2020 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees
All 25 of these colleges and universities offer affordable online bachelor's in cyber security degrees. At #1, Kennesaw State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity for only $6,386 per year. In the #2 spot is Western Governors University, offering a tuition rate of $6,750 per academic year. Classes for WGU's programs include Critical Thinking and Logic, Cyber Defense and Countermeasures, Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity, Managing Web Security, and Network & Security - Foundations.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online master's in cybersecurity. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $6,386 | |
| Western Governors University | $6,750 | |
| Fort Hays State University | $6,778 | |
| Columbia Southern University | $6,900 | |
| William Woods University | $7,285 | |
| University of the Potomac | $7,785 | |
| American Public University System | $8,100 | |
| Middle Georgia State University | $8,670 | |
| Purdue University Global | $8,800 | |
| Grantham University | $8,850 | |
| University of Maine at Augusta | $8,970 | |
| Champlain College | $9,540 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | $9,637 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | $9,856 | |
| Strayer University | $9,867 | |
| Colorado State University Global | $10,500 | |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $10,621 | |
| University of Cincinnati | $10,942 | |
| Bluefield College | $10,950 | |
| King University | $10,980 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | $11,100 | |
| Norwich University | $11,250 | |
| Excelsior College | $11,400 | |
| University of Maine at Fort Kent | $11,460 |
Kennesaw State University Kennesaw (GA) Kennesaw State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program that incorporates information technology, business administration, information security and assurance, and criminal justice. The degree requires 120 credits, including general education, major requirements, specialization credits, and electives. Available tracks include cyber crime, systems security, and network security. Students can pursue an approved internship, directed study, or cooperative... study that counts toward their elective requirements. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time schedule. Desire2Learn is the learning management system used to deliver coursework, video lectures, and reading materials. Students work at their own pace to complete assignments. However, deadlines and scheduled exams are structured into the curriculum, and attendance may be required at set times. Online discussion forums and occasional group projects keep students connected to their peers. Distance learners have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, IT support, and career development tools. Financial aid in the form of scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, and grants is also available. Prospective students must have a high school diploma and fewer than 30 college credits. Those with fewer than 15 should apply as freshmen, while those with 15-30 credits should apply as transfer students. Admission requirements include an application, academic transcripts, and standardized test scores. A 2.5 minimum GPA is required.
Example Classes: Ethical Hacking for Effective Defense, Incident Response and Contingency Planning, Management of Digital Forensics and eDiscovery, Management of Information Security in a Global Environment, Technology and Cyber Crime, Wireless Security Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Western Governors University Salt Lake City (UT) Western Governors University (WGU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and a Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and IT Security. The online programs vary in length, depending on schedules and course loads. The curriculums include general education, major-specific courses, and a written capstone project. The cybersecurity program includes secure systems analysis and design, risk management, and hacking countermeasures. The network operations focus includes... leadership management, spreadsheets, and general science content. Industry certifications are also built into the programs at no additional cost. Students use various tools to access their course materials, including the WGU student portal, electronic textbooks, simulations, library resources, and interactive tutorials. Coursework may include projects, essays, exams, research papers, and video lectures. Learning is asynchronous, and students generally take one course at a time. As soon as they feel prepared to move on, they can do so by taking a final assessment. Through this unique format, students can progress quickly and save time and money. Program mentors are available to assist students throughout their studies. Prospective students must have a high school degree and prior professional or academic experience. Examples of accepted experience include an associate or bachelor’s degree, previous 300-level IT coursework, at least two years of professional IT work, or IT certifications. Interested students must submit an application, official transcripts, and supporting documentation.
Example Classes: Critical Thinking and Logic, Cyber Defense and Countermeasures, Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity, Managing Web Security, Network and Security - Foundations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) Distance learners can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Both require a total of 124 credits and offer a concentration in Cybersecurity. The programs, which typically take four years, can be completed on a part-time or full-time schedule. There are opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and professional certification preparation. Course materials, such as recorded lectures, readings,... and lesson plans, can be accessed through the Blackboard learning management system. The platform is also used for interactive activities like discussion forums, labs, exams, and assignments. The informatics department at FHSU hosts a number of clubs and student organizations like the Advanced Technology Student Organization, which online students can choose to join. Distance learners have access to free tutoring and writing support, career development resources, IT support, and alumni services. There are scholarship and financial aid opportunities and tuition assistance for military students and veterans. Students must submit an application, academic transcripts, and test scores to apply to one of the online cybersecurity programs. Applicants who live in-state must have at least a 2.0 GPA, while out-of-state students must have at least a 2.5 GPA. Students transferring with previous college credit must submit their college transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Example Classes: Internetworking I, Linux in Networking, Network Security Firewalls, Programming with Python, Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership, Topics in Informatics: Cyber Operations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL)
Example Classes: Critical Infrastructure Protection in Cybersecurity, Cyber Security and Crime, Cyber Warfare and Application, IT Ethics and Professionalism, Principles of Digital Forensics, Security Application Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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William Woods University Fulton (MO)
Example Classes: Cloud Security, Cyber Attacks and Defenses, Cybercrime and Information Warfare, Cybersecurity & Internet Architecture, Digital Evidence and Forensic Investigations, Encryption Techniques Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of the Potomac Multiple Locations
Example Classes: Computer Security, Computer Systems Technology, Cyber Law, Foundations of Cybersecurity, Network Security Management, Survey of Operating Systems Online Bachelor's Degrees
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American Public University System Charles Town (WV)
Example Classes: Cybercrime, Cyberlaw and Privacy in a Digital Age, Digital Forensics: Investigating Wireless Networks and Devices, IT Security: Cryptography, Legal and Ethical Issues in Security Management, Operating Systems: Hardening and Security Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Middle Georgia State University Macon (GA)
Example Classes: Criminal Procedure & Evidence, Forensics/Data Recovery, Mobile Forensics, Network Forensics and Incident Response Planning, Virtual Computing, White Collar and Cyber Crime Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Purdue University Global Indianapolis (IN)
Example Classes: Certified Ethical Hacking I, Cybersecurity Policies, Intrusion Detection and Incident Response, Networking with TCP/IP, Routing and Switching I, Technology Infrastructure Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Grantham University Kansas City (KS)
Example Classes: Computer Forensics, Cryptography, Disaster Recovery, Human Decision and Security Engineering, Security Operations, Security Trends and Legal Issues Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Maine at Augusta Augusta (ME)
Example Classes: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Computer Security, Computers and Culture, Security Policy and Governance, Switching and Routing, System Forensics Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Champlain College Burlington (VT)
Example Classes: Cloud Computing Security, Cybersecurity Policy Analysis and Implementation, Digital Forensic Investigation Techniques, Security Scripting with Python Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH)
Example Classes: Computer Platform Technologies, Cyberlaw and Ethics, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Human Factors in Cybersecurity, Introduction to Unix/Linux Operating System, Security Principles Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale (IL)
Example Classes: Device Programming for IoT, Industrial Control & Security, Network Protocols & Apps, Wireless Communications & Security Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Thomas Edison State University Trenton (NJ)
Example Classes: Cloud Security and Privacy, Counterterrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues, Cybersecurity Policies, Programs and Compliance, Digital Forensics Techniques and Practices, Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention and Deterrence, Mobile Forensics Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Strayer University Nationwide
Example Classes: Administering Desktop Clients, Human Computer Interaction, Network Penetration Testing, Perimeter Defense Techniques Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Colorado State University Global Greenwood Village (CO)
Example Classes: Database Management, Digital Forensics and Investigations, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Information Security Legal and Ethical Issues, Principles of Cyber Security, Technology, Ethics, and Global Community Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Seminole State College of Florida Sanford (FL) (and 3 others)
Example Classes: Applied Security, Enterprise Security, Mobile Security, Network Design and Planning, Principles of Telephony, Wireless Networks and Portable Devices Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Cincinnati Cincinnati (OH) (and 1 other)
Example Classes: Cybersecurity: National and International Strategy and Policy, Fundamentals of Digital Media, Human Computer Interaction, Implications of Information Technology, Information Security and Assurance, Network Monitoring and Intrusion Prevention Systems Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Bluefield College Bluefield (VA)
Example Classes: Information Security Fundamentals, Information Systems Fundamentals, Linux Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, Scripting Fundamentals, Windows Server Installing and Configuring Online Bachelor's Degrees
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King University Bristol (TN)
Example Classes: Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity for Mobile Devices, Cybersecurity Policy Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Saint Leo University Online St. Leo (FL)
Example Classes: Computer Architecture, Computer Forensics, Database Concepts and Programming, Disaster Recovery, Network Defense and Security, Penetration Testing Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Norwich University Northfield (VT)
Example Classes: Cyber Law and Cybercrime, Ethics in the Modern World, Malware Forensics, Relational Database Management w/ SQL, Vulnerability Testing I Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Excelsior College Albany (NY)
Example Classes: Computer Forensics, Cyber Attacks and Defense, Introduction to Cybersecurity, Operating Systems, Security Focused Risk Management Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Maine at Fort Kent Fort Kent (ME)
Example Classes: Computer Forensics and Investigations, Computer Programming - Java, Cyber Defense (Capstone), Cyber/Computer Ethics and Social Responsibilities, Information Assurance Policy, Law, Compliance & Governance, Network Security Online Bachelor's Degrees
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