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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: U of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State, Columbia College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,440 to $61,750/year
Saint Louis Community Col... offers the most affordable option at $4,440/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 1 associate's, 6 master's in Missouri
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information security degree programs in Missouri
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Missouri community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer, Mastercard
Tech hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 62+ cities across Missouri
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Missouri Information Security programs
We rank 17 accredited information security programs in Missouri 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 Missouri Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Missouri
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Missouri by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Saint Louis Community Col..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Missouri offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,440/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 $57,200 in Missouri.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Missouri'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, St. Louis areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer 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 Missouri, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Missouri.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State, Columbia College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Missouri information security programs earn a median salary of $88,400, 10% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, St. Louis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,442 to $33,900 annually, with an average of $17,137/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 88%. 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 Missouri's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Missouri, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Southeast Missouri State University
Lindenwood University
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,713 | 54% | 71.8 |
| #7 | William Woods University | Fulton, MO | Private nonprofit | $29,100 | 47% | 70.8 |
| #8 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private nonprofit | $12,276 | 42% | 68.5 |
| #9 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $8,310 | 39% | 62.7 |
| #10 | Park University | Parkville, MO | Private nonprofit | $11,018 | 38% | 62.7 |
| #11 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private nonprofit | $29,276 | 40% | 57.8 |
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri 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 Central Missouri, Washington University in ..., Missouri State University..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Missouri earn a median salary of $104,000, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, St. Louis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer 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 $21,452/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 Missouri's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Washington University in St Louis
Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri State University-Springfield
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Missouri
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $18,875/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $47,188/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,719/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $113,252 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $28,312 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Missouri
State Aid Programs
Missouri students pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The federal government provides grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at StudentAid.gov. State-specific aid comes through the Access Missouri Grant, a need-based program that awards up to $2,850 per year to eligible students attending public institutions in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Higher Education. This grant significantly reduces the cost burden for low- and middle-income learners, making quality education more accessible across the state's 20 institutions offering information security programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Missouri institutions offer institutional scholarships and assistantships specifically for computer science and security-focused students. The College Scorecard provides transparency on net price calculators at individual schools, helping students estimate their true out-of-pocket costs. Public four-year institutions in Missouri charge an average of $8,649 for in-state tuition, though top-ranked programs like Washington University in St Louis operate at different price points. Prospective students should explore both merit-based scholarships and need-based packages through their chosen institution's financial aid office and compare costs using federal resources before enrolling.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Missouri
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Missouri. 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 Missouri metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $114K |
| St. Louis | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Missouri
Find information security jobs in Missouri. These major employers across Missouri metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Kansas City
MOInformation Security Jobs in St. Louis
MOTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Missouri
State Transfer System
Missouri's well-established transfer infrastructure simplifies the pathway from two-year to four-year Information Security programs. The state operates 2 associate's degree programs producing 15 completions annually, with articulation agreements ensuring seamless credit transfer to bachelor's degree institutions. The (Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42)) guarantees that 42 credit hours earned at any Missouri public community college transfer automatically to all public four-year universities, eliminating course redundancy and reducing time-to-degree. Students beginning at institutions like Saint Louis Community College or Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City can complete foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and general education before transferring to bachelor's programs at University of Missouri-Kansas City or Southeast Missouri State University.
How Transfers Work
Community college students pursuing Information Security should coordinate with academic advisors to ensure course selection aligns with bachelor's degree prerequisites in networking, programming, and security fundamentals. Transfer-friendly bachelor's programs at affordable public institutions, including Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri State University-Springfield, actively recruit community college graduates, with institutions producing 56 and 31 completions respectively. The CORE 42 framework significantly reduces overall degree costs. Combining an associate degree at $4,440–$7,110 tuition with a four-year institution's $8,649 average in-state rate creates a cost-effective pathway. Additionally, the (Access Missouri Grant) provides need-based grants up to $2,850 annually at public institutions, further lowering financial barriers for transfer students.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Missouri?
Industry & Workforce
Missouri offers a strong landscape for Information Security education with 20 institutions providing dedicated programs across associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. According to (IPEDS), the state produced 317 completions in 2023 alone, demonstrating strong institutional commitment and student demand. The University of Central Missouri leads the state with 114 completions, followed by Southeast Missouri State University with 56 completions, indicating mature, well-established programs with proven track records of preparing graduates for cybersecurity careers.
Salary Outlook
Missouri's strategic location within major tech hubs amplifies career opportunities for graduates. The state's primary metropolitan areas. St. Louis Metro and Kansas City Metro, host major employers like Cerner, Express Scripts, and BJC HealthCare, all of which actively recruit cybersecurity professionals. Public in-state tuition averages $8,649 at four-year institutions, significantly lower than the national average, making quality education accessible. Top-ranked programs such as Washington University in St Louis and the University of Missouri-Columbia deliver nationally recognized education while supporting Missouri's growing technology sector. For prospective students, Missouri's affordable pathway combines strong academics with authentic industry demand in rapidly growing cybersecurity fields.
Information Security Program Availability in Missouri
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Missouri
Employment Outlook
Missouri's information security job market is strong and growing, with significant demand across multiple metropolitan regions. The state's largest employment hubs. St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, represent concentrated opportunities for security professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity and information security roles are among the fastest-growing occupations in the state. Graduates from Missouri's 20 institutions offering information security programs benefit from strong regional employer networks and competitive salary prospects aligned with national trends.
Salaries by Metro
The St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas lead Missouri's information security employment landscape, driven by major corporate headquarters and healthcare sector expansion. These regions attract talent from top-ranked programs including University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St Louis. Springfield, Columbia, and surrounding regions also support growing demand through regional employers and mid-sized tech companies. For comprehensive salary data and occupational projections specific to Missouri, the College Scorecard provides detailed outcome metrics for graduates from state institutions, enabling informed career planning decisions.
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 Missouri
Online Programs
1 available in Missouri
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $10,500
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $20,400
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $28,000
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $11,600
Information Security Degree Programs in Missouri: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Missouri?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Missouri?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Missouri?
Are there online information security degree programs in Missouri?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Missouri?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Missouri?
How long do information security degree programs take in Missouri?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Missouri?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Missouri 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.