- 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 Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Southern California 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 Online
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU operates CyLab, the world's largest university-based security and privacy institute with over 40 core faculty members, and holds the unique triple designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity education, research, and operations - making it one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity research environments globally.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) program stands at the epicenter of global cybersecurity innovation through the Information Networking Institute in the College of Engineering. This two-year program offers an intensely technical focus on security and computer systems, enhanced by extensive research opportunities within CyLab, the largest university-based security and privacy institute in the world. Students immerse themselves in Pittsburgh's rapidly emerging tech ecosystem, where companies like Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook have established major operations, creating unparalleled networking and career opportunities.
The program uniquely combines rigorous technical training with real-world application through customizable pathways including the Cyber Ops Certificate and Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (CyFir) Track. Students benefit from CMU's triple designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education, Research, and Cyber Operations - a rare distinction that reflects the university's comprehensive leadership across all aspects of cybersecurity. The program also offers innovative bicoastal options, allowing students to split time between Pittsburgh's academic environment and Silicon Valley's industry epicenter.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
University-wide security and privacy research coordination with 40+ core faculty and 120+ affiliated faculty members
Privacy policy research and usable security systems
Facial recognition and biometric security systems
Industry Partners
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
University of Southern California
USC's program stands out for its integration with the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a pioneer in internet security research since the ARPANET era, and its emphasis on engineering secure systems from the ground up rather than just defending existing ones.
Program Overview
The University of Southern California's Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is a rigorous 28-unit program housed within the Viterbi School of Engineering that focuses on the fundamentals of developing, engineering, and operating secure information systems. Unlike generic cybersecurity programs, this degree emphasizes the engineering perspective—teaching students how security policy drives technology decisions and how to architect systems that are secure by design. The program is led by Associate Director Clifford Neumann, PhD, and draws on USC's extensive research infrastructure including the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a world leader in cybersecurity research and development. Students gain hands-on experience through extensive laboratory work designed by current and former information security practitioners, covering secure operating systems, secure applications, secure networking, cryptography, and key management. The program is available both on-campus and online through USC's DEN@Viterbi platform, providing the same rigorous academic experience regardless of delivery method.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Pioneer in internet security research, cybersecurity, and advanced information processing
Systems security research and development
Industry Partners
Admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Georgia Tech offers the only interdisciplinary cybersecurity master's degree from a U.S. News Top 10 public university available entirely online for under $12,000 total tuition, making elite cybersecurity education accessible to working professionals worldwide.
Georgetown University
Georgetown uniquely offers cybersecurity education through both a professional risk management lens and a national security/international relations perspective, leveraging its position as Washington D.C.'s premier policy university with direct connections to federal agencies and the intelligence community.
New York University
NYU Tandon is home to CSAW, the world's largest student-run cybersecurity event now in its third decade, and operates the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory where students engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty who have earned 7 NSF CAREER awards.
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.
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.
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.
Western Governors University
1514 information security graduates annually
Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 90.1/100 |
| #2 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 75.5/100 |
| #3 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 74.1/100 |
| #4 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | 73.5/100 |
| #5 Georgetown University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,896 | 1% | 72.4/100 |
Top 50 Online Information Security Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 90.1 |
| 2 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 75.5 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 74.1 |
| 4 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | — | 73.5 |
| 5 | Georgetown University | Washington, DC | Private | $64,896 | 100% | — | 72.4 |
| 6 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 72.3 |
| 7 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 72.2 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 71.8 |
| 9 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 68.8 |
| 10 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 67.8 |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 67.5 |
| 12 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 66.6 |
| 13 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | — | 66.1 |
| 14 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | 97% | — | 65.8 |
| 15 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | — | 65.3 |
| 16 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 64.7 |
| 17 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | — | 64.5 |
| 18 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | — | 64.2 |
| 19 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | 63.6 |
| 20 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 63.6 |
| 21 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | — | 62.9 |
| 22 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $11,678 | 89% | — | 62.7 |
| 23 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 62 |
| 24 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 61.9 |
| 25 | Fordham University | Bronx, NY | Private | $60,335 | 94% | — | 61.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Online Information Security Degree Overview: What You'll Learn
Online information security degree programs prepare students for critical cybersecurity roles through comprehensive curricula covering network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and risk management. These programs typically require 120 credit hours and include hands-on virtual labs, industry certifications, and capstone projects that simulate real-world security challenges.
The best online programs maintain the same academic rigor as on-campus counterparts while offering flexibility for working professionals. Students engage with industry-standard tools like Wireshark, Nessus, and Metasploit through virtual environments, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon completion. Many programs also prepare students for industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH.
Career outcomes for online information security graduates are strong, with cybersecurity analyst salaries averaging $78,500 for entry-level positions and reaching $115,000+ for experienced professionals. The field offers multiple specialization paths including penetration testing, security architecture, and compliance management, with opportunities across industries from healthcare to finance.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate security incidents, and implement protective measures. Most common entry-level role with strong advancement opportunities.
Information Security Manager
SOC 11-3021Oversee security programs, manage security teams, and develop organizational security policies. Requires 3-5 years experience and leadership skills.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities. Highly specialized role requiring advanced technical skills and ethical hacking expertise.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1299Design secure systems and networks, create security standards, and oversee implementation of security measures across organizations.
Incident Response Specialist
SOC 15-1212Respond to security breaches, conduct forensic analysis, and coordinate recovery efforts. Critical role requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041Ensure organizational adherence to security regulations and standards like HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS. Growing importance across all industries.
Top States for Online Information Security Programs
Arizona
California
Texas
Florida
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Virginia
New York
Illinois
Colorado
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Online Information Security Degrees
Online information security students have access to the same federal financial aid as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for cybersecurity education due to high demand for security professionals.
Several scholarships specifically target cybersecurity students, including the CyberSeek.org scholarship database and industry-sponsored programs from companies like Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for online programs, with many schools offering additional military discounts and support services.
For comprehensive financial aid guidance, review our FAFSA guide for STEM majors and explore employer tuition reimbursement strategies to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
In-Depth Analysis of Top-Ranked Online Information Security Programs
The following detailed profiles examine what makes the top 5 online information security programs stand out. Each analysis considers curriculum quality, student support systems, industry partnerships, and career outcomes based on institutional data and student feedback.
Program Selection Framework
- You want maximum credibility with government and defense contractors
- You're interested in federal cybersecurity careers
- You prioritize curriculum rigor and industry recognition
- You plan to pursue advanced certifications like CISSP
- You want to minimize time to degree completion
- You have significant IT experience and can handle intensive coursework
- You're changing careers and need credentials quickly
- You prefer focused, intensive learning over extended timelines
- You're active duty military or a veteran using GI Bill benefits
- You need maximum scheduling flexibility for deployments
- You're interested in government security clearance positions
- You want programs with dedicated veteran support services
- You're paying out-of-pocket without employer support
- You qualify for in-state tuition at quality public universities
- You want to minimize student loan debt
- You're confident in your ability to succeed with less hand-holding
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Information Security Degrees
Based on 187 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
Federal database providing official higher education statistics including enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics providing salary data for cybersecurity roles
Official directory of NSA-designated cybersecurity academic programs
Department of Education database with employment and earning outcomes for college programs
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.