By BCS Staff
February 2021
In this article, we highlight the 20 best online schools for cyber security degrees.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that jobs in cybersecurity are expected to grow an incredible 31% by 2029! That makes now the ideal time to pursue that online degree in cybersecurity.
Featured Programs
By earning a bachelor’s in cyber security, or a closely related degree, you make yourself marketable to employers. Due to the expected increase in demand for these types of jobs, accredited colleges and universities are offering online options. This means that students won’t have to sacrifice responsibilities by returning to school. Online cyber security schools have increased in number and are now more accessible to working students.
Methodology:
Of course, not all online cybersecurity degrees are created equal. That’s why Best Choice Schools went on the hunt for the very best bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree programs that can be completed online. We started by compiling a list of any and all four-year universities that offer just such a degree online We then narrowed down our list to just 20 using the following points-based system: Note: In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was awarded to the degree program with the lower tuition rate. All tuition and other numbers are accurate as of February 2021.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
12:1 and lower : 5 points
13:1 to 15:1 : 4 points
16:1 to 20:1 : 3 points
21:1 and higher : 2 points
Out-of-State Tuition Cost (per year):
Under $10,000 : 5 points
$10,001 – $20,000 : 4 points
$20,001 – $30,000 : 3 points
$30,001 – $40,000 : 2 points
$40,001 and higher : 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
50% and above : 3 points
25% – 49% : 2 points
24% and below : 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9% : 4 points
6%-7% : 3 points
4%-5% : 2 points
3% and below : 1 point
Table of Contents
#20. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis w/ an option in Information and Cyber Security
University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $13,988
Points: 7
Pennsylvania State University is one of our top online cybersecurity schools due to various factors like low undergraduate tuition and a highly respected reputation. The university consistently ranks as one of the best universities — online or otherwise — in the nation by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Students can major in security and risk analysis, and complete courses entirely online. Online courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. These courses include computer and cyber forensics, information security management, networking and telecommunications, and network security.
#19. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Programs
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuition: $6,670
Points: 7
The extremely affordable tuition offered by Western Governors University earns it a spot on our list of the best cybersecurity schools online. Undergraduate students may major in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Programs. They may also complete additional courses in order to graduate with certifications. The program is offered entirely online and designed to provide convenient learning options to busy students. According to the program website, students should plan to spend approximately 15 hours per week on their studies. Online courses include data management, information technology fundamentals, network and security, networks, and technical writing. Western Governors has earned recognition in recent years from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West.
#18. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Manchester, New Hampshire
Tuition: $31,136
Points: 8
One of the best online schools for cyber security is Southern New Hampshire University. The university offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity which can be earned entirely online. All courses are delivered online, and include such courses as advanced information systems design, cyberlaw and ethics, and cyber security and information assurance, to name but three. Southern New Hampshire has been ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North, and the #1 most innovative school in the country.
#17. Kennesaw State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Kennesaw, Georgia
Tuition: $17,710
Points: 8
Kennesaw State University lands a spot on our list of accredited cybersecurity schools online due to its affordable undergraduate tuition and moderately high graduation rate. The school is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. The university offers an online B.S. in Cybersecurity which can be completed entirely online. Students take online courses that include client systems security, cyber defense, network security, principles of information security, and server systems security. All courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus.
#16. Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science w/ a concentration in Cybersecurity Engineering
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tuition: $12,529
Points: 8
Colorado Technical University is on our list of online cybersecurity schools due in part to its affordable undergraduate tuition. The school offers a B.S. in computer science, with the option to concentrate in cybersecurity engineering. The program is offered entirely online with classes taught by university professors. Classes include computer forensics, principles of network security, security compliance, software assurance, and vulnerability assessment and management.
#15. University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity
Adelphi, Maryland
Tuition: $12,336
Points: 8
The University of Maryland Global Campus is one of our top picks for cybersecurity schools online. Students may earn a bachelor’s in computer networks and cybersecurity entirely online by taking a series of courses delivered by university professors with years of experience. Online courses include ethical hacking, fundamentals of computer troubleshooting, fundamentals of networking, network forensics, and network security. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North. We list it as one of the best online cyber security schools primarily due to its affordable out-of-state tuition.
#14. Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Bellevue, Nebraska
Tuition: $7,851
Points: 8
Bellevue University is one of our top picks for online schools for cybersecurity primarily because of the low cost of tuition. The school offers a flexible online bachelor’s in cybersecurity. This completely online program is designed to train students to become experts in this highly skilled field. All courses are delivered online and include assessments and audits, cyber investigations and forensics, introduction to cyber threats and technologies, network security, and securing access control. Bellevue has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Midwest.
#13. University of Charleston
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Charleston, West Virginia
Tuition: $31,400
Points: 9
The online B.S. in Cybersecurity offered by University of Charleston allows students to complete their degree in just two years (with an existing associate’s degree). Over the course of the program, students focus on the seven main focus areas of cyber operations, as outlined by the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. This makes Charleston graduates uniquely eligible to enter into the workforce in any number of roles.
#12. University of Maine at Augusta
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Augusta, Maine
Tuition: $18,338
Points: 9
The University of Maine at Augusta is among our top online cybersecurity schools due to the affordable undergraduate tuition price tag and moderately low student-to-faculty ratio. Students may earn a bachelor’s in cybersecurity completely online, with courses taught by professors who regularly instruct on the Augusta campus. Online courses include computer network operations, information assurance, intelligence missions, and network security. The program is designed for individuals who desire to work in the every-evolving industry of cyber security. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report have ranked the institution as a best regional college in the North.
#11. National University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
La Jolla, California
Tuition: $13,320
Points: 9
National University is listed among our top choices for cybersecurity schools online because of the low student-to-faculty ratio and moderately high graduation rate. National University is also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Wes. The bachelor’s in cybersecurity program is designed to prepare students for a career in security analysis, computer network defense, or a related field. All classes are delivered online and cover topics like area networks, IT, and systems defense, among other things.
#10. American Public University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Charles Town, West Virginia
Tuition: $7,324
Points: 9
American Public University is one of the top online schools for cybersecurity on our list. APU offers a low student-to-faculty ratio, a high graduation rate, and highly affordable undergraduate tuition. Students can earn an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree that is designed to gain competencies for work as cybersecurity forensic specialists, security auditors, or security managers. All courses are delivered online and taught by experienced professors. Online courses include cyber intelligence, cyber operations, network security, and security architecture.
#9. Norwich University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
Northfield, Vermont
Tuition: $41,496
Points: 10
Norwich University is one of our top online cybersecurity schools due to its high graduation rate and low student-to-faculty ratio. The institution is also ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. Students majoring in cybersecurity at Norwich can take online courses taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Also, the undergraduate degree is designed for working adults with career advancement aspirations. Students may tailor their degree by choosing a concentration in computer forensics, information warfare, security management, and vulnerability management.
#8. Purdue University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tuition: $14,358
Points: 10
Purdue University Global offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity that can be completed entirely online. This top-ranked program consists of 180 credit hours and classes that last just 10 weeks. This intensive bachelor’s degree program gives students the opportunity to graduate much more quickly, then head on to either a career in the field of cybersecurity or a related master’s degree. Convenient monthly start dates make it possible to get started at any time. Like many of the top online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, the one offered by Purdue University Global has been designated by both the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as part of the National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
#7. Robert Morris University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $31,200
Points: 11
One of the best online cybersecurity schools on our list is Robert Morris University. The program offers a low student-to-faculty ratio and high graduation rate. Robert Morris is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top university nationally. Undergraduates may earn a BS. in cybersecurity without attending classes in a traditional setting. All courses are delivered online and include cyberlaw, digital evidence analysis, IT governance, IT security, mobile forensics, and network forensics. Each year students are required to attend a two-week seminar on national security in Washington, DC. The seminar is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity.
#6. Franklin University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Columbus, Ohio
Tuition: $9,577
Points: 11
Franklin University is one of the more affordable online cybersecurity schools on our list. We selected Franklin due to its affordable undergraduate tuition and low student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates can major in cybersecurity and take courses entirely online. All classes are taught by university faculty members with relevant and practical cyber security experience. Required classes may include disaster recovery, network security, risk management, security architecture, security law and compliance, and web application security.
#5. University of Arizona
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations
Tuscon, Arizona
Tuition: $36,718
Points: 12
University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations that can be completed entirely online, from anywhere in the world. Like most of the programs on our list, this online cybersecurity degree is approved by the National Security Agency. The degree consists of coursework in cyber investigations and forensics, cyber warfare, and malware threats, among other topics. Students may also choose to focus their degree upon one of three tracks: Defense and Forensics, Cyber Law & Policy, and Engineering.
#4. Utica College
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Utica, New York
Tuition: $22,110
Points: 12
Utica College is one of our top picks for online cybersecurity schools due to the low student-to-faculty ratio and moderately high graduation rate. Utica is one of the few schools in the United States to offer a bachelor’s in cybersecurity entirely online. Also, several specializations are offered so that students may tailor their degree to suit career goals or personal interests. Specializations include cybercrime and fraud investigation, cyber operations, homeland security and emergency management, information assurance, and network forensics and intrusion investigation. Utica is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report and is one of our best online cybersecurity schools.
#3. Davenport University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tuition: $19,338
Points: 12
Davenport University is one of our top online cyber security schools due to the low student-to-faculty ratio, moderately low undergraduate tuition, and graduation rate. Students may complete a bachelor’s in cyber defense entirely online through a program recognized by the Committee on National Security Systems, National Security Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security. Online courses include database design, microcomputer applications, privacy and security in health information management, and security foundations or implementing network security. Davenport is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Midwest. The school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #180 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2. Regent University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Tuition: $18,620
Points: 12
One of the best online cybersecurity schools on our list is Regent University. The institution offers a bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree that can be completed entirely online. A total of 120 credit hours must be satisfied, with 24 information systems credits and 24 cyber security credits. Cyber security courses include contingency planning and disaster recovery, digital forensics, and domestic and international terrorism, to name but a few. Regent offers reasonable undergraduate tuition rates for in-state students and a moderately high graduation rate. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks the institution as a top national university.
#1. Dakota State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
Madison, South Dakota
Tuition: $12,606
Points: 13
Dakota State University is listed as one of our top online cybersecurity schools due to its low undergraduate tuition, higher graduation rate, and impressive 8% 20-year return on investment. Students may major in cyber operations and earn a bachelor’s in this highly specific field of study. All classes are administered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Also, the program has received designation from the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. Online courses include database management systems, defensive network security, offensive network security, operating environments, reverse engineering, and web software security.
Related Articles:
5 Common Courses in a Cybersecurity Degree Program
Is an Online Degree a Good Option?
15 Cheapest Online Schools
