- 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 Western Governors University, University of Maryland Global Campus, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers information security education at $7,710/year
- 4.50 accredited Information Security programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Best Value
Western Governors University
1514 information security graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Information Security based on 1514 graduates, and overall score of 77/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 1514 information security graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
Program Overview
University of Maryland Global Campus offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology designed specifically for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. This 30-credit online program combines core cybersecurity foundations with flexible specialization tracks, allowing students to earn graduate certificates in areas like cloud computing, cyber operations, digital forensics, or cybersecurity management. What sets UMGC apart is its innovative use of the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that provides hands-on, immersive cybersecurity training experiences. The program is taught by practicing cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world expertise directly into the virtual classroom, ensuring students learn cutting-edge skills with industry-relevant tools like Microsoft Windows, Kali Linux, Red Hat Linux, and Cisco routers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Applied research, advisory services, and specialized cybersecurity education
Industry Partners
Admissions
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
202 information security graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Information Security based on 90% graduation rate, 202 graduates, and overall score of 65/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 202 information security graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
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.
Columbia Basin College
32 information security graduates annually
Grambling State University
9 information security graduates annually
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.
University at Albany
57 information security graduates annually
American Public University System
252 information security graduates annually
Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 77/100 |
| #2 University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | 65.5/100 |
| #3 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 90% | 65/100 |
| #4 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 63.9/100 |
| #5 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 59.3/100 |
Best Value Information Security Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Annual Tuition | 20-Year ROI | Starting Salary | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | 77 |
| 2 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | — | — | 65.5 |
| 3 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | $6,930 | — | — | 65 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | $19,672 | — | — | 63.9 |
| 5 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | $9,718 | — | — | 59.3 |
| 6 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | $5,514 | — | — | 59.2 |
| 7 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | — | — | 58.5 |
| 8 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | $61,310 | — | — | 56.4 |
| 9 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | $7,070 | — | — | 55.5 |
| 10 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | $8,400 | — | — | 55.3 |
| 11 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | $45,330 | — | — | 55.2 |
| 12 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | $10,080 | — | — | 54.9 |
| 13 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | — | — | 54.8 |
| 14 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | $31,162 | — | — | 53.9 |
| 15 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | $12,100 | — | — | 53.5 |
| 16 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $62,000 | — | — | 53.4 |
| 17 | Bentley University | Waltham, MA | $58,150 | — | — | 53.2 |
| 18 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | $17,424 | — | — | 53 |
| 19 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | $15,450 | — | — | 52.4 |
| 20 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | — | — | 51.3 |
| 21 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | $6,239 | — | — | 51.1 |
| 22 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | $7,997 | — | — | 51 |
| 23 | United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | $0 | — | — | 50.2 |
| 24 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | $7,314 | — | — | 50 |
| 25 | Wilmington University | New Castle, DE | $12,270 | — | — | 49.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor security systems, investigate breaches, and implement protective measures for organizational data and networks.
Security Engineer
Design and build secure systems, networks, and applications with focus on threat prevention and mitigation.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Provide specialized security expertise to organizations, conducting assessments and recommending solutions.
Security Architect
Design comprehensive security frameworks and oversee implementation of enterprise security strategies.
Financial Aid Strategies for Information Security Students
Information security students have access to specialized financial aid opportunities beyond traditional federal aid programs. The National Science Foundation's CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program provides full tuition coverage plus stipends in exchange for government service commitments. Additionally, many cybersecurity firms offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing relevant degrees.
FAFSA completion remains the foundation of financial aid strategy, opening access to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Information security students should particularly explore STEM-focused scholarships and grants offered by professional organizations like (ISC)² and CompTIA. Many programs also offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
- Complete FAFSA by priority deadlines for maximum aid eligibility
- Research CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program requirements
- Apply for employer tuition reimbursement if currently working
- Explore professional organization scholarships and grants
- Consider graduate assistantships at research-focused institutions
- Investigate state-specific cybersecurity workforce development programs
- Look into veterans' benefits if eligible for military education support
State workforce development programs increasingly offer cybersecurity-specific funding. Scholarships for women in technology provide additional opportunities for underrepresented students, while veterans can leverage GI Bill benefits that fully cover tuition at many public institutions. The key is applying early and broadly to maximize funding opportunities and reduce total program costs.
How to Choose the Right Value Program
Selecting the optimal value program requires balancing cost, quality, and career outcomes based on individual circumstances. Students should prioritize programs with strong industry connections, current curriculum reflecting emerging threats, and faculty with active industry experience. Accreditation by recognized bodies like ABET or specialized cybersecurity accreditors ensures program quality and employer recognition.
Geographic considerations significantly impact value calculations. Students in high-cost states like California or New York often find better value in out-of-state online programs or relocating to states with strong cybersecurity job markets and lower living costs. Colorado's growing tech sector and Texas's expanding cybersecurity industry offer attractive combinations of program quality, living costs, and job opportunities.
- Verify regional or national accreditation status
- Review faculty credentials and industry experience
- Assess curriculum alignment with current industry needs
- Evaluate hands-on learning opportunities and lab access
- Research employer partnerships and job placement support
- Consider certification preparation and exam fee inclusions
- Analyze total cost including living expenses and opportunity costs
Working professionals should prioritize programs offering evening or weekend schedules, asynchronous coursework, and credit for professional experience. Western Governors University's competency-based approach allows experienced professionals to accelerate through familiar material while focusing study time on new concepts. This model can reduce total program duration from four years to 18-24 months for students with relevant work experience.
Choose Your Program Type
- You qualify for in-state tuition rates
- Traditional campus experience is important
- You prefer established research programs
- Local industry connections matter for career goals
- You're currently working full-time
- Geographic flexibility is important
- Cost minimization is the primary concern
- You learn effectively in virtual environments
- You want cutting-edge curriculum and technology
- Small class sizes are important
- You qualify for significant financial aid
- Specialized tracks align with career goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 152 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Security degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information security salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Official employment projections and salary data for information security analysts
20-year return on investment calculations based on alumni salary data
Institutional data on tuition, fees, and graduation rates
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.