10 Affordable Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs 2025

Many organizations state that information security is one of the most important priorities in the modern world. Cybersecurity master's degrees are increasingly valuable because they equip graduates with the skills and knowledge relevant to keeping systems and data safe.

A master's in cybersecurity can be applied in computer science positions and other related roles, as protection against vulnerabilities within computer systems is crucial across various industries. Continue reading to explore the top 10 affordable online master's in cybersecurity programs.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity?

Online cybersecurity degrees feature graduate programs that explores information security and systems security topics, which is increasingly important in today's society. Students develop knowledge and practical skills relating to risk assessment, security systems design, digital forensics, and ethics in information technology (IT).

Skills developed in a cybersecurity program can be applied in both the public and private sectors, through practitioner and leadership roles. Businesses, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other organizations have stated the importance of professionals in the field of cybersecurity. A cybersecurity master's degree enables students to develop a deeper understanding of related topics and valuable skills.

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

An online master's in cybersecurity can vary in cost, depending on the tuition rate and applicable fees of a program. Tuition can range from around $250 to $2,500 per credit, and fees usually add up to a few thousand dollars over the course of a degree program.

Most programs contain around 30 to 36 credit hours. Choosing an affordable graduate program over a costly program could be a difference of tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be proactive in your search for scholarships and other aid.

Cheapest Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

After reviewing countless online cybersecurity master's programs, our team compiled a list of the best programs with affordable tuition rates. Below are some of the top schools with fully online, high-quality cybersecurity programs.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity and forensics. Students can complete the 10 required courses in as little as one year. Classes include IT leadership, project management, digital forensics, and ethical hacking.

• Estimated tuition cost: $261 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for in-house and external awards, including scholarships and work study.
• Accreditation: Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a 36-credit online MS in cybersecurity that students complete through accelerated, eight-week courses. Up to half of the curriculum can be transferred in from previous coursework. Students take classes in anonymity and security, digital forensics, hacking, and applied cryptography.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit (full-time); $290 per credit (military rate)
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers several in-house scholarships and also accepts outside college financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri (UCMO) offers an online MS in cybersecurity and information assurance degree program. The 30 credit hours include classes in cryptographic algorithms and threat intelligence and allows students to choose half of their classes from a list of electives. The program is led by nationally certified and experienced cybersecurity professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $445 per credit
• Financial aid: Cybersecurity students can apply for several scholarships as well as a graduate assistantship.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, offers an online MS in cybersecurity program with three concentration options: information security, policy, and cyber-physical systems. The 32-credit curriculum includes core courses and student-selected electives as well as an online practicum at the end of the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $369 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can browse external scholarships through GA Tech's financial aid website.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of West Florida

University of West Florida (UWF) offers an MS in cybersecurity with four specialization options:

• data security
• national security
• software and system security
• security management

Students explore software development, information security, and threat monitoring, and they can apply their skills through a virtual capstone project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $425 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can explore and apply for a variety of scholarships through the UWF scholarship portal.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Marshall University

Marshall University offers an MS in cybersecurity and is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Students can choose a concentration in network security, security management, or application software. The 30-credit program can be completed in as little as one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $572 per credit
• Financial aid: Marshall University offers several institutional scholarships and accepts private and public outside aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University (NSU) offers an online MS in cybersecurity taught by experienced faculty who have doctoral degrees. The 36-credit program consists of 10 classes, including database security, penetration testing, network forensics, and network fundamentals. NSU cybersecurity graduates often receive multiple job offers after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $310 to $1,207 per credit (varies by residency and course load)
• Financial aid: Cybersecurity students can apply for several computer science scholarships and an internship through NSU.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Western Governor's University

Western Governor's University (WGU) offers an online MS in cybersecurity and information assurance degree that students can complete in 18 months of full-time study. Through the 10-course WGU cybersecurity master's curriculum, students can obtain five certifications, including CompTIA PenTest+, (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).

• Estimated tuition cost: $441 per credit (average; flat-rate charged per term)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for a $5,000 cybersecurity scholarship offered through WCU.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. Dakota State University

Dakota State University (DSU) is one of only a few schools in the U.S. to hold all three academically excellence designations from the National Security Agency (NSA). The MS in cyber defense degree can be earned entirely online and provides an in depth curriculum in the field of cybersecurity. Students learn about real-world vulnerabilities for computer networks and systems, and develop skills to mitigate those risks.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484 per credit
• Financial aid: DSU offers several graduate assistantships to outstanding candidates and accepts external financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Regent University

Regent University offers an online MS in cybersecurity that consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed through eight-week or 15-week classes. Students can choose from three concentration options: cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity management, and cybersecurity practitioner. Classes include cybersecurity compliance, systems design, and disaster recovery.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit
• Financial aid: There are several financial aid and scholarship options available through Regent University.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team reviewed many online master of cyber security programs and chose schools based on a list of important criteria. In addition to program admission requirements and flexibility, we also consider cost, quality, and other characteristics.

• Accreditation: All of the featured schools are fully accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies in the country, indicating specific high standards for quality, experiences, and outcomes.
• Affordability: Each program featured has a tuition rate below $1,000 per credit hour, so that students have access to affordable program options without losing quality.
• Program reputation: These programs utilize modern technology and real-world cybercrime examples, as well as experienced and supportive faculty.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Cybersecurity Degree

Most of the programs featured here include around 10 classes (30 credits), which full-time students can complete in two years or less. Some programs are broadly focused on cyber security while others integrate those concepts with related areas, like operating systems, information systems, or management.

Students typically explore concepts such as cybercrime, risk management, cyber threats, and incident response methods. Some programs offer concentration options or electives, so that students can focus their program on a specific area of interest (e.g., security risks).

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Cybersecurity Master's Degrees

Choosing a cybersecurity master's degree online involves understanding what you want in a program and which features are going to benefit you the most. The following FAQs about master of cyber security programs will give you a better idea of what to expect from your program.

Is an Online Master's in Cybersecurity Worth It?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top 10% of cybersecurity professionals earned more than $185,000 while the lowest earning 10% made less than $70,000. A master's in cyber security increases the opportunities for higher wages, and those earning higher wages are usually working in higher positions, such as engineering and management. Cybersecurity roles are expected to grow by 33%, far outpacing the average occupational growth of 4%.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Cybersecurity Degree?

There are several roles in which you can apply a Master of Science in cybersecurity (or an equivalent). The highest cybersecurity professionals work as managers, such as a chief information security officer or information security manager. Other roles that a cybersecurity master's degree prepares you for include a cybersecurity tester, security architect/engineer, information security analyst, and digital forensics expert.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Cybersecurity Online?

If you plan to pursue your degree full-time, you can finish your program in two years or less. If you transfer in any prior coursework, it reduces the courses that you need and shortens the duration of your overall degree program. While school policies on enrollment flexibility vary, you can take more courses at once and finish in one year.

Is It Hard To Get a Master's in Cybersecurity?

An online cybersecurity master's degree is no more difficult than any other master's degree, although there are ways to make it less challenging. Firstly, make sure that you choose a school with admissions requirements that you meet and a format that fits your needs. Secondly, stay organized and proactive, and utilize school resources to improve your academic experience.

Discover Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Explore more of the best cybersecurity and computer science programs on Learn.org. Reach out to the schools with programs that you like to find out more about their admissions process.