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American Public University System
Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profit
$8,400
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad rate
86.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: American Public Universit..., West Virginia, Marshall
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $434 to $13,725/year
Blue Ridge Community and ... offers the most affordable option at $434/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 8 associate's, 4 master's in West Virginia
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information security degree programs in West Virginia
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
West Virginia community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
8 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS, NOAA
Tech hubs in Charleston and Morgantown
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 42+ cities across West Virginia
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked West Virginia Information Security programs
We rank 15 accredited information security programs in West Virginia 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Information Security Degree Programs in West Virginia Worth It?
Answer
$86,540
Yes. The best information security degree programs in West Virginia deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $86,540 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $8,334/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in West Virginia
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in West Virginia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in West Virginia
6
Programs ranked
$5,990
Avg tuition/yr
44%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
West Virginia offers 8 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Blue Ridge Community and ..., New River Community and T..., BridgeValley Community & ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in West Virginia offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,617/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 $47,597 in West Virginia.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with West Virginia's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS 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 West Virginia, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in West Virginia.
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West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown
Morgantown, WVPrivate for-profit
$13,196
Tuition/yr
71%
Grad rate
81.3
Hakia Score
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Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Martinsburg, WVPublic
$475
Tuition/yr
32%
Grad rate
74.8
Hakia Score
#4
New River Community and Technical College
Beaver, WVPublic
$5,156
Tuition/yr
36%
Grad rate
70.6
Hakia Score
#5
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
South Charleston, WVPublic
$4,800
Tuition/yr
34%
Grad rate
69.4
Hakia Score
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | West Virginia Northern Community College | Wheeling, WV | Public | $3,912 | 33% | 67.4 |
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in West Virginia
3
Programs ranked
$8,691
Avg tuition/yr
58%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
West Virginia ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are American Public Universit..., West Virginia, Marshall, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from West Virginia information security programs earn a median salary of $73,559, 25% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,372 to $9,648 annually, with an average of $8,473/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 West Virginia's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in West Virginia, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$8,400
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad rate
85.7
Hakia Score
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$10,104
Tuition/yr
65%
Grad rate
76.5
Hakia Score
Best Master's Information Security Programs in West Virginia
3
Programs ranked
$8,691
Avg tuition/yr
58%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
West Virginia offers 4 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, American Public Universit..., West Virginia, Strayer University-West V..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in West Virginia earn a median salary of $86,540, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS 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 $9,786/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 West Virginia's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$8,400
Tuition/yr
57%
Grad rate
81.9
Hakia Score
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$10,104
Tuition/yr
65%
Grad rate
74.2
Hakia Score
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in West Virginia
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $8,334/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $20,835/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,084/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $50,004 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $12,500 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in West Virginia
State Aid Programs
West Virginia students pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship is a merit-based program that provides tuition coverage at West Virginia public institutions, making it an excellent option for eligible students attending schools like West Virginia University or Marshall University (West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship). Beyond state aid, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission oversees state financial aid programs and can provide additional guidance on available scholarships and grants (West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission).
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to information security students. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to explore institutional scholarships, which may range from partial tuition coverage to full-ride awards. Community college students, particularly those attending Blue Ridge Community and Technical College or West Virginia University at Parkersburg, may find significantly lower tuition costs, with associate degree programs costing between $3,720 and $5,148 annually. Transfer pathways through the WV Core Coursework Transfer Agreement ensure that credits earned at community colleges apply seamlessly to four-year institutions, allowing students to minimize overall education costs (West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission). Additionally, explore related degree paths such as Cybersecurity in West Virginia or Network Administration in West Virginia for additional scholarship opportunities and funding sources.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, West Virginia
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in West Virginia. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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 West Virginia metro areas
Charleston$95K
Morgantown$91K
Huntington$87K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $95K |
| Morgantown | $91K |
| Huntington | $87K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in West Virginia
Find information security jobs in West Virginia. These major employers across West Virginia metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Charleston
WVLeidos
defense
Intuit
tech
WV State Government
government
Information Security Jobs in Morgantown
WVWest Virginia University
education
NIOSH
government
Mylan (Viatris)
pharma
Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in West Virginia
State Transfer System
West Virginia facilitates seamless transfer between community colleges and four-year universities through the WV Core Coursework Transfer Agreement, which ensures that approved core courses transfer with full credit across all public institutions. Students completing an associate degree in information security at one of 8 community and technical colleges can automatically transfer to bachelor's degree programs at four-year institutions without losing credits. Major transfer pathways exist from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (which awarded 30 completions in information security), BridgeValley Community & Technical College, and West Virginia Northern Community College directly into programs at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Concord University. This articulated pathway significantly reduces time-to-degree and overall costs.
How Transfers Work
Community college students complete two years of foundational coursework including general education requirements, networking basics, operating systems, and introductory security courses before transferring to bachelor's programs. The WV Core Coursework Transfer Agreement specifies which courses satisfy general education requirements at receiving institutions, eliminating unnecessary duplication. Many four-year institutions in West Virginia have established formal articulation agreements with community colleges, guaranteeing acceptance of associate degree graduates into junior-level standing. Students interested in accelerated master's degrees should explore options at University of Charleston and West Virginia University, which often accept strong community college transfers into bachelor-to-master pathways. For additional context on complementary programs, review cybersecurity pathways and information technology programs that align with transfer opportunities. The state's commitment to affordability and access is reinforced through the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship, which applies to all eligible students continuing at public institutions post-transfer.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in West Virginia?
Industry & Workforce
West Virginia offers strong pathways into information security education with 15 institutions currently offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state awarded 581 completions in information security during the most recent reporting period, with 281 bachelor's degrees, 207 master's degrees, and 93 associate's degrees (IPEDS). Major employers such as WVU Medicine, CAMC Health System, and Walmart are actively seeking cybersecurity professionals, creating strong local demand for skilled graduates. Studying information security in West Virginia positions you to contribute to these growing enterprises while benefiting from programs tailored to regional workforce needs.
Salary Outlook
Affordability is a significant advantage for information security students in West Virginia. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $7,697, compared to out-of-state rates of $16,535 (IPEDS). Top-ranked schools like West Virginia University offer competitive tuition at $9,648, while Marshall University charges only $7,372, making quality education accessible. Additionally, the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship provides merit-based tuition coverage at public institutions, further reducing educational costs. Whether you're pursuing an associate degree from community colleges or a bachelor's from leading universities, West Virginia's combination of low costs and strong programs creates an attractive environment for cybersecurity education. Explore related fields like cybersecurity in West Virginia or information technology programs to see complementary pathways available statewide.
Information Security Program Availability in West Virginia
11 Programs
West Virginia offers 11 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in West Virginia
Employment Outlook
West Virginia's information security job market is supported by a strong educational pipeline, with 15 institutions offering information security programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, these programs produced 581 completions statewide, including 93 associate's degrees, 281 bachelor's degrees, and 207 master's degrees. This diversity of credential pathways reflects growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state's major metropolitan areas and regional economies. The state's 28 four-year institutions and 23 two-year institutions provide accessible entry points for students pursuing information security careers at various educational levels (College Scorecard). Major employers including WVU Medicine, CAMC Health System, and Walmart actively recruit security professionals, creating stable career opportunities across Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Wheeling.
Salaries by Metro
Affordability remains a competitive advantage for West Virginia information security programs. Average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $7,697, compared to $16,535 for out-of-state students, making the state an attractive option for regional and national candidates (BLS State Data). The West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship provides merit-based tuition coverage at public institutions, further reducing financial barriers to entry (West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship). For students exploring related fields, West Virginia also offers strong opportunities in cybersecurity, network administration, and information technology programs, creating multiple pathways into the broader tech workforce.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in West Virginia$56,251$125,483
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in West Virginia
Online Programs
1 available in West Virginia
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$7,501/yr$8,334/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $19,700
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Maryland
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Kentucky
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $10,500
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
Best Information Security Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
Information Security Degree Programs in West Virginia: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in West Virginia?
The best information security degree programs in West Virginia based on our methodology are: 1) American Public University System (highly ranked), 2) West Virginia University, and 3) Marshall University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). West Virginia offers 11 total accredited programs across 6 public and 0 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 3 bachelor's programs.
How much do information security degree programs cost in West Virginia?
Information Security degree program costs in West Virginia vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $8,334/year, while private institutions average $18,335/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,084/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $33,336 at public schools to $73,339 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in West Virginia?
Information Security professionals in West Virginia earn a median salary of $86,540, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $56,251, while senior roles exceed $125,483. Salaries vary by metro area: Charleston ($95,194), Morgantown ($90,867) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online information security degree programs in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers 1 accredited online Information Security programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Strayer University-West Virginia. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire information security degree graduates in West Virginia?
Major Information Security employers in West Virginia include Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS, NOAA, ManTech. The Charleston and Morgantown metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from West Virginia universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. West Virginia's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an information security degree program worth it in West Virginia?
An information security degree program in West Virginia offers strong ROI with a $86,540 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $8,334/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($97,790), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do information security degree programs take in West Virginia?
Standard completion times for information security degree programs in West Virginia are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. West Virginia community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a West Virginia university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in West Virginia?
West Virginia information security degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. West Virginia state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by West Virginia's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
West Virginia salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.