Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that some careers within the field are projected to experience a 29% growth in employment over the next decade.
Even some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Microsoft, have invested millions into cybersecurity education initiatives.
If you're interested in breaking into the field, read on for our list of the best online cybersecurity degree programs, ranked based on affordability, student outcomes, and other factors to help you find the right fit.
Start Your Cybersecurity Degree Journey Today
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Cybersecurity Schools
Why You Should Get an Online Cybersecurity Degree
Learn up-to-date field practices: A cybersecurity degree will prepare you with the best practices for work in the field, such as implementing secure network protocols, responding to cyber incidents, and protecting sensitive data from threats.
Work across multiple industries: Cybersecurity professionals are in demand across different industries as organizations and companies need to protect sensitive data, prevent cyberattacks, and comply with security regulations.
Stand out in a growing field: A bachelor's in cybersecurity can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.
Work with new technologies: Many programs are incorporating AI into their curriculum, helping students gain exposure to emerging technologies and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field.
Benefits of Getting a Cybersecurity Degree Online
BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 97% of online STEM program students and graduates told us they would recommend online education to others.
Almost all (96%) STEM program students and graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
The same survey found that more than three-quarters (77%) of online STEM students and graduates said an online learning environment was equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Cybersecurity Program for You
Here are the key factors you should consider when choosing the best cybersecurity program for you:
How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost? (2019-2020)
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$11,480
Avg. Net Price
$7,384
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity usually costs less than $12,000 — and that price is further cut down to under $7,500 with financial aid.
Once you enroll in a bachelor's degree program, contact the school's financial aid department to ask about available grants and scholarships. Also, make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal grants.
There are also some cybersecurity-specific scholarships available. For example, the Department of Defense offers a free college program to cybersecurity students if they commit to working for the department after graduation.
Find Financial Aid for Your Cybersecurity Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cybersecurity Bachelor's?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Online bachelor's degrees usually take 120 credits and around four years to complete. However, there are some cybersecurity programs that offer accelerated formats to help you finish your degree faster.
Transferring credits from a previous college can also help you cut down on the years it takes to complete the degree — as well as the cost. Each college has its own requirements for transferring credits, so make sure to research whether your previous classes might qualify.
Ultimately, the speed at which you finish your degree will depend on your schedule and whether you decide to enroll full time or part time. Online programs tend to offer highly flexible schedules, so you might be able to take on more than the typical 12-15 credits per semester to finish your degree faster. However, if you take classes part-time while working, it will likely take longer to complete your degree compared to a full-time student.
What Can You Do With a Cybersecurity Degree?
The BLS projects a growth of almost 30% for information security analyst jobs over the next decade. But that isn't your only career option with a degree in cybersecurity.
With a cybersecurity degree, you could also step into other high-earning roles in the field, such as information systems managers and database administrators. These roles had a median annual salary of more than $100,000 in 2024.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Implements cybersecurity measures on an organization's IT infrastructure |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | Keeps an organization's computer systems up to date and running smoothly |
| Database Administrator | $123,100 | Works to ensure an organization's databases are safe and legible |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $96,800 | Manages communications infrastructure for an organization |
Learn More About Cybersecurity Jobs
Cybersecurity Degree Concentrations
Cybersecurity is a broad field, and concentrations tend to vary by school. Some programs offer certifications in data management and analysis, while others might offer specializations in software development or cloud computing.
Cybersecurity is also often also offered as a concentration within information technology and data analytics degrees.
Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?
A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity usually costs less than $12,000, and the degree can lead to several high-paying careers that earn more than $100,000 per year. These factors make this degree a worthwhile option with a solid return on investment.
However, it's important to weigh the responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer. Typically these high salaries require immense responsibility to keep your company or organization's data safe and swiftly fix issues.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree
A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can get you started in the industry, but a master's degree can help you further specialize your skills and stand out during your job hunt. For example, a master's degree in cybersecurity can help you move into leadership positions within the field.
Also, keep in mind that some bachelor's degree programs offer an accelerated pathway to earn a master's degree by taking credits that count toward both an undergraduate and a graduate program. Some master of business administration (MBA) programs also offer concentrations in cybersecurity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Degrees
The median annual salary for an information security analyst is $124,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but some cybersecurity professionals earn well beyond that figure. For example, the top 10% of information security analyst professionals earn more than $186,420.
