10 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Associate Degrees 2025

Without cybersecurity, online users are at risk of identity theft, privacy invasion, and other forms of cyber threats. This subject has become so important that many universities offer degree programs allowing you to specialize in it by earning an associate degree, bachelor's degree, and beyond. This article will explore how you can obtain an associate in cybersecurity through online coursework.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Cybersecurity?

Many community colleges offer an associate degree in cybersecurity through a computer science department. The goal of these two-year programs is to train students in the fundamentals of cybersecurity, information technology, network security, and preventing cyberattacks on computer systems.

It prepares graduates for further studies or even entry-level employment in cyber defense roles at companies, government agencies, hospitals, schools, and any other institution heavily reliant on computer networks and technology.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Cybersecurity Cost?

The cost of earning a cybersecurity associate degree varies depending on where you go to school. Some online colleges may cost as little as $5,000 for this degree, whereas other institutions might charge over $20,000. Our list below will focus on the more affordable degree programs for either online/hybrid enrollment.

Cheapest Online Cybersecurity Associate Degrees

Here are some recommended options for online cybersecurity associate degree programs. This section describes each program, offers a tuition estimate, explains financial aid resources, and shares accreditation statuses.

1. Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College (GMC) offers an Associate of Science (AS) in cybersecurity, which you can take either online or in-person. This program costs only $8,280 altogether and prepares students to pursue a bachelor's degree later, if they desire.

It teaches the fundamentals of cybersecurity, focusing on four areas: desktop programming, networking, data structures, and cyber information.

• Estimated tuition cost: $169.00 per credit hour
• Financial aid: About 80% of GMC students receive some financial support from options like loans, grants, and other federal funds.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. State University of New York - Finger Lakes

State University of New York - Finger Lakes (SUNY) has an online cybersecurity associate degree, promising to make students ''workforce ready'' within two years. It covers topics like programming, operating systems, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and more. Students learn from the same instructors as on-campus learners and have access to personal tutoring support.

• Estimated tuition cost: $207 per credit hour
• Financial aid: New York residents have access to the state's Online Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a two-year degree for future cybersecurity professionals, which features eight-week sessions for 20 classes. This degree program provides training on how to identify common cyber vulnerabilities, build operating-system protection and firewalls for software like Linux, iOS, or Windows, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Military members and their families pay only $250 per credit hour.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. Kent State University

Kent State University has an Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in cybersecurity, available 100% online. You can set the groundwork for a productive cybersecurity career after learning important problem-solving skills related to cyberattacks, securing sensitive data, and other elements of IT security.

• Estimated tuition cost: $345.63 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Kent State has tuition assistance programs geared toward military members, international students, and Ohio residents.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. American Military University

American Military University has an online AS degree in cybersecurity. The program's website highlights several sectors in need of cybersecurity support, including the military, critical public works infrastructures (for water and power), healthcare institutions, and financial companies. This degree helps develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for various careers in technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Military members receive reduced tuition rates ($250 per credit hour) and the school doesn't charge any fees to students who apply for admission.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. ECPI University

ECPI University offers an online associate degree that you can finish in just 18 months of full-time study. It claims that 79% of Americans face some type of security incident every 12 months, which is why the program focuses extensively on cyber incident response and other high-demand IT support services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $374.55 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can pursue multiple financial aid resources, such as scholarships, military benefits, and employer-based tuition assistance plans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston accommodates both full-time and part-time students with its flexible online degree program in cybersecurity. Students can enroll in either an associate or bachelor's degree program. Eligible students must apply for general admissions and complete three prerequisite courses related to programming.

• Estimated tuition cost: $380 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school reports that 100% of its students receive financial aid, including scholarships and federal grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers an AS degree in cybersecurity, consisting of seven core courses, nine general education courses, and five electives. This cybersecurity degree program prepares graduates for future employment as systems administrators, information security specialists, network coordinators, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $398 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university provides numerous cost-savings strategies, such as transfer credit valuation, scholarships, and employer discounts.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Franklin University

Franklin University allows students to apply up to 75% of transfer credits toward its 60-credit cybersecurity associate degree program. You can begin online enrollment on one of four start dates. The program teaches students cybersecurity topics like cloud-computing fundamentals, Linux fundamentals, and database management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $398 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Franklin University has a variety of financial aid options through federal/state programs, private loans, scholarships, and monthly payment plans.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers an associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree in this field. It also has opportunities to become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which involves hacking into network systems and computers for the purpose of removing malware and deterring malicious hackers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $419 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Wilmington University focuses on three forms of federal aid: grants, loans, and federal work study.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

This is how we rank schools that offer a cybersecurity associate degree online. These institutions must possess academic accreditation, affordable tuition rates, and good program reputations.

• Accreditation: These schools receive an extensive review from review organizations like HLC.
• Affordability: This list includes schools with a tuition rate no higher than $500 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Schools must offer the same hands-on experience and academic excellence for both in-person and online classes.

How To Find an Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree

Online cybersecurity degrees can be affordable if you focus on attending in-state schools with solid financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Many universities and community colleges have discount rates and tuition waivers for military veterans and other groups. You can also lower the cost of your degree by utilizing transfer credits if you took relevant courses at another institution.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Cybersecurity Degrees

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding cybersecurity education. This includes four questions related to degree value, program duration, and future earning potential.

Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?

Yes, cybersecurity is a very in-demand field right now, which is why so many universities now offer it at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels. While you can learn some aspects of cybersecurity on your own or through an online ''bootcamp,'' these degree programs grant a more in-depth study of information systems security.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Associate Degree in Cybersecurity?

Unless you enter a fast-track program or use transfer credits, it will take about two years to finish an associate degree in cybersecurity. This includes general education courses, core courses in cybersecurity, and other electives. Some students get a head start on their degree programs by taking one or two courses while still in high school.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Cybersecurity Degree?

There are several career options ranging from digital forensics to IT security. You can work for businesses, schools, nonprofits, or even the National Security Agency in roles such as cybersecurity analyst, systems administrator, information security analyst, penetration testing specialist, cryptographer, and more.

How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate Degree in Cybersecurity?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts earn an annual median salary of $124,910. Bear in mind that this includes individuals with higher academic credentials, but there are still many career opportunities with high salaries after earning an associate degree and gaining valuable real-world experience in cryptography, defending against cyber threats, or becoming a CEH.

Discover Online Cybersecurity Degrees

We invite you to check out the rest of our website for more information on online cybersecurity degrees. This includes several articles about degree programs, certificate programs, and other affordable distance-learning options.