083.5
#39
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO · Public
On-campus$8,55054%$129,18083.4
#40
Bachelor's in Information Security
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY · Public
On-campus$6,93056%$129,18083.1
#41
Bachelor's in Information Security
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public
On-campus$10,05267%$129,18082.7
#42
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
Online$45,64463%$129,18082.6
#43
Bachelor's in Information Security
Union University
Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit
On-campus$36,00566%$129,18082.6
#44
Bachelor's in Information Security
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$52,23073%$129,18082.3
#45
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI · Public
On-campus$15,24058%$129,18082.2
#46
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO · Public
Online$15,12057%$129,18082.0
#47
Bachelor's in Information Security
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY · Private for-profit
Online$15,48071%$129,18081.8
#48
Bachelor's in Information Security
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
On-campus$8,31961%$129,18081.5
#49
Bachelor's in Information Security
NUC University
Bayamon, PR · Private for-profit
On-campus$11,88554%$129,18081.4
#50
Bachelor's in Information Security
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO · Public
On-campus$8,55958%$129,18081.3

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

$68,000
Starting Salary
$112,000
Mid-Career
+32%
Job Growth
16,800
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Information Security Manager

+28%

Oversee security operations, develop policies, and manage security teams

Median Salary:$165,920

Penetration Tester

+35%

Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities

Median Salary:$115,700

Security Consultant

+30%

Advise organizations on security best practices and risk management

Median Salary:$125,400

Incident Response Specialist

+33%

Respond to security breaches, contain threats, and conduct forensic analysis

Median Salary:$98,350

Compliance Officer

+25%

Ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements and security standards

Median Salary:$89,200

Choose Your Information Security Program Type

Research-Focused University Program

  • You want to pursue graduate study or research careers
  • Access to advanced cybersecurity research is important
  • You prefer theoretical depth alongside practical skills
  • Faculty expertise in emerging security technologies matters

Industry-Oriented Program

  • 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

Online/Hybrid Program

  • 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

What's the difference between information security and cybersecurity degrees?
Information security focuses on protecting data and information systems, while cybersecurity has a broader scope including physical security and operational security. Many programs use the terms interchangeably, and both prepare students for similar career paths in protecting digital assets.
Do I need a security clearance for information security jobs?
Security clearance is required for government and defense contractor positions, but many private sector cybersecurity roles don't require clearance. Having clearance can significantly expand job opportunities and increase earning potential, particularly in the Washington D.C. area.
Should I major in information security or computer science?
Information security provides specialized training for cybersecurity careers, while computer science offers broader programming and system design skills. Choose information security if you're certain about a cybersecurity career path, or computer science if you want more flexibility.
What certifications should I pursue during my degree?
CompTIA Security+ is the most common entry-level certification. During your studies, consider pursuing Network+, CySA+, or GSEC depending on your career interests. Many employers value certifications equally with degrees for cybersecurity positions.
How much math is required for information security programs?
Most programs require calculus and statistics courses. Cryptography courses involve significant mathematical concepts, but the math requirements are less intensive than computer science or engineering programs. Strong logical reasoning skills are more important than advanced mathematics.

How We Rank Information Security Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

Of the 50 bachelor's information security programs we rank, Purdue University-Main Campus's Bachelor's in Information Security earns the highest Hakia Score. Each is graded on real graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition data. In-state tuition across the list spans $3,735 to $67,420.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

National salary data for information security graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2024Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

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

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.

Taylor Rupe

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.