Are There Free Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees?

The idea of earning a free online cybersecurity master’s degree often comes up as professionals look for ways to advance their careers without taking on additional student debt. Cybersecurity is a high-demand field, but graduate-level education still comes with real costs, even in fully online formats.

That said, many online cybersecurity master’s programs are far more affordable than people expect, and some students are able to reduce costs dramatically through financial aid, employer benefits, and low-cost public universities. Below, we’ll look at what online cybersecurity master’s degrees actually cost and how “free” can realistically be defined at the graduate level.

How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Cost?

An online cybersecurity master’s degree typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000 in total, depending on the institution, program structure, and how quickly you complete the degree. Public universities and schools built for working professionals often fall toward the lower end of that range, especially when they offer flat-rate tuition, predictable pricing, or accelerated pathways.

While that price point means these degrees are not free, many students significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Federal student loans, employer tuition assistance, military benefits, and institutional scholarships can bring the effective cost much lower, and in some cases, close to zero for students with strong external support.

Can I Earn a Free Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?

There are currently no truly free online cybersecurity master’s degrees offered by accredited universities. Graduate programs require advanced coursework, faculty oversight, and institutional resources, which means tuition and fees are part of earning a recognized credential.

However, some students are able to complete an online cybersecurity master’s degree with little to no out-of-pocket cost by combining financial aid, employer tuition assistance, military education benefits, and low-cost public programs. In these cases, the degree itself is not free, but the student’s personal cost can be dramatically reduced depending on their circumstances.

What “Free” Really Means for an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

When people refer to a “free” online cybersecurity master’s degree, they are usually describing a situation where tuition is fully covered by external funding, not a program with zero listed cost. This most often happens when employer tuition reimbursement, military education benefits, or institutional aid offset the full price of the degree.

In other cases, “free” can mean minimal out-of-pocket expense spread over time. Low-cost public universities, flat-rate tuition models, and accelerated formats can reduce total costs significantly, especially when paired with financial aid. Understanding this distinction helps set realistic expectations and makes it easier to identify programs that fit your financial situation.

Ways to Make an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Low-Cost

While a free online cybersecurity master’s degree does not exist in the traditional sense, there are several proven ways to reduce the cost substantially. Many students combine multiple strategies to bring the effective cost of their degree as low as possible.

Employer Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement

Many employers, especially in technology, government, defense, and health care, offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for cybersecurity graduate programs. These benefits may cover part or all of tuition costs in exchange for continued employment, making a master’s degree close to free for eligible employees.

Military and Veteran Education Benefits

Active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible dependents may use military education benefits to help pay for online cybersecurity master’s degrees. Programs that are military-friendly often align their schedules and billing structures to support these benefits, significantly reducing personal expenses.

Federal Student Loans and Graduate Aid

Although Pell Grants are not available at the graduate level, federal student loans remain a common way to manage costs. When paired with low-cost public universities or accelerated programs, these loans can keep monthly payments manageable after graduation.

Choosing Low-Cost Public Universities

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates for online graduate students, especially when they use flat-rate or standardized online pricing. These programs provide accredited degrees at a lower baseline cost, making them ideal candidates for students seeking affordability.

Accelerated or Competency-Based Program Structures

Programs that allow faster completion reduce the total number of terms students must pay for. Competency-based formats or streamlined curricula help motivated students finish sooner, lowering the overall cost of the degree.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

The schools below offer accredited online cybersecurity master’s degrees that are commonly considered among the most affordable options available. While none are free, each program is structured in a way that works well with financial aid, employer benefits, or accelerated completion to help keep overall costs low.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in information technology with a concentration in cyber security and forensics that emphasizes applied, workforce-aligned skills. The curriculum focuses on areas such as cyber defense, digital forensics, and secure systems, making it a practical option for professionals seeking technical advancement.

Middle Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and participates in federal financial aid programs. As a public institution, the university’s approach to online graduate education prioritizes affordability and predictable costs, which pairs well with employer tuition assistance or military benefits.

2. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University provides a fully online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in cybersecurity designed for working professionals from a variety of technical backgrounds. The program emphasizes real-world cybersecurity challenges rather than purely theoretical research, helping students progress efficiently through required coursework.

Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and accepts federal financial aid. Its long-standing commitment to affordable distance education makes the program a strong choice for students looking to minimize graduate school costs while earning an accredited credential.

3. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online MS in cybersecurity that focuses on applied skills such as network defense, threat analysis, and security management. The streamlined curriculum is designed to avoid unnecessary electives that can extend time to completion and increase total cost.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by SACSCOC and supports online students through federal financial aid. Its predictable program structure and flexible pacing make it a common choice for professionals seeking a cost-conscious path to a cybersecurity master’s degree.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers an online MS in cybersecurity through its well-known online graduate platform. The program delivers the same academic rigor and instruction as its on-campus counterpart, making it a standout option for students seeking a highly respected credential in cybersecurity.

Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by SACSCOC and participates in federal financial aid programs. While admission is competitive, the program’s online structure keeps costs significantly lower than many peer institutions, making it one of the strongest value options at the graduate level.

5. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University’s online MS in cybersecurity blends technical training with coursework in risk management and leadership. The program is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence and is structured to support students pursuing both hands-on and managerial cybersecurity roles.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by SACSCOC and accepts federal financial aid. As a public university, its online graduate programs are designed to remain cost-conscious, which can help students keep expenses manageable when combined with employer or military benefits.

6. Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers an online MS in cyber defense that is widely respected for its technical depth and focus on cyber operations. Coursework emphasizes secure systems, cyber defense strategies, and applied technical skills aligned with government and industry standards.

Dakota State University is accredited by HLC and supports online students through federal financial aid. Despite its strong reputation in cybersecurity education, the university maintains relatively low online graduate costs, making it a solid choice for students seeking advanced training without premium pricing.

7. Columbus State University

Columbus State University offers an online MS in cybersecurity with a curriculum geared toward applied cyber defense and real-world security challenges. The program is particularly well suited for professionals working in government, military, or enterprise environments who want practical graduate-level training.

Columbus State University is accredited by SACSCOC and accepts federal financial aid. As a public institution, it provides a cost-conscious option for graduate study, with additional affordability advantages for military-affiliated and government-employed students.

8. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida delivers an online MS in cybersecurity through its Center for Cybersecurity, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise across computing, networking, and secure systems. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced technical and operational cybersecurity roles.

The University of West Florida is accredited by SACSCOC  and participates in federal financial aid programs. Its online graduate structure emphasizes predictable pricing and efficient progression, which can help students better manage overall degree costs.

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online MS in cybersecurity and information assurance using a competency-based education model. Students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than completing traditional credit-hour coursework, which allows experienced professionals to move through the program more quickly.

WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and supports eligible students through federal financial aid. For motivated learners, the ability to complete multiple courses within a single term can significantly reduce the total cost of earning a cybersecurity master’s degree.

10. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University provides an online MS in cybersecurity that takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining technical coursework with policy, legal, and organizational perspectives. The program is aligned with federal cybersecurity standards and appeals to students seeking a well-rounded graduate education.

Old Dominion University is accredited by SACSCOC and accepts federal financial aid. While not the lowest-cost option on this list, the program remains competitively priced for a public university and offers strong value for students seeking a respected credential.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because no online cybersecurity master’s degrees are truly free, our rankings focus on identifying programs that make graduate education as affordable as possible through public pricing, financial aid access, and efficient online delivery.

• Accreditation: Each school must hold recognized institutional accreditation to ensure academic quality and employer recognition of the master’s degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We prioritize programs with lower baseline costs, strong compatibility with federal aid, and structures that work well with employer or military tuition benefits.
• Online availability: Schools must offer fully online cybersecurity master’s programs designed for working professionals and distance learners.
• Student outcomes: We consider how well programs align with cybersecurity career advancement, technical specialization, and long-term professional growth.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Online?

Most online cybersecurity master’s degrees are designed to be completed in about one and a half to two years when students enroll full time. Many low-cost programs use streamlined curricula and predictable course sequencing, which helps students progress steadily without unnecessary delays.

Students who take courses year-round or enter with relevant professional experience may finish closer to the shorter end of that range. Part-time enrollment can extend the timeline, but flexible pacing allows working professionals to balance graduate study with employment while still moving forward efficiently.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

Finding the right low-cost cybersecurity master’s degree means looking beyond tuition alone and focusing on how the program fits your financial situation and career goals. Programs that work well with financial aid, employer benefits, or accelerated completion can significantly reduce total costs.

When comparing programs, consider factors such as:

• compatibility with federal financial aid and tuition assistance programs
• total credit requirements and program structure
• flexibility of online delivery for working professionals
• accreditation and overall academic credibility
• alignment between coursework and your intended cybersecurity career path

Career Outlook With an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

An online cybersecurity master’s degree can support advancement into higher-level technical, leadership, or strategic roles across many industries. According to PayScale, professionals with a master’s degree in cybersecurity earn an average annual salary of about $96,000, with earnings varying by role, experience, and sector.

Demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% employment growth for information security analysts, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For professionals who already work in IT, defense, health care, or government, a low-cost cybersecurity master’s degree can be a practical way to move into more advanced and better-paying positions.

FAQs About Free Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs

Free online cybersecurity master’s degrees often sound appealing, but they can be confusing without clear context. The questions below explain what is and is not realistic at the graduate level.

Are There Free Online Cybersecurity Courses?

Yes, many organizations and universities offer free cybersecurity courses online. These courses are useful for skill-building or exploration, but they do not result in an accredited master’s degree.

Are There Free Online Cybersecurity Certificates?

Some entry-level or introductory cybersecurity certificates are available at no cost through nonprofits or training platforms. However, advanced or industry-recognized certificates usually involve fees and are separate from graduate degree programs.

Is a Free Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Respected by Employers?

Since accredited cybersecurity master’s degrees are not offered for free, employers focus on the credibility of the institution rather than the cost paid by the student. Degrees earned through accredited universities, even when heavily subsidized, are generally respected.

Is an Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Worth It?

An online cybersecurity master’s degree can be worth it for professionals seeking advancement, specialization, or leadership roles. Choosing a low-cost program that works with financial aid or employer benefits can improve the return on investment.

Can Employer Tuition Assistance Make a Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Free?

In some cases, yes, it can. Employer tuition assistance or military education benefits may cover most or all tuition costs, making the degree effectively free to the student even though the program itself is not tuition-free.

Explore Affordable Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degrees

While free online cybersecurity master’s degrees do not exist, many accredited programs are far more affordable than expected. Explore options on Learn.org to compare low-cost online programs, request information, and connect with schools that fit your budget and career goals.