Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs of 2025

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that some careers within the field are projected to experience an over 30% growth in employment over the next decade.

This demand has led to a shift in higher education. A growing number of colleges are launching cybersecurity degrees for the first time. Also, some universities are rolling out colleges dedicated to cybersecurity and related tech disciplines.

Even some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Microsoft, have invested millions into cybersecurity education initiatives.

If you’re interested in breaking into the field, read on for our list of the best online cybersecurity degree programs, ranked based on affordability, student outcomes, and other factors to help you find the right fit.

Here are the key factors you should consider when choosing the best cybersecurity program for you:

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity usually costs less than $12,000 — and that price is further cut down to under $7,500 with financial aid.

Once you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, contact the school’s financial aid department to ask about available grants and scholarships. Also, make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal grants.

There are also some cybersecurity-specific scholarships available. For example, the Department of Defense offers a free college program to cybersecurity students if they commit to working for the department after graduation.

Online bachelor’s degrees usually take 120 credits and around four years to complete. However, there are some cybersecurity programs that offer accelerated formats to help you finish your degree faster.

Transferring credits from a previous college can also help you cut down on the years it takes to complete the degree — as well as the cost. Each college has its own requirements for transferring credits, so make sure to research whether your previous classes might qualify.

Ultimately, the speed at which you finish your degree will depend on your schedule and whether you decide to enroll full time or part time. Online programs tend to offer highly flexible schedules, so you might be able to take on more than the typical 12-15 credits per semester to finish your degree faster. However, if you take classes part-time while working, it will likely take longer to complete your degree compared to a full-time student.

The BLS projects a growth of over 30% for information security analyst jobs over the next decade. But that isn’t your only career option with a degree in cybersecurity.

With a cybersecurity degree, you could also step into other high-earning roles in the field, such as information systems managers and database administrators. These roles had a median annual salary of more than $100,000 in 2024.

Cybersecurity is a broad field, and concentrations tend to vary by school. Some programs offer certifications in data management and analysis, while others might offer specializations in software development or cloud computing.

Cybersecurity is also often also offered as a concentration within information technology and data analytics degrees.

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity usually costs less than $12,000, and the degree can lead to several high-paying careers that earn more than $100,000 per year. These factors make this degree a worthwhile option with a solid return on investment.

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can get you started in the industry, but a master’s degree can help you further specialize your skills and stand out during your job hunt. For example, a master’s degree in cybersecurity can help you move into leadership positions within the field.

Also, keep in mind that some bachelor’s degree programs offer an accelerated pathway to earn a master’s degree by taking credits that count toward both an undergraduate and a graduate program. Some master of business administration (MBA) programs also offer concentrations in cybersecurity.