The best online cyber security degree is an accredited program with a total cost you can afford, a schedule that fits your life and hands-on labs that match the job you want.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree, and it projects 21% job growth from 2025 to 2035. This guide is written for students starting in 2027.
AdvertisementBelow are the degree levels, 13 online programs to compare for 2027 with reported costs, the accreditation to check, how to choose and a 10-step checklist.
Prices and rules change, so confirm everything with each school.
Best Online Cyber Security Degree Programs for 2027
These 13 programs come from 2026 rankings and a 2026 College Transitions guide to online cybersecurity degrees. The 2027 lists are not out yet, so costs and rankings are the latest available. Publishers use different methods, so treat each list as one opinion and confirm 2027 prices with each school.
Quick jump: DrexelWestern GovernorsPurdueKennesaw StateEastern New MexicoChamplainSouthern New HampshireAmerican PublicRegentFerris StateBellevue (master’s)James Madison (master’s)Southern Utah (master’s)
Drexel University: Online BS in Computing and Security Technology
- OnlineCybersecurity.org ranked this program the best online cybersecurity program in the United States for 2026, based on cost and affordability, reputation, in-demand specializations and flexibility.
- Drexel reported the ranking in December 2025, so confirm the details with the school.
- Best for: students who want a bachelor’s degree with a strong reputation.
Western Governors University: BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- College Transitions reports tuition of about $3,895 per six-month term, with about $7,600 to $15,000 total for motivated students.
- The program is competency-based, so you can finish in as few as 18 months.
- It holds ABET (CAC) accreditation, a CAE-CD designation and NWCCU regional accreditation.
- Best for: self-paced students who already have IT knowledge.
Purdue University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported cost is about $9,718 a year for in-state students.
- The program holds ABET accreditation, a CAE-CD designation and HLC regional accreditation.
- Best for: in-state students who want a well-known public university.
Kennesaw State University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported cost is about $4,770 a year for in-state students.
- The program holds a CAE-CD designation and SACSCOC regional accreditation.
- Best for: Georgia residents watching their budget.
Eastern New Mexico University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported in-state online cost is about $8,500 total.
- The program holds a CAE-CD designation.
- Best for: students who want one of the lowest reported totals with a CAE-CD designation.
Champlain College: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported total is about $40,200 for 120 credits, taught in 7-week terms with three semesters a year.
- The program holds a CAE-CD designation and NECHE regional accreditation.
- Best for: working adults who want short terms.
Southern New Hampshire University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported cost is about $320 per credit, or about $38,400 total.
- The university holds NECHE regional accreditation.
- Best for: students who want a flexible schedule and transfer credits.
American Public University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The reported total is about $42,000, or under $15,000 for eligible veterans.
- The guide did not state accreditation details, so confirm them with the school.
- Best for: veterans and active-duty students.
Regent University: Online Cybersecurity Degree
- The program is 120 credits taught in 8-week online semesters, with tuition the guide describes as lower than peer programs.
- It holds ABET accreditation and a CAE-CD designation.
- Best for: students who want ABET accreditation with short terms.
Ferris State University: Online BS in Information Security and Intelligence
- The reported total is about $61,800.
- The program holds ABET accreditation.
- Best for: students who want a program focused on security and intelligence.
Bellevue University: Online Master’s in Cybersecurity
- The reported cost is $23,760 for 36 credits.
- The university holds HLC regional accreditation and a CAE-CD designation.
- Best for: professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want a graduate credential.
James Madison University: Online MS in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration
- U.S. News ranked JMU’s online program No. 27 of 106 in its Best Online Master’s in Information Technology category in January 2026.
- It is JMU’s highest-ranked online graduate program.
- The category covers information technology, not only cybersecurity.
- Best for: graduate students who want a computer science degree with a cybersecurity focus.
Southern Utah University: Online MS in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance
- Cybersecurity Guide ranked this program 8th among the most affordable online cybersecurity master’s programs in its 2026 list.
- It offers four emphases: Strategy, Management, Cyber Operations and Healthcare Administration.
- Best for: graduate students who want a lower-cost master’s with a choice of emphasis.
Which Online Cyber Security Degree Level Fits You?
| Degree level | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Adding a specific skill to an IT or other career | Many employers prefer information security certification, says the BLS |
| Associate degree | A lower-cost start before transferring to a bachelor’s program | Ask how many credits transfer |
| Bachelor’s degree | Starting a cybersecurity career | The BLS says a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field is the typical entry requirement for information security analysts |
| Master’s degree | Career changers with a degree and professionals moving into leadership or specialties | The BLS does not list a master’s as a typical requirement; one example, Bellevue, lists 36 credits for $23,760 |
Accreditation to Check Before You Apply
| Credential | What it means | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Regional accreditation | The university is recognized by a regional accreditor, such as HLC, SACSCOC, NECHE or NWCCU | Check the school and accreditor sites |
| ABET (CAC) | Accreditation of a computing program | Search the ABET accredited program list |
| NSA/DHS CAE-CD | A school designation for cyber defense; it applies to regionally accredited schools and requires a validated Program of Study | Use the NCAE-C map at caecommunity.org/cae-map |
How to Choose an Online Cyber Security Program
| What to check | Why it matters | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Employers and employer tuition plans often expect an accredited school | Confirm regional accreditation plus ABET or CAE-CD on the official sites |
| Total cost | Per-credit prices hide fees, books and lab costs | Multiply credits by the per-credit price, then add fees |
| Pace and format | Terms of 7 to 8 weeks suit working adults; some programs are competency-based | Ask for a sample schedule and how many classes you can take at once |
| Transfer credits | Credits you already have can cut time and cost | Ask for a written transfer credit evaluation |
| Hands-on learning | Labs and projects show skills to employers | Ask about virtual labs, capstones and internships |
| Career support | Online students still need networking and job help | Ask what services online students get |
| Employer support | Tuition help can cut your cost sharply | Ask HR about tuition assistance before you apply |
- Set your goal. Name the job, such as security analyst, and the certifications it asks for.
- Ask your employer first. Tuition help can cut your cost sharply.
- Shortlist three accredited programs. Use cost, schedule and designations.
- Add up the total cost. Include fees, books and lab costs.
- Request a transfer credit review. Credits you already have can save time and money.
- Apply with a strong resume. Show your results with numbers.
How to Pay for Your Degree
Employer tuition assistance is a big saver for many working adults. Federal tax rules let an employer pay up to $5,250 a year toward education tax-free for the 2025 and 2026 tax years, and it can cover graduate coursework. The limit adjusts for inflation starting in 2027, so ask HR for the 2027 amount. The employer must have a qualifying plan, so ask HR for the policy, any approval steps and whether you must stay with the company after you finish.
Cyber Security Career Facts From the BLS
The BLS says many information security analysts first work in IT departments, often as network and computer systems administrators, and that many employers prefer candidates with information security certification. It lists analytical, communication, creative, detail-oriented and problem-solving skills as important qualities. These are national figures, and pay varies by employer, location and experience.
| Fact (BLS) | Information security analysts |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $129,180 a year ($62.11 an hour) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field |
| Work experience in a related occupation | Less than 5 years |
| Jobs (2025) | About 192,900 |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 21% (much faster than average), about 40,600 new jobs |
| Openings each year, on average | About 14,100 |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by price alone. A cheap program without accreditation can cost you later.
- Skipping the accreditation check. Confirm it on the accreditor and NCAE-C sites.
- Ignoring transfer credits. Ask for a review before you enroll.
- Forgetting hands-on skills. Look for labs, projects and internships.
- Not asking your employer. Ask about tuition assistance before you apply.
- Typos in your application. Proofread twice and ask a friend to read it.
Online Cyber Security Degree Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to apply when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online cyber security degree?
The best one is accredited, fits your budget and schedule and matches the job you want. Check regional accreditation first, then look for ABET accreditation or an NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation, then compare total cost and format.
Do I need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field is the typical entry requirement for information security analysts, and some workers enter with a high school diploma plus training and certifications. A master’s is not listed as typical, so choose it for a clear goal.
How long does an online cyber security degree take?
A bachelor’s degree is usually 120 credits, and programs such as Regent and Champlain run 8-week and 7-week terms. Western Governors University reports completion in as few as 18 months for its competency-based program. Part-time study takes longer.
How much does an online cyber security degree cost?
Reported totals range widely, from about $7,600 to $15,000 for a motivated student at Western Governors University to about $61,800 at Ferris State. Multiply credits by the per-credit price and add fees, and confirm current prices with each school.
What accreditation should an online cyber security program have?
Look for regional accreditation of the university. Many strong programs also hold ABET accreditation for computing or an NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation. Confirm both on the official sites rather than only on the program page.
What is a CAE-CD designation?
It is a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation for cyber defense. It applies to regionally accredited schools and requires a validated Program of Study. Use the NCAE-C map at caecommunity.org to check a school.
Do I need a certification as well as a degree?
Many employers prefer candidates with information security certification, says the BLS. Check job postings for the certifications they name and plan for them alongside your degree.
How much do information security analysts earn?
The BLS reports a median of $129,180 a year for May 2025, and projects employment to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035. Pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Can I work full time while studying online?
Yes, many online programs are built for working adults, with short terms and flexible schedules. Ask whether classes are live or on your own time and how many classes you can take at once.
Will my employer help pay for my degree?
Many employers offer tuition assistance. Federal tax rules let an employer pay up to $5,250 a year toward education tax-free for the 2025 and 2026 tax years, including graduate courses, and the limit adjusts for inflation starting in 2027. Your employer must have a plan, so ask HR.
Conclusion
The right online cyber security degree is accredited, fits your budget and gives you hands-on skills for the job you want. Compare three programs, ask your employer about tuition help and use the checklist above before you apply.
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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs and 2025 to 2035 projections); College Transitions: best online cybersecurity degrees (February 2026, updated April 2026); NSA: National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity; Drexel University announcement (December 2025); James Madison University U.S. News announcement (January 2026); Southern Utah University announcement (February 2026); Ogletree: tax-free educational assistance cap. Prices and rules change, so confirm with each school.