Top 10 Community Colleges With Cybersecurity Degrees

If you're looking for a practical, affordable way to break into tech, a cyber security community college program can be a smart place to start. Community colleges across the country now offer fully online associate degrees in cybersecurity that prepare you for entry-level roles in network security, information assurance, and IT support.

These programs are designed with working adults in mind. You can build technical skills, prepare for industry certifications, and potentially transfer into a bachelor’s program later — all while keeping tuition manageable and maintaining flexibility. Keep reading to discover some of the best community colleges for cybersecurity.

What Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

An online cybersecurity degree at the associate level is typically a two-year program that teaches you how to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. Most programs award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in cybersecurity or a closely related field such as information assurance or network security.

Coursework usually covers topics like network fundamentals, ethical hacking, risk management, digital forensics, and security policies. Many programs also align with industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, or Certified Ethical Hacker, helping you build skills that employers recognize.

Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Cybersecurity has become a popular program at community colleges. Below, we've featured some of the top community colleges across the U.S. with online cybersecurity degrees and certificates.

1. Central Texas College 

Central Texas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in cyberdefense with a focus on information assurance that blends technical training with real-world security practices. Students study network security, cyber defense tools, and system protection while preparing for industry certifications and workforce entry.

Based in Killeen, Texas, Central Texas College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The program stands out for its wide range of transfer agreements, giving students flexible pathways into bachelor’s programs across Texas and beyond.

2. Finger Lakes Community College

Located in Canandaigua, New York, Finger Lakes Community College is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in networking and cybersecurity.

Students gain hands-on experience in network configuration, cyber defense, and security fundamentals while preparing for entry-level roles or transfer to a four-year institution. Eligible New York residents may also qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Ivy Tech Community College 

Ivy Tech Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity and information assurance, along with several related certificate options for students who want to build skills more quickly. The program covers topics such as network security, cybercrime, and digital forensics, giving you multiple entry points depending on your goals.

As Indiana’s statewide community college system, Ivy Tech serves students across multiple campuses and online. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its stackable credentials allow you to earn a certificate on the way to completing your associate degree.

4. Minnesota State College Southeast 

Minnesota State College Southeast, regionally accredited by the HLC, offers two distinct Associate of Applied Science options: a Cyber and Information Security AAS and a Cybersecurity & Network Administration AAS. These pathways allow you to focus more deeply on either defensive security practices or broader network and systems administration skills.

With campuses in Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota, the college provides flexible online learning designed for working adults. Eligible students may qualify for the North Star Promise program, which can significantly reduce or cover tuition for Minnesota residents who meet income requirements.

5. Moreno Valley Community College 

Moreno Valley College offers an Associate of Science in cybersecurity along with several related certificate options for students who want to build specialized skills. Coursework focuses on network defense, ethical hacking concepts, and information assurance, giving you preparation for both entry-level roles and further study.

Part of the Riverside Community College District in Moreno Valley, California, the college is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Eligible California students may qualify for the Cal Grant, which can significantly reduce tuition costs.

6. Northern Virginia Community College 

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cybersecurity that prepares students for careers in network security, cyber defense, and information assurance. The college also offers a cybersecurity certificate for those who want a shorter, focused credential.

NOVA is based in Annandale, Virginia, and is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The program is known for strong workforce alignment and transfer pathways within Virginia’s public university system.

7. Portland Community College 

Portland Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cybersecurity that focuses on network defense, ethical security practices, and systems protection. Students gain hands-on technical skills that align with industry certification standards and entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Based in Portland, Oregon, the college is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The program is a strong option for students who want a practical, workforce-focused degree with transfer potential within Oregon’s public university system.

8. Wake Technical Community College

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wake Technical Community College is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The college offers an Associate in Applied Science AAS in cybersecurity that covers topics like network technologies and operating systems, ethical hacking and digital forensics, information security policy and intrusion detection, security administration and industry best practice

In addition to the AAS, students can pursue a Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Certificate or a Cyber Operations and Digital Forensics Certificate. These niche credentials allow you to build targeted skills in offensive security or investigative cyber work while progressing toward the full associate degree. 

9. Western Nebraska Community College

Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity designed to prepare students for roles in network security, systems protection, and cyber defense. The program emphasizes practical skills and industry-aligned coursework that can support certification preparation and entry-level employment.

The college is regionally accredited by the HLC and serves students from its campus in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Its smaller class environment can appeal to students looking for individualized attention while completing coursework online. 

10. Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College, located in Bellingham, Washington, offers an Associate in Applied Science–Transfer (AAS-T) in cybersecurity. This degree is structured to combine hands-on technical training with general education courses that support continued study.

Regionally accredited by the NWCCU, Whatcom stands out for its clear transfer pathways into bachelor’s programs within Washington state. The AAS-T format allows students to move into a four-year cybersecurity or IT degree while keeping career options open.

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.

From there, we focus on factors that matter most if you're considering a cyber security community college program. Our goal is to highlight schools that combine academic quality, affordability, and real-world career preparation. We look at things like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited institutions to ensure your degree meets recognized academic standards and qualifies for federal financial aid.
• Online availability: Programs must offer fully online or strongly online-accessible associate degrees so working adults can complete coursework flexibly.
• Career alignment: We look for degrees that prepare students for industry certifications and entry-level cybersecurity roles in network security, information assurance, or cyber defense.
• Student outcomes: Graduation rates, transfer pathways, and workforce preparation all factor into whether a program supports long-term student success.

What Will You Learn in a Cybersecurity Degree Program?

An online associate degree in cybersecurity is built to give you both technical knowledge and hands-on skills. While course titles vary by school, most programs focus on protecting systems, securing networks, and understanding how cyber threats work.

Here are some of the core topics you can expect:

• Network fundamentals: Learn how computer networks operate, including routers, switches, and protocols that form the backbone of modern systems.
• Cyber defense and security principles: Study how to identify vulnerabilities, prevent attacks, and implement defensive security measures.
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing basics: Understand how attackers think so you can test systems for weaknesses in a controlled, legal environment.
• Digital forensics: Explore how to investigate cyber incidents and recover or analyze compromised data.
• Risk management and security policies: Learn how organizations create security frameworks and respond to breaches.

Many programs also align coursework with certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Network+, giving you the option to pursue industry-recognized credentials while earning your degree.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Cybersecurity Degree Online?

An online associate degree in cybersecurity typically takes about two years to complete if you attend full time. That’s half the time of a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree, making it a faster path into entry-level cybersecurity roles or certification preparation.

Some students may finish sooner by taking summer courses or heavier course loads. Others choose part-time enrollment, which can extend the timeline but offers more flexibility for working adults, parents, or career changers balancing other responsibilities.

How Much Does an Online Cybersecurity Degree Cost?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a cyber security community college program is affordability. According to national education data, the average tuition and fees at a public two-year college are significantly lower than at four-year institutions, often totaling a few thousand dollars per year for in-district students.

Your total cost will depend on residency status, fees, and whether courses charge technology or lab costs. Many students qualify for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and grants or scholarships can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Financial Aid for Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Paying for college does not have to mean taking on large amounts of debt. Many students enrolled in a cyber security community college program qualify for federal, state, or institutional aid that can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to determining what aid you may qualify for. Here are some of the most common options:

• Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Many community college students qualify, especially those attending full time.
• State grant programs: States often offer need-based or income-based programs, such as California’s Cal Grant, Minnesota’s North Star Promise, and New York’s Excelsior Scholarship. These programs may cover part or all of tuition for eligible residents.
• Federal student loans: Federal Direct Loans can help cover remaining costs after grants are applied. These loans typically offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment options compared to private loans.
• Work-study programs: Some students qualify for part-time campus or community-based employment through Federal Work-Study, allowing you to earn money while enrolled.
• Institutional scholarships: Many community colleges offer local scholarships funded by foundations, donors, or workforce initiatives tied to high-demand fields like cybersecurity.

How To Choose the Right Cybersecurity Degree

Not all cybersecurity programs are structured the same way. Taking time to compare key features can help you choose a degree that fits both your schedule and your long-term career goals.

Accreditation

Make sure the college is regionally accredited. Accreditation ensures your degree meets recognized academic standards, qualifies for federal financial aid, and can transfer more easily to a four-year institution.

Online Flexibility

If you need a fully online experience, confirm that required courses are available online and not limited to in-person labs. Some programs offer fully asynchronous courses, while others may include scheduled virtual sessions.

Career Preparation

Look for programs aligned with industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Network+. Certification-focused coursework can strengthen your resume and may help you enter the workforce more quickly.

Transfer Opportunities

If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree later, check whether the associate degree is designed for transfer. Degrees labeled Associate in Applied Science–Transfer (AAS-T) or those with formal articulation agreements can make the transition smoother.

Total Cost and Financial Aid

Beyond tuition, review fees, textbooks, and technology requirements. Comparing financial aid opportunities, including grants and state programs, can help you estimate your true out-of-pocket cost before enrolling.

Career Outlook With an Online Cybersecurity Degree

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for information security analysts is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade, reflecting ongoing demand for professionals who can protect data and systems from cyber threats. 

An associate degree from a cyber security community college can help prepare you for entry-level roles such as information security analyst support positions, cybersecurity technician, network support specialist, or computer systems support specialist. The BLS also reports steady demand across the broader computer and information technology field, as organizations in health care, finance, government, and education continue investing in digital security infrastructure.

FAQs About the Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

An online cybersecurity degree is a great way to break into a fast-growing industry. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees to help you decide if this is the right pathway for you.

Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?

An online associate degree in cybersecurity can be worth it if you want an affordable, faster pathway into the tech field. Compared to a four-year degree, a cyber security community college program typically costs less and takes about two years to complete, while still preparing you for certifications and entry-level roles. It can also serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree if you decide to continue your education later.

Is an Online Cybersecurity Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers generally respect online cybersecurity degrees from regionally accredited institutions. What matters most is the skills you build and whether your program aligns with industry certifications and hands-on training. Many community college programs focus heavily on practical coursework, which can make graduates competitive for entry-level cybersecurity and IT support roles.

Who Should Consider a Cybersecurity Degree Program?

A cybersecurity degree program can be a strong fit for career changers, recent high school graduates, military veterans, and working adults interested in technology and problem-solving. If you enjoy understanding how systems work and want to help protect organizations from cyber threats, an associate degree can provide a structured, accessible starting point without requiring a four-year commitment.

Can You Work in Cybersecurity With an Associate Degree?

You can begin working in cybersecurity with an associate degree, especially in entry-level roles. Graduates of a cyber security community college program may qualify for positions such as cybersecurity technician, IT support specialist, network support specialist, or junior security analyst. While some advanced roles require a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree can help you build foundational skills and gain experience before deciding whether to continue your education.

Do Cybersecurity Associate Degrees Prepare You for Certifications?

Many cybersecurity associate programs are structured to align with industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, or Certified Ethical Hacker. Coursework often covers the core knowledge areas tested on these exams, giving you a strong academic foundation. Earning certifications alongside your degree can strengthen your resume and demonstrate technical competency to potential employers.

Find Online Cybersecurity Degrees

Start your journey toward a career in cybersecurity by exploring the online associate degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual community colleges to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.