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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: U of Maryland Global, Capitol Technology, Stevenson
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,640 to $62,840/year
Montgomery College offers the most affordable option at $8,190/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 11 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Maryland
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online information security degree programs in Maryland
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maryland community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
11 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Baltimore and Bethesda
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 43+ cities across Maryland
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Maryland Information Security programs
We rank 24 accredited information security programs in Maryland 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.
Are Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 11 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community Co..., Community College of Balt..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Maryland offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $6,087/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 $67,331 in Maryland.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Maryland's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL 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 Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Maryland.
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, MD | Public | $5,880 | 33% | 73.8 |
| #7 | Cecil College | North East, MD | Public | $7,500 | 37% | 70.9 |
| #8 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,856 | 19% | 68.6 |
| #9 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | Public | $5,136 | 18% | 67.8 |
| #10 | Garrett College | McHenry, MD | Public | $8,260 | 34% | 65.6 |
| #11 | Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore, MD | Public | $2,640 | 17% | 64.4 |
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland Global, Capitol Technology, Stevenson, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland information security programs earn a median salary of $104,057, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,110 to $45,660 annually, with an average of $23,947/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 87%. 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 Maryland's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mount St. Mary's University
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private nonprofit | $26,350 | 43% | 68.9 |
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 6 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maryland Global, Johns Hopkins, Capitol Technology, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Maryland earn a median salary of $122,420, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $27,928/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Maryland's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Capitol Technology University
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Public | $7,590 | 38% | 62.9 |
| #7 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, MD | Public | $5,750 | 35% | 58.4 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 38% | 57.6 |
Best Doctoral Information Security Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 1 doctoral programs in information security, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Capitol Technology are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Maryland PhD holders earning a median of $153,025, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Maryland programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing information security degrees in Maryland, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Capitol Technology University
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,212/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $40,530/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,053/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $97,272 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $24,318 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland residents pursuing Information Security degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The primary federal funding mechanism is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs across all Maryland institutions. Students should complete the FAFSA at (Federal Student Aid) to unlock federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other need-based aid. Additionally, Maryland's state legislature offers the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based award program specifically for Maryland residents attending in-state institutions. Eligible students can receive support directly through their state legislators. More information about this program is available through the (Maryland Higher Education Commission).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, individual institutions offer merit-based scholarships and institutional grants to qualified Information Security students. Public universities like the University of Maryland system and community colleges often provide tuition remission or scholarship programs for high-achieving students. Many employers in the region, including Johns Hopkins, NIH, and Lockheed Martin, partner with educational institutions to sponsor employee education benefits and internship-based funding. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to explore full scholarship opportunities, assistantship positions, and employer sponsorship programs. For comprehensive guidance on all federal aid options, visit (College Scorecard), which provides institution-specific aid data to help compare total cost of attendance across Maryland programs.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Maryland. 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
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$100,000
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Maryland metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $135K |
| Bethesda | $129K |
| Rockville | $122K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Maryland
Find information security jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Baltimore
MDInformation Security Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDInformation Security Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's transfer system is streamlined through ARTSYS (Articulation System), which maps course equivalencies between the state's community colleges and four-year universities (ARTSYS). With 18 two-year institutions and 36 four-year institutions in Maryland, students have abundant pathways to complete an information security degree (IPEDS). Community colleges such as Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community College, and Community College of Baltimore County offer solid foundational coursework in networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity basics. These programs provide an affordable entry point, tuition averages significantly lower than four-year institutions, while maintaining clear pathways to bachelor's and master's degrees.
How Transfers Work
Students completing an associate's degree at institutions like Prince George's Community College or College of Southern Maryland can seamlessly transfer to universities such as University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, or Towson University through established articulation agreements (ARTSYS). The ARTSYS system ensures that completed coursework transfers as equivalent credit, minimizing delays and reducing overall time-to-degree. Additionally, Maryland residents may qualify for the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based state financial aid program that supports transfer students (Maryland Higher Education Commission). For detailed information on specific transfer agreements and pathways, consult your community college advisor or explore related programs in cybersecurity and information technology.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland has established itself as a premier destination for information security education, with 27 institutions offering dedicated programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state awarded 1,084 master's degrees, 466 bachelor's degrees, and 424 associate's degrees in information security during 2023, demonstrating strong educational pathways for students at every stage of their career (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs like the University of Maryland-College Park and Johns Hopkins University attract thousands of students seeking cybersecurity training in a state positioned at the epicenter of federal technology innovation.
Salary Outlook
The state's geographic advantage is unmatched. Maryland hosts major technology employers including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Johns Hopkins University, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Maryland system across vibrant hubs like Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, and Rockville. With average public in-state tuition at just $7,730 for four-year institutions (IPEDS), Maryland offers exceptional value compared to national alternatives. Students can explore related programs in cybersecurity, network administration, and cloud computing to build comprehensive IT security expertise while enjoying access to internship and employment opportunities with organizations.
Information Security Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's information security job market is strong and growing, driven by strong demand across federal, healthcare, and technology sectors. The state hosts two major metropolitan areas with significant cybersecurity employment: the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region (Maryland portion), which collectively represent some of the nation's largest concentrations of security-focused employers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland offers competitive salaries and consistent job growth in information security roles. The state's proximity to federal agencies, military installations, and major technology companies has created a sustained demand for qualified security professionals.
Salaries by Metro
Maryland institutions are producing information security graduates at scale to meet this demand. In 2023, Maryland colleges awarded 1,084 master's degrees and 466 bachelor's degrees in information security, according to IPEDS data. The University of Maryland Global Campus led all institutions with 1,211 completions, reflecting strong enrollment in both traditional and online formats. Cities like Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Bethesda in the DC suburbs region, along with Baltimore and Columbia in the central corridor, host multiple institutions preparing workers for this dynamic field. Students pursuing information security in Maryland benefit from proximity to major employers while accessing Maryland's financial aid programs, including the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship for residents. For broader context on security careers nationally, explore our national information security rankings and most affordable programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in Maryland
Online Programs
3 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $19,700
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 57
- Median Tuition
- $17,800
Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Maryland?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Maryland?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Maryland?
Are there online information security degree programs in Maryland?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Maryland?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Maryland?
How long do information security degree programs take in Maryland?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Maryland?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Maryland salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.