Cyber attacks are escalating in frequency and sophistication, increasing the need for skilled cybersecurity pros. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034, compared with 9% for all computer jobs and 3% for all U.S. occupations.
Earning a reputable online degree in cybersecurity can be an affordable and accessible way to enter this fast-growing field.
This guide will identify the top six affordable online cybersecurity bachelor's degrees. We’ll also break down program costs and funding, accreditation, career prospects, and the pros and cons of earning a cybersecurity degree online.
What makes our affordability rankings valuable?
Most online degree rankings rely primarily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring school-wide rates for graduation, net price, loan defaults, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too, but we go further by looking at each program’s actual tuition and fees, cost-saving accelerated learning options, and how well its skills and credentials line up with workforce demand.
| The Most Affordable Cybersecurity Degrees Online | ||
| School | Program | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | B.S. in Cybersecurity | $27,792 |
| Fort Hays State University | B.A./B.S. in Information Networking & Telecommunications (Cybersecurity) | $33,078 |
| Western Governors University | B.S. Cybersecurity & Information Assurance | $36,880 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | B.S. in Cybersecurity | $42,480 |
| American Military University | B.S. in Cybersecurity | $43,550 |
| Colorado State University Global | B.S. in Cybersecurity | $46,200 |
Program costs are estimates based on published tuition and fees before financial aid or transfer credits are applied. Actual costs may vary by student.
How to Fund an Online Cybersecurity Degree
In addition to choosing an affordable online cybersecurity degree, there are many ways to reduce what you pay, including scholarships, state and federal grants, work-study programs, student loans, employer assistance, and military funding.
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards based on merit, qualifications, need, or other criteria that typically don’t require repayment. Colleges, private organizations, cybersecurity associations, and employers all offer scholarships that can help offset degree costs.
State & Federal Grants
Like scholarships, grants generally don’t have to be repaid. Federal programs such as the Pell Grant provide need-based aid to eligible undergraduate students.
Work-Study Programs
Federal work-study provides part-time employment for eligible students while they’re in school. Some positions are related to the student’s course of study, while others are not.
Student Loans
Student loans must be repaid with interest. Federal loans generally offer more flexible repayment options than private loans, but it’s still important to borrow carefully and factor future payments into the true cost of your degree.
U.S. Military Funding
Military personnel, veterans, and eligible family members may qualify for education benefits through programs such as the GI Bill, which can help cover tuition and other college expenses.
DoW Cyber Service Academy
The U.S. Department of War Cyber Service Academy (CSA) helps recruit and develop cybersecurity professionals for the DoW. Eligible students at participating institutions may receive funding toward their cybersecurity education.
The Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in the U.S.
We chose this year’s most affordable online cybersecurity degrees based primarily on published tuition and required program costs. We also considered opportunities to save through transfer credits or accelerated study, along with curriculum, accreditation, cybersecurity program strength, and overall value.
Cost estimates assume completion of the full bachelor’s program without financial aid or transfer credits unless otherwise noted. Actual costs can be much lower for students who transfer previous coursework, qualify for military rates, earn scholarships, or finish an accelerated program ahead of schedule.
Here are the most affordable online cybersecurity degrees:
1. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State’s Online B.S. in Cybersecurity combines technical training with the business, management, and cybercrime aspects of information security. After completing the cybersecurity core curriculum, students can choose from industry-relevant major specializations in Systems Security, Network Security, and Cyber Crime.
KSU is especially affordable for online students. For 2026-27, undergraduate online tuition is just $192 per credit, plus a $594 online learner fee per semester. This works out to about $27,792 over eight 15-credit semesters.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $27,792
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State offers its B.A. or B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications with a concentration in Cybersecurity entirely online. Students learn network and systems administration, information security, Python programming, and more while preparing for careers in IT and cybersecurity. The program also prepares students for marketable certifications including Cisco CCNA and CyberOps, LPIC-1, Palo Alto PCNSA, VMware VCP, and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
FHSU charges online undergraduates just $275.65 per credit for 2026, putting the estimated tuition for a 120-credit cybersecurity bachelor’s at $33,078. The university estimates the cost of a 15-credit online semester at $4,134.75.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $33,078
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. Western Governors University
WGU’s Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Degree is especially cost-effective for students who graduate quickly. WGU charges a flat $4,410 in tuition plus a $200 resource fee per six-month term, rather than charging by the credit.
Beyond its low price, the program includes 16 globally recognized certifications from CompTIA, ISC2, ITIL, and Linux Professional Institute. Our $36,880 estimate accounts for eight six-month terms, but WGU reports that 60% of graduates finish within 29 months, so many students can complete the degree for considerably less.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $36,880 for 8 terms ($4,610 per term)
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
4. Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU’s Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity covers network defense, application security, incident response, risk management, auditing, and other core information security skills. The university is also designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA.
SNHU charges $354 per credit to bring the full 120-credit tuition to $42,480. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program, potentially cutting the remaining tuition to just $10,620.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $42,480 (120 credits @ $354 per credit)
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
5. American Military University
In AMU’s Online B.S. in Cybersecurity, students learn how to identify security vulnerabilities, defend computer networks, respond to cyber attacks, and protect digital assets. Coursework incorporates AMU’s cyber range, where students can practice hands-on cybersecurity techniques in a virtual environment.
Standard undergraduate tuition is $360 per credit, or $43,200 for 120 credits, plus a $350 graduation fee. AMU also offers reduced rates for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families, and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits to further reduce program costs.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $43,550
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
6. Colorado State University Global
CSU Global’s Online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity covers career-ready skills in network security, ethical hacking, penetration testing, cloud security, digital forensics, IT auditing, and related info-sec topics. Coursework in this program aligns with industry certifications from CompTIA, ISC2, and EC-Council.
CSU Global charges $385 per credit with no out-of-state surcharge or additional fees, bringing the estimated price of its online cybersecurity degree to $46,200. Military service members, their spouses and dependents, and veterans qualify for the reduced undergraduate tuition rate of $250 per credit. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Cost: $46,200 (120 credits @ $385 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Types of Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity associate degrees introduce key IT topics like networks, operating systems, and computer programming while building foundational cybersecurity skills. These programs usually require about 60 credits and take two years to finish with full-time study.
Community colleges offer some of the least expensive cybersecurity associate degrees and can provide a lower-cost path into a bachelor’s program.
Common degree titles include Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Cybersecurity and Associate of Science (A.S.) in Cybersecurity.
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity bachelor’s programs build on fundamental computing skills with deeper study in areas like network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, and information assurance.
Most cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits and four years of full-time study, although transfer credits and accelerated programs can shorten that timeline considerably.
Common degree titles include Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Cybersecurity, and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Cybersecurity.
Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity master’s degrees are geared toward professionals seeking advanced technical roles, management positions, or specialization in a particular security domain.
Programs commonly require 30 to 36 credits and take one to two years to complete.
Degree titles include M.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Information Security, and cybersecurity-focused MBA programs.
How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost?
The price of an online cybersecurity degree varies widely by school and degree level. Among the affordable online bachelor's programs in our ranking, estimated costs range from about $28,000 to $46,000 before financial aid.
But tuition prices don’t tell the whole story. Transfer credits can knock tens of thousands of dollars off a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, while flexible competency-based programs from schools like WGU cost much less for students who finish quickly. Military discounts, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition benefits can also make a major difference.
Online Cybersecurity Degrees vs. Campus-Based Programs
Pursuing an online cybersecurity degree instead of a traditional campus program comes with some clear advantages and a few tradeoffs.
Potential Pros
- Flexibility: Online cybersecurity programs make it easier to fit school around work and personal commitments.
- Affordability: Studying online eliminates expenses like relocation, campus housing, commuting, and meal plans.
- Accessibility: Online students can compare the best cybersecurity programs across the country instead of being limited to nearby colleges.
Potential Cons
- Self-Discipline: Completing an online cybersecurity degree requires motivation and good time-management skills, especially in self-paced programs.
- Networking: Building relationships with classmates and faculty can take more effort online than it does on campus. However, well-designed online cybersecurity programs facilitate networking opportunities across the country if you avail yourself.
- Hands-On Exposure: Practical training varies widely between programs. Look for online security degrees with cyber ranges, virtual labs, technical projects, and other opportunities for hands-on practice in cybersecurity skills.
Accreditation for Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Accreditation is important when comparing online cybersecurity programs. All schools in our ranking hold recognized institutional accreditation, which affects federal financial aid, transfer credits, graduate-school admission, and employer recognition.
Cybersecurity programs may also earn additional distinctions. The NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program recognizes schools that meet federal standards for cybersecurity education. Some cybersecurity programs also hold programmatic accreditation from ABET.
Neither distinction should outweigh curriculum quality, price, and career alignment, but they provide another useful tool when comparing similarly priced programs.
What Jobs Can I Get with an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
Depending on degree level and specialization, graduates of an online cybersecurity degree can pursue various careers in areas like information security analysis, network security, incident response, digital forensics, penetration testing, security engineering, and cybersecurity management.
For a closer look at cybersecurity careers, skills, earnings, and credentials, explore our IT Security Specialist Career Path and Information Security Analyst Salary Range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest online cybersecurity degree?
Among the bachelor's programs in our ranking, Kennesaw State University is the least expensive for 2026-2027, with an estimated four-year cost of $27,792 for full-time students. WGU can be even cheaper for self-motivated students who move quickly through its program because tuition is charged by six-month term rather than by credit.
How can I make my cybersecurity degree cheaper?
Transfer credits are one of the biggest money savers. SNHU, AMU, and CSU Global all allow eligible students to transfer up to 90 credits toward their online cybersecurity bachelor's degree. Financial aid, military discounts and education benefits, employer reimbursement, scholarships, and accelerated study can reduce costs even more.
Are affordable online cybersecurity degrees accredited?
Yes. Low tuition doesn't mean a school is unaccredited. Every institution in our ranking holds a recognized institutional accreditation. Some programs also carry cybersecurity-specific recognition from organizations such as the NSA or ABET.
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