Cyberattacks are a modern threat to people, businesses, and nations. According to the World Economic Forum, the global cost of cybercrime will jump from an already-staggering $8.44 trillion in 2022 to a mind-numbing $23.84 trillion by 2027. 2023 was one of the worst years on record, with numerous issues including an attack on the U.S. State Department. It’s a serious problem. But pursuing one of the cheapest online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs can help you be a part of the solution.
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity combines elements of information technology, criminal justice, data management, law enforcement, and security. They are some of the most extensive degrees out there, building technical skills while increasing a student’s knowledge of security risks and criminal justice.
They also lead to fruitful careers in a stable, growing, and critical industry. After completing one of the cheapest online cybersecurity degree programs, you’ll be ready for one of the most rewarding careers in the market. And with this database, you can find the right degree to launch your future in cybersecurity.
This database includes 74 programs from 61 schools. There are many concentrations, ranging from cybersecurity project management to data analytics. All the programs, regardless of the specialization, help you maintain information security in an ever-changing environment. These programs come in a range of prices.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $56,100
Least Expensive (In-State): St. Petersburg College – $15,868
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Kennesaw State University – $22,688
35 Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | St. Petersburg College | (FL) | $15,868.00 $50,562.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $22,688.00 | All Students |
3 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $28,280.00 $33,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Rogers State University | (OK) | $31,920.00 $66,560.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $35,430.00 $77,910.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $36,016.00 $73,712.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $36,209.00 $45,526.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $36,920.00 | All Students |
9 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $39,600.00 $27,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
10 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $40,010.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
11 | Champlain College | (VT) | $40,350.00 $30,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | William Woods University | (MO) | $40,450.00 | All Students |
13 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $40,872.00 | All Students |
14 | Charter Oak State College | (CT) | $41,920.00 | All Students |
15 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,570.00 $55,788.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | McMurry University | (TX) | $44,400.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $45,000.00 | All Students |
17 | New England College | (NH) | $45,000.00 | All Students |
17 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $45,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
20 | Immaculata University | (PA) | $45,195.00 | All Students |
21 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | (PA) | $45,600.00 | All Students |
22 | University of Charleston | (WV) | $47,400.00 $31,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
23 |  Bluefield University | (VA) | $47,520.00 | All Students |
24 | Troy University | (AL) | $48,960.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
25 | Bay Path University | (MA) | $49,200.00 $42,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
26 | North Greenville University | (SC) | $49,225.00 | All Students |
27 | Franklin University | (OH) | $49,417.00 $31,065.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
28 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $49,420.00 $30,340.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
29 | LeTourneau University | (TX) | $49,475.00 | All Students |
30 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $50,578.00 $65,698.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
31 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $50,940.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
32 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $51,195.00 | All Students |
33 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $51,552.00 $59,328.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
34 | Abilene Christian University | (TX) | $52,200.00 | All Students |
35 | Regent University | (VA) | $53,000.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Campbell University | (NC) | $56,280.00 $31,480.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $57,600.00 $143,280.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bethel University - IN | (IN) | $57,640.00 | All Students | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $59,123.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Utica University | (NY) | $59,855.00 | All Students | |
Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $60,100.00 | All Students | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $60,552.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $61,824.00 | All Students | |
Tiffin University | (OH) | $62,080.00 $33,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mid-America Christian University | (OK) | $62,464.00 $56,974.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $64,736.00 $74,556.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $65,400.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
National University | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $67,400.00 $33,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Albertus Magnus College | (CT) | $67,710.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $69,485.00 $33,485.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regis University | (CO) | $80,450.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $81,982.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $82,896.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $83,715.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $89,024.00 | All Students | |
Robert Morris University | (PA) | $102,000.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $114,248.00 | All Students | |
Hawaii Pacific University | (HI) | $131,620.00 $31,540.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of St. Thomas Houston | (TX) | $138,536.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Online Bachelor’s Degree Rankings
These rankings of online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs are based on our spring 2024 review of online programs. In order to calculate the total cost of the online degree, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system of affordable online cybersecurity degrees possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings of online degrees. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online cybersecurity degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our online degree rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to online students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online cybersecurity program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
ABET ABET accrediting organization
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs?
Think a career in cybersecurity may be right for you? Everyone has their own motivations, but here are some of the top reasons to consider one of these affordable online degrees:
- High salary: With an affordable cybersecurity degree online, you can work in network security as an information security analyst, an occupation with a median salary of $112,000.
- Rapid expected growth: These careers not only pay well, they bring excellent job security. The expected growth between 2022 and 2032 for information security analysts is 32%, resulting in over 222,000 jobs by the end of the ten-year period.
- Help companies, people, and the country stay secure: Cyber threats are a serious concern all across the country and the world. With these degrees, you have the preparation necessary to meet one of the biggest technological challenges in modern society.
Online Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree: Program Cost
There are many online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs to choose from. While your decision should include many factors, it’s important to consider the overall cost before making a decision. This database can help by providing reliable, uninfluenced cost information.
The average estimated cost in this database is $56,100. This is a large amount, but remember that most bachelor’s degrees are completed over four years. If we assume a four-year track, the average annual cost is about $14,025. This cost is also before factoring in any financial aid.
Among the 74 programs in this database, 44 are priced below the average. Twelve cost below $40,000, including a handful of degrees that offer below-average costs for out-of-state online students.
The lowest price in this database is $15,868, the estimated cost for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity from St. Petersburg College. However, this price is only available to Florida residents. For all other online students, the cheapest online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Kennesaw State University. This program has an estimated cost of $22,688 for all online students, regardless of location. Other schools offering a low cost to out-of-state online students include SUNY College of Technology at Canton ($22,688), Western Governors University ($36,920), and Southern New Hampshire University ($39,600).
The most expensive online degree is the Bachelor of Art in Global Cybersecurity from the University of St. Thomas Houston. This program has an estimated cost of $138,536. From lowest to highest, there is a price difference of roughly $123,000, so you need to research the cost and make sure the program will fit your budget.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Cybersecurity Degrees?
There are many affordable programs in this database, but if you want the absolute cheapest online cybersecurity degree, these three programs will best fit your needs:
#1. St. Petersburg College
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Cost: $15,868 (In-State, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Aspiring cybersecurity experts living in Florida can register for this online bachelor program and pay a total estimated cost of $15,886. On a four-year track, this would mean online students pay less than $4,000 a year to complete the degree. While the out-of-state price is over $50,000 for online students, it’s still below the database average, making it a relatively affordable online degree option.
With this degree, you’ll know how to “stop criminals in their tracks,” an invaluable skill when working in network security or settings such as a national security agency. It builds cybersecurity knowledge and technical skills that can apply to any industry, including defense, financial services, government, healthcare, education, and more. Graduates will be skilled in data management, project management, cloud security, and ethical hacking.
St. Petersburg College has created a useful online program that includes live classes with real-time interaction. Online students can also access services that include tutoring, research consultation, and technical support.
#2. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost: $22,688 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online students who need the most affordable cybersecurity degree and don’t live in the state of Florida should consider Kennesaw State University. This online cybersecurity degree program is available for less than $23,000, making it the second-cheapest online cybersecurity degree in this database.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity online degree covers a wide range of information, but stays largely centered around cybersecurity. It includes classwork from the school’s majors in information security, information technology, computer science, and criminal justice, making this cybersecurity degree a well-rounded program that includes legal, ethical, and technical subjects.
Online students enroll at Kennesaw State for both a low cost and a top-quality degree. The programs are taught by leading instructors, and online students have access to a virtual platform that helps them thrive from start to finish.
#3. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost: $28,280 (In-state, New York)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
This is another affordable online cybersecurity degree for students from all corners of the nation. With an estimated price of $28,280 for New York online students and $33,920 for online students outside the state, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree builds a student’s knowledge of cybersecurity while also delivering an excellent price.
The State University of New York College of Technology at Canton offers a variety of skills-oriented programs. Online students in this degree learn about issues related to ethical hacking, cryptology forensics, cyber threats, cloud security, and network systems defense. Despite the remote setting, online students gain hands-on experience as they learn various aspects of computer science, computer programming, and the cybersecurity industry through virtual labs.
This school offers numerous degrees and over 450 online courses. Students participate in their online learning through discussion boards, video conferencing, chat, and more.
Bachelor Degrees in Cybersecurity: Program Types
Within this database, you’ll find a variety of cybersecurity degrees that can be molded to fit your needs for online learning. Before choosing a program, you must understand the different types of online cybersecurity degree programs, as well as the various concentrations.
Most of these cyber security programs are bachelor of science (BS) degrees. Bachelor of science degrees focus on the science and research within cybersecurity. They are well-rounded degrees that teach online students how to conduct experiments while learning about the science of technology and information security.
Some of these online cybersecurity degree programs are also bachelor of applied science (BAS) programs. These degrees, while rooted in science, are more focused on the development of specific technical skills, such as with digital forensics, computer programming, or data management. In many ways, these online bachelor’s degree programs are better for students who want immediate job placement in a cyber security center or with government agencies.
You will also find a few bachelor of arts (BA) programs, although they are rare in this subject area. While a bachelor of applied science is the most focused, a bachelor of arts is the broadest type of online cybersecurity degree, offering the chance to earn a degree in cybersecurity while also learning about literature, history, language, and other classic liberal arts subjects.
There are also numerous concentrations that online students might select in a cybersecurity degree, including:
- Applied technology
- Information assurance
- Data analytics
- Project management (in cybersecurity)
- Computer forensics
- Digital forensics
- Cyber leadership
- Risk management
- Incident response
- Cyber crimes
Accreditation for Cybersecurity Bachelor Programs
All of the affordable online cybersecurity degrees in our database come from accredited institutions. This means they have been reviewed and approved by accrediting bodies. Accreditation is a thorough process that evaluates the institution for academic quality, graduate success, and other factors. There are numerous elements, including a self-assessment, on-site appraisal of the school, and constant monitoring by the accrediting agency.
Schools earn institutional accreditation, which covers the entire college or university, both the in-person and online programs. There is also programmatic accreditation, which only covers the specific degree program. For instance, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Robert Morris University has accreditation from the ABET accrediting body.
Many cybersecurity degree programs do not carry programmatic accreditation. As long as it comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a quality education that has been reviewed and approved by a major association.
Note: All the online programs in this database come from accredited institutions!
Typical Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Programs
These online bachelor degrees come with various admission requirements. The most basic is a high school diploma or equivalent. Schools will also require a variety of documents for students. Depending on the program, you may need to submit ACT and SAT scores, as well as admissions tests that could determine which classes you can take.
Many bachelor programs do not require a specific GPA, but some will have this requirement. A minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5 is common. However, if you do not meet this requirement, contact the school’s admissions office; many have alternative or probationary enrollment, allowing you to start classes with the expectation of meeting certain academic benchmarks.
Licensing, Training, and Experience Requirements for Cybersecurity Professionals
Most of the jobs for security professionals do not require licensing. However, you can improve your skills and job options by completing voluntary industry certifications.
For example, an information security analyst may complete industry certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Security+ . Both of these industry certifications show your skills and experience in incident response and addressing security concerns. The CISSP credential has a variety of requirements. You need five years of experience to qualify, and then you’ll need to pass a comprehensive exam that covers security assessments, networking, software development, and more.
Some positions may require years of experience. If you want to work as a computer systems manager, you’ll need at least five years of industry experience. This is a fairly typical requirement, as most leadership and management positions require related work experience.
Cybersecurity: Salary and Career Information
After completing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, you’ll be prepared for one of the most rewarding and stable careers in the entire job market. Many factors make cybersecurity an excellent career.
First, there is the salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the median salary for information security analysts in May 2022 was $112,000 while the top 10% earned over $174,000 a year. Those who work for the federal government, such as with a national security agency, stand to make impressive salaries.
With the ongoing rise of cyberattacks, this is a growing occupation. Labor statistics estimate the career will grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, going from about $168,900 jobs to over 222,000 by the end of the ten-year period.
Cybersecurity professionals are needed in all areas of the country, but the Washington, D.C., area holds the largest amount. The states with the highest concentrations of information security analysts are, in order: Virginia (with 4.64 per 1,000 jobs), Maryland (3.43), D.C. (2.54), and Delaware (2.23).
How Do I Choose a Good Online Cybersecurity Degree Program?
The world needs professionals in cybersecurity careers. With these programs, you’ll be prepared to meet the ongoing challenges of cyber threats, protect sensitive data, run incident response programs, and ensure network security.
Think about the type of degree and the specialization that fits your needs. If you want direct job skills for network security or employment with a national security agency, a bachelor of applied science may be ideal. However, if you are looking for a well-rounded degree, one that could lead to teaching, research, or further education, a bachelor of science in cybersecurity may be best. You’ll also want to think about specializations, such as management or international cybersecurity.
But you need the right strategy to find the perfect cyber security degree. Start by using this database to research estimated costs for online degrees. You can quickly search for in-state and out-of-state estimated costs, allowing you to make a fully-informed decision while selecting a quality, accredited online cybersecurity degree that works within your budget.
You can choose the best online bachelor’s degree for your needs by using the information and resources from GetEducated.com!