Free Cybersecurity Degrees For Veterans

Cybersecurity is a growing industry with a strong need for experts who are skilled at preventing cyber attacks and protecting data.

As of August 2022, the U.S. had more than 700,000 open cybersecurity jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects jobs for the information security analyst � a key cybersecurity role � to grow 32% by 2032.

Fortunately, there are many ways for veterans to enter the field of cybersecurity. Keep reading to learn about free cybersecurity training and programs to help veterans earn free cybersecurity degrees.

Free Cybersecurity Training for Veterans

If you're a veteran who wants free cybersecurity trainingor would like free funding to earn a cybersecurity degree, here are some great programs to consider.

DHS's FedVTE Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers the Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE).

This program provides veterans with free, on-demand, online cybersecurity programs as well as certification prep courses.

More than 800 hours of training are available with courses covering ethical hacking, risk management, malware analysis, and more. Veterans can sign up for an account via the Hire Our Heroes website.

The DHS also offers the Cybersecurity Training and Education for Veterans guide to help veterans transition from military to cybersecurity careers.

VET TEC Program

The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Program is a program designed to train veterans in the high-technology industry.

Training areas include media applications, information science, computer software, and computer programming.

The program offers veterans free full tuition to attend a high-tech training program full-time. Veterans also receive funds for housing during training.

Cybersecurity course topics offered through the program's training providers include cybersecurity specialist, cybersecurity engineering, and cybersecurity professional penetration tester.

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship offers students up to nine months � or $30,000 � of benefits for training in STEM fields.

Computer and information science are among the qualifying undergraduate degree programs for which students can use this scholarship.

The program helps students who already qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to receive additional benefits. A housing allowance is also included.

Onward to Opportunity (O2O)

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a program available at no cost to transitioning service members or spouses of active military who are interested in tech careers.

The program is offered as a partnership between Syracuse University and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Training is available to on-campus and distance learners interested in online cybersecurity programs and is designed to meet the needs of the program's private sector partners.

Students interested in cybersecurity have several training options to choose from.

Veterans and First Responders Training Initiative

Florida International University's Gordon Institute and 10 partner National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) institutions received a $6 million grant.

This grant is to be used to recruit, prepare, and transition veterans, first responders, and active military into cybersecurity jobs.

Students can take three paths to gain cybersecurity knowledge: boot camps, a year-long fellowship, and self-paced online courses.

Other Scholarships & Tuition Funds for Veterans

In addition to scholarships and programs specific to cybersecurity or computer science, veterans can explore non-cybersecurity funding opportunities to pay for tuition and training.

• GI Bill: The GI Bill helps veterans and their families cover a portion or all costs of school or training. Students could benefit from the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• VEAP: The Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) helps veterans who served between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 cover the cost of continued education.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program helps military who meet specific criteria pay for tuition and fee costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover.
• CyberCorps�: Scholarship for Service (SFS): This program offers scholarships of up to $37,000 annually for cybersecurity training to students who agree to work for the U.S. government upon graduation.

While these educational assistance benefits aren't directly related to cybersecurity, they could help veterans receive the funds they need to secure a cybersecurity degree.

Top Cybersecurity Jobs

Once a student completes their cybersecurity training or degree program, they have the opportunity to enter the field as a professional.

Here are some jobs available to cybersecurity experts:

• information security analyst: In this role, analysts test security measures, solve security incidents, perform audits and vulnerability scans, and report security issues.
• computer security specialist: This specialist sets up network security defenses, backups and restores data, detects security breach attempts, and responds to cyberattacks.
• forensic specialist: A forensic analyst or specialist often prepares digital evidence for trial, responds to cyberattacks, gathers data with investigators, and creates technical reports.
• network security specialist: This type of specialist installs firewalls, monitors networks for breaches, offers guidance on vulnerabilities, and resolves performance issues.

Other cybersecurity jobs include cyber defense analysts, security architects, vulnerability assessment analysts, and cyber defense incident responders.

Find Free Cybersecurity Programs for Veterans Today

If you are a veteran who is ready to secure a position in the cybersecurity field, there are plenty of free or low-cost cybersecurity training and degree opportunities available. Find the right program and begin your academic journey today.