The notion that affordable equals low quality isn\u2019t always true. In fact, the most affordable cybersecurity schools have excellent curricula and expert professors to prepare you for the field. A wide variety of prestigious schools often offer low tuition rates to promote education and economic growth in the state, while others do it to subsidize the financial burden on low-income households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to earn a college degree in cybersecurity but can\u2019t afford the high cost of education that comes with attending an acclaimed school, this article is for you. We\u2019ve curated a list of the most affordable cybersecurity schools in the US to get you started. You\u2019ll also learn how top schools offering the cheapest cybersecurity degrees break down the cost, so you can too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most affordable cybersecurity schools in the US include Florida State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of South Florida. These schools have some of the lowest annual tuition rates for residents and relatively affordable rates for non-residents enrolled in cybersecurity programs. Tuition generally applies to all majors, including cybersecurity, though lab- or program-specific fees may apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on the latest published tuition data, the cheapest cybersecurity schools for four-year undergraduate degrees cost between about $6,600 and $25,000 in tuition for in-state students, depending on the institution. Out-of-state students can expect higher costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florida State University (FSU):<\/strong> Tuition follows the standard FSU undergraduate rate. Cost estimates for 2025\u20132026 list undergraduate tuition and fees at around $6,500 for in-state students, with higher rates for out-of-state students.\u00b9 Brigham Young University (BYU):<\/strong> Tuition for 2024\u20132025 is $6,688 per year for Latter-day Saint students; nonmembers pay about double that amount. Rates increase slightly in 2025\u20132026.\u00b2 University of South Florida (USF):<\/strong> In-state undergraduate tuition is $211.19 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition is $611.39 per credit hour. A 120-credit bachelor\u2019s degree would total about $25,300 for in-state students or about $73,400 for out-of-state students, before fees and housing.\u00b3 You should attend a cybersecurity school because it provides you with the industry leverage you need to succeed in the cybersecurity field. Most academic programs incorporate professional certification training and examination preparation for interested students. This means that you have ample cybersecurity job opportunities<\/a> to boost your earning potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending an accredited cybersecurity school broadens your knowledge of the technology and business industry. You\u2019ll learn about the techniques of cybersecurity through classroom instructions or lab exercises and explore an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives you a holistic approach to tackling real-world issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a wide range of career options for cybersecurity graduates. Some of the most popular career options include information security analyst, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer, information technology manager, systems analyst, network architect, security software developer, digital forensics analyst, and ethical hacker positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This equates to about 16,000 job openings per year during this period.\u2074<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of May 2024, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910. Salaries vary widely: the lowest 10 percent earned about $69,660, while the top 10 percent earned more than $186,420.\u2074 These figures make cybersecurity one of the higher-paying areas in information technology and computer science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can attend a cybersecurity school for free if you qualify for substantial financial aid that covers your entire tuition. However, high financial awards are not easy to come by and are mostly reserved for students who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, or who belong to minority groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If attending a university to start your cybersecurity career isn\u2019t feasible, consider a cybersecurity coding bootcamp<\/a> or other educational options. Bootcamps are a cheaper, faster way to break into tech and may offer financial aid that covers tuition or defers it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that free online courses and tutorials won\u2019t make you a cybersecurity professional. However, they can give you the foundation and insight you need to pursue further studies or launch your career. You can start by checking out MIT OpenCourseWare, Coursera, edX, or Cybrary. These platforms offer free and low-cost cybersecurity courses, many of which are designed in partnership with universities and industry leaders and cover topics from basic network defense to ethical hacking and cloud security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n *<\/strong>Tuition is based on the most current published rates from official university websites. For FSU and USF, 2025\u201326 per-credit-hour rates are used. For others, 2024\u201325 annual tuition and fees are shown. Rates reflect general undergraduate tuition and fees. Actual costs may vary based on course load, housing, meal plans, and program-specific or lab fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2025-26)<\/strong>: $215.55 per credit hour (in-state); $771.66 per credit hour (out-of-state)\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida State University is a nationally recognized R1 public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1851, FSU enrolls about 44,000 students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries.12<\/sup> It offers over 280 degree programs at the bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, specialist, and doctoral levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation<\/strong>: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acceptance <\/strong>Rate: 32%13<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall Graduation Rate<\/strong>: 83%14<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n U.S. News National Ranking (2025)<\/strong>: #5415<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Post-Grad Median Salary<\/strong>: $53,44916<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cyber Security Degrees Offered<\/strong>: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (cybersecurity-focused tracks)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bachelor of Science in Cyber Criminology<\/strong>: The FSU program teaches students to investigate and combat digital crimes such as information intrusion, identity theft, and data misuse. This 120-credit program includes prerequisite courses in mathematics and computing, 52 credits of major coursework in criminology and computer science, and electives in foreign language and oral communication. Students gain hands-on experience in digital forensics, incident response, and cybercrime analysis.17<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Computer Science \u2013 Cybersecurity Major<\/strong>: FSU\u2019s Department of Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Major. This 30-credit graduate program includes coursework in computer security, network defense, cryptography, offensive security, malware analysis, and reverse engineering. Students may also pursue a cybersecurity graduate certificate alongside the degree. Applicants must complete prerequisites in computer science before admission.18<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida State University combines affordability with strong academic quality and nationally recognized cybersecurity research. Its cyber criminology and computer science programs prepare graduates for high-demand roles in digital forensics, security analysis, and information assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2024-25):<\/strong> $6,688 (LDS students); $13,376 (non-LDS students)\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigham Young University is a research and teaching university in Provo, Utah. This private institution was founded in 1875 as Brigham Young Academy by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has approximately 31,627 undergraduate students and 3,110 graduate students.\u00b9\u2079 It also offers 190 undergraduate majors, 110 minors, 98 master\u2019s programs, and 30 doctoral programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation:<\/strong> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: <\/strong>This cybersecurity program is 120 credits and takes eight semesters to complete. You\u2019ll learn computer programming, digital forensics, cybersecurity, penetration testing, and computer networks and digital communications. You are expected to earn 200 hours of work experience, submit a signed letter from an employer, complete a department packet, and a final interview.\u00b2\u2074<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in IT & Cybersecurity: <\/strong>This degree is typically earned within 3 years of enrollment and prepares students for leadership roles in the IT industry. It covers the science, technology, and engineering aspects of information technology and cybersecurity. You must complete 24 credit hours of coursework and six credit hours of thesis. You\u2019ll also need to complete the program with an oral defense of your thesis.\u00b2\u2075<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cybersecurity programs at BYU allow you to build expert skills in innovation, analytics, and effective communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2025-26)<\/strong>: $211.19 per credit hour (in-state); $575.01 per credit hour (out-of-state)\u00b3<\/p>\n\n\n\n The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 in Tampa, Florida. The public research university is one of three preeminent research institutions in Florida. It has a student population of 36,452 undergraduates and 10,802 graduates from more than 140 countries.\u00b2\u2076 USF offers 180-degree programs at the undergraduate, master\u2019s, specialist, and doctoral levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation:<\/strong> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>This major focuses on information technology and advanced computing systems. You must complete 120 credit hours, which include core courses, a capstone learning experience, and an internship. Core courses include foundations of cybersecurity, IT systems security, human aspects of cybersecurity, human-computer interfaces, and hands-on cybersecurity.\u00b3\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security Management: <\/strong>This undergraduate degree equips you with theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to protect an organization against cyber threats and risks. Graduates of this program can communicate cybersecurity needs in terms of risks and budgeting to members of the C-suite. You\u2019ll earn 120 credits over 11 semesters.\u00b3\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>In this program, you\u2019ll learn to design, build, deploy, and manage technologies and processes needed to secure systems, networks, and infrastructures. You\u2019ll complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, which includes an option for a CAE certification and a practicum. Core courses include data networks, systems and security, and advances in object-oriented programming languages<\/a> for IT.\u00b3\u00b3<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security Management: <\/strong>This degree prepares you for managerial roles in cyber security and includes major research in cyber security, information assurance, risk management, and information security. You\u2019ll earn a minimum of 30 credits, including three credits in a practicum.\u00b3\u2074<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bachelor\u2019s programs at the University of South Florida offer students the opportunity to participate in internships, research, education abroad, or community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2024-25)<\/strong>: $5,808 (in-state); $17,736 (out-of-state)5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kennesaw State University holds R1 and R2 designations from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, designating it as a top research institution, and is a member of the University System of Georgia. The public school was founded in 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia, and has a student population of 47,845 students from 126 countries.\u00b3\u2075 It offers more than 190 degree programs through its 11 colleges and two campuses.\u00b3\u2076<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation:<\/strong> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>This online degree is in partnership with the University System of Georgia. It is for traditional students, busy professionals, transfer students, and military members. You\u2019ll complete 42 credits \u200cin general education, 18 credits in lower division majors, 37 credits in upper-division majors, and 14 credits in electives. You can pursue a minor in criminal justice or crisis preparedness.40<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>You can complete this online program in 12 months at a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students with no cybersecurity background should complete three foundation courses. A variety of courses also include mobile and cloud security, management of cybersecurity, and a capstone project.41<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n KSU offers graduate students the opportunity to work with its industry partners through classroom insights, internships, and educational and research work products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2024\u201325)<\/strong>: $6,565 (in-state); $18,963 (out-of-state)6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida International University is a national university in Miami, Florida. It began operations in 1972 with 5,667 students, setting a record for the largest opening enrollment in history. It currently has 54,085 students in over 190 degree programs at the bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, and doctoral levels.\u2074\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation:<\/strong> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: <\/strong>FIU offers a program that prepares students for roles in data security, network threat analysis, and systems security management. The degree requires 120 credit hours<\/strong> and includes courses in cryptography, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and secure systems design.\u2074\u2076<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Cybersecurity: <\/strong>The Knight Foundation School of Computing & Information Sciences at FIU offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This program combines theory and applied research in cybersecurity, covering secure application programming, network defense, and applied information assurance. Admission may require prerequisite coursework for students without prior computing backgrounds.\u2074\u2077<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Computer Engineering: Security (Online): <\/strong>FIU also offers an online Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a concentration in Security. This 30-credit program can be completed in about 10 months and covers topics in hardware and software security, network defense, and data protection.\u2074\u2078<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students enrolled at Florida International University can access state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs for their research studies, no matter of whether they\u2019re at the bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, or doctoral degree level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average Annual Cost (2024-25)<\/strong>: $7,301 (in-state); $23,767 (out-of-state)7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n New Mexico State University is a Hispanic-serving institution in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This NASA Space Grant College was founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College. It offers more than 180 degree programs through seven colleges and 12 science and research centers.\u2074\u2079<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation:<\/strong> Higher Learning Commission Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>This program requires 62 credit hours and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Your major course options include database design, networking, network security, cryptography, cyber defense, and managing information security, all of which are at the introductory level.\u2075\u00b3<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security: <\/strong>Students interested in the bachelor\u2019s program must complete 120 credits. You\u2019ll explore courses in software development<\/a>, Linux system administration, computer security, Java programming, and object-oriented programming. You can pursue a cybersecurity concentration through a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Computer Science or a 27-credit cybersecurity certificate.\u2075\u2074<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Science in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Focus): <\/strong>Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Computer Science with coursework in secure systems, data protection, and information assurance. The program allows students to customize electives toward cyber security research and applied computing.\u2075\u2075<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheapest Online Cyber Security Degrees Costs Breakdown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\nWhy You Should Attend a Cyber Security School<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Cyber Security School Career Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cyber Security Salary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can You Attend Cyber Security School for Free?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cheapest Online Cyber Security Degrees That Won\u2019t Break the Bank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
School<\/strong><\/td>
In-State Tuition (per year unless noted)*<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>
Out-of-State Tuition (per year unless noted)*<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Florida State University<\/td> $215.55 per credit hour (2025\u201326)1<\/sup><\/td> $771.66 per credit hour (2025\u201326)1<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> Brigham Young University\u2013Provo<\/td> $6,688 (2024\u201325, LDS students)2<\/sup><\/td> $13,376 (2024\u201325, non-LDS students)2<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> University of South Florida<\/td> $211.19 per credit hour (in-state, 2025\u201326)3<\/sup><\/td> $592.34 per credit hour (out-of-state, 2025\u201326)3<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> Kennesaw State University<\/td> $5,808 (2024\u201325)5<\/sup><\/td> $17,736 (2024\u201325)5<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> Florida International University<\/td> $6,565 (2024\u201325)6<\/sup><\/td> $18,963 (2024\u201325)6<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> New Mexico State University<\/td> $7,301 (2024\u201325)7<\/sup><\/td> $23,767 (2024\u201325)7<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> CUNY City College<\/td> $7,340 (2024\u201325)8<\/sup><\/td> $15,290 (2024\u201325)8<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> Missouri State University<\/td> $8,294 (2024\u201325)9<\/sup><\/td> $16,498 (2024\u201325)9<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> Marshall University<\/td> $8,552 (2024\u201325)10<\/sup><\/td> $19,606 (2024\u201325)10<\/sup><\/td><\/tr> University of New Orleans<\/td> $9,072 (2024\u201325)11<\/sup><\/td> $13,908 (2024\u201325)11<\/sup><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Are the Cheapest Cyber Security Schools? A Deep Dive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Florida State University <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida State University Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top Cyber Security Degrees at Florida State University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida State University Cyber Security Key Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brigham Young University\u2013Provo <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brigham Young University\u2013Provo Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptance Rate:<\/strong> 69%\u00b2\u2070
Overall Graduation Rate:<\/strong> 77%\u00b2\u00b9
US News National Ranking (2025):<\/strong> #79\u00b2\u00b2
Post-Grad Median Salary:<\/strong> $70,785\u00b2\u00b3
Cyber Security Degrees Offered:<\/strong> Bachelor of Science and Master of Science<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Cyber Security Degrees at Brigham Young University\u2013Provo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brigham Young University\u2013Provo Cyber Security Key Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
University of South Florida <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
University of South Florida Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptance Rate:<\/strong> 44%\u00b2\u2077
Overall Graduation Rate:<\/strong> 75%\u00b2\u2078
US News National Ranking (2025):<\/strong> #103\u00b2\u2079
Post-Grad Median Salary:<\/strong> $50,262\u00b3\u2070
Cyber Security Degrees Offered:<\/strong> Bachelor of Science and Master of Science<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Cyber Security Degrees at the University of South Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
University of South Florida Cyber Security Key Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kennesaw State University <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kennesaw State University Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptance Rate:<\/strong> 69%\u00b3\u2077
Overall Graduation Rate:<\/strong> 48%\u00b3\u2078
US News National Ranking:<\/strong> #37339<\/sup>
Post-Grad Median Salary:<\/strong> N\/A
Cyber Security Degrees Offered:<\/strong> Bachelor of Science and Master of Science<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Cyber Security Degrees at Kennesaw State University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kennesaw State University Cyber Security Key Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida International University <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida International University Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptance Rate:<\/strong> 58.8%\u2074\u00b3
Overall Graduation Rate:<\/strong> 63%\u2074\u2074
US News National Ranking (2025):<\/strong> #97\u2074\u2075
Post-Grad Median Salary:<\/strong> N\/A
Cyber Security Degrees Offered:<\/strong> Bachelor of Science and Master of Science<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Cyber Security Degrees at Florida International University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida International University Cyber Security Key Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico State University <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico State University Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptance Rate:<\/strong> 75.7%\u2075\u2070
Overall Graduation Rate:<\/strong> 49%\u2075\u00b9
US News National Ranking (2025):<\/strong> #222\u2075\u00b2
Post-Grad Median Salary:<\/strong> N\/A
Cyber Security Degrees Offered:<\/strong> Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, and Master\u2019s Degree Options<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Cyber Security Degrees at New Mexico State University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n