How To Pay for a Cybersecurity Degree Program

Students can explore many avenues, from scholarships to payment plans, to determine how to pay for a cybersecurity degree program.

Below are some ways individuals can afford a college degree to achieve their education goals, leading to an exciting and rewarding cybersecurity career.

How To Pay for a Cybersecurity Degree Program

Looking for options to defray the cost of getting a cybersecurity degree? Here are a few possibilities to consider.

Federal Student Aid

To assist students in funding their education, the U.S. government offers financial aid programs such as grants, work-study, and low-interest loans.

The Federal Pell Grant is an example of a program that gives financial aid to students who qualify based on their needs. It is a good option for those who require help paying for a cybersecurity degree because it doesn't need to be reimbursed.

Different types of Federal Student Loans are also available through the U.S. Department of Education for graduate and undergraduate students who meet certain criteria.

To apply for these programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assesses their financial situation to determine eligibility.

Cybersecurity Scholarships

Students seeking financing for their degrees can find many cybersecurity scholarship opportunities available.

They benefit those who aspire to become cybersecurity professionals, with many scholarships explicitly tailored for individuals pursuing cyber-related degrees.

For instance, many cybersecurity degree scholarships for veterans are available that help reduce the cost of tuition for those with a military background looking for a cyber-related role.

Examples of cybersecurity scholarships include:

• The ISC2 Foundation specializes in information security training and offers numerous scholarships to eligible students pursuing cybersecurity degrees, which can significantly reduce tuition expenses.
• The Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Scholarship provides full funding for cybersecurity students, including tuition, books, and healthcare; recipients must work for the DoD for one year per scholarship year.
• The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship aims to support women in pursuing careers in cybersecurity and offers up to $20,000 to those studying STEM fields.

Scholarships are an excellent financial aid option as they typically do not require repayment. Many institutions provide them, and several are available through various public and private organizations.

Military Benefits

Individuals who have served or are currently serving in the military have a variety of financial assistance programs available to them, with many covering the total costs of getting an education in cybersecurity.

The GI Bill, for instance, can help pay for education expenses, such as tuition, fees, and even housing allowances. Some may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, intended for those on active duty after September 10, 2001.

There are various ways in which veterans are eligible for free cybersecurity training. For example, Syracuse University, through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), offers the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) career training program.

This program is free and available online for veterans and their families. It provides access to cybersecurity training and certifications such as CompTIA to prepare for high-paying information technology jobs.

Tuition Payment Plans

Paying for college tuition in a single payment can be challenging. Most schools want all costs for the semester to be paid upfront, but many also offer the option of tuition payment plans.

For example, the SANS Technology Institute is a leading provider of cybersecurity programs and has several undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity degrees and certificates.

It offers a Tuition Payment Program (TPP) for eligible students enrolling in cybersecurity studies, which allows them to pay for their degree or certificate in monthly installments with no interest.

These plans, also known as tuition installment plans or deferred payment plans, allow students to spread out the costs over a certain period. They are an excellent alternative to taking out loans and a smart way to pay for a cybersecurity degree program.

Online Learning and Part-Time Options

Enrolling in online cybersecurity degree programs and taking advantage of part-time options can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional on-campus full-time studies.

Online learning programs are sometimes more affordable than in-person because students do not have to spend money on housing or commuting.

Distance education also provides flexible and convenient opportunities for part-time students to pursue their degrees while working and earning a salary to pay for education expenses.

Examples of institutions offering online cybersecurity degree programs include:

• Southern New Hampshire University delivers associate and bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity through the convenience of online education.
• Purdue University has a global campus that offers a master's degree in cybersecurity and a bachelor's program with several concentration options, such as cloud computing or data management.
• Grand Canyon University provides primarily online degree programs, including its bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity.

When looking for how to pay for a cybersecurity degree program, students will discover many nationwide accredited colleges deliver various options to fit their needs, including through online education.

How Much Does a Cybersecurity Degree Cost?

The cost of a cybersecurity degree will vary by college and specific program. For example, the Master of Science degree in cybersecurity at Purdue University is $420 a credit and requires 60 credits. Its Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity costs $371 per credit and requires 180 credits.

Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's cybersecurity degree is $330 per credit, and Grand Canyon University charges $485 per credit, with both programs requiring 120 credits to graduate.

Is a Cybersecurity Degree Worth It?

Given the high demand for cyber-related jobs and many employers' preference for college-educated professionals, obtaining a cybersecurity degree is worth it for many individuals.

The cybersecurity industry offers job stability and lucrative career opportunities for degree holders, highlighting the value of pursuing a college education and cyber-related training.

Learn How to Pay for a Cybersecurity Degree Today

There are various options available for students looking for how to pay for a cybersecurity degree program.

Exploring these avenues will guide them toward finding the most suitable financial support to achieve their educational goals of getting a cybersecurity degree.