Go to Page Section:
- 1 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- 2 DeVry University (DU)
- 3 University of St. Thomas
- 4 Purdue University - Global (PU-G)
- 5 Central Texas College (CTC)
- 6 ECPI University (ECPIU)
- 7 Grand Canyon University (GCU)
- 8 University of Phoenix (UP)
- 9 American Public University (APU)
- Schools Summary Table
- Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $127730
- Salary Information by State
Some of Hollywood’s most convincing villains are cybercriminals — skilled in manipulating digital resources for nefarious purposes.
But more importantly, the hero in those movies is always someone well-versed in computers and cybersecurity.
They use an understanding of human nature, coding skills, digital forensics, and communication mechanics – many skills taught in an Associate’s degree in Cybersecurity.
An Associate of Science in Cybersecurity is considered a ‘gateway degree.’
It can be applied to most disciplines and career fields, either technical or managerial.
The degree can also be easily transformed into a bachelor’s in information technology or expanded through certification.
Cybersecurity is one of the top fields with significant growth potential.
Currently, there are roughly 150 associate degree programs in the United States, many of which are completely online.
1 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
About
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers over 200 degrees and certifications.
The university has been part of the New Hampshire academic landscape since 1932.
And, it launched its online platform worldwide in 1995.
SNHU received the 2024 award as the Most Innovative from U.S. News and World Report’s Colleges.
The vast majority of students attending SNHU are online. Currently, there are over 184,000 students, with roughly 3,000 on campus.
Courses Offered
Offered completely online, Southern New Hampshire University’s Associate of Science (AS) in Cybersecurity blends 60 credit hours of online education with intern programs, cyber lab experience, and coordinated networking opportunities.
A plus?
The National Security Agency (NSA) has designated SNHU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
In addition to basic education, the core courses include:
- Cybersecurity Foundations
- Computer Networking
- Operating System Security
- Application Security
- Cyber Defense
- Cybersafety Law
- Human in Cybersecurity.
The university supports students with academic advisors and career consultants.
SNHU’s unique online community encourages student camaraderie.
Tuition at SNHU is one of the lowest in online academia.
An Associate’s degree is estimated at $19,800 or $330 per credit hour.
Financial Aid, GI Bill, and payment plans are available for eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106
- Phone: 800.915.7648
- Website: Visit School Website
2 DeVry University (DU)
About
DeVry University, established in 1931 to provide career skills.
It specializes in business and tech-driven industries.
Organized as a for-profit university, DeVry is a private institution offering both on-campus and online degree programs.
It currently has roughly 2,100 students.
Courses Offered
The various cybersecurity pathways range from a certificate to a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
Devry’s Associate of Science in Cybersecurity covers 20 classes.
It is a 62-hour program taught in 8-week sessions throughout the year.
It prepares graduates to understand hardware, software, and human vulnerabilities to a network.
In addition to core technology coursework, the syllabus includes:
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
- Ethical Hacking
- Fundamentals of Infrastructure Security
- Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Introduction to Technology and Information Systems
Unique to the university is a virtual library and mobile app to help students communicate effectively.
Students receive a laptop after enrollment and access to the DeVry University Center for Cybersecurity.
Reimbursement is given for tech skill certifications such as CompTIA A+ or CompTIA CySA.
The cost for an Associate in Cybersecurity is estimated at $31,900, or $514 per credit hour.
Financial Aid, grants, subject-specific scholarships, and payment plans are available for qualified students.
Active military and veterans receive a sizable discount on tuition.
Contact Information
- Address: 4225 Naperville Road, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532
- Phone: 866.933.8795
- Website: Visit School Website
3 University of St. Thomas
About
The University of St. Thomas (STU)is a private Catholic university in the heart of Houston, TX.
STU is housed across two campuses in the Houston Metroplex.
It offers over 100 degree programs to just under 3,800 students.
Courses Offered
As a highly sought-after skill set, the Online Schools Guide ranks the university’s Associate of Applied Science degree UST #3 in Cybersecurity.
The STU Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is 100% online.
The 60 credit hours can be completed in roughly two years or five semesters.
A typical cybersecurity degree curriculum includes:
- Basics of Networking
- Writing
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Basics of IP Networking
- Working with Databases
The University of St. Thomas costs an estimated $15,000 ($600/credit hour) annually to attend.
However, the university website suggests that nearly 85% of enrolled students receive financial aid, scholarships, or grants.
Contact Information
- Address: 3800 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: 713.522.7911
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Purdue University - Global (PU-G)
About
Purdue University-Global is a fully online academic institution with roughly 45,125 students.
The Global division is affiliated with Purdue University and is designed for adults and working professionals.
It offers 175 degrees and certifications.
Courses Offered
Purdue University-Global offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology with concentrations in cybersecurity.
This entry-level degree focuses on identifying and mitigating IT security threats.
In addition to basic skills, the core IT courses include:
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Forensics
- Ethical hacking
- Network Security
- IT Overview
PU-G offers transfer credit, military credits, and credit for life experiences.
The estimated cost is $35,000 or $371 per credit hour.
The 20-course (60-hour) program can be completed in two years, based on a weekly commitment of 18 hours.
Financial aid is available for select programs.
And, military discounts and schedule exceptions are available.
Unique to PUG is a “three-week trial.”
This allows students to acclimate to the academic process; if they do not wish to pursue studies, costs are refunded.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Ave, STE 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 844.PURDUE.G
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Central Texas College (CTC)
About
The home of Central Texas College is Killeen, in the heart of Texas.
A small public college offering Associate’s degrees in 150 subjects. Students may attend on campus, but several degree programs, including the Cybersecurity pathway, are available online.
Courses Offered
Students at Central Texas College may pursue an online Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology degree.
This is a two-year, 60-credit hour program.
After a few core courses, such as composition and math, cybersecurity courses include:
- Introduction to Computing
- Information Technology Security
- Programming Logic and Design
- Computer Systems Maintenance
An internship in computer technology is a graduation requirement.
Program costs for in-state tuition are $2,940.
The out-of-state tuition is roughly $6,420.
These costs do not include books or miscellaneous student or program fees.
Financial Aid and tuition waivers are available for eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, TX 76540-1800
- Phone: 800.223.4760
- Website: Visit School Website
6 ECPI University (ECPIU)
About
ECPI University is a designated professional college designed for adults who want to quickly learn career-focused skills.
Courses Offered
Positions available to graduates with Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in IT Cybersecurity include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Network Security Engineer
ECPIU cyber and information security technology degrees are 1.5 – 2.5-year online programs.
Courses are available year-round with revolving start dates.
In addition to basic education, the core cybersecurity courses cover:
- Ethical hacking
- Identification of vulnerabilities
- Overview of countermeasures
- Network Security
- Human Psychology
ECPIU costs $8,712 per semester (12-18 hours).
For part-time students, the costs are calculated at $726 per credit.
Additional technology fees may be needed.
Contact Information
- Address: 4715 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: 210.973.5205
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Grand Canyon University (GCU)
About
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university founded in 1949.
Originally on-campus, over 101,000 students utilize the flexibility of the online/on-campus programs.
GCU offers 349 degrees from business to theology and information technology.
The university is open to all students 16 years and older and does not require standardized testing to apply.
Courses Offered
The cybersecurity degrees provide knowledge in both offensive and defensive measures.
An average IT-Cybersecurity syllabus includes:
- Cyber Law
- Ethical Hacking
- Cybersecurity management
Completion of a capstone project is required for graduation.
Undergraduate fees are estimated at $17,450.
Additional fees apply for specific programs.
However, there is no admission fee.
Financial Aid, subject-based scholarships, and grants are available for eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017
- Phone: 602.639.7500
- Website: Visit School Website
8 University of Phoenix (UP)
About
The University of Phoenix (UP) was established in 1978.
Currently, over 101,000 students are enrolled in one of 100 degree programs.
The university website states that it was built for the “busy and the ambitious,” emphasizing its career focus from nursing and business management to technology and cybersecurity.
UP is currently affiliated with the University of Idaho.
Courses Offered
In addition to the Advanced Cybersecurity Certification, the University of Phoenix offers two Associate’s degrees.
Students can earn an Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology (Cybersecurity).
Or they can choose an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity.
Both programs are roughly two years long.
The AA requires 60 hours, while the AS requires completion of 63 hours.
Core cybersecurity courses in both programs include:
- Ethical hacking
- Networks
- Offensive and Defensive Measures
- Human Psychology
- Programming
Students have advisors and extended hours of support for academics and technology.
Applications are free.
And no SAT/ACT scores are required.
The cost for an online associate degree in cybersecurity is $1,364 / course or $398 per credit hour plus fees.
The University of Phoenix offers credit for transfer work, employer education, and life experience.
Financial Aid, scholarships, and the GI Bill are accepted.
The University of Phoenix also offers a trial period during which a student may withdraw for a full refund.
Contact Information
- Address: 4035 South Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85040-072
- Phone: 866.766.0766
- Website: Visit School Website
9 American Public University (APU)
About
American Public University is a public education service system that combines American Military University education with general education.
It currently serves 39,000 students enrolled in over 200 degree programs worldwide.
These include art, computer technology, nursing, and military science.
Courses Offered
APU offers an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity.
It also awards several focused undergraduate certifications in cybersecurity, cybercrimes, and digital forensics.
Courses start monthly and run from 8 to 16 weeks.
A total of 60 hours and a three-hour Capstone project are required for graduation.
Cybersecurity courses include:
- Intermediate Computer Systems
- Scripting Languages
- Cryptography Concepts
- Law, Privacy, and Digital Data
- Statistics
APU calculates undergraduate degree costs at $350 per credit hour.
Additional program fees may apply.
The university honors FAFSA, GI Bill, veterans grants, state and employer discounts, and scholarships.
There is also a substantial discount for active military.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Phone: 877.310.3181
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Salary
Computer and Information Technology positions are expected to grow by 32% within the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an estimated 377,500 new positions created.
Factors that determine cybersecurity salaries include location, role, and type of company – private, non-profit, or government.
Entry-level salaries for cybersecurity experts with an associate’s degree range from $50,000 to $130,000.
With a few years of experience and specialization, the median salaries increase to a range from $90,000 to $174,000.
U.S. Average Salary: $127730
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,290 | $112,800 | $54.23 | $165,120 | $61,020 |
| Alaska | 210 | $111,900 | $53.80 | $159,930 | $85,010 |
| Arizona | 4,170 | $123,780 | $59.51 | $173,000 | $72,300 |
| Arkansas | 1,010 | $96,080 | $46.19 | $130,960 | $57,660 |
| California | 15,800 | $152,640 | $73.38 | $220,100 | $73,030 |
| Connecticut | 1,160 | $127,740 | $61.42 | $169,550 | $84,800 |
| Delaware | 630 | $130,860 | $62.91 | $165,600 | $79,750 |
| D.C. | 2,010 | $132,790 | $63.84 | $173,840 | $83,730 |
| Florida | 13,770 | $117,500 | $56.49 | $167,920 | $71,930 |
| Georgia | 6,480 | $126,380 | $60.76 | $171,860 | $73,590 |
| Hawaii | 580 | $128,310 | $61.69 | $212,210 | $68,900 |
| Idaho | 870 | $145,880 | $70.14 | $219,530 | $60,920 |
| Illinois | 4,560 | $119,540 | $57.47 | $169,520 | $70,870 |
| Indiana | 2,540 | $91,740 | $44.11 | $150,220 | $62,710 |
| Iowa | 1,180 | $116,710 | $56.11 | $173,890 | $66,520 |
| Kansas | 1,380 | $100,850 | $48.48 | $152,080 | $46,270 |
| Kentucky | 1,790 | $102,820 | $49.43 | $166,130 | $55,540 |
| Louisiana | 580 | $101,280 | $48.69 | $132,410 | $63,370 |
| Maine | 270 | $99,420 | $47.80 | $137,000 | $60,590 |
| Maryland | 8,770 | $145,450 | $69.93 | $206,980 | $80,100 |
| Massachusetts | 5,780 | $129,350 | $62.19 | $178,810 | $79,290 |
| Michigan | 3,120 | $107,630 | $51.75 | $164,100 | $61,310 |
| Minnesota | 2,550 | $126,150 | $60.65 | $168,960 | $79,300 |
| Mississippi | 560 | $89,910 | $43.23 | $134,520 | $50,810 |
| Missouri | 2,560 | $107,250 | $51.56 | $158,880 | $59,530 |
| Montana | ** | $99,560 | $47.86 | $137,540 | $70,920 |
| Nebraska | 1,120 | $103,310 | $49.67 | $142,470 | $67,990 |
| Nevada | 1,570 | $111,340 | $53.53 | $172,440 | $49,550 |
| New Hampshire | 730 | $128,040 | $61.56 | $181,260 | $74,920 |
| New Jersey | 4,730 | $141,130 | $67.85 | $198,050 | $83,840 |
| New Mexico | 1,760 | $131,220 | $63.09 | $178,370 | $83,840 |
| New York | 8,860 | $139,540 | $67.09 | $211,230 | $80,540 |
| North Carolina | 6,850 | $122,310 | $58.80 | $172,470 | $65,260 |
| North Dakota | 340 | $101,200 | $48.66 | $113,600 | $68,240 |
| Ohio | 5,070 | $115,600 | $55.58 | $165,970 | $67,150 |
| Oklahoma | 1,270 | $92,390 | $44.42 | $154,670 | $33,910 |
| Oregon | 1,370 | $132,430 | $63.67 | $219,040 | $77,940 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,420 | $114,870 | $55.22 | $169,390 | $62,270 |
| Rhode Island | 880 | $117,010 | $56.26 | $160,820 | $71,970 |
| South Carolina | 1,470 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| South Dakota | 430 | $104,120 | $50.06 | $139,730 | $74,430 |
| Tennessee | 2,730 | $111,840 | $53.77 | $164,970 | $67,260 |
| Texas | 14,730 | $126,800 | $60.96 | $173,350 | $72,490 |
| Utah | 1,720 | $101,430 | $48.76 | $158,780 | $48,900 |
| Vermont | 80 | $95,800 | $46.06 | $147,420 | $60,720 |
| Virginia | 18,670 | $136,680 | $65.71 | $202,720 | $76,080 |
| Washington | 6,830 | $144,140 | $69.30 | $202,270 | $73,220 |
| West Virginia | 270 | $103,770 | $49.89 | $141,660 | $61,940 |
| Wisconsin | 1,760 | $106,260 | $51.09 | $161,330 | $64,170 |
| Wyoming | ** | $122,570 | $58.93 | $192,380 | $63,700 |
| Puerto Rico | 470 | $62,190 | $29.90 | $99,080 | $29,460 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $152,640.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Information Security Analysts, OCC Code 15-1212, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Leave a Reply