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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Eastern Michigan, Michigan Technological, U of Michigan-Dearborn
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,656 to $32,300/year
Macomb Community College offers the most affordable option at $6,240/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 16 associate's, 8 master's in Michigan
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
11 online information security degree programs in Michigan
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Michigan community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
16 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Duo Security
Tech hubs in Detroit and Ann Arbor
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 85+ cities across Michigan
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Michigan Information Security programs
We rank 36 accredited information security programs in Michigan 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 Michigan Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Michigan
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Michigan by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Michigan
Program Landscape
Michigan offers 16 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Henry Ford College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Michigan offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,962/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 $54,907 in Michigan.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Michigan's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Ford, GM, Quicken Loans 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 Michigan, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Michigan.
Show all 14 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | Public | $6,360 | 18% | 67.6 |
| #7 | Monroe County Community College | Monroe, MI | Public | $6,638 | 34% | 67.5 |
| #8 | Henry Ford College | Dearborn, MI | Public | $4,848 | 17% | 66.4 |
| #9 | Schoolcraft Community College District | Livonia, MI | Public | $4,126 | 18% | 65.8 |
| #10 | Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek, MI | Public | $5,450 | 30% | 64.4 |
| #11 | Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI | Public | $7,200 | 25% | 64.0 |
| #12 | Mid Michigan College | Harrison, MI | Public | $8,710 | 28% | 62.9 |
| #13 | Jackson College | Jackson, MI | Public | $6,750 | 16% | 59.9 |
| #14 | Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor, MI | Public | $7,755 | 22% | 56.3 |
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Michigan
Program Landscape
Michigan ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 12 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 7 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Eastern Michigan, Michigan Technological, U of Michigan-Dearborn, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Michigan information security programs earn a median salary of $84,856, 14% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Ford, GM, Quicken Loans.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $12,460 to $32,300 annually, with an average of $19,429/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 Michigan's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Michigan, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Detroit Mercy
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Public | $15,861 | 58% | 74.9 |
| #7 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,920 | 46% | 71.3 |
| #8 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private nonprofit | $23,376 | 57% | 69.0 |
| #9 | Baker College | Owosso, MI | Private nonprofit | $12,600 | 36% | 66.2 |
| #10 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Public | $14,582 | 47% | 66.2 |
| #11 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | Private nonprofit | $29,500 | 39% | 64.6 |
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Michigan
Program Landscape
Michigan offers 8 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 Michigan-Dearborn, U of Detroit Mercy, Ferris State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Michigan earn a median salary of $99,830, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Ford, GM, Quicken Loans 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 $18,508/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 Michigan's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Detroit Mercy
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,920 | 46% | 67.2 |
| #7 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private nonprofit | $23,376 | 57% | 63.0 |
| #8 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Public | $14,582 | 47% | 62.6 |
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Michigan
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $12,467/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $31,168/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,117/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $74,804 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $18,700 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Michigan
State Aid Programs
Michigan offers exceptional state-funded financial aid that makes security education accessible.
The flagship Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 per year (up to $27,500 over five years) for recent high school graduates attending Michigan public universities, including CAE-designated institutions like Michigan Tech, EMU, and Ferris State (Michigan.gov MiStudentAid). Eligibility requires filing FAFSA, having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less, and enrolling within 15 months of high school graduation. The Community College Guarantee provides tuition-free community college, including CAE-designated Macomb CC, for all high school graduates, with an additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus for Pell-eligible students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Adult learners and career changers have dedicated pathways through Michigan Reconnect.
This last-dollar scholarship pays for in-district community college tuition, making it completely free, for Michigan residents age 25 and older who haven't completed a college degree (Michigan Reconnect). Over 207,000 Michiganders have taken advantage of this program since 2021. For security career transitions, adults can complete CAE-designated associate degrees at Macomb CC entirely tuition-free, including hands-on Cyber Range training. Ferris State's fully online ISI program accommodates working adults pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees while maintaining employment. The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) provides additional support for students from families who received Medicaid.
Institutional Scholarships
Additional financial aid opportunities for security students:
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS): Federal scholarships covering tuition plus stipends in exchange for government service commitment. CAE institutions are eligible to nominate students
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with significant financial need
- ISC2 and CompTIA scholarships: Industry organizations offer scholarships for cybersecurity students
- DOD Cyber Scholarships: Defense-related scholarships for students pursuing security careers with clearance eligibility
- Employer tuition assistance: Major Michigan employers (GM, Ford, BCBSM) offer tuition reimbursement for security certifications and degrees Budget for certifications. Certification exam costs ($350-$750 each for CompTIA, EC-Council, ISC2) add to educational expenses, though many employers reimburse certification costs. Some Michigan programs include certification vouchers in tuition. Apply for FAFSA by December 31 priority deadline for maximum Michigan Achievement Scholarship consideration.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Michigan
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Michigan. 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
+592%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,095,969
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$129,412
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 Michigan metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $110K |
| Ann Arbor | $105K |
| Grand Rapids | $100K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Michigan
Find information security jobs in Michigan. These major employers across Michigan metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Detroit Metro
MIDetroit is the center of automotive innovation, leading in EV development and autonomous vehicle technology.
Nearby cities: Dearborn, Troy, Warren, Auburn Hills, Southfield
Information Security Jobs in Ann Arbor
MIAnn Arbor is anchored by University of Michigan, with strong tech research and startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Ypsilanti, Canton, Plymouth, Novi
Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Michigan
State Transfer System
Macomb Community College's CAE-CDE designation provides exceptional transfer value for security students.
Macomb is one of few community colleges nationally holding NSA/DHS CAE-CDE designation at the associate level, meaning curriculum is mapped to federal cybersecurity workforce requirements (Macomb CC Cybersecurity). Completing Macomb's cybersecurity associate degree provides validated foundations that transfer smoothly to four-year CAE institutions including Eastern Michigan University, Michigan Tech, and Ferris State. The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) ensures students completing 30 credits in specified general education areas have those credits accepted at participating four-year institutions (MiTransfer).
How Transfers Work
Strategic transfer planning for security students:
- 1Start at CAE-designated community college: Macomb CC's CAE-CDE designation validates security curriculum quality
- 2Complete foundational certifications: Earn CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ while at community college, these credentials transfer regardless of institution
- 3Build networking fundamentals: Cisco CCNA preparation courses provide hands-on skills valued by security employers
- 4Maintain 3.0+ GPA: Target this for competitive transfer to CAE research institutions like Michigan Tech
- 5Research specific articulation agreements: Macomb to EMU, Oakland CC to Oakland University, and similar direct pathways exist The Michigan Cyber Range Network connects participating universities, providing consistent hands-on training experiences across institutions. Students can participate in cyber range exercises before transfer, building skills that translate to university coursework.
Transfer Planning Tips
Community college pathways offer significant cost savings for security careers.
Michigan community colleges charge approximately $100-$150 per credit hour for in-district students. With the Community College Guarantee making tuition free for recent high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect covering adults 25+, many students pay nothing for associate-level security education (Michigan.gov MiStudentAid). Macomb CC's CAE-designated program provides rigorous, federally-validated security curriculum at community college costs, an exceptional value proposition. By completing general education and security foundations at community college, students reduce total bachelor's degree costs by $20,000-$35,000. Security certifications earned at community college (Security+, CySA+, PenTest+) provide immediate employment value even before completing bachelor's degrees.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Michigan?
Industry & Workforce
Michigan stands at the forefront of automotive cybersecurity, creating unique career opportunities at the intersection of vehicle safety and digital security.
As connected and autonomous vehicles become reality, Michigan's automotive industry requires information security professionals who understand both traditional enterprise security and vehicle-specific threats. The Automotive Cybersecurity Detroit conference, held annually in Dearborn, brings together vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies addressing how a compromised vehicle creates safety and privacy problems alongside financial risks (Automotive Cybersecurity Detroit). According to CyberSeek, Michigan has 9,755 open cybersecurity positions alongside 26,906 employed professionals, making it one of the nation's most active cybersecurity job markets (CyberSeek Michigan).
Salary Outlook
Salary potential reflects the critical importance of information security.
Cybersecurity professionals in Detroit earn an average of $131,628 per year ($63.28/hour), with Security Analysts averaging $126,881 (ZipRecruiter Detroit). Entry-level positions start around $108,000-$118,000, while top earners reach $197,146 at the 90th percentile. The statewide average is approximately $104,540 annually. Michigan's 4.25% flat state income tax and lower cost of living compared to coastal metros means cybersecurity salaries provide exceptional purchasing power. Detroit's living costs remain 8% below the national average, amplifying the value of competitive security compensation.
Regional Tech Hubs
Michigan hosts five NSA/DHS-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
These CAE-designated institutions provide rigorous, federally-validated cybersecurity education: Michigan Technological University (CAE-CD and CAE-Research), Eastern Michigan University, University of Detroit Mercy, Ferris State University, and Davenport University (Cybersecurity Guide Michigan). Macomb Community College holds CAE-CDE designation at the associate level, one of few community colleges nationally with this distinction. The Michigan Cyber Range Network, launched in 2012, provides hands-on training through live cyberattack simulations across participating universities. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national information security rankings.
Information Security Job Growth in Michigan
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Michigan
Employment Outlook
Michigan's cybersecurity job market reflects the state's unique automotive security requirements alongside traditional enterprise needs.
CyberSeek reports 9,755 open cybersecurity positions in Michigan, with demand spanning automotive cybersecurity specialists, penetration testers, security analysts, and security engineers (CyberSeek Michigan). The automotive industry's shift toward software-defined vehicles has created specialized roles: vehicle security architects, connected car penetration testers, and automotive security researchers. Malicious activity from threat actors increased 30-40% in 2024, with attack vectors evolving as vehicles become smarter and more connected. Consumer awareness is driving demand, 87% of consumers say strong protections influence buying decisions, with 35% willing to pay premium prices for enhanced vehicle security.
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary data reveals strong information security opportunities:
- Detroit Metro: $126,881 average for Security Analysts, with top earners reaching $197,146 (90th percentile). Entry-level positions start at $108,000-$118,000. Major employers include GM, Ford, Stellantis, BCBSM, and Rocket Companies.
- Ann Arbor: $120,000-$140,000 for senior security roles. Toyota Research Institute, Google, and tech startups require security expertise for R&D operations.
- Dearborn: Automotive cybersecurity hub with Ford headquarters and annual Automotive Cybersecurity Detroit conference attracting industry leaders.
- Grand Rapids-Kentwood: $95,000-$115,000 for security roles. Healthcare cybersecurity at Spectrum Health/Corewell, financial services, and manufacturing security. (ZipRecruiter Detroit, Cybersecurity Education Guides Michigan)
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth information security sectors in Michigan include: automotive cybersecurity (connected vehicle security, V2X communications, ADAS protection), healthcare security (HIPAA compliance, patient data protection, medical device security), financial services security (fraud detection, transaction security, regulatory compliance), and defense/government security (defense contractors, state government systems). Michigan's concentration of key defense and military procurement facilities positions companies to tap into DOD and DHS cybersecurity contracts. ISO/SAE 21434 automotive cybersecurity standards and UNECE WP.29 regulations are driving compliance requirements that create sustained demand for qualified professionals. For related career paths, explore our cybersecurity programs, network security degrees, or computer forensics 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 Michigan
Online Programs
11 available in Michigan
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
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Information Security Degree Programs in Michigan: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Michigan?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Michigan?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Michigan?
Are there online information security degree programs in Michigan?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Michigan?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Michigan?
How long do information security degree programs take in Michigan?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Michigan?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Michigan 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.