2020 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees
A cybersecurity degree introduces students to the rapidly evolving field of data protection. Our list below ranks the most affordable online cybersecurity degrees with annual tuition starting at $6,386. This program teaches students how to defend networks and devices from multiple online threats, preparing graduates for an entry-level position as an information security analyst. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a significant 33% increase in these roles through 2030, which is more than four times the national average across all occupations. This page also covers a range of information about online cybersecurity programs, including common courses, tuition costs, and career opportunities for graduates.
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 | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
University of Arkansas Grantham 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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Strayer University Nationwide
Example Classes: Administering Desktop Clients, Human Computer Interaction, Network Penetration Testing, Perimeter Defense Techniques Online Bachelor's Degrees
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
King University Bristol (TN)
Example Classes: Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity for Mobile Devices, Cybersecurity Policy Online Bachelor's Degrees
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Overview of Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Threats from data breaches, viruses, and scams have become all too common given the increasing reliance on digital interactions in our personal and professional lives. The field of cybersecurity directly counters these risks in this new technological landscape, ensuring that individuals and organizations can continue using information networks safely and securely. A bachelor's degree provides students with up-to-date knowledge of how to conduct digital forensics, map networks, develop web security, and work with emerging technologies.
The field of cybersecurity directly counters risks, ensuring that individuals and organizations can use information networks securely.
Students can pursue an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. While graduate qualifications, such as a master's degree, give students an in-depth understanding of areas including network architecture or cybercrime, a bachelor's can equip them with the tools, practices, software, and legal frameworks to regulate the protection of online space. Online bachelor's degrees are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. During this time, students typically finish 120-124 credit hours, including a minimum of 35 in cybersecurity topics. Part-time students who take fewer classes per semester often take more than four years to achieve their degree.
While admission requirements can vary depending on how competitive a bachelor's program is, prospective students often need a minimum high school GPA of 2.75, along with a B grade in a STEM class that covers advanced math concepts. Applicants also typically need to submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays with their application.
How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost?
Multiple factors can affect the cost of a cybersecurity degree. Where tuition is concerned, our ranked programs range from $6,386-$11,460 per year, which is less than the median tuition — $13,919 — for an online bachelor's degree. Online students can further reduce the cost of their education by applying for financial assistance, including federal and state scholarships as well as private grants.
Our Free Application for Federal Student Aid guide includes information on how to apply for various forms of aid.
Online Cybersecurity Courses and Curriculum
In an online cybersecurity bachelor’s program, students gain hands-on experience working with security software and developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and logic. Students enrolled in a cybersecurity bachelor's may choose between several concentrations, including mobile applications, website design and protection, and network management. In many cases, they must complete a capstone project, which is an opportunity to apply their training.
The following is a list of common courses in a cybersecurity bachelor's degree program.
Introduction to Cybersecurity
This is an introductory course in which faculty introduce the foundational principles of internet security. Students investigate the role of cybersecurity analysts, the technology they use, and the areas where they typically work. Some versions of this course also take a historical perspective on cybersecurity’s evolution as a discipline, covering contemporary and possible future challenges faced by professionals in the field.
Cloud Security
With so much information existing in the cloud, cybersecurity professionals need a working understanding of the security aspects of digital storage. Students learn about cloud technology, common threats to remote data servers, and modern practices designed to shore up internet security. This elective typically requires that students have a basic understanding of cybersecurity.
Cyber Law, Policy, and Compliance
Students enroll in this course to study the legal provisions that govern digital space. They learn about ethical hacking, intellectual property, online privacy, and related topics. Given its emphasis on analytical reasoning, this course could inspire students to enter a career in the legal field with special emphasis on cybersecurity regulations.
Cybercrime and Information Warfare
Typically listed as an elective, this class addresses the dangers of online terrorism. Students learn about small- and large-scale digital crime as well as tactics aimed to limit public exposure to such threats. This course may prepare individuals to take a position in digital forensics, an area of law enforcement.
Database Management Systems
This class covers how to construct and maintain secure databases. Students grasp concepts central to the practice of data security, such as modeling, organization, physical storage, and server performance. Covering a variety of widely applicable concepts, this class helps prepare students for entry-level computing roles in multiple sectors.
Project Management
In this class, students learn to integrate online security technology with large-scale projects. They focus specifically on how to apply cybersecurity principles to an organization's long-term goals, while also developing the soft skills necessary to effectively execute online security initiatives.
Accreditation
Colleges and universities must be accredited to prove they meet national standards for academic excellence. This is a voluntary process in which a third party assesses a school's faculty, curricula, program offering, and other educational facilities. Attending an accredited school ensures that students can apply for federal and state financial assistance, as many public scholarships expressly require that aid beneficiaries study at such a college or university.
| Students may visit the websites of the U.S. Department of Education or Council of Higher Education to check the accreditation status of their prospective schools. |
While regional and national accrediting bodies evaluate schools on an institutional basis, professional organizations appraise individual degree programs to determine whether they meet educational standards in a specific field. It's important to note that bachelor's level degrees in cybersecurity don't require this programmatic assessment to ensure they meet academic standards in this area of study. However, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology nevertheless accredits bachelor's programs based on its own distinct criterion.
Careers with a Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree
Cybersecurity professionals are trained to identify, evaluate, and counter online threats. Their tech skills are in demand across a range of industries, including government, education, and healthcare, to name a few. Specifically, these professionals help ensure online safety across various activities on the internet — from renewing driver's licenses and purchasing goods to connecting with others via social media. Below is a list of potential cybersecurity career paths for graduates:
Unsure about pursuing a degree in cybersecurity? Explore additional online programs.
Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?
Completing your postsecondary education online requires motivation and time, so it's normal to wonder whether a bachelor's degree is worth it. Additionally, while a cybersecurity program may lead to a lucrative tech career, you should consider whether pursuing this qualification helps you meet your personal goals while staying within your budget. Below are some general pros and cons to help you decide whether an online bachelor's in cybersecurity is right for you.
Potential Benefits
- A cybersecurity degree may lead to future job security. Given that the BLS predicts these occupations will grow at a faster-than-average rate of 33% through 2030, attaining a cybersecurity bachelor's can help ensure that graduates enter this growing job market.
- Cybersecurity professionals enjoy above-average levels of career satisfaction. Over two-thirds — 71% — of employees in this field report being satisfied with their jobs. Many even cite the challenges of working in rapidly evolving environments as a positive quality.
- Getting your degree online can enable you to learn at your own pace. Distance education programs are often delivered asynchronously, allowing you to take classes and complete assignments when convenient. This can make it possible to earn your degree while meeting the demands of a busy schedule.
Potential Drawbacks
- Certifications may be necessary for some career opportunities. A bachelor's degree alone cannot guarantee a cybersecurity graduate will find employment — particularly as employers sometimes require candidates to have specific certifications as evidence of their expertise in a particular area. While certifications can greatly increase the chances of getting a job, they require further financial investment.
- Cybersecurity bootcamps can offer a quicker and cheaper path to a job in tech. While you may not gain an understanding of computer science theory, a bootcamp can equip you with the hands-on skills necessary for a cybersecurity job in a matter of months at a significantly cheaper price than a bachelor's degree.
- Distance education may not offer enough support for some. Unlike on-campus degrees, online learning may limit your interaction with professors and peers. This may prevent you from taking advantage of collaboration and networking opportunities.