7 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in North Carolina 2025

Low-cost online cybersecurity degrees provide students with the affordability and flexibility they need to balance higher education and personal responsibilities while gaining practical, real-world cybersecurity skills. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields and trained professionals play a crucial role in protecting information systems. Cybersecurity experts defend against cyberattacks and cyber threats and secure sensitive data to prevent cybercrime.

North Carolina's many accredited schools offer affordable online cybersecurity degree programs. Whether you're seeking an associate degree for entry-level roles, a bachelor's degree to build a strong foundation in the field, or a master's degree for a more specialized credential, these top online cybersecurity programs in North Carolina offer high-quality education at accessible prices.

Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in North Carolina

Below, we've listed the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina for students looking to start a cybersecurity career with an undergraduate degree or advance their skills with a graduate degree.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity degree. The accredited program focuses on key topics such as ethical and legal issues in cybersecurity, penetration testing, network security, and digital forensics.

With the NC Promise program, in-state students pay only $500 a semester, Fayetteville State stands out for affordability. This program is ideal for learners seeking to develop fundamental cybersecurity skills while taking advantage of one of the state's most affordable tuition rates.

2. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University's Master of Science in cybersecurity is a fully online program designed for graduate learners aiming to advance in the cybersecurity field. The curriculum covers topics like malware analysis and secure systems design, as well as policy development for cybersecurity initiatives and digital forensics.

Aside from low tuition rates and federal student aid, other forms of assistance, like the Federal Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service (SFS), are available, making this program affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students.

3. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cybersecurity for entry-level learners. The program covers essential topics, such as operating systems administration, intrusion detection, and networking technologies. Students also take courses in ethical hacking, data analytics, and digital forensics.

As a community college, Wake Tech provides significantly lower tuition rates than traditional four-year institutions, making it a cost-effective option for students beginning their cybersecurity education. Graduates are well-prepared for certifications like CompTIA Security+ and roles like information security analysts.

4. ECPI University

ECPI University's Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity is also 100% online, making it another convenient option for students. The curriculum focuses on network security, risk management, and cryptography. Students take courses that cover incident response, risk management, and security policy development.

Because of the program's focus on applied learning, the curriculum ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare them for their careers. ECPI provides various financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants to assist with tuition costs.

5. Montreat College

Montreat College's fully online Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity provides an affordable, high-quality degree option for students who need flexibility to balance coursework and personal commitments. The program equips students for real-world cybersecurity challenges as it covers:

• cyber defense strategies
• ethical hacking
• network security
• information assurance

Not only are Montreat College's tuition rates affordable, the school's comprehensive financial aid options are readily available, making this program an excellent choice for students pursuing a cybersecurity bachelor's degree in North Carolina.

6. Campbell University

Campbell University's Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity is available 100% online and is ideal for part-time or full-time learners who need flexible schedules. The curriculum covers network security, cyber law, and ethics with courses like digital forensics, risk management, and incident response.

In addition to the $450 per credit hour rate, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to help reduce costs for students pursuing cybersecurity careers.

7. Methodist University

Methodist University offers a Bachelor of Science in computer information technology with a specialization in cybersecurity and information assurance. This fully online program covers topics such as malware analysis, penetration testing, ethical hacking, risk management, and the legal aspects of cybersecurity.

Methodist University prepares students for entry-level and advanced roles in the cybersecurity field while emphasizing real-world applications of their learning. At $435 per credit hour, the program is affordable and includes financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants for eligible students.

FAQs About Earning an Online Cybersecurity Degree

These FAQs can give you a better understanding of online cybersecurity degrees so that you can find the best program for your personal and career goals.

What Can I Expect from an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

An online cybersecurity degree typically includes coursework in information security, digital forensics, and risk management, among other related topics. Students can expect hands-on training, including simulations of cyber defense and incident response scenarios.

Many graduate programs also offer opportunities to earn computer science certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker, which can open the door to more cybersecurity jobs, such as information security management or penetration tester roles.

How Much Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

The cost of an online cybersecurity degree varies depending on the degree level and the amount of financial aid you qualify for. In North Carolina, initiatives like the NC Promise help make higher education more affordable for in-state learners. Online learning programs typically come with lower tuition rates than on-campus programs.

Community colleges, like Wake Technical Community College, offer associate degrees and certificate programs at significantly lower tuition rates, making them an affordable starting point for students. Bachelor's and master's programs often come with higher costs but provide more financial aid opportunities.

What Jobs Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity?

With an online bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, graduates can pursue careers as information security analysts, network security specialists, digital forensics investigators, and incident response professionals.

Cybersecurity careers span industries like healthcare, business administration, and national security, offering graduates the opportunities to apply their cybersecurity education in various settings.

Find Accredited Programs Online and Apply Today

From online associate degrees to online master's degrees, these affordable accredited programs provide the financial support needed to advance your career. Explore the distance education programs highlighted in this article or check out the many other informative articles on Learn.org and begin your path toward becoming a cybersecurity professional.