8 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in West Virginia 2025
West Virginia is home to several online cybersecurity degree programs students can earn at a reduced cost with help from lower tuition rates and financial aid.
Government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations in healthcare, education, finance, retail, and other industries hire cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive data. Experts use their knowledge of computer science, system design, and network security to identify cyber threats and stop cyber attacks.
Securing a job in this field often requires a degree. Fortunately, many schools offer great programs � even if your goal is to find low-cost cybersecurity degrees online. In West Virginia, online colleges like New River Community and Technical College, Strayer University, and American Public University offer affordable and free programs.
Below, we'll highlight affordable online schools in West Virginia that provide cybersecurity degrees. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about these programs.
Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs in West Virginia
Are you eager to find top online cybersecurity degrees in West Virginia offering lower tuition? Review the following list of schools for great programs.
1. New River Community and Technical College
New River Community and Technical College is a low-cost college in West Virginia with online learning options like the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cyber security. This degree prepares students for entry-level roles in the field as coursework helps enrollees build their knowledge of ethical hacking, digital forensics, network security, and more.
West Virginia residents attending the community college full-time pay $2,578 per semester. Eligible residents could qualify for the West Virginia Invests state-funded grant, which provides free tuition for programs leading to high-demand fields. Students must have completed high school (or equivalent) and resided in the state for at least one year before applying.
2. Strayer University
Strayer University offers an online BS in information technology, cybersecurity degree that costs $1,525 per 4.5-credit course (less than $340 per credit hour). This program teaches strategies for protecting data and computer networks and builds students' digital forensics skills. Learners take courses in network penetration testing, perimeter defense, and forensic technology.
Strayer offers numerous resources to help cover the cost of this program. Students can qualify for federal financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Accessing general education courses through Strayer's affiliate, Sophia Learning, can save up to $15,250. The Strayer Graduation Fund offers one free course for each three that students pass.
3. American Public University
American Public University's online Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity prepares students for roles in the field with help from expert faculty who have real-world experience in cyber defense, homeland security, and data security. Coursework in this program delves into incident response, cybercrime, network security, and digital forensics.
Students pay $350 per credit to earn this degree but can pay less with the Veteran Grant, APUS Opportunity Grant, or preferred military rate. Scholarships and FAFSA-based grants can help students save even more.
4. American Military University
The online BS in cybersecurity at American Military University teaches students the digital forensics process and IT strategies for enabling security measures. Courses explore networking, biometrics, IT security, and operating systems. To complete this program, students must choose one of five concentrations.
The university charges $350 per credit for this degree; however, a preferred military rate and grants could help military personnel and veterans pay $250 and $315 per credit, respectively. Scholarships and federal aid are also available to reduce program costs.
5. University of Charleston
The University of Charleston offers online cybersecurity programs at several degree levels. The associate degree teaches students to identify and manage system security threats. Bachelor's degree completion program enrollees learn about ethical hacking, network security, and cryptography.
The online master's degree program prepares learners for leadership roles and features concentrations in cybersecurity strategy, cyber intelligence, and information assurance. The associate and bachelor's programs cost $380 per credit hour, while the master's program costs $446. All students can qualify for financial aid to lower costs.
6. Salem University
The online BS in information technology from Salem University offers a specialization in cybersecurity for students interested in technical support specialist, computer forensics analyst, and IT security specialist roles. IT courses teach computer programming, internet publishing, and basic networking, while the specialization tackles enterprise networking, information systems security, and computer forensics.
Students residing in West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, or Pennsylvania who enroll in this cybersecurity bachelor's degree program qualify for the New Student Success Grant. This aid opportunity reduces the cost of attendance to $475 per credit. Students could lower tuition costs further with federal grants and institutional scholarships.
7. Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University's online Master of Science in cybersecurity and risk management is an asynchronous program covering intelligence and counterintelligence topics. This two-year degree teaches project planning, big data analytics, and health information principles.
Learners enrolled as graduate students at the school's Virtual Campus pay $531 per credit hour, regardless of their residence. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid can reduce the cost of tuition.
8. West Virginia University
The online MS in business cybersecurity management at West Virginia University ranks among U.S. News and World Report's top online business master's programs. It serves as a graduate pathway for computer science, criminal justice, and management information systems students with coursework covering business cybercrime, information ethics, and penetration testing.
WVU charges $1,004 per credit to earn this degree; however, it offers numerous resources to reduce tuition costs. Eligible students can apply for Carl del Signore Foundation Graduate Scholarships and graduate waivers like the West Virginia AmeriCorps Tuition Waiver.
FAQs About Online Cybersecurity Programs
Online learning is a great alternative to on-campus study for busy students. If completing an online cybersecurity education seems right for you, review the following FAQs for more information.
How Much Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
The cost of an online degree varies. Factors like residence (in-state or out-of-state), degree type (associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral), and enrollment status (part-time or full-time) can all make a difference.
Several programs offer affordable tuition in West Virginia. Schools like Strayer University and American Military University charge less than $360 per credit, while New River Community and Technical College offers free tuition to in-state students.
Why Should I Get an Online Cybersecurity Degree?
The ability to learn from any location and enjoy flexible scheduling are great reasons to pursue an online degree. But you might wonder if online programs are respected. Research shows that employers believe online degrees from well-known schools have the same value as on-campus degrees.
An online degree can help you qualify for high-demand cybersecurity jobs, including information security analyst positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this role is projected to grow much faster than average at 33% from 2023 to 2033.
How Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree Accredited?
Most schools offering online degrees ensure their programs have the same accreditation as their on-campus counterparts. When picking online programs, look for degrees that are accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Explore Online Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Today
If you're ready to begin your journey toward a cybersecurity career, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover how to take the first step toward your career goal.