Cybersecurity is a relatively new and developing major as the field continues to evolve. That is one of the most exciting aspects as cybersecurity is always innovative and cutting edge. That is why it is imperative for cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs to stay up to date with the latest industry developments. Attaining A Bachelor’s Degree in cybersecurity opens up a wealth of possibilities as graduates can pursue a career as a security architect, security engineer, incident responder, security software developer, forensic expert, security code auditor, penetration tester, Chief Infosec Officer in addition to many other roles.
These jobs are growing in demand and that has prioritized positions in the field. That translates into higher pay rates and more job security. Living in a world that essentially online means that cybersecurity is a line of defense that is a necessity. Investing in education in cybersecurity is an investment in your future. It is also a smart career choice as it is a profession that is not going out of demand as the need for professionals with this degree is only going to increase. A degree in cybersecurity can be something that spans your entire professional career.
It should also be noted that there is a current need for more cybersecurity jobs on a national and global level. Companies continue to scramble to fill positions that are of great importance and that need continues to grow. That bodes well for those graduating with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
How Do You Quantify “The Top 20”
There are a lot of online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs to choose from when seeking out a future in this profession. It’s important to examine cybersecurity programs from a variety of vantage points. There are excellent choices among all ranges of tuition costs ranges ass the private and public university sectors often see a divide when it comes to cost. Our list has not omitted universities because of cost, but rather provides a comprehensive take on what is available to those who wish to pursue a cybersecurity undergraduate degree online.
One of the factors that most students look for in online education is the length of program. Those programs that guarantee graduation times that are extremely fast are not always the most reliable ones. However, the online component should allow students to accelerate the process if they choose. That is one criterion as it allows students to get into the working world faster and enjoy income as a professional instead of incurring debt as a student. The need is urgent as only 3% of college graduates recently had specialized skills in cybersecurity. Consider there will be an estimated 3.5 million vacant cybersecurity positions in 2021 and new graduates are going to walk right into a full-time position.
Another important group of factors considered when putting together this list is the combination of graduation rate, retention rate and faculty to student ratio. These are all strong indicators of the way the program is received by students and a lot of that has to do with the level of attention devoted on an individual basis.
We also take into consideration student reviews and recommendations, as that is a key method of understanding how well the program functions. The overall value of education is also considered, more so than the total cost. Our goal is to showcase quality cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs that will adequately prepare students for a future in this ever-growing industry. It is essentially a way of finding programs that allow you to get the most out of your tuition, as well as equipping you with the skills needed to obtain immediate employment upon graduation rates. The added benefits of some offerings also help complete this list as more resources make for a better educational experience and a better-prepared graduate. The information collected helps to provide those interested in a cybersecurity education with an array of choices from some of the nation’s finest cybersecurity undergraduate programs.
Top Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Programs
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Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology
Cost Per Credit: $513
• Highly ranked among online cybersecurity programs as Drexel is an esteemed engineering school
• High retention rates and the online B.S. program is a very reasonably priced for a private university
The price of Drexel’s online program is $300 cheaper per credit than what on-campus students pay per credit. Drexel is a renowned private university, prized for its engineering program. Its establishment of online learning gives students from all over the chance to earn a prestigious degree without having to travel to Philadelphia, where the school is based. Drexel also has an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program students can continue on with after completing the undergraduate work. The Bachelor’s program is divided into courses in programming, information science, programming, security, and computing and informatics. Prior college credits are required before gaining acceptance to this program. Cost may be a little higher, although the high-quality learning environment and reputation makes it an affordably priced option. Drexel has an 89% retention rate of first-year students.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $320
• Choice of two different specializations within the Cybersecurity major
• Option of competition in National Cyber League Competitions as SNHU features teams that regularly finish in the top-10 and also features an all-female team
SNHU has become a prominent online institution, renowned for its offerings in a variety of subject areas. The cybersecurity program is a comprehensive online offering that requires the competition of 120 credits. The program offers two concentrations in data analytics and project management. The coursework features cloud-based virtual environments led by a prominent group of instructors. Students who choose to continue their education in cybersecurity have the option of entering SNHU’s master’s program upon completion of the undergraduate program. SNHU has quickly become an online leader and the immensity of detail within the Cybersecurity program has made it a top choice of many students from all over the world. SNHU features a graduation rate of 74.6% which is exceedingly high for an online university. Its retention rate of 68% is also higher than average for online universities. Applications are accepted at any time and admissions are on a rolling basis.
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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $230
• Heralded for its affordable rates as one of the nation’s lowest-priced online cybersecurity Bachelor programs
• Education curriculum features virtual labs and a hands-on approach which have increased employment percentages of graduates right out of college
Located in Orange Beach, Alabama, there is a Bachelor of Science in information systems and cyber security offered online through Columbia Southern University. The program is one of the most affordable of all online programs in this discipline as it requires the completion of 120 credits at $230 per credit. Columbia Southern University’s program has gained recognition for one of the best values among cybersecurity online programs. The core of this program features in-depth education on intrusion detection, IS disaster recovery and auditing, application security and systems. Students can also transfer as many as 90 credits into the program. Columbia Southern has gained an outstanding national reputation and there is data to support that online. When searching through online reviews, Columbia Southern has an exceedingly higher rate than many of its competitors. Google reviews, Facebook reviews and GradReports reviews place Columbia Southern in front of many other widely recognized online universities and colleges.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $199
• Rated the most affordable online cybersecurity undergraduate program in the nation by many services
• Students who complete the undergraduate Cybersecurity program will automatically earn a minor in Information Technology
Kennesaw State is ranked No.72 in the nation by U.S. World & News Report’s most innovative school list. It also carries a No.76 ranking for best undergraduate teaching. The retention rate of students at Kennesaw State is 79% which speaks to the effectiveness of its programs. The teacher to student ratio is 20:1 and more than a quarter of its classes have fewer than 20 students, which is particularly helpful to online students as smaller classes mean more individual attention. All that has helped its cybersecurity program develop into one of the more sought-after ones in the nation. The program is defined as an e-major and continues to receive an immensity of applications from students all over the country. That is not just due to the affordable cost, but is also attributed to the resources offered as students can take advantage of the interdisciplinary design of the cybersecurity program.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost per Credit: $375
• Integration of faith-based teachings as this is a Christian polytechnical institution with a very low faculty to student ratio
• Courses are accelerated online and are offered on a year-round basis to speed up the path to graduation
The cybersecurity major was introduced in 2018 and has quickly drawn students from all over the country. The curriculum also includes four theology courses that are centralized on biblical teachings. LeTourneau is a Christian polytechnic university in which the educational experience nurtures faith. The private university experience is not as costly as some competing universities. The faculty features decades of Fortune 500 company experience in the realm of cybersecurity. According to U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in the west, LeTourneau ranks at No.25. The average retention rate of 77% puts LeTourneau in the upper echelon of universities offering cybersecurity programs. The graduation rate of students at LeTourneau is also slightly higher than the national average. The low faculty to student ratio of 14:1 is one of the more prominent ones in the nation.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $395
• Faculty holds advanced degrees and have worked at elite organizations in the cybersecurity industry
• Reputation of the program has gained national recognition and is among a small portion of cybersecurity programs to receive high-level distinctions
This Virginia-based program offers one of the most thorough and reputable cybersecurity education experiences in the country. One of the advantages of this program is that it offers eight-week course sessions that can fast track students toward graduation. Online students who are enrolled on a full-time basis will also receive a reduction in tuition fees per credit compared to part-time tuition fees. Regent also welcomes community college transfer credits and has a master’s program in Cybersecurity. Students who complete the bachelor’s program can continue their education at the graduate level concurrently. Regent University has received praise for its outgoing staff members, which begins during the admissions process. There is a very welcoming atmosphere, according to multiple graduates, who are now working in prominent roles at reputable organizations.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $495
• Program can be completed in less than three years while fast-tracking students into the industry
• Most other programs take twice as long to complete on a national average, which translates into $175,000 worth of overall savings
The San Antonio -based Hallmark University offers a Bachelor Degree in cybersecurity which can be completed in as little as 28 months. That degree also comes with the awarding of prominent industry certifications that include a Security+, CCENT, and Certified Ethical Hacker certification. The program also features affiliations with major IT companies and networks throughout the country, which helps students gain a head start on their respective job searches. Hallmark’s graduation rate for first-time students is right on par with the national average of 50%. The financial aid options available at Hallmark reduce the cost of tuition for a significant portion of students. One of the most appealing selling points of Hallmark’s online program is that it is extremely flexible and it also offers small class sizes and job placement assistance. Both student and employee reviews and feedback remain very favorable as well.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost per credit: $475
• Four acclaimed specializations to choose from when majoring in Cybersecurity
• The curriculum is cutting edge at Utica as Cybersecurity students have the option of selecting specializations that are in high demand and not available at most top universities offering this major
Station in New York, Utica provides online degrees in Cybersecurity with four different specializations, which are Information Assurance, Network Forensics and Intrusive Investigation, Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation, and Cyber Operations. These all fall under the B.S, in Cybersecurity major. Utica’s program was recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE/CDE) which is valid through the 2024 academic year. The program was also recognized by the Defense Cyber Crime Center for its excellence. These accolades along with the specializations has vaulted Utica College to the elite online programs that offer Cybersecurity. Those who earn a B.S. in Cybersecurity from Utica can consider themselves adequately prepared to step right into a position in this industry. The core classwork also infuses elements of criminal justice in what has become a comprehensive curriculum. The faculty also has collected a long list of accolades and are well respected members of the cybersecurity educational community.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $235
• One of the lower-priced cybersecurity programs helps to alleviate student debt right out of college
• Coursework is geared towards earning a CompTIA Security-Plus (Security+) cyber certification examination
The Missouri-based university features an online option that remains one of the more affordable cybersecurity undergraduate programs in the entire country. The value is heightened by the quality of instruction led by individuals who have logged both government and industry experience in cybersecurity. Some of the specialties of this program lie in partnerships with different companies and that allows for internships which can be facilitated during the undergraduate experience. William Woods University encourages this experience as it will provide working knowledge to the entirety of the coursework. William Woods University continues to grow and expand as the cybersecurity program was introduced in 2018 and has quickly progressed as one of the best-priced options for students looking to advance in this field. William Woods also features a graduation rate that exceeds the national average and that holds true for students pursuing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Cost Per Credit: $780
• Elite private school experience that awards annual financial award packages that are nearly triple the national average
• High national ranking of RMU provide graduates with an advantage when entering professional community or seeking out a new position
The cybersecurity program at RMU has been accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission which recognizes prominent Bachelor Degree programs in computing. The process to accreditation is an extensive one that spans 12-18 months before a representative from ABET will even visit the university. The university is ranked No.202 among all four-year schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. To ease the cost of tuition, RMU also offers favorable financial aid packages, along with grants and scholarships. The average total aid awarded per year is $19,243 which is almost three times the national average. The cost of tuition reflects that of a top university, although financial relief options to help make this a very affordable education. A 15:1 faculty to student ratio adds to the appeal of RMU.
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Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis – Information and Cyber Security
Cost Per Credit: $576 per credit
• Top 10 ranking among best online Bachelor’s Degree programs by U.S. News & World Report
• Learn from highly acclaimed faculty members that are part of PSU’s renowned College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Penn State name is very recognizable, although the world campus does not require students to travel to the state of Pennsylvania to obtain their degree. Part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the school also carries an esteemed reputation with a very large alumni base. The Penn State alumni has exceeded 700,000 which also helps when seeking out employment. Cybersecurity students have the option of also earning a pair of undergraduate certificates in security and risk analysis or information sciences and technology. The program has been recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense. The faculty is comprised of industry leaders in computer science and engineering. Online students have access to all these resources at an affordable price considering the high level of acclaim that comes with a Penn State degree.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost per credit: $318
• Faster graduation rates because of the three semester per year calendar
• Abundance of resources along with a cutting-edge curriculum that includes critical thinking and problem-solving skills taught by faculty members who have worked for nationally esteemed organizations
There is an abundance of resources available to students in the Champlain cybersecurity program. Semesters consist of two 7-week terms and there are three semesters in a year, which helps to speed up graduation Champlain’s program has been nationally recognized as a leader in this area of study. Those interested can also visit the Champlain College cybersecurity blog which is regularly updated with relevant topics, Champlain has made its mark in this field for its vast amount of resources offered to students. Graduates have also formed a strong alumni base by assuming positions with major corporations on a global level. Students who are active duty military members also see a significant reduction in tuition fees per credit. The program has received numerous awards and recognition setting itself aside as one of the leaders in cybersecurity education. The school has also received numerous recognitions and was recently named one of the most innovative colleges in the nation for the fifth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Cost Per Term: $3,845
• One of the more affordable options as it charges students on a per term-basis as opposed to a per-credit basis and the result is significantly lower tuition costs
• Curriculum is navigated by the individual pace of students, which is why it can be fast tracked
The Washington-based university offers an online Bachelor’s Degree program in cybersecurity and Information Assurance that equates to about half of what students would spend at a comparable university. The program can be completed in a relatively fast manner as the university revealed that 74% of its graduates are able to complete the program within 18 months. Another benefit is the overall cost as WGU charges students a total of just $3,845 per six-month term. That has provided proven results that graduates enter the professional world with much less debt as a result of the tuition costs. To make matters in more favorable, WGU offers students an array of financial aid and scholarship options. The reduced cost has not taken away from the prowess of the program as it has received numerous accolades. The Software and Information Industry Association recognized WGU’s program with a national Codie award in 2016.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Cost Per Term: $3,845
• One of the more affordable options as it charges students on a per term-basis as opposed to a per-credit basis and the result is significantly lower tuition costs
• Curriculum is navigated by the individual pace of students, which is why it can be fast tracked
The Washington-based university offers an online Bachelor’s Degree program in cybersecurity and Information Assurance that equates to about half of what students would spend at a comparable university. The program can be completed in a relatively fast manner as the university revealed that 74% of its graduates are able to complete the program within 18 months. Another benefit is the overall cost as WGU charges students a total of just $3,845 per six-month term. That has provided proven results that graduates enter the professional world with much less debt as a result of the tuition costs. To make matters in more favorable, WGU offers students an array of financial aid and scholarship options. The reduced cost has not taken away from the prowess of the program as it has received numerous accolades. The Software and Information Industry Association recognized WGU’s program with a national Codie award in 2016.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $370
• Choice of two concentrations creates more focused career options for students, who can elect either network defense or digital forensics
• Block program features four-week courses that are heralded by working professionals who are simultaneously taking classes
Based out of San Diego, National University has quickly become one of California’s top online universities. The cybersecurity undergraduate online program features courses that are as short as four weeks in duration. Students in the program have the option of selecting from two concentrations, which include Computer Network Defense or Digital Forensics. This specialization can help students craft their future career path to meet their desired goals as a cybersecurity professional. National University has a broadening alumni base that has exceeded 170,000. One of the biggest benefits offered through National University is the fact that students can complete consecutive four-week courses at a pace that will allow them to earn a degree much quicker than if they were on campus at a traditional four-year college with a limited per course basis per semester.
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Bachelor of Science in Computer and Network Security
Cost Per Course: $1,137
• Students have the option of combining undergraduate work with an accelerated Master of Science option
• Offers a Center for Cybersecurity Education that enhances the overall education experience by offering a wealth of resources to students
Wilmington University’s program features two concentrations as students can select from Digital Forensics or the General Education and Support option. This helps with adding a specialization and is a testament to the uniqueness of this program. Students can fast track their way to a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity with an accelerated option that combines undergraduate and graduate coursework. The advantage is to provide students with a Master’s Degree in much less time than it would take through more conventional class scheduling. Wilmington also offers a variety of student services that make for an improved online educational experience. The coursework is also designed to prepare students to pass six major industry certifications. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be in a good position to attain immediate employment in the field of cybersecurity. Fees are assessed on a per course basis, instead of a per credit basis.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology and Security Studies
Cost Per Credit: $327
• One of the benefits of this program is having a faculty that has been recognized with various awards in addition to notable experience as cybersecurity professionals
• The cost of tuition is competitively priced when compared to other major universities that have been in existence as long as Indiana State, which was founded in 1865.
The excellence of the faculty helps to ensure students are learning not only the latest in cybersecurity, but also the most efficient ways to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting. Indiana State has a long, rich history of academic excellence and that can be a great help when looking to secure a job out of college. The Cybercriminology and Security Studies program is available for all enrolling freshmen and transfer students, without the requirement of certain prerequisite classes. The program is also open to students who are residents of Canada. Financial aid and scholarship options have also helped a portion of previous graduates.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $310
• One of the selling points of the Rasmussen program is that students can finish in as little as 18 months if they desire to structure their courses in that way
• Rasmussen is one of the lowest-priced cybersecurity undergraduate programs in the country
The online coursework allows students to work at their own pace, which has proven to be a tremendous advantage. While all courses are online, students have access to all college resources, just as an on-campus student would have. The Flex Choice options allow students to conduct some self-directed assessments. This can be advantageous to students who are on the go and those who are looking to accelerate their educational experience. Rasmussen College gives students the freedom to dictate the pace of their education and is one more plus that comes with online learning. The program has been able to modernize education with more than just state-of-the-art coursework as it has also adapted to learning on the go. The advantage of allowing students to move through the curriculum at their own pace has been well received, especially with the growing demand for cybersecurity jobs.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost Per Credit: $285
• There are two concentrations within this major as students can choose from a general focus or one that involves wireless and mobile security
• There is very detailed attention to the curriculum as the university has taken great measures to use student feedback for the purpose of enhancing the program each year
Based out of Charles Town, West Virginia, this program has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Coursework is continually updated to maintain those standards which are not distributed to every cybersecurity undergraduate program. Past students have greatly exceeded national proficiency statistics among cybersecurity undergraduate programs. According to student satisfaction surveys, 94% reported that it met their overall expectations while another 94% reported that they were satisfied with the program. Despite the overall satisfaction and success, the faculty have used these results to improve the cybersecurity program with new upgrades unveiled at the beginning of each new academic year. The wireless and mobile specialization has also gained attention as one of the few major universities with such a distinction.
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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Cost Per Credit: $390
• The program at City U provides several networking opportunities as faculty and graduates have developed key professional partnerships
• Students dictate their own pace with the online learning and that has resulted in many degrees being earned in a matter of just two years as it is an accelerated option for students looking to jumpstart their professional careers
City U was recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. That was based on an in-depth curriculum that can be completed at the pace of a student. City U also has a cybersecurity club which is open to students. This affords the opportunity to further explore the security field with collaborative efforts among students and working professionals. The coursework delves into a variety of areas as signified by 45 credits that fall under the distinction of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance Core. This proves to be a major benefit for students as they can be assured to leave City U with a knowledge base and skillset that will allow them to excel in an immediate cybersecurity position.
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Cost Per Credit: $375
- Provides a pair of unique concentrations not offered by a lot of other online universities.
- Trimester format allows for faster graduation rates
Students at Norwich have the option of specializing in their education with a pair of concentrations that are different from the general cybersecurity track. Norwich offers a Cybersecurity concentration in Information Warfare and Security Management, as well as another in Computer Forensics and Vulnerability Management. These concentrations are very comprehensive and allow students to enter to craft their education toward their intended career path. The school year is divided into trimesters at Norwich and students typically earn their cybersecurity degree in 18 months. However, students are required to have accumulated 30 specific credits before gaining entry to the program. The faculty is comprised of instructors who have achieved high levels of success in the cybersecurity field, along with military experience. Norwich University has a 79% retention rate, which is higher than the national average. The online student population is a little more than half of the on-campus student population, although the online version offers the same resources at a cheaper rate. The online cybersecurity option combines innovative specializations, affordable tuition and fast graduation times.