8 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in California 2025

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most cybersecurity professionals work in the tech industry. Since Silicon Valley is a major tech hub, it's no surprise that many schools in California offer online cybersecurity degrees.

Higher education can be expensive, but by choosing a low-cost online cybersecurity degree and applying for financial aid, you may be able to eliminate your tuition costs. Keep reading to discover affordable online degrees in California.

Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in California

Multiple colleges and universities in California offer online cybersecurity degree programs at an affordable tuition rate. We've highlighted the top online cybersecurity degrees in California that are affordable. Each program is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a nonprofit, private school in Riverside, CA. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity that covers topics like:

• cyber defense
• computer forensics
• computer network security
• operating system architecture

This undergraduate degree has a tuition rate of $520 per credit hour. Students can use state aid, like the Cal Grant, and federal aid, like the Pell Grant, at Cal Baptist.

2. California State Polytechnic University Pomona

At California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, students can earn an online Master of Science in information security. Coursework includes subjects like cloud computing, digital forensics, information technology, and risk management.

The public polytechnic institute is based in Pomona, CA. It charges full-time, in-state residents $12,724 per year for this master's degree.

3. California State University San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in cybersecurity online. Cal State San Marcos is a public institution named for the city in which it is located.

The cybersecurity bachelor's degree program covers areas such as computer forensics, cyber defense, ethical hacking, and enterprise systems security. It prepares students for cybersecurity certifications like the CompTIA Security+ credential and costs $530 per credit. Undergraduate students may qualify for the Cal Grant or State University Grant to help them cover the cost of their online degree.

The master's program builds on cybersecurity fundamentals with courses on incident response, penetration testing, and risk management. It concludes with an internship that provides hands-on experience in the cybersecurity field and costs $875 per credit hour.

4. Jessup University

Jessup University, a private, Christian institution, is located in Rocklin, CA. Its variety of online programs includes a BS in computer science with a specialization in cybersecurity that includes courses on:

• computer systems
• cybercrime
• cyber forensics and criminal justice
• network security

Tuition for online programs at Jessup is $550 per credit hour. The university offers a handful of scholarships and also accepts government financial aid programs like the Cal Grant.

5. National University

National University offers numerous online programs, such as a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in cybersecurity. Created for adult learners, National University is private, nonprofit, and based in San Diego.

The bachelor's degree program offers concentrations in computer network defense, digital forensics, and information technology management. It concludes with a cybersecurity project, and the tuition rate is $13,284 per year for full-time students. Online undergraduate learners can use the Cal Grant, worth up to $9,220, here.

The available specializations for the master's degree program include enterprise cybersecurity management, ethical hacking and penetration testing, digital forensics and incident response, and cloud security. This program costs $16,416 per year for a full-time course load.

6. UMass Global

UMass Global offers an online BS in cybersecurity. It includes courses on information system security, incident response, vulnerability detection, and information assurance.

While UMass Global is a private online college in Aliso Viejo, CA, it's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System. It charges $500 per credit for this program, however, students can use financial aid, including the Cal Grant.

7. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a private Catholic institution in San Diego. It offers two online cybersecurity master's degrees.

The MS in cybersecurity operations and leadership is for those with a background in cybersecurity who want to move to leadership roles and increase their value in the job market. The tuition rate is $965 per credit.

The master's in cybersecurity engineering focuses more on the technical aspects of preventing and responding to cyber threats and cyberattacks. This program is a little more costly, at $1,290 per credit hour. Though both these programs have a slightly higher tuition rate, the university offers multiple financial aid programs for online cybersecurity graduate students, including some that could cover the full cost of tuition.

8. University of the People

Through the University of the People, online students can earn a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a specialization in network and application security. This program includes foundational computer science courses as well as courses on networking and systems security.

University of the People prides itself on being a ''tuition-free'' university. Instead of charging standard tuition, students in this program pay only a $60 application fee and a $140 assessment fee per course.

Note that the University of the People is currently in candidacy status with the WSCUC. While working toward regional accreditation, it is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

FAQs About Online Cybersecurity Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online cybersecurity programs.

Are Online Cybersecurity Degrees Worth It?

For many students, obtaining a cybersecurity education online is worthwhile. Online programs allow learners to choose between a full-time and part-time pace and to complete their coursework on their own schedules.

Online cybersecurity degrees can lead to various types of cybersecurity jobs � many of which are in demand. They also provide a strong knowledge of fundamental concepts and help you develop important soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's cybersecurity degree depends on many factors, including whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, have full-time or part-time enrollment status, have an associate degree or transfer credits, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Of the programs listed above, the tuition for online bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity ranged from virtually free to about $550 per credit hour. However, many undergraduate students qualify for financial aid programs like the Pell Grant or Call Grant, which can significantly reduce the cost of their higher education.

What Can I Do With an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

There are many cybersecurity careers you can pursue with a degree in the field. These include:

• cybersecurity analyst
• ethical hacker
• information security analyst
• network administrator
• software developer

Keep in mind that while a bachelor's degree can lead to many entry-level and mid-level roles in the cybersecurity field, some cybersecurity jobs require additional education or industry certification.

Cybersecurity professionals can work in numerous industries, including business, healthcare, and technology � they can even work at government agencies like Homeland Security or the National Security Agency (NSA).

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