Top 3 Information Security Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
18 information security graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
77 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Southeast Missouri State University
35 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 12+ accredited information security programs across public and private universities
- 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Information Security Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 12 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 236 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top information security programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Security degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Information Security Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 71 |
| 2 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 66.9 |
| 3 | Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | Public | $8,151 | — | 51.7 |
| 4 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 51.6 |
| 5 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 49.8 |
| 6 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | 48.4 |
| 7 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 48.1 |
| 8 | William Woods University | Fulton, MO | Private | $27,800 | 88% | 47.6 |
| 9 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $28,276 | 88% | 45.8 |
| 10 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 40.6 |
| 11 | Park University | Parkville, MO | Private | $11,908 | — | 40.3 |
| 12 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 39.9 |
Top 5 Information Security Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | U of Central Missouri | Southeast Missouri State | Columbia College | U of Missouri-St Louis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $8,325 | $8,151 | $12,268 | $14,400 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 18 | 77 | 35 | 18 | 17 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 69% | 79% | N/A | 57% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.0/100 | 66.9/100 | 51.7/100 | 51.6/100 | 49.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Missouri
Missouri offers 10 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, Columbia College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri market.
A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 38 | 54.5 |
| #2 Southeast Missouri State | $8,151 | N/A% | 35 | 51.7 |
| #3 Columbia College | $12,268 | N/A% | 18 | 51.6 |
Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 6 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-St Louis. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 18 | 71.0 |
| #2 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 77 | 66.9 |
| #3 U of Missouri-St Louis | $14,400 | N/A% | 17 | 49.8 |
Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Missouri State University-Springfield ($7,812/year), Southeast Missouri State University ($8,151/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Information Security Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Security Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Missouri State University... | $7,812 | $31,248 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Southeast Missouri State | $8,151 | $32,604 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 18 information security graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Cybersecurity Management program was ranked #5 by Fortune magazine and offers both on-campus and fully online part-time formats. The program combines technical fundamentals with leadership development and qualifies as a STEM program, with a 15-unit graduate certificate option that can transfer into the full degree program.
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Credits: 30-unit (10-course)
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 66.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM offers nationally recognized cybersecurity programs with NSA/DHS designations and ABET accreditation, taught by SANS GIAC-certified faculty using real-world systems and equipment. The programs provide flexible online options and multiple specialization tracks, making it one of the most affordable and top-ranked cybersecurity programs in the United States.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,151 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 51.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 35 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
SEMO was the first university in Missouri to offer a cybersecurity bachelor's degree and is recognized by NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The program features state-of-the-art facilities including a Cyber Range and IoT Laboratory, with 100% graduate employment within six months.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% employed within six months
- Top Employers: FireEye, Mandiant, CrowdStrike, Emerson Electric Company, Enterprise Holding, Accretive Health, Big-River Communications, MasterCard
Columbia College
Columbia, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,268 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 18 information security graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 49.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 17 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMSL's cybersecurity program combines technical and business skills with prestigious NSA CAE-CD designation and AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 2% of business schools worldwide. The program offers flexible online and accelerated options with strong career prospects in a high-demand field showing 10% employment growth.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •business statistics
- •computer programming
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours (graduate program)
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $103,800 median annual salary
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
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Information Security Programs in Other States
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Information Security in Missouri FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Missouri salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.