Programs.com, a leading resource on cybersecurity education, careers, and certifications, has published a comprehensive new study analyzing the cost of cybersecurity degree programs in the United States. Drawing on data from 283 accredited institutions, the report provides a detailed look at tuition costs by delivery method, location, and institutional designation.
With cybersecurity careers continuing to grow in demand, students are often encouraged to pursue degrees in the field—but few resources clearly break down how much those degrees actually cost. This new study offers an up-to-date and evidence-backed answer to that question.
“There’s no shortage of career advice online when it comes to cybersecurity,” said Brian Dean, founder of Programs.com as well as Backlinko and Exploding Topics. “But too often, prospective students don’t have access to reliable cost data. We built this report to offer transparency in a field where real numbers are hard to find.”
Key Findings from the 2025 Study
The average cost of a cybersecurity degree in the U.S. is $17,875.42
Out-of-state tuition averages $22,249, nearly double the $11,660 in-state average
The most expensive program costs $102,840; the least expensive costs just $1,058
The Northeast is the most expensive region to study cybersecurity, with average tuition of $21,823.67
The West offers the most affordable in-state tuition at $8,566.62 on average
Online-only programs tend to cost more than campus-based options
40% of programs are designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), and these tend to cost slightly more on average
Regional Disparities
The study found stark tuition differences depending on where a student enrolls. For example, students in the Northeast pay the most, averaging over $21,000 for a full program, while those in the Western states pay closer to $16,000 on average. When comparing in-state costs alone, the West becomes even more attractive, offering the lowest average in-state tuition at just $8,566.62.
On the other hand, out-of-state students can pay significantly more—up to three times the in-state rate depending on the institution and region.
Cost by Delivery Method
Programs.com also found meaningful differences based on how the degree is delivered:
Campus-only programs, which make up over 60% of all offerings, cost $9,739 in-state on average
Online-only degrees are relatively rare (just 6.4% of all programs) but are the most expensive, averaging $19,283 in-state and $26,606 out-of-state
Hybrid programs, while less common, can offer more balance in cost and flexibility
“A lot of students assume online programs will be cheaper, but in many cases, the opposite is true,” Dean noted. “This report gives students the data they need to evaluate whether that added convenience is worth the additional tuition.”
Credit Load and Value
The average cybersecurity degree program requires 64 credits, but that figure can range widely. Some associate degrees require as few as 23 credits, while others demand over 100. The study revealed that some of the highest-cost programs also have unusually high credit loads—but not always. The most expensive program in the study, offered by St. John’s University, charges $1,714 per credit for just 60 credits.
Conversely, Mt. San Antonio College in California offers a full cybersecurity associate degree for just $1,058—a price point roughly 100 times cheaper than St. John’s.
CAE Designation Impact
Programs designated as Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE-CD or CAE-R) often carry more prestige and are aligned with federal standards. However, they also tend to cost slightly more: $12,097 in-state versus $11,390 for non-designated programs. Out-of-state costs for CAE programs average $23,179.
Looking Ahead
Dean sees this report as just the beginning of what Programs.com plans to offer. “We’re already working on tools to help users filter programs by price, location, and format. We’re also exploring a YouTube channel to explain cybersecurity career paths in a more visual, accessible way,” he said.
The full study, complete with tables, charts, and methodology, is available now atPrograms.com.
