Best Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina: 2026 Rankings
31 programs at 19 schools in North Carolina.
Updated
The strongest cybersecurity programs in North Carolina on this list are led by University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Duke University, and East Carolina University. Schools are ordered using our ranking for North Carolina, drawn from 31 programs at 19 schools.
Best cybersecurity programs in North Carolina
Rank
School
Location
1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
2
Duke University
DURHAM, NC
3
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
4
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC
5
University of North Carolina Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC
6
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
7
Montreat College
Montreat, NC
8
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC
9
Strayer University-North Carolina
Greensboro, NC
10
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC
11
DeVry University
Charlotte, NC
12
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
13
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
14
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
15
MyComputerCareer at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
16
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
17
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, NC
18
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC
19
Guilford College
Greensboro, NC
School names are plain text in the table. Profiles and write-ups are below when available.
How we ranked this list
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (35%), student outcomes (30%), curriculum (15%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 86% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in North Carolina
Each school lists a quick overview (program, estimated cost, format) plus a short program summary with links to official school pages and related program paths. Tuition figures are published estimates—confirm current totals on the school’s program page before you apply.
1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
MS in Cybersecurity
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: $16,038 (in-state)
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: all-around
Accreditation: SACSCOC
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD, CAE-R)
Program summary
University of North Carolina at Charlotte's program is the one profiled here. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw.
Bachelor of Science in Information & Cybersecurity Technology (ICT) — Cybersecurity
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 120
Best for: degree completion and applied work & labs
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Greenville will find East Carolina University on this list. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
BS in Information Technology — Cybersecurity Concentration
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Working adults comparing this online cybersecurity path on cost and fit
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Durham will find North Carolina Central University on this list. AI/ML sits as a concentration or track inside a broader degree—scan required vs elective AI courses so you know how deep the path actually goes. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (Wake Technical Community College)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Wake Technical Community College is based in Raleigh. Wake Technical Community College's cybersecurity program is worth a close look; confirm delivery mode on the school’s program page.
What are the best cybersecurity programs in North Carolina?
On this state ranking, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Duke University, and East Carolina University appear near the top. We list 19 schools offering cybersecurity programs in North Carolina. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many cybersecurity programs are in North Carolina?
About 31 cybersecurity programs at 19 schools show up for North Carolina on this list. Confirm current offerings on each school site.
Online or campus?
Both can appear on state lists. Check each program’s delivery format and any required campus visits.
How does AIDegrees rank these programs?
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (35%), student outcomes (30%), curriculum (15%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 86% of programs on this list have full scoring data. See the full ranking methodology for weights and data sources.
Does NSA CAE matter in this state?
CAE designation helps for some federal and defense paths. We score official CAE map matches when available—still verify on the school site.
