Cyber security is one of the most in-demand fields in the technology industry, offering competitive salaries and benefits for tech professionals. But the best online cyber security degrees don’t need to cost a lot of money. You can learn all of the skills and knowledge you need for a job in tech from some of the cheapest online cyber security degrees available today.
A strong educational background is essential to finding a stable job in cyber security. Continue reading this guide to learn more about the most affordable online cyber security degrees available and the private and public universities that offer them.
How Much Do the Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degrees Cost?
According to the school rankings of OnlineU for the year 2020, the most affordable online cyber security degree tuition fee was $6,386 per year for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at Kennesaw State University. The average cost of an affordable online degree in cyber security can range between $6,000 and $12,000 per year. However, it is important to consider additional costs, such as university fees and equipment.
Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degrees Costs Breakdown
- Technology fees. This fee refers to the expenses of laboratory use, technology platforms, or equipment used in online classes.
- Application fees. Students are required to pay an application fee when registering or submitting their applications for the program.
- Course materials fees. For some courses, students will need to pay a fee to have access to course materials online.
- Net Cost. The net cost refers to the total amount of your tuition fee. This is commonly based on the number of credits per course.
- Transcript fees. This refers to the fee that the university charges students in exchange for a copy of their official transcripts.
Why You Should Get an Online Cyber Security Degree
Convenience, affordability, and flexibility are three benefits of online learning. An online degree program provides flexibility to people with busy schedules. You’ll also be able to save time and money by not incurring the fees of commuting as you study. People who must work while studying should also consider pursuing an online cyber security degree.
There are many available online cyber security degree options you can pursue, including associate degrees, master’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Carefully review the schedule, education requirements, student fees, financial assistance, and payment options before choosing your desired program.
Best Online Cyber Security Degree Career Options
Completing an online cyber security degree program opens up a wide range of cyber security jobs, such as professional network security engineer, information security analyst, network administrator, ethical hacker, and cyber security auditor.
Many prestigious companies in the tech industry are hiring cyber security professionals. These include IBM, Intel Corporation, Apple, General Motors, and Cisco. Visit their websites to apply for a cyber security job or use third-party websites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn to find job postings for these companies.
Cyber Security Jobs Salary
Professionals working in the information security industry earn a median salary of approximately $103,590 every year, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). This industry is expected to increase by 33% from 2020 to 2030 and about 16,300 job opportunities are expected every year.
Can You Attend an Online Cyber Security Degree Program for Free?
Most cyber security online degrees are not free, but there are some organizations and schools that offer free online cyber security courses. A few of these universities include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Colorado, and the University of Washington.
Most free online courses are self-paced and offer learning to a wide range of experience levels, from beginner to advanced. As another option, you can also apply to the best cyber security coding bootcamps to start learning cyber security. Bootcamps are efficient learning programs and are a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience in the cyber security field.
Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degrees That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
| Bellevue University | $430 per credit | $430 per credit | 46% |
| Fort Hays State University | $226.88 per credit | $226.88 per credit | 58% |
| Franklin University | $398 per credit | $398 per credit | 34% |
| Kennesaw State University | $383 per credit | $383 per credit | 48% |
| Maryville University | $622 per credit | $622 per credit | 59% |
| Old Dominion University | $551 per credit | $595 per credit | 58% |
| Purdue University Global | $371 per credit | $371 per credit | 33% |
| University of Central Florida | $327.32 per credit | $1,151.72 per credit | 72% |
| Western Governors University | $3,950 per -month term | $3,950 per six-month term | 49% |
| Wilmington University | $1,170 per course | $1,170 | 48% |
What Is the Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degree?
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private institution offering both on-campus and online cyber security bachelor’s degrees at an affordable price. You can also apply for scholarships and financial aid programs through Bellevue including federal grants, work-study, and loans.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public school that provides affordable online cyber security courses within its undergraduate degree program. Choose from different financial aid options at Fort Hays, such as grants, scholarships, military education benefits, and student employment.
Franklin University
Franklin University offers several affordable cyber security undergraduate programs. You can also apply for financial aid such as FAFSA, student loans, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). OCOG and PHEAA are available for in-state college students.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University offers 100% online cyber security programs at a great price. Students enrolled in four credit hours or less for this course pay $205 for student fees every semester, and students enrolled in five credit hours or more will be charged $355 for student fees each semester.
Maryville University
Maryville University is a private institution that provides various affordable online classes and information technology courses within its cyber security undergraduate program. You can also pursue a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity, which costs $816 per credit.
Old Dominion University
Dominion University provides online cyber security undergraduate programs and master’s degrees that allow students to learn and access course materials online. Apply for available grants and scholarships, or try joining the work-study programs at Old Dominion University to help you with your school expenses.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global is an accredited institution that offers an online cyber security bachelor’s program. Online students have the option of choosing a cyber security concentration, such as data management, cloud computing, and game development. Purdue Global University provides many online classes to meet its program requirements and accommodates financial aid such as FAFSA and student loans.
University of Central Florida
Graduate students can apply for an online degree in digital forensics at the University of Central Florida, a program with a high graduation rate. Federal and state financial aid options are available, as well as payment options such as monthly installments and deferred tuition payments through an employee tuition reimbursement program.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University cyber security degree programs include an online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity with a focus on information assurance. This online course covers networking and security, ethics and cyber law, penetration testing, cloud security, and other topics. You can apply for FAFSA online or for several state-based scholarships to help you with school tuition.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University features affordable online undergraduate degree programs. The National Security Agency and US Department of Homeland Security granted Wilmington a certification for the National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity in 2021. Wilmington offers Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs and scholarships for eligible students.
Options to Help Pay for the Best Online Cyber Security Degrees
School and online courses can become expensive regardless of how affordable an online undergraduate degree in cyber security may be. If you are looking for ways to financially support your university tuition fees and other expenses, continue reading to learn about some of the most common financial assistance options available at most universities.
Scholarships
Some universities and organizations offer scholarships, which are a form of financial help given to students based on eligibility. Ask the school or visit their official website to learn about the scholarships that may be available. Requirements for scholarships often include school transcripts, proof of citizenship, an essay, a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, and a recommendation letter.
Grants
Grants are typically given by the state and federal governments to support students’ finances. They’re different from scholarships in that the student applies for grants based on financial need rather than academic eligibility. There are various types of grants available, such as the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Loans
Student loans are sums of money borrowed from the government or other private organizations that are to be paid back over time with interest. Loans help the student pay for tuition costs upfront, and can later pay back their debt after a degree and career has been established. You can choose from federal student loans or private student loans to support your school finances.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Online Cyber Security Degree
- Pay on time. Pay your school expenses before the deadline in order to avoid late fees and penalties.
- Apply for part-time jobs. Since online school is often more convenient and flexible, you can apply for part-time jobs to help you with your finances. Side hustles such as blogging, tutoring, taking online surveys, and testing websites can help you earn side income.
- Minimize your expenses. There are many ways to avoid unnecessary expenses, such as making a meal plan, preparing your coffee at home instead of buying at the coffee shop, and only buying essential things you need.
- Use student discounts. Shop in establishments that offer student discounts. Always have your student identification card with you, as you’ll need to present it in order to benefit from student discounts.
- Apply for financial assistance programs. Be sure to have your FAFSA up to date and filed, and apply for the financial aid options available at your school.
Find the Online Cyber Security Degree That’s Right for You
Tech professionals that want to learn up-to-date cyber security tools or working students who want to level up their education or change careers, could find an online cyber security program a good fit. When searching for the best online programs, be sure to consider matters such as tuition cost and fees, school rankings, location, and education requirements.
Pursuing the best educational course is crucial for achieving the right career path. Online course options offer quality education to distance learners at an affordable price. Enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in cyber security to enhance your tech skills and get a great job. To further improve your chances of landing a high-paying role, consider earning an SSCP certification.
Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degree FAQ
No, cyber security is relatively simple to learn. Though it can be challenging at times, with the right learning materials and dedication, you can study a cyber security program successfully. There are plenty of resources available on the Internet that allow you to learn cyber security on your own.
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The technical skills of cyber security professionals include security architecture, criminal justice, network defense, cyber leadership skills, disaster recovery, operating systems, and database administration. Soft skills include analytical skills, problem-solving, and good communication skills. You should have a basic understanding of computer science to study cyber security.
The typical admission requirements for online courses are official transcripts, entrance essays, and a GED certificate or high school diploma. Transfer students should present their previous official transcripts to process transfer credits. To learn more about the admission process and requirements, visit the school website of the university you’re interested in applying to.
A few of the most common security software tools that are frequently used in the cyber security field include Kali Linux, KeyPass, Wireshark, John the Ripper, Paros Proxy, Nessus Professional, and Nexpose.
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