Public colleges that award cybersecurity bachelor's degrees charged a median $9,739 a year in in-state tuition and fees in 2023–24, or about $38,956 over four years, according to U.S. Department of Education data. Out-of-state students paid a median $19,098 a year and private nonprofit colleges charged $37,300. Community colleges with cybersecurity associate degrees charged in-district students a median $4,274 a year.
What colleges charge for cybersecurity degrees
Annual published tuition and required fees for full-time students in 2023–24, at colleges that awarded at least one cybersecurity degree that year. These are list prices before grants and scholarships.
| Degree | College type | Median per year | Typical range | Full-time estimate | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | Public, in-district | $4,274 | $1,993–$6,263 | $8,548 | 269 |
| Bachelor's | Public, in-state | $9,739 | $5,639–$14,997 | $38,956 | 119 |
| Bachelor's | Public, out-of-state | $19,098 | $9,628–$29,884 | $76,392 | 119 |
| Bachelor's | Private nonprofit | $37,300 | $16,595–$51,753 | $149,200 | 123 |
| Master's | Public, in-state | $10,536 | $7,956–$18,600 | $21,072 | 99 |
| Master's | Public, out-of-state | $20,673 | $12,146–$31,230 | $41,346 | 99 |
| Master's | Private nonprofit | $20,604 | $9,428–$56,137 | $41,208 | 88 |
Typical range is the 10th to 90th percentile. Full-time estimates multiply the median by two years for an associate or master's and four years for a bachelor's; they leave out housing, books and future tuition increases. Source: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions and student charges, 2023–24.
Residency matters most at public colleges: out-of-state students paid 2.0 times the in-state median for a bachelor's. Graduate tuition at public colleges ran a median $10,536 a year for in-state students.
Published program totals on our lists
Total published tuition for whole cybersecurity programs on our lists. Bachelor's totals include only full four-year programs, not degree-completion prices.
| Level | Typical low | Median | Typical high | Programs priced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $5,820 | $9,984 | $25,473 | 97 |
| Bachelor's | $31,806 | $50,220 | $115,200 | 182 |
| Master's | $12,085 | $20,205 | $54,550 | 284 |
| Doctorate | $30,000 | $53,580 | $81,600 | 19 |
Typical low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles of published totals. Many online programs publish one rate for every state, which is why these totals can sit below out-of-state public tuition.
What drives cybersecurity degree cost
- College type: Private nonprofit colleges charged a median $37,300 a year for a bachelor's, nearly four times the public in-state median.
- Residency: Out-of-state students at public colleges paid a median $19,098 a year, against $9,739 in-state.
- Starting at a community college: Two years of in-district tuition at a median $4,274 a year, then a transfer, can cut the total for a bachelor's.
- Format: Online programs can remove housing costs and out-of-state surcharges but may add per-credit fees.
- Aid: Grants, scholarships, employer tuition benefits and military benefits all lower what you actually pay.
Compare affordable programs
Bachelor's
Most affordable cybersecurity degrees
Full four-year cybersecurity bachelor's programs with the lowest published totals.
View ranking → Master's · OnlineCheapest online cybersecurity master's
Online master's programs ranked by published total tuition.
View ranking → AssociateBest cybersecurity associate degrees
Two-year programs, many at community colleges.
View ranking → CareersCybersecurity salary guide
What cybersecurity jobs pay, to weigh against tuition.
View guide →How to estimate your real cost
- Run the school's net price calculator for your household situation.
- Add fees, books, certification exam vouchers and travel for any required campus visits.
- Subtract scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement.
- Compare time to completion. Extra semesters often cost more than a slightly higher published price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cybersecurity degree cost?
At public colleges, a cybersecurity bachelor's cost a median $9,739 a year in in-state tuition and fees in 2023–24, about $38,956 over four years. Out-of-state students paid $19,098 a year and private nonprofit colleges charged $37,300.
How much does a cybersecurity associate degree cost?
Community colleges that award cybersecurity associate degrees charged in-district students a median $4,274 a year in 2023–24, or about $8,548 for two years.
How much does a cybersecurity master's degree cost?
Public colleges charged a median $10,536 a year in graduate tuition and fees for in-state students in 2023–24. Whole-program prices on our lists have a median of $20,205.
Is an online cybersecurity degree cheaper?
Often, especially for out-of-state students. Many online programs charge one rate regardless of where you live, and you skip housing costs. Check per-credit technology fees and total credits required, which can erase the gap.
Where can I find affordable cybersecurity degrees?
Start with our most affordable cybersecurity degrees ranking, which orders full bachelor's programs by published total tuition, and our cheapest online cybersecurity master's ranking. Then confirm current rates on each school's site.
Do scholarships cover a cybersecurity degree?
The federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service funds cybersecurity students who agree to work in a government cybersecurity job for as long as the scholarship lasts. Employers can also give you up to $5,250 a year in tax-free educational assistance, according to the IRS.