On this page
Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Alcorn State, Mississippi State,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,500 to $9,665/year
Hinds Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,550/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 6 associate's, 1 master's in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
6 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Jackson and Gulfport
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 43+ cities across Mississippi
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Mississippi Information Security programs
We rank 9 accredited information security programs in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Hinds Community College, Jones County Junior College, East Mississippi Communit..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Mississippi offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,586/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 $45,348 in Mississippi.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Mississippi's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin 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 Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Mississippi.
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | Public | $3,500 | 37% | 75.6 |
| #7 | Meridian Community College | Meridian, MS | Public | $3,758 | 34% | 68.1 |
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Alcorn State, Mississippi State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi information security programs earn a median salary of $70,083, 29% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,869 to $9,665 annually, with an average of $8,767/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 92%, with the highest reaching 92%. 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 Mississippi's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mississippi State University
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 1 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Mississippi State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Mississippi earn a median salary of $82,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin 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 $9,665/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 Mississippi's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Mississippi State University
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $4,882/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $12,205/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,221/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $29,292 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $7,322 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi residents pursuing Information Security degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant provides merit-based awards for high-achieving Mississippi residents, offering direct support to qualified students regardless of their chosen institution (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). This state-specific program complements federal financial aid options, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and other need-based assistance (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial packages tailored to Information Security majors. Many Mississippi colleges and universities provide need-based and merit-based aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Students should investigate scholarship opportunities directly through their chosen institution's financial aid office. For those considering community college pathways, which serve 56 associate's degree completions annually across the state, tuition remains significantly lower than four-year institutions, making community college a cost-effective entry point (IPEDS). Mississippi's Articulation and Transfer Tool supports seamless transfer from community colleges to universities, allowing students to complete foundational coursework affordably before completing bachelor's degrees (Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool). Consulting the College Scorecard can help compare aid packages across institutions (College Scorecard).
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Mississippi. 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
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$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
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 Mississippi metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $91K |
| Gulfport | $87K |
| Hattiesburg | $82K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Mississippi
Find information security jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Jackson
MSInformation Security Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi's transfer system is designed to help seamless progression from two-year to four-year institutions. The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool (https://www.mississippi.edu/) provides comprehensive guidance on course equivalencies and degree requirements, enabling students to move fluidly between community colleges and universities without losing credit. With 7 associate's degree programs and 17 two-year institutions statewide, community colleges serve as critical entry points for information security education. Top producers include Hinds Community College (20 completions), Jones County Junior College (13 completions), and East Mississippi Community College (10 completions), all offering approved transfer pathways to bachelor's degree programs.
How Transfers Work
Students completing an associate's degree at community colleges like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ($3,300 tuition), Hinds Community College ($3,550), or Copiah-Lincoln Community College ($3,500) can transfer directly into bachelor's programs at Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi through established articulation agreements. This pathway enables students to complete lower-level coursework affordably before advancing to specialized upper-level information security courses at four-year institutions. The system also supports the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, a merit-based financial aid program available to qualifying residents regardless of starting institution (https://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/). For additional information on statewide educational opportunities, explore network administration programs and information technology degrees to understand complementary career pathways available through transfer agreements.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi offers strong opportunities for students pursuing information security education across multiple degree levels. With 11 institutions offering information security programs statewide (IPEDS), students have access to diverse pathways including 7 associate's programs, 2 bachelor's programs, and 2 master's programs. The state's educational infrastructure spans both four-year universities and two-year community colleges, providing flexible entry points for learners at all stages. Mississippi's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $8,642, significantly lower than many peer states, making quality cybersecurity education accessible and affordable (College Scorecard).
Salary Outlook
Top-ranked programs like Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and University of Southern Mississippi provide rigorous bachelor's and master's degree options for students seeking advanced credentials. Jackson State University stands out with competitive tuition at $8,520 and an impressive 99.70% graduation rate, while Mississippi State University leads with $9,665 tuition and a 91.80% graduation rate. Beyond academics, Mississippi's major employment hubs in Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg host significant employers including the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, and Nissan, all organizations with substantial information security needs. For additional context on national rankings and comparison programs, explore national best bachelor's programs and cybersecurity programs in Mississippi to understand how state programs align with broader educational trends.
Information Security Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's information security job market is growing as organizations across the state prioritize cybersecurity infrastructure and data protection. The state's major employment centers include Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg, where healthcare systems, retail operations, and educational institutions are increasingly investing in security talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for information security professionals continues to expand as businesses recognize the critical importance of protecting digital assets and customer data. The Capital District region centered on Jackson serves as the primary hub for information security positions, supported by government agencies and major corporations operating throughout the state.
Salaries by Metro
For prospective students, Mississippi offers an accessible pathway into information security through 11 institutions offering relevant programs at various degree levels. The state's public universities charge an average in-state tuition of $8,642, making education more affordable compared to national averages. Community colleges play a particularly important role in workforce development, with schools like Hinds Community College producing 20 completions and Jones County Junior College contributing 13 completions in information security programs. The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning oversees these programs and supports student transitions through the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool, which enables seamless credential advancement from associate's to bachelor's degrees.
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 Mississippi
Online Programs
0 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $16,000
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $20,400
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- 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 Mississippi: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Mississippi?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Mississippi?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Mississippi?
Are there online information security degree programs in Mississippi?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Mississippi?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Mississippi?
How long do information security degree programs take in Mississippi?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Mississippi?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Mississippi 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.