The best colleges for cybersecurity in 2024 – by value for money

Cybersecurity is an exciting, dynamic branch of computer science that puts you at the forefront of an organization’s digital defenses.

As a cybersecurity specialist, you will learn how to set up and maintain a safe network system, protect organizations from cyberattacks and hacking attempts, audit security systems, and conduct “penetration testing,” a dubiously named practice that involves testing a computer system to find vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity is a growing field, but not all cybersecurity degree programs are worth it. Read on to discover the best colleges for cybersecurity by value for money. These degrees offer the optimal combination of high earning potential and affordability.

What kind of degree do you need for cyber security?

If you want to work in cyber security, multiple types of degrees can help you reach your goal.

1. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security

These are bachelor’s programs that focus more or less exclusively on cybersecurity, in addition to the fundamentals of computer science and programming.

These programs may prepare you to take certification exams in line with industry standards, saving you time and effort after graduation.

2. A degree in computer science, IT, or computer engineering

Many employers in the cybersecurity field are more than happy to hire grads with a general computer science, computer engineering, or IT degree. In fact, this is a very common route to a career in cybersecurity.

Some universities offer a computer science/IT degree with a cybersecurity track, focus, or minor. People enrolled in these programs take cybersecurity courses as electives. This can be a great choice if you want to keep your options open after graduation while still learning about cybersecurity.

Note that if you get a general computer science degree, you may have to commit to some independent study to pass cybersecurity certification exams.

3. A cyber security certificate or bootcamp

A certificate program is like a mini degree. You won’t emerge with a bachelor’s, but you’ll spend a lot less time and money on school. Certificate programs are great for people who want to earn career-specific qualifications without committing to 4 (more) years of college.

Remember that a certificate program is not the same as certification!

4. No degree at all

Cybersecurity is a field that places a lot of importance on passing certification exams – of which there are several hundred (don’t worry, you won’t have to take them all). While many employers are willing to pay for these, you may need to take 1 or 2 on your own to kick-start your career.

Some employers may overlook your lack of a degree if you are able to pass a certification exam on your own. This is a challenging route that requires more diligence and self-discipline than many can muster.

Computer science vs cyber security

While a cybersecurity degree offers a direct path to a cybersecurity job after graduation, computer science degree holders go on to earn a lot more 4 years after leaving school.

The graduates of the 88 cybersecurity degree programs we analyzed earn an average of $73,240 four years after graduating; however, people with a bachelor’s in computer science earn $100,386: this is a 37% higher salary.

While you can get a cybersecurity job with a comp sci degree, people with a cybersecurity degree may have a harder time landing other computer science roles.

The typical “should I get a computer science or cybersecurity degree” Reddit post reveals an overwhelming consensus that computer science is a better degree.

This is because a computer science degree offers higher earning potential and versatility than a degree in cybersecurity.

“A computer science degree offers higher earning potential and versatility than a degree in cyber security.”

In the chart below, we compare the average earnings of people with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity, 4 years after leaving school, to those of people with similar degrees.

Is a master’s in cybersecurity worth it?

According to IPEDS data, the weighted average earnings for people with a master’s degree in cybersecurity, 4 years after graduation, is $124,827.

This is a significant salary boost compared to bachelor’s-level earnings, indicating that a master’s in cybersecurity is definitely worth the money.

Do you need a degree for cyber security?

While you don’t technically need a bachelor’s degree to work in cybersecurity, the majority of people in the field have one.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42.3% of information security analysts have a bachelor’s degree and 25% have a master’s degree. Meanwhile, 30.8% have less than a bachelor’s degree (e.g., an associate degree, a certificate, or no degree at all).

Below, we show some common roles associated with cybersecurity alongside typical educational attainment.

What can you do with a cybersecurity degree?

The most typical cybersecurity role is information security analyst. Information security analysts may be referred to as cybersecurity analysts, IT security analysts, cybersecurity consultants, data security analysts, or other names.

However, a number of different careers are available to people with a bachelor’s in cybersecurity.

Final thoughts

A cybersecurity degree can lead to a lucrative, stable career working with computers. It’s perfect for people who want to combine their tech skills with a bit of cyber-sleuthing.

While studying computer science may be a better decision economically, CS programs tend to be highly competitive. Cybersecurity degrees, on the other hand, may be easier to get into and less intensive.

As you chose your degree, remember that you don’t need to overpay for college. Prioritize public universities and programs that offer you financial aid over “prestigious” private institutions. Use the free tools on our site to determine which universities are offering the best-value degrees in the country.