Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in South Dakota

If you're interested in becoming a cybersecurity professional, you're going to need a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. But perhaps you're concerned about how you're going to afford college. You'd like to attend a school in your home state of South Dakota, but you're wondering what options are available.

Are there any affordable online cybersecurity degrees available in South Dakota? What schools offer the best online cybersecurity degrees in South Dakota?

Keep reading as we discuss some top online programs that won't break the bank. We'll also explore some high-ranking out-of-state schools with affordable online cybersecurity degrees and answer a few questions you may have.

Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in South Dakota

There is just one low-cost online college in South Dakota that offers online degrees in cybersecurity. Let's take a closer look at this school and the programs offered.

1. Dakota State University

Dakota State University (DSU) is a public school located in Madison. It enrolls around 3,300 students in online and on-campus degree programs, many of which are related to science and technology. Two cybersecurity degrees are available for online students: a Bachelor of Science in cyber operations and a Master of Science in cyber defense. These programs provide basic and advanced training in digital forensics, incident response, and the protection of information systems.

The National Security Agency (NSA) recognizes this school as a Center of Academic Excellence in cyber operations (CAE-CO). Both programs offer reasonable tuition rates: $354.75 per credit hour for the bachelor's degree and $470.45 per credit hour for the master's degree. Additionally, students can pursue scholarships and financial aid to help them pay for their degree.

Other Online Cybersecurity Programs

Fortunately, completing higher education online means that you can study from your own home even if you enroll at a school across the country. Let's look at some top online cybersecurity degrees from schools throughout the U.S. that are known for their affordability and value.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public college offering various online degree programs. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same affordable tuition rates when studying online. Students can pursue a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in information technology. Both degrees offer an area of emphasis in cybersecurity.

This school is one of the best in the nation for affordability, offering tuition rates of $174 and $261 per credit hour for the bachelor's and master's degrees, respectively. Financial aid opportunities through the FAFSA, as well as scholarships and grants from the school and other sources, make it possible for students to save even more on their degree.

2. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is another Georgia school offering highly affordable tuition for all online students regardless of residency. Students can pursue a variety of flexible online degrees, including three related to cybersecurity. These degrees are as follows:

• Bachelor of Information Technology - emphasis in cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in criminal justice - emphasis in cybercrime
• Master of Science in information technology - concentration in software and cybersecurity

All three programs provide targeted coursework to help students pursue specific career paths based on their goals and interests. The bachelor's programs cost $187 per credit hour, while the master's programs cost $284 per credit hour. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for both full-time and part-time students.

3. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac is a private, for-profit university offering both in-person and online degrees to students throughout the country. The school offers a Master of Science in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity for graduate students. Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and policy that offers the following concentrations:

• healthcare management
• government contract management
• information management
• management
• international business

These programs prepare students to identify and address various cyber threats. Tuition costs $240 and $450 per credit hour, respectively. Students can apply for financial aid through the school and outside sources to help them cover their degree costs.

4. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham is a fully online public school headquartered in Little Rock, AR. Various flexible online degrees are available for busy students, including a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. The program places a heavy emphasis on core courses that prepare students for various cybersecurity jobs. Courses cover topics such as:

• introduction to information systems security
• computer networks
• human decision and security engineering
• disaster recovery
• programming essentials

This cybersecurity bachelor's degree costs $305 per credit hour. Students can apply for federal aid using the FAFSA and receive employee tuition reimbursement or military discounts to cover their expenses.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a large private, nonprofit school located near Manchester, NH. Most of its students earn their degrees online. Students can pursue both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in cybersecurity, with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and an emphasis in cybercrime also available.

Students can enroll in concentrations in data analytics fundamentals and project management fundamentals as part of the cybersecurity bachelor's degree, while the master's program offers a concentration in IT management.

Flexible eight-week course terms cost $330 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $637 per credit hour for graduate students. Various scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are available, along with tuition discounts for qualifying students and a generous transfer credit policy for those with previous college experience.

6. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a nonprofit private online school with nearly 157,000 students. Those interested in cybersecurity can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in cybersecurity and information assurance. Learners discover how to address vulnerabilities in computer systems, perform ethical hacking, and respond to cyberattacks. Those enrolled in the programs can pursue CompTIA certifications while in school to better prepare them for real-world cybersecurity situations.

This school charges tuition per six-month term; students can take as many courses as they want per term for the same tuition rate. The online bachelor's program costs $4,365 per term, and the online master's degree is $4,655 per term. Students can also apply for financial aid, test out of courses, and transfer credit to save money on their degree.

FAQs About Online Cybersecurity Programs

If you still have questions about completing your online bachelor's or master's degree in cybersecurity, you're not alone. Below, we'll provide answers for some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Cybersecurity Cost?

Tuition costs and other expenses vary widely from school to school and degree program to degree program. Among the schools outlined in this article, you can expect tuition rates ranging from about $174 to $355 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees and from $261 to $637 per credit hour for master's degrees.

Bear in mind, however, that these rates reflect base tuition only; they do not include fees, book costs, or other college-related expenses you may incur.

What Can I Do With an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

There are many career paths you can pursue as a cybersecurity major. Some of the many job titles to consider include:

• network security analyst
• cybersecurity analyst
• information security analyst
• cybersecurity engineer
• penetration tester

How Do I Apply to an Online Cybersecurity Degree Program?

To apply to a cybersecurity degree program, you will need to apply and be accepted at the college of your choice. You may need to complete a separate application for entrance into the school's cybersecurity program, but the exact requirements will vary from school to school. Check with the admissions department at your school to find out what requirements you'll need to meet and what steps to take.

Explore Accredited Online Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to begin your online cybersecurity education, check out the colleges and universities featured here on Learn.org. You can contact the admissions department at any school to find out more and discover which program is the best fit for you.