Cyber skills are some of the most valued in the world.
And, for those individuals who have broad-based interests, cybersecurity goes beyond basic computer tech to combine hardware skills with strong coding skills, intrusion defense, and a broad knowledge of digital forensics.
It even incorporates an understanding of human psychology and communication.
Cybersecurity is one of the top fields with significant growth potential.
A degree in cybersecurity can be applied to almost any profession, from art and technical to Wall Street.
Currently, there are an estimated 41 online degree programs for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
#1 University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA)
About
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), known as the ‘Roadrunners’, is a Tier 1 research institution.
Focused on its students, USTA has a strong ‘career-ready’ initiative.
It offers world-class education both on campus and online.
Courses Offered
Named by both the NSA and DHS as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio BBA in Cybersecurity is nationally ranked and 100% online for flexibility.
Students at UTSA pursue the Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity.
The degree works to establish a business-cybersecurity relationship.
This is a four-year, 120-credit hour program and can be completed in eight semesters (four years).
After core courses, students will study:
- Scripting and Programming (Bash, Python, Java)
- Intrusion Detection and Incident Response
- Operating Systems and Network Security
- Digital Forensic Analysis
- Malware Analysis
- Project Management
- Cyber Law
Program costs for in-state tuition are roughly $524 per credit hour.
These costs do not include books or miscellaneous student or program fees.
FAFSA and military considerations are available for eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
- Phone: (210) 458-4011
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
About
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) was founded in 1932 and developed an online platform in 1995.
Awarded for its innovation, this New Hampshire educational icon lists 200 degree and certification programs.
Currently, the majority of the student body, 184,000, attend SNHU classes online, with only 3,000 on-site.
Courses Offered
To add to its accolades in education, the National Security Agency (NSA) has identified the university as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Cybersecurity with a focus on either data analytics or project management.
The 120-credit hour pathway is available online.
In addition to fundamental courses in statistics and English, students are taught core cyber skills such as:
- Cybersecurity Foundations
- Computer Networking
- Operating System Security
- Application Security
- Cyber Law
The university supports students through its unique online community and with academic advisors and career consultants.
SNHU tuition is one of the lowest of all the online programs.
An Associate’s degree is estimated at $38,000 or $330 per credit hour.
Financial Aid 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
#3 American Public University (APU)
About
American Public University is a public service system that combines American Military education with career-based programs such as computer technology, nursing, and art.
There are roughly 39,000 students enrolled in over 200 degree programs worldwide.
Courses Offered
American Public University offers a 120-hour Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
The program also requires a final three-hour Capstone project for graduation.
Students must also choose a sub-specialty: wireless and mobile, critical infrastructure, digital forensics, or privacy and surveillance.
Cybersecurity curricula include:
- Biometrics
- Cyber Warfare
- Bias in Surveillance
- Cryptography Concepts
- Law, Privacy, and Digital Data
- Intelligence Gathering
APU calculates undergraduate degree costs at $350 per credit hour.
Additional program fees may apply.
The university honors the military with discounted tuition.
FAFSA, GI Bill, veterans grants, and state discounts are available to eligible students.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Phone: 877.310.3181
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 DeVry University (DU)
About
DeVry University, established in 1931, provides business and tech-based adult education.
Organized as a private for-profit university, with online degree programs.
Currently, there are an estimated 2,100 enrolled students.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity focuses heavily on computer skills and certification prep.
It consists of 36 classes — 108 credit hours.
Each class is taught in 8-week sessions.
In addition to core technology coursework, the BS syllabus includes:
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
- Ethical Hacking
- Security Operations Center
- Incident Response and Digital Forensics
- Penetration Testing
The university has developed a virtual library and mobile app to help students succeed.
Students receive a personal laptop after enrollment and access to the DeVry University Center for Cybersecurity.
They also receive computer tech preparation for a range of certification exams.
A BS in Cybersecurity costs $55,500 or $514 per credit hour. Students are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid, grants, or utilize payment plans.
There is a substantial tuition discount for military personnel.
Contact Information
- Address: 4225 Naperville Road, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532
- Phone: 866.933.8795
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 University of St. Thomas (STU)
About
The University of St. Thomas (STU) covers two campuses in the Houston Metroplex.
A private Catholic university with over 100 degree programs, to just under 3,800 students.
Courses Offered
The STU Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is offered 100% online.
The 120 credit hours can be completed in roughly four years, with an intern project.
The computer science degree is math-centric.
Additional courses include:
- Cyber Warfare
- Introduction to Data Analytics
- Calculus I, II, III
- Biostatistics
- Digital Ecosystems – Technology and Geopolitics
The University of St. Thomas costs an estimated $14,772 ($600/credit hour) annually to attend.
However, according to the university website, nearly 85% of enrolled students receive financial aid.
Contact Information
- Address: 3800 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: 713.522.7911
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Arizona State University (ASU-Online)
About
Arizona State University’s main campus is located in Tempe, Arizona, and is home to Sparky the Sun Devil.
Off-campus, the online university offers 393 associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees with an estimated enrollment of 100,000.
Courses Offered
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — Cybersecurity focuses on securing networks and defending digital systems.
The program consists of 40 classes and 120 hours with a strong emphasis on programming.
Cybersecurity curricula include:
- Programming (Java, Unix, Python)
- Wireless Fundamentals
- Cloud Management
- Network Forensics
- AI Applications
A Capstone program is also required in the final year.
The BS in IT-Cybersecurity for a full-time student at ASU costs $15,300.
This does not include student fees, books, or housing.
Financial Aid is available for most online programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Phone: 866.277.6589
- Website: Visit School Website
#7 ECPI University (ECPIU)
About
Originally founded in Virginia in 1966, ECPI University provides professional education with a focus on career skills.
The ECPIU system has campus locations in Florida, Texas, North and, South Carolina, and Virginia.
It offers degrees in engineering, technology, health sciences, nursing, and criminal justice.
Its online campus is a recognized global educator.
Courses Offered
The NSA and DHS have designated ECPIU a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) for this degree.
Positions available to graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
The online cybersecurity technology program consists of 120 credit hours and spans roughly 2.5 years.
Unique to ECPIU is the non-semester style program.
Each course is five weeks, and classes are available year-round with revolving start dates.
In addition to basic education, the core cybersecurity courses cover:
- Ethical Hacking
- Vulnerabilities & Countermeasures
- Network Infrastructure
- Psychology
ECPIU costs $8,712 per term.
For part-time students, the costs are calculated at $726 per credit.
Technology programs may incur additional fees.
FAFSA is available, as are employer tuition discounts and military tuition rates.
Contact Information
- Address: 4715 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: 210.973.5205
- Website: Visit School Website
#8 Grand Canyon University (GCU)
About
The private Christian university, Grand Canyon University, offers over 349 degree programs to over 101,000 students.
Once enrolled, courses are available both online and on campus for most pathways, including business, health science, and information technology.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is available 100% online and provides a background in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures.
The program consists of 120 hours.
A student must also complete a cybersecurity-based Capstone project to graduate.
An average cybersecurity syllabus includes:
- Cyber Law
- Ethical Hacking
- Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity management
Annual undergraduate fees are estimated at $17,450.
Specific programs have additional costs.
However, there is no admission fee.
Financial Aid (FAFSA), 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
#9 University of Phoenix (UP)
About
Built in 1978, the University of Phoenix (UP) currently has over 101,000 students enrolled across 100 degree programs.
Affiliated with the University of Idaho, the University of Phoenix continues to emphasize career skills from business to technology and cybersecurity.
Courses Offered
At the University of Phoenix, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
This 120-hour, four-year program also requires two Capstone projects for graduation.
In addition to general education work, core cybersecurity courses include:
- Ethical hacking
- Networks
- Offensive and Defensive Measures
- Wireless Security
- Web and Cloud computing
Online applications for admission are free.
A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity costs $1,364 per course ($398 per credit hour).
The Capstone and technology fees are not included.
The University of Phoenix offers work and life experience credits.
Financial Aid, scholarships, and the GI Bill are accepted.
Trial periods during which a student can withdraw for a full refund are available in select programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 4035 South Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85040-072
- Phone: 866.766.0766
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Computer and Information Technology positions will grow by 32% within the next decade.
Cybersecurity salaries are influenced by a number of factors, including location, rural or urban setting, and job title.
Positions requiring a basic Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity often range from $50,000 to $130,000.
Individuals with additional experience and specialization, such as military or enforcement training, often earn additional benefits with a salary range of $70,000 to $192,000 or higher.
U.S. Average Salary: $132,510
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4,010 | $119,070 | $57.24 | $170,690 | $66,090 |
| Alaska | 300 | $117,930 | $56.70 | $149,270 | $75,770 |
| Arizona | 3,420 | $125,170 | $60.18 | $176,390 | $78,330 |
| Arkansas | 1,460 | $102,980 | $49.51 | $140,900 | $59,410 |
| California | 15,570 | $149,090 | $71.68 | $221,000 | $66,070 |
| Colorado | 5,700 | $142,660 | $68.59 | $208,650 | $87,560 |
| Connecticut | 1,170 | $130,840 | $62.91 | $175,590 | $79,780 |
| Delaware | 720 | $137,080 | $65.90 | $184,990 | $82,500 |
| D.C. | 1,510 | $143,330 | $68.91 | $189,510 | $86,280 |
| Florida | 14,220 | $124,510 | $59.86 | $174,600 | $75,410 |
| Georgia | 6,290 | $131,590 | $63.26 | $178,650 | $77,060 |
| Hawaii | 580 | $122,660 | $58.97 | $172,780 | $76,390 |
| Idaho | 840 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Illinois | 5,260 | $127,000 | $61.06 | $172,830 | $78,760 |
| Indiana | 2,260 | $106,020 | $50.97 | $163,370 | $60,450 |
| Iowa | 1,160 | $119,800 | $57.60 | $169,620 | $71,550 |
| Kansas | 1,830 | $104,550 | $50.27 | $155,490 | $63,730 |
| Kentucky | 1,680 | $108,310 | $52.07 | $157,810 | $64,650 |
| Louisiana | 720 | $100,810 | $48.47 | $139,190 | $66,660 |
| Maine | 400 | $109,230 | $52.51 | $181,020 | $63,210 |
| Maryland | 8,650 | $149,940 | $72.09 | $216,570 | $79,130 |
| Massachusetts | 6,100 | $151,000 | $72.59 | $226,190 | $85,790 |
| Michigan | 3,280 | $111,160 | $53.44 | $165,730 | $64,150 |
| Minnesota | 2,680 | $130,970 | $62.97 | $169,750 | $83,140 |
| Mississippi | 480 | $92,790 | $44.61 | $138,900 | $51,170 |
| Missouri | 3,260 | $107,610 | $51.74 | $161,430 | $60,700 |
| Montana | 380 | $97,940 | $47.09 | $158,220 | $57,000 |
| Nebraska | 1,210 | $102,210 | $49.14 | $147,150 | $66,630 |
| Nevada | 1,330 | $119,190 | $57.30 | $178,990 | $57,160 |
| New Hampshire | 590 | $122,980 | $59.13 | $187,820 | $61,940 |
| New Jersey | 4,860 | $140,040 | $67.33 | $204,220 | $86,860 |
| New Mexico | 2,470 | $142,450 | $68.49 | $199,990 | $99,100 |
| New York | 10,060 | $144,720 | $69.58 | $216,220 | $83,110 |
| North Carolina | 8,670 | $130,990 | $62.98 | $173,670 | $77,150 |
| North Dakota | 310 | $107,420 | $51.64 | $139,360 | $69,480 |
| Ohio | 6,010 | $117,710 | $56.59 | $171,450 | $68,070 |
| Oklahoma | 1,640 | $100,810 | $48.46 | $158,320 | $56,050 |
| Oregon | 2,250 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Pennsylvania | 4,660 | $119,570 | $57.49 | $170,870 | $67,840 |
| Rhode Island | 710 | $121,640 | $58.48 | $170,180 | $74,880 |
| South Carolina | 1,720 | $115,090 | $55.33 | $166,530 | $66,410 |
| South Dakota | 770 | $120,750 | $58.05 | $161,700 | $71,610 |
| Tennessee | 3,330 | $130,320 | $62.65 | $250,590 | $63,870 |
| Texas | 16,130 | $130,710 | $62.84 | $178,550 | $77,990 |
| Utah | 1,910 | $105,680 | $50.81 | $168,830 | $48,630 |
| Vermont | 220 | $122,390 | $58.84 | $179,130 | $74,840 |
| Virginia | 19,120 | $141,360 | $67.96 | $205,750 | $81,410 |
| Washington | 6,030 | $156,080 | $75.04 | $211,720 | $96,730 |
| Wisconsin | 2,130 | $106,960 | $51.43 | $162,260 | $62,110 |
| Wyoming | 140 | $112,320 | $54.00 | $198,230 | $75,580 |
| Puerto Rico | 500 | $66,980 | $32.20 | $100,900 | $37,620 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
Washington tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $156,080.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary estimates are based on data from the May 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Information Security Analysts, (SOC Code 15-1212).* Employment opportunities may vary depending on your area.
I liked seeing how many different online programs were compared instead of just focusing on one school. The details about classes like ethical hacking, networking security, and digital forensic helped me understand what students actually learn in cybersecurity and what skills the field really demands.
I’m looking for Western Governors University on the list. They are ABET-accredited and have a very competent program compared to other schools. If you are working and self-motivated, you should check it out!
If you are looking for the best, you can also consider University of Maryland. I started my cybersecurity degree here last term and I am really enjoying it.
I know there are other good universities out there that are more affordable than the ones on this list. Just like Purdue Global, which offers flexible and self-paced options. Good luck to the new generation cybersercurity guys!
I was just torn between UTSA and SNHU. I applied to both schools and I am still waiting for the latter’s acceptance. I’m confident that I’ll get accepted to both schools but then I’ll be torn about what to choose.