- 1.Security Analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 with 32% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Information Security programs include Dalton State College, Collin County Community College District, University of South Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Dalton State College offers information security education at $2,563/year with 98% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Information Security programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Information Security Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Dalton State College
N/A information security graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Information Security based on 98% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Collin County Community College District
N/A information security graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Information Security based on 89% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of South Florida
USF's cybersecurity program operates within Tampa Bay's rapidly growing tech corridor, which has expanded 28.5% over five years, providing direct access to major employers like Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, and cybersecurity firms like ReliaQuest and Rapid7 for internships and recruiting.
Program Overview
The University of South Florida offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (B.S.C.Y.S.) through the newly established Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. This 120-credit hour program combines technical computing foundations with specialized cybersecurity knowledge, covering everything from penetration testing and network security to human factors and policy considerations. Students gain hands-on experience through required courses like CIS 4622 (Hands-on Cybersecurity), CIS 4200 (Penetration Testing), and CNT 4403 (Network Security and Firewalls), while also exploring the ethical and organizational dimensions through courses on information policy and risk management. The program requires 59 credit hours of major core courses plus 21 credit hours of electives, allowing students to specialize in areas like malware analysis, cyber forensics, cloud computing, or health information security through partnerships across multiple USF colleges.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Statewide cybersecurity research center hosted at USF, collaborating with industry, government, and military
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of West Florida
N/A information security graduates annually
Green River College
N/A information security graduates annually
University of North Georgia
N/A information security graduates annually
Whatcom Community College
N/A information security graduates annually
Ensign College
N/A information security graduates annually
Kennesaw State University
N/A information security graduates annually
Tacoma Community College
N/A information security graduates annually
Best Information Security Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | N/A |
| #2 Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | Public | $3,450 | 89% | N/A |
| #3 University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | N/A |
| #4 University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | N/A |
| #5 Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Information Security Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $2,563 | 212 | 98% |
| 2 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | $3,450 | 164.5 | 89% |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 158.8 | 85% |
| 4 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 149.3 | 84% |
| 5 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 144.2 | 99% |
| 6 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | 143.4 | 100% |
| 7 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | $3,633 | 130.7 | 78% |
| 8 | Ensign College | Salt Lake City, UT | $3,888 | 119.1 | 76% |
| 9 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 118.4 | 66% |
| 10 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | $4,477 | 111.3 | 87% |
| 11 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | $5,736 | 103.6 | 100% |
| 12 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | $5,514 | 101.9 | 97% |
| 13 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | $7,070 | 97.9 | 99% |
| 14 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 96.9 | 92% |
| 15 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | $6,930 | 95.4 | 90% |
| 16 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | $6,536 | 92.4 | 97% |
| 17 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | $6,496 | 92.1 | 91% |
| 18 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | $4,623 | 84.6 | 55% |
| 19 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | 82.7 | 74% |
| 20 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | $9,003 | 73.6 | 84% |
| 21 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | $9,718 | 73.4 | 83% |
| 22 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | $7,616 | 72.4 | 93% |
| 23 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | 71.9 | 90% |
| 24 | Augusta University | Augusta, GA | $6,892 | 69.5 | 73% |
| 25 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | $7,070 | 69.3 | 79% |
Why Choose an Affordable Information Security Program?
Information security education doesn't have to break the bank. The most affordable programs offer the same core curriculum and industry-relevant training as expensive alternatives, often with better financial aid packages and flexible learning options.
Public universities dominate our affordability rankings, with average in-state tuition of $11,200 compared to $28,400 at private institutions. This $17,200 annual difference translates to over $68,000 in total savings for a four-year degree. Online programs provide additional cost benefits by eliminating housing, meal plans, and commuting expenses that can add $15,000+ annually to the total cost of attendance.
Despite lower costs, affordable programs maintain strong career outcomes. Our analysis shows graduates from budget-friendly information security programs earn just $3,000 less than graduates from premium programs. This minimal salary difference, combined with significantly lower student debt, results in superior return on investment for cost-conscious students.
Many affordable programs also offer accelerated completion options, competency-based learning, and credit for prior experience that can further reduce time to graduation and total program costs. Students can explore information security degree options across different formats and price points.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches and implement protective measures
Information Security Specialist
Design and implement security protocols for organizational data
Security Consultant
Provide expert advice on security strategy and implementation
Penetration Tester
Simulate cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities
Compliance Officer
Ensure organizational adherence to security regulations
Most Affordable States for Information Security Education
Georgia
Washington
Utah
New York
Texas
Pennsylvania
Michigan
Maryland
Florida
Maximizing Financial Aid for Information Security Degrees
Strategic financial planning can reduce net costs even further through federal aid, scholarships, and employer assistance programs specifically available to cybersecurity students.
Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, which can cover 50-65% of tuition at the most affordable programs. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) serves as the gateway to these funds and should be completed annually by the federal deadline.
Cybersecurity-specific scholarships offer additional funding opportunities. The CyberSeek scholarship database lists over 150 programs targeting information security students. Major opportunities include the NSA Stokes Educational Scholarship (full tuition plus stipend), the SANS Foundation scholarships, and corporate programs from companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
- NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (full funding in exchange for federal service)
- Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) scholarships for female students
- State-specific cybersecurity workforce grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs (average $5,200 annually)
- Professional association scholarships from (ISC)² and CompTIA
Work-study programs and internships provide both funding and career experience. Many cybersecurity programs partner with government agencies and private companies to offer paid internships that can offset educational costs while building professional networks. Students should explore comprehensive financing strategies early in their academic planning.
Choosing Your Affordable Information Security Program
- You qualify for state residency
- Want traditional campus experience
- Prefer lower tuition rates
- Need extensive student services
- You need maximum flexibility
- Work full-time while studying
- Want to avoid housing costs
- Live far from quality programs
- Have relevant work experience
- Learn quickly and independently
- Want to accelerate completion
- Prefer outcome-based assessment
- Want lowest possible cost
- Need to complete prerequisites
- Prefer smaller class sizes
- Plan to transfer to 4-year program
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 46 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Information Security graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
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.