Easiest Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs To Get Into 2026

The easiest online cybersecurity degree programs are designed to reduce common admissions barriers that stop many students from getting started. These programs often focus on accessibility through open enrollment, flexible requirements, and policies built for adult learners and career changers.

Rather than emphasizing test scores or competitive GPAs, accessible cybersecurity programs prioritize readiness to learn and the ability to succeed in online coursework. For students returning to school, transferring credits, or starting college later in life, these options can make earning a cybersecurity degree far more attainable.

What Makes a Cybersecurity Degree Easy to Get Into?

A cybersecurity degree is considered easy to get into when the admissions process removes traditional hurdles such as standardized testing, strict GPA cutoffs, or lengthy application requirements. Many accessible programs rely on open enrollment or high-acceptance models that allow students to begin once basic education requirements are met.

Common features of easy-to-enter online cybersecurity degrees include no SAT or ACT requirements, simple online applications, flexible GPA policies, and admissions models tailored to adult learners. Some schools also focus on degree completion or career transitions, making them especially welcoming to students with prior college credit, military experience, or time away from school.

Easiest Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs To Get Into

The easiest online cybersecurity degree programs focus on reducing admissions barriers while still providing structured, career-relevant coursework. The schools below stand out for open enrollment models, minimal testing requirements, and policies designed to welcome adult learners and career changers.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in cybersecurity and information assurance with an admissions process built around readiness rather than traditional metrics. The university does not require SAT or ACT scores and instead uses a brief entrance assessment to confirm that students can succeed in the program.

This model makes WGU especially accessible for adults with prior IT experience or self-directed learners who may not have followed a traditional college path. Once admitted, students move through the program at their own pace, which further supports learners returning to school after time away.

• Program length: 2 to 4 years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers an online BS in cybersecurity technology with an open enrollment admissions model. Students with a high school diploma or GED can enroll without submitting standardized test scores.

The program is designed specifically for adult learners and military-affiliated students, with streamlined admissions and transfer-friendly policies. This approach makes UMGC one of the most accessible public university options for earning a cybersecurity degree online.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online BS in cybersecurity with an admissions process focused on ease and flexibility. The university does not require SAT or ACT scores and charges no application fee, lowering common barriers to entry.

High acceptance rates and multiple start dates make this program appealing to first-time college students, transfer students, and adults returning to school. Academic support and advising help students navigate coursework once enrolled, even if they are new to online learning.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

4. American Public University

American Public University (APU) offers an online BS in cybersecurity with open enrollment policies designed for working adults and military learners. Admissions requirements are minimal, focusing primarily on proof of secondary education rather than test scores or competitive GPAs.

The program’s structure supports students balancing education with work or service commitments. This accessible admissions model makes APU a practical option for learners seeking a straightforward path into cybersecurity education.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers an online BS in cybersecurity designed specifically for adult learners and working professionals. The university follows an open enrollment admissions model and accepts students who hold a high school diploma or equivalent, without requiring SAT or ACT scores.

Bellevue’s admissions process is streamlined and transfer-friendly, making it a strong option for career changers or students returning to college after time away. The school’s emphasis on flexibility and support helps reduce friction both at entry and throughout the program.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

6. National University

National University offers online cybersecurity degree programs with an admissions process focused on simplicity and speed. Students who meet basic secondary education requirements can typically enroll without standardized test scores or lengthy application steps.

The university’s four-week course format pairs well with its accessible admissions approach, allowing students to begin coursework quickly after acceptance. This model works well for learners who want minimal delay between applying and starting classes.

• Program length: 2 to 4 years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

7. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree with open enrollment policies and no SAT or ACT requirements. The school is particularly known for supporting transfer students and adults who are changing careers.

Flexible admissions and acceptance of prior college credit help reduce common entry barriers. Wilmington’s focus on applied learning also supports students who want practical skills without navigating a competitive admissions process.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers online cybersecurity-related degree programs with relatively low GPA requirements compared to many public universities. Students with a GPA around 2.0 may still qualify, making the program more accessible than traditional flagship institutions.

The admissions process balances accessibility with academic structure, making it a good fit for students who may not meet selective admissions standards but are ready to succeed in an online learning environment.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Baker College

Baker College offers an online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree built around an open enrollment philosophy often described as a “right-to-try” approach. Students with a high school diploma or GED can apply without standardized test scores, making entry straightforward.

This admissions model is designed to give students an opportunity to prove themselves through coursework rather than being filtered out upfront. Baker College is a strong option for learners who want a clear path into cybersecurity education without navigating selective admissions criteria.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers online cybersecurity degree programs with open enrollment and a strong focus on adult learners. The school is well known for serving students who are completing degrees later in life or transferring significant prior college credit.

Admissions requirements are minimal, emphasizing access and flexibility rather than test scores or competitive GPAs. This makes Excelsior a good fit for students who want an accommodating admissions process combined with a degree-completion–friendly structure.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To create this list of the easiest online cybersecurity degree programs to get into, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with admissions and program information published by each university. Our goal is to identify programs that lower barriers to entry while maintaining academic credibility. We evaluate each school using consistent criteria focused on accessibility and student readiness.

• Admissions accessibility: Schools are assessed based on open enrollment policies, high acceptance rates, low GPA requirements, and the absence of standardized test requirements.
• Online availability: Programs must be offered fully online, allowing students to enroll regardless of location or schedule constraints.
• Accreditation: All schools hold recognized institutional accreditation to ensure degree validity, transferability, and eligibility for federal financial aid.

Who Is a Good Fit for an Accessible Cybersecurity Degree?

Accessible cybersecurity degree programs are designed for students who want a smoother entry point into higher education without navigating competitive admissions processes. These programs focus on readiness and commitment rather than test scores or perfect academic histories.

Students who are often a good fit for easy-to-enter cybersecurity programs include:

• adult learners returning to school after time away
• career changers who want to move into cybersecurity without starting over academically
• students with transfer credits who want flexible admissions and credit evaluation
• military members and veterans using prior training or experience toward a degree

If you are comfortable learning online and motivated to stay on track once enrolled, an accessible cybersecurity degree program can provide a practical path into the field.

Financial Aid for Easy-to-Enter Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Even when admissions requirements are minimal, financial aid can play a major role in making an online cybersecurity degree affordable. Most easy-to-enter programs are offered by accredited institutions, which allows eligible students to apply federal financial aid toward tuition.

Common financial aid and cost-reduction options include:

• FAFSA and federal grants: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid allows students to access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Grants, when available, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Transfer credits: Applying prior college coursework can lower the total number of credits required, reducing both time to completion and overall tuition.
• Credit for prior learning: Some schools award credit for military training, professional experience, or certifications, which can further shorten the degree path.
• Institutional scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships for adult learners, online students, or those enrolled in technology-related programs.
• Employer tuition assistance: Working students may be able to use employer education benefits to offset tuition costs, particularly for degrees aligned with career advancement in cybersecurity.

Students who plan ahead and combine multiple funding strategies often reduce the total cost of an online cybersecurity degree while benefiting from an accessible admissions process.

Are Easy-to-Enter Cybersecurity Degrees Less Rigorous?

Easy-to-enter cybersecurity degree programs are not automatically less rigorous, but they do approach admissions differently. Instead of filtering students out upfront based on test scores or GPA, these programs focus on providing access and then holding students accountable through coursework, assessments, and progression requirements.

Once enrolled, students are expected to meet the same learning outcomes as those in more selective programs, including completing technical coursework, labs, and projects. For learners who stay engaged and manage their time well, accessible admissions can provide an opportunity to succeed academically without lowering academic expectations.

Career Outlook With a Cybersecurity Degree

Cybersecurity continues to be a growing field as organizations face increasing cyber threats and data security challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $124,910, and employment in this field is projected to grow 29%, which is much faster than average.

Graduates of cybersecurity degree programs often pursue roles such as cybersecurity analyst, information security analyst, or network security specialist. While outcomes vary based on experience, location, and skills, earning an accredited cybersecurity degree, regardless of how easy it was to get into, can support long-term career opportunities in a high-demand field.

FAQs About Easiest Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs To Get Into

Accessible cybersecurity programs often raise questions about credibility, difficulty, and long-term value. The answers below address common concerns for students comparing easy-to-enter options.

Are Easy-to-Enter Cybersecurity Degrees Legitimate?

Yes, easy-to-enter cybersecurity degrees are legitimate when they are offered by accredited colleges or universities. Accreditation ensures the program meets academic standards and that the degree is recognized by employers and eligible for financial aid. Admissions accessibility reflects policy choices, not reduced academic requirements.

Do Employers Care How Selective a Cybersecurity Program Is?

Most employers focus on accreditation, skills, and experience rather than how selective a program’s admissions process was. Demonstrated technical ability, hands-on experience, and relevant certifications often matter more than acceptance rates. Graduates from accessible programs can compete effectively when they build practical skills.

Can Beginners Succeed in Easy-to-Enter Cybersecurity Programs?

Beginners can succeed in accessible cybersecurity programs, especially those designed for adult learners or career changers. Many programs include foundational coursework to help students build technical skills from the ground up. Success depends more on consistency and engagement than prior experience.

Is an Easy-to-Enter Cybersecurity Degree a Good Starting Point?

An easy-to-enter cybersecurity degree can be a strong starting point for students who want to reenter higher education or transition into technology. These programs reduce barriers to enrollment while still offering pathways to advanced roles, certifications, or graduate education. Choosing an accredited program is key to long-term flexibility.

Explore Accessible Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Easy-to-enter online cybersecurity degrees make it possible to start building in-demand skills without navigating competitive admissions. To compare accessible programs, degree paths, and cybersecurity career options, explore cybersecurity degrees on Learn.org and find a program that fits your goals.