The world needs skilled cybersecurity professionals. After completing one of the cheapest online cybersecurity master’s degree programs, you’ll be ready to help protect everything from small organizations to large corporations to government bodies.
A report from the World Economic Forum said that the global cost of cybercrime will grow from $8.44 trillion in 2022 to $23.84 trillion by 2027. This problem will impact organizations of all types and sizes. In 2023 there was an attack on the U.S. State Department and the U.K.’s Royal Mail was attacked, disrupting international mail services.
Regrettably, there is a lack of talent to fight this issue. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, half of the smallest organizations (by revenue) do not have the skills needed to meet their cyber objectives. Also, only 15% of organizations are optimistic that cyber skills will improve over the next two years. When trying to build cyber resilience, public organizations often see challenges; 52% of these groups say that a lack of resources and skills is the biggest challenge to creating a better cybersecurity plan.
But you can be a part of the solution. With an online cybersecurity master’s degree, you’ll be able to help companies, governments, and private citizens protect their data and property. You’ll also be positioned for strong incomes in a steady, in-demand career.
We have identified 145 affordable cybersecurity degree online master’s programs. They build your skills and help you become a high-paid expert in this important industry.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $26,500
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Fort Hays State University – $9,584
The 62 Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $9,584.00 | All Students |
2 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $9,614.00 $25,154.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $11,005.00 | All Students |
5 | Athens State University | (AL) | $11,268.00 | All Students |
6 |  University of West Florida | (FL) | $11,538.00 $31,327.00 $11,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
7 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
8 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,815.00 | All Students |
9 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $13,843.00 $27,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $13,919.00 $30,815.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $14,076.00 | All Students |
12 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $14,114.00 $17,418.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | University of Charleston | (WV) | $14,380.00 $8,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Southern Utah University | (UT) | $14,550.00 | All Students |
15 | Marshall University | (WV) | $15,270.00 | All Students |
16 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $15,365.00 | All Students |
17 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $15,500.00 | All Students |
18 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $16,125.00 | All Students |
19 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $16,220.00 $20,270.00 $14,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
20 | University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $16,440.00 $17,460.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | University of New Hampshire | (NH) | $17,430.00 $19,530.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | (NY) | $17,604.00 $20,706.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Champlain College | (VT) | $18,000.00 $13,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
24 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $18,090.00 | All Students |
25 | University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $18,420.00 $43,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $18,661.00 | All Students |
27 | Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $20,643.00 $15,492.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
28 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,922.00 $19,642.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $19,000.00 | All Students |
30 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $19,084.00 | All Students |
31 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $19,454.00 $24,314.00 $17,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
32 | Hood College | (MD) | $19,610.00 | All Students |
33 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $19,620.00 | All Students |
34 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $19,836.00 | All Students |
35 | Thomas College | (ME) | $19,930.00 | All Students |
36 | Capitol Technology University | (MD) | $20,220.00 $11,820.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
37 |  Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $20,370.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
38 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $20,548.00 | All Students |
39 | New England College | (NH) | $20,736.00 | All Students |
40 | Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 | All Students |
41 | Excelsior University | (NY) | $21,450.00 $10,290.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
42 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,636.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
43 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $22,636.00 | All Students |
44 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,932.00 $16,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
45 | University of Arizona | (AZ) | $23,184.00 | All Students |
46 | Lasell University | (MA) | $23,364.00 | All Students |
47 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | (PA) | $23,400.00 | All Students |
48 | Regent University | (VA) | $23,650.00 | All Students |
49 | Boston University | (MA) | $24,080.00 | All Students |
50 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $24,200.00 $11,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
51 | Franklin University | (OH) | $24,205.00 | All Students |
52 | Capitol Technology University | (MD) | $24,234.00 $14,154.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
53 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $24,464.00 | All Students |
54 |  University of New Haven | (CT) | $24,690.00 | All Students |
55 | DeSales University | (PA) | $24,870.00 | All Students |
56 |  Michigan State University | (MI) | $25,040.00 | All Students |
57 | Robert Morris University | (PA) | $25,200.00 | All Students |
58 | Stevenson University | (MD) | $25,380.00 | All Students |
59 | Salve Regina University | (RI) | $25,695.00 | All Students |
60 | Bay Path University | (MA) | $26,400.00 | All Students |
61 | Saint Louis University | (MO) | $26,470.00 | All Students |
62 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $26,500.00 $20,040.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
62 | Valparaiso University | (IN) | $26,500.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Nevada - Reno | (NV) | $26,790.00 | All Students | |
 Utica University | (NY) | $27,630.00 | All Students | |
 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | (MN) | $27,760.00 | All Students | |
Neumann University | (PA) | $27,815.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $28,370.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $28,570.00 $15,310.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $28,680.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Parkside | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $28,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Scranton | (PA) | $28,950.00 | All Students | |
University of San Diego | (CA) | $28,950.00 | All Students | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $28,950.00 $25,950.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Fairfield University | (CT) | $29,850.00 | All Students | |
Our Lady of the Lake University | (TX) | $31,046.00 | All Students | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $31,357.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $31,470.00 | All Students | |
California State University-San Marcos | (CA) | $31,590.00 | All Students | |
University of New Haven | (CT) | $31,650.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $31,738.00 | All Students | |
Norwich University | (VT) | $31,956.00 $22,992.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Roger Williams University | (RI) | $33,310.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $33,561.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $33,733.00 | All Students | |
University of Delaware | (DE) | $33,966.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $34,070.00 $40,880.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pace University | (NY) | $34,740.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $35,546.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $36,435.00 | All Students | |
Mercyhurst University | (PA) | $36,936.00 | All Students | |
University of Dallas | (TX) | $38,510.00 | All Students | |
Tulane University | (LA) | $39,930.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $40,950.00 | All Students | |
University of Tulsa | (OK) | $41,670.00 | All Students | |
University of Maryland-College Park | (MD) | $41,820.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $44,868.00 | All Students | |
St. John's University | (NY) | $45,820.00 | All Students | |
University of Rhode Island | (RI) | $46,224.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $47,633.00 | All Students | |
Villanova University | (PA) | $48,250.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $51,000.00 | All Students | |
Georgetown University | (DC) | $51,909.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $52,000.00 | All Students | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $56,260.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,039.00 | All Students | |
New York University | (NY) | $70,050.00 | All Students |
Methodology for Rankings of the Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs
These rankings of online cybersecurity master’s programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, 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 online cybersecurity master’s 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 degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. 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 rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to 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.
AACSB Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
ABET ABET accrediting organization
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
PMI-GAC Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs?
An affordable cybersecurity degree online will cost thousands of dollars and require about two years of study. Why should you go through these intense, time-consuming programs?
Here are some of the top reasons that people enroll in these degrees:
- Protect privacy, property, and national security: Cybersecurity is an issue impacting companies and organizations all across the globe. After completing one of these degrees, you can do your part to mitigate or solve the problem.
- Excellent pay: Cybersecurity and information security experts are well paid. The median salary for information security analysts is $120,360, while the top 10% earn over $182,000. With a master’s degree, you are more likely to be among the top earners.
- High-demand skills: There is a continuing need for cybersecurity professionals. People with these skills are in high demand, and the career field will grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032.
Online Master in Cybersecurity: Program Cost
If you enroll in one of these programs, you’ll find many affordable choices. However, the price can go beyond can go beyond $70,000, so you need to carefully research the cost.
The average price in this database is $26,500. Since most of these programs require two years of full-time study, it’s safe to assume that a typical student will pay around $13,250 for the degree. Out of the 145 programs in this database, 60 are between $20,000 and $30,000, so this is a fairly typical price range.
But if you need the cheapest online cybersecurity master’s degree, there are numerous options available. The lowest estimated cost in this database goes to the Master of Professional Studies / Cybersecurity from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Students pay $9,584 to complete the degree, and this low price is available to both in- and out-of-state students.
The most expensive degree is the Master of Science in Cybersecurity from New York University. This online program costs $70,050 for all students regardless of where they live.
While there are many affordable options for students living in any location, the cheapest programs generally come from in-state public schools, even for online programs. If you need an affordable option, these schools are your best choice.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Cybersecurity Master’s Program?
There are many affordable options, but these three schools provide the cheapest online cybersecurity master’s degree programs. While some are below $10,000 for in-state students, one in particular provides low rates for any learner.
#1. Fort Hays State University
Degree: Master of Professional Studies / Cybersecurity
Cost: $9,584 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
No matter where you live, you can enroll in this online master’s degree and enjoy a total price below $10,000. This is the most affordable option in the database, and its low cost is available to all online students.
While the cost is low, the quality of education is high. This focused online master degree builds skills needed for a cybersecurity career. Graduates are qualified to sit for several certifications and credentials. This program even has the approval of the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
#2. Columbus State University
Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Cost: $9,614 (In-state, Georgia)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The second most affordable cybersecurity master’s online is this MS degree from Columbus State University in Georgia. In-state students have a low cost of only $9,614, although out-of-state online students pay $25,154. To be fair, that’s still about $1,300 less than the database average.
Offered by the TSYS School of Computer Science, this cybersecurity master’s degree program builds a professional’s understanding of cybersecurity and information protection. It comes with two concentrations (cyber defense and management) but all students complete core courses that focus on cybersecurity, network security, cloud computing security, and risk management.
#3. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Digital Forensics
Cost: $9,820 (In-state)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The third cheapest online degree comes from the University of Central Florida. However, the out-of-state cost is about $8,000 more than the database average.
This cyber security master’s degree program prepares students to manage cyber threats and solve digital crimes. The degree combines coursework in computer science, criminal justice, legal studies, and forensic chemistry. All of these subjects come together to create an investigations expert skilled in incident response.
Master Degree Program Types
If you want to enroll in an online master’s in cybersecurity, you’ll need to select the right degree type, as well as the ideal concentration for your future.
Master of Science (MS)
The most common type of cybersecurity degree program in this database, a master of science focuses on the research and scientific practices of cybersecurity. Coursework will develop a student’s understanding of the scientific method and help them become more proficient with research and analysis.
Master of Arts (MA)
A master of arts is the most theoretical and also wide-ranging degree type. While there are studies of science and tech skills, there is a general focus on the theory and philosophy of cybersecurity, criminal behavior, and information technology. Although a master of arts degree is common in academia, it’s less prevalent in cybersecurity. Currently, the Master of Arts in Cybersecurity from Roger Williams University is the only MA degree in this database. The MA program, according to the school, helps “working professionals…understand the intersection of cybersecurity and their work.”
Master of Professional Studies (MPS)
A master of professional studies is the most concentrated degree type. They usually emphasize the practical skills that create superior performance in the workplace. The cheapest online cybersecurity master’s degree in this database is an MPS program.
Concentrations
In addition to the type of degree, you’ll also need to select the best concentration for your skills, interests, and career goals. Concentrations in this database include:
- Computer forensics
- Data security
- Systems security
- Cyber defense
- Information assurance
- Information security
- Cybersecurity management
- Cybersecurity policy
- Critical infrastructure
- Cyber risk management
- Data analytics
- Digital investigations
Accreditation for Cybersecurity Programs
If you spend thousands of dollars on a master’s degree, then you want to know that your money, and your countless hours of study, are being well spent. How can you know that you’re getting a quality degree? Firstly, you can start by researching the school’s accreditation.
Accreditation acts like a quality review system for academia. Schools can be accredited by regional groups that approve the entire institution. All the programs on our website come from accredited institutions.
It’s also possible for a specific degree to have programmatic accreditation. While this is rare for cybersecurity programs, there are a few accrediting bodies in this space. Not all degrees will have programmatic accreditation. As long as the school is accredited by a regional group, it has been verified as a legitimate college or university that delivers an excellent education. Below are the programs on our rankings with programmatic accreditation:
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- University of New Haven – Master of Science in Cyber Risk Management
- University of Dallas – Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Our Lady of the Lake University – Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center (PMI-GAC)
- Norwich University – Master of Science in Cybersecurity / Project Management
ABET
- University of Tulsa – Master of Science in Cyber Security / Leadership
- University of Tulsa – Master of Science in Cyber Security / Technical
Typical Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Cybersecurity
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of academic achievement, second only to a doctorate. As such, there are meticulous enrollment standards.
The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. For online master’s in cybersecurity programs, you’ll need an undergrad degree in cybersecurity, criminal investigations, information technology, or a similar subject. A bachelor’s in a criminal justice or technology-related field should qualify most candidates.
Simply graduating with a bachelors, however, may not be enough, as most of these programs have specific GPA requirements, such as a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Compared to a bachelor’s degree, the admission and enrollment process for a master’s degree is more extensive. You’ll need additional documents, including a statement of purpose, which outlines your motivations to complete an online cybersecurity master’s degree. You’ll also need multiple letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who can provide witness to your cybersecurity skills and overall work ethic.
The process can be meticulous, so prepare all documents as early as possible, even if you are still searching for the right cybersecurity master’s online program.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements for Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a complex profession. Experts in this field often have a combination of education, training, and experience. While formal licensing is not required, many professionals have voluntary certifications.
Information security analysts usually have a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree opens the door for more positions, especially high-paying leadership or cyber defense research roles. Experience is not always required, but some security analysts work in computer systems, networking, or IT positions before moving into an analyst role.
These professionals do not need a license, but they often have certification from industry groups and software providers. A Security+ certification from CompTIA or becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) will boost your expertise, open new opportunities, and help increase your earning potential.
Salary and Career Information
If you have an online master degree in cybersecurity, then you’ll be prepared for one of the top-paying jobs in the market. Information security analysts, for instance, often earn over $100,000 a year.
The median pay for this profession is $120,360. This is an excellent salary, but the top 10% earn over $182,000. The minimum education is a bachelor’s degree, so if you complete a master’s degree, you’ll be well positioned for higher earnings. Similar occupations have strong incomes as well. Computer and information research scientists have a median salary of $145,080, while computer systems managers have a median income of $169,510. No matter what career you enter, if you have cybersecurity and information technology skills, then you can expect a strong income.
This field will also see excellent growth in the coming years. Between 2022 and 2032, information security analyst jobs are expected to grow by 32%, resulting in over 222,000 jobs by the end of this ten-year period. You’ll not only be well paid, you should have little trouble finding a job, especially considering the current demand for technical skills like cybersecurity and data analytics.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Cybersecurity Master Program?
Finding the right cybersecurity master’s program for your needs doesn’t have to be hard. By following a strategic plan, you can select the ideal cybersecurity online master’s for your career goals, aspirations, and budget.
Firstly, start by using this database to find degrees that suit your budget. All the programs come from accredited schools, so you’ll find quality degrees that deliver an excellent education.
Once you know your budget, and which programs fit this budget, you can search for programs that have the right focus and coursework. Each program will list coursework on the school’s website, but also review the delivery method and schedule to ensure you can attend the program and devote the necessary hours to assignments.
While researching schools and degrees, review the admission standards and contact the admissions office if you have any questions.
With this step-by-step strategy, and with resources from GetEducated.com, you can find the affordable online master’s in cybersecurity that you deserve.