University campus in Kansas
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top information security colleges in Kansas. 6 accredited information security schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Butler Community College to Kansas State University.

#1 ProgramKansas State
Avg Salary$92,340
Tuition From$3,090/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

4

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$92,340

Kansas median information security salary

BLS OEWS 2024

80.8/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

33%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best information security degree programs: Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $3,090 to $32,750/year

Butler Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,090/yr

IPEDS 2024

Information Security degree programs available: 3 associate's in Kansas

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

1 online information security degree programs in Kansas

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries

Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita

Hakia Research 2026

Information Security degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Kansas Information Security programs

We rank 6 accredited information security programs in Kansas 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.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?

Answer
$92,340
Yes. The best information security degree programs in Kansas deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $92,340 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $16,171/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Information Security Degree Rankings in Kansas

Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Kansas

1
Programs ranked
$3,090
Avg tuition/yr
32%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Kansas offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Butler Community College, Manhattan Area Technical ..., Rasmussen University-Kansas, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,401/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,787 in Kansas.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.

Curriculum & Specializations

Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information security schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Kansas.

Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Kansas

2
Programs ranked
$21,898
Avg tuition/yr
57%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Kansas information security programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $9,964 to $32,750 annually, with an average of $24,941/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 70%, with the highest reaching 70%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

🥈
Friends University
Wichita, KSPrivate nonprofit
$33,552
Tuition/yr
43%
Grad rate
69.7
Hakia Score

Best Master's Information Security Programs in Kansas

1
Programs ranked
$11,976
Avg tuition/yr
43%
Avg grad rate

Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$16,171/year
Average out-of-state tuition$40,428/year
Community college tuition$4,043/year
4-year savings for residents$97,028
2+2 transfer pathway savings$24,256

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Kansas

State Aid Programs

Kansas students pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple federal and state financial aid options. The primary federal aid avenue is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at Federal Student Aid. This application determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based grant program specifically designed for students attending Kansas independent institutions. For detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures, prospective students should visit the Kansas Board of Regents website.

Key Programs & Amounts

Many Kansas institutions offering information security programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Public four-year universities in Kansas average $7,625 in in-state tuition, making them significantly more affordable than out-of-state options at $19,960 (IPEDS). Community colleges in Kansas offer even lower tuition costs, with institutions like Butler Community College charging $3,090 annually. Students should also explore employer tuition assistance programs, particularly with major Kansas employers such as Spirit AeroSystems and Koch Industries. The College Scorecard provides transparent data on net price and aid packages at specific institutions, helping students make informed financial decisions about their information security education.

Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Information Security Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Information Security Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas

Kansas City$102K
Wichita$97K
Overland Park$92K
View data table
CategoryValue
Kansas City$102K
Wichita$97K
Overland Park$92K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Kansas

Find information security jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Information Security Jobs in Overland Park

KS
Sprint/T-Mobile
telecom
Garmin
tech
Netsmart
healthtech
Black & Veatch
engineering

Information Security Jobs in Wichita

KS
Spirit AeroSystems
aerospace
Textron Aviation
aerospace
NetApp
tech

Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Kansas

State Transfer System

Kansas offers strong transfer pathways for information security students through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, administered by the Kansas Board of Regents. This system provides systemwide course transfer agreements that guarantee course credits earned at 28 two-year institutions will transfer to 34 four-year institutions in the state. Students completing associate degree programs in information security at community colleges like Butler Community College (19 completions) or Manhattan Area Technical College (11 completions) can seamlessly transition to bachelor's degree programs at universities such as Wichita State University, University of Kansas, or Kansas State University without losing credit hours or delaying graduation.

How Transfers Work

The transfer process is streamlined through formal articulation agreements that specify which courses satisfy degree requirements at four-year institutions. Students maintain their progress toward a bachelor's degree while saving significantly on tuition costs during their first two years. Associate degree graduates from community colleges can enter four-year programs as juniors, positioning them to complete bachelor's degrees efficiently. The Kansas Comprehensive Grant program provides need-based financial aid at Kansas independent institutions, benefiting transfer students. For detailed transfer planning, students should consult their institution's transfer counselor and access the Kansas Board of Regents' official transfer equivalency resources to verify specific course mappings and ensure a smooth transition to their chosen four-year program.

Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Kansas?

Industry & Workforce

Kansas offers a growing landscape for information security education with 10 institutions currently offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state's technical colleges and universities have produced 31 associate degree completions and 9 bachelor degree completions in recent years, demonstrating a commitment to workforce development in cybersecurity and information protection. Leading institutions like the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University provide rigorous curricula designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in this critical field.

Salary Outlook

Kansas's major employment hubs in Wichita, Kansas City, and the surrounding metro areas are home to significant employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Koch Industries, all organizations with substantial information security needs. Public four-year tuition averages $7,625 in-state, making Kansas an affordable option compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Students can explore related fields through programs in cybersecurity in Kansas, network administration, and information technology to build comprehensive technical expertise. For those seeking additional perspective, comparative state programs are available in information security in Texas and information security in California.

Information Security Program Availability in Kansas

6 Programs
Kansas offers 6 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas

Employment Outlook

Kansas offers a growing landscape for information security professionals, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence. The state's job market reflects strong demand from both public and private sectors, with employers actively seeking skilled cybersecurity talent. According to BLS occupational data, Kansas has a strong employment base across multiple industries that rely on information security expertise. Job seekers in Kansas benefit from competitive compensation packages and a lower cost of living compared to national averages, making the state an attractive destination for information security careers.

Salaries by Metro

The Kansas City Metro and South Central Kansas regions represent the strongest job markets for information security professionals. Wichita and the Kansas City area serve as tech hubs with multiple Fortune 500 companies and mid-market firms requiring extensive cybersecurity infrastructure. Northeast Kansas, anchored by Lawrence and Manhattan, offers opportunities in education and research sectors. For comprehensive salary information and career outlook data specific to Kansas, consult the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. Students interested in related fields should explore Cybersecurity programs in Kansas and Information Technology in Kansas for complementary career pathways.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Kansas$60,021$133,893
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in Kansas

Online Programs

1 available in Kansas

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$14,554/yr$16,171/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Information Security Programs in Other States

Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ

What are the best information security degree programs in Kansas?
The best information security degree programs in Kansas based on our methodology are: 1) Kansas State University (highly ranked), 2) Kansas Wesleyan University, and 3) Friends University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Kansas offers 6 total accredited programs across 3 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 3 bachelor's programs.
How much do information security degree programs cost in Kansas?
Information Security degree program costs in Kansas vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $16,171/year, while private institutions average $35,576/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,043/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $64,684 at public schools to $142,305 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Information Security professionals in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,021, while senior roles exceed $133,893. Salaries vary by metro area: Kansas City ($101,574), Wichita ($96,957) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online information security degree programs in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers 1 accredited online Information Security programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rasmussen University-Kansas. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Kansas?
Major Information Security employers in Kansas include Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries, Spirit AeroSystems. The Kansas City and Wichita metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Kansas universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Kansas's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an information security degree program worth it in Kansas?
An information security degree program in Kansas offers strong ROI with a $92,340 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $16,171/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($104,344), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do information security degree programs take in Kansas?
Standard completion times for information security degree programs in Kansas are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Kansas community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Kansas university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Kansas?
Kansas information security degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Kansas state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Kansas's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Kansas salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Information Security program profiles in Kansas

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Associate's Information Security programs

#1Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado, KS

Hakia insight. Butler's emphasis on hands-on network defense labs feeds directly into Kansas's regional healthcare and manufacturing sectors, where employers value technicians who can troubleshoot live systems on day one rather than requiring months of on-the-job training.

At the associate's level, butler's information security program emphasizes hands-on lab experience in network defense and system administration, giving students real-world troubleshooting skills employers want immediately. You'll work with current technology in dedicated security labs rather than just theory, preparing you for help desk and junior admin roles right after graduation. The program has strong partnerships with regional Kansas employers who actively recruit Butler graduates, and many students complete industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Network+ while earning their degree. Transfer agreements with Kansas State University and Wichita State make it easy to continue toward a bachelor's if you choose that path later.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Information Security · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Security · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Regional healthcare systems in Kansas, Local government IT departments, Kansas-based manufacturing firms, Regional financial institutions

Best Bachelor's Information Security programs

#1Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS

Why it stands out. NSA and DHS designated National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity. Access to Beocat high-performance academic supercomputer

Hakia insight. K-State's NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation combined with access to the Beocat supercomputer and faculty like Dr. Vasserman (digital privacy) and Dr. Munir (autonomous vehicle security) means undergraduates can contribute to research on emerging attack surfaces—not just defend legacy systems.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Kansas State University combines computer science, system administration, and systems analysis to provide comprehensive education and hands-on training in security, cryptography, and networking. Students prepare for careers monitoring and protecting critical infrastructure, developing high-assurance software, and designing safety- and security-critical systems and networks. K-State's computer science department is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS. The program emphasizes excellent graduate placement and features extremely active and competitive student organizations. Students have access to Beocat, a high-performance academic supercomputer, and can participate in undergraduate research opportunities through K-State's 90-plus research centers. The program also offers study abroad options across more than 85 countries.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity · 4 years · on-campus

Research labs & institutes

  • Center for Information and Systems Assurance — Information assurance and computer security research
  • Intelligent Systems, Computer Architecture, Analytics and Security Laboratory — Autonomous vehicles, hardware security, AI resilience, and situational awareness
  • Probabilistic and Information Theoretic Security Laboratory — Privacy metrics, social media privacy, and privacy-utility solutions
  • Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems — Cybersecurity and system trustworthiness

Industry partners

Collins AerospaceAdventium LabsNASANational Science FoundationAir Force Office of Scientific ResearchAir Force Research LaboratoryDefense Advanced Research Projects AgencyU.S. ArmySemiconductor Research CorporationNational Security AgencyDepartment of Homeland Security

Notable faculty

  • Dr. Eugene Vasserman (Cybersecurity, digital literacy, social media privacy)
  • Dr. Arslan Munir (Autonomous vehicle security, hardware-based security, AI resilience)
  • Dr. John Hatcliff (Military cybersecurity systems, cyber-physical systems)
  • Dr. George Amariucai (Social media privacy, information theoretic security)
  • Dr. Kevin Steinmetz (Social engineering, cybercrime investigations)
  • Dr. Scott DeLoach (Computer science and cybersecurity)

Accreditation & certifications

National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS
#2Friends UniversityWichita, KS

Why it stands out. Friends University frames cybersecurity through an organizational risk and governance lens, preparing students to think strategically about security beyond technical implementation alone.

Hakia insight. Friends University's governance-focused curriculum bridges the hiring gap between purely technical candidates and security leaders—employers like Novacoast and regional aerospace firms need people who understand how to sell security investments, not just build them.

At the bachelor's level, friends University's information security program sits at the intersection of business risk and technical implementation, appealing to students who want to understand how security decisions flow from organizational strategy rather than exist in isolation. The curriculum weaves together network security, systems administration, and security governance within a context that emphasizes how technical controls serve broader business objectives. Students encounter real-world case studies of security failures and organizational responses, and they apply this perspective through internships with regional firms where they see firsthand how risk appetite, compliance obligations, and technical capability intersect. The program leverages Wichita's strong manufacturing and aerospace base, connecting students with companies that manage sophisticated supply-chain security challenges and industrial control system protection requirements. Faculty blend academic rigor with practitioner experience, creating a bridge between theory and the concrete decisions security professionals make daily. Graduates emerge prepared not only for traditional security analyst roles but also for positions in security architecture, risk management, and security program development—paths that require understanding both the technical and organizational dimensions of cybersecurity.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Security · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Security · 4 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Novacoast, Inc., Knowmadics

Location advantage: Wichita aerospace and manufacturing sector with advanced cybersecurity needs Regional logistics and supply-chain industry presence