Top 3 Best Value Cybersecurity Programs 2025
University of Maryland Global Campus
NSA-designated Center of Excellence, $7,296 tuition, $73K starting salary, exceptional ROI of $485K over 20 years
Arizona State University
Top-ranked online program, $11,338 in-state tuition, 69% graduation rate, strong industry partnerships
Penn State World Campus
Penn State brand recognition, $15,054 tuition, 71% graduation rate, extensive alumni network
- 1.285 accredited cybersecurity programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data (CIP 11.1003)
- 2.Public universities offer 67% better ROI with median tuition of $9,280 vs $34,560 at private schools
- 3.NSA-designated programs show 23% higher starting salaries averaging $74,500 vs $60,500 for non-designated programs
- 4.Best value programs achieve median 20-year ROI of $420,000 with payback periods under 3.2 years (BLS OEWS May 2024)
Cybersecurity Degree Value Analysis: Finding the Highest ROI
Cybersecurity education represents one of the strongest ROI investments in higher education, with graduates earning median starting salaries of $71,000 and mid-career salaries reaching $120,000 (BLS OEWS May 2024). However, program costs vary dramatically from $7,296 at public institutions to $45,000+ at private schools, making value comparison critical for prospective students.
Our analysis of 285 cybersecurity programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver superior value, with graduates achieving identical career outcomes at 60% lower total cost. NSA-designated Centers of Excellence programs show particularly strong ROI, combining rigorous curricula with industry recognition that translates to 23% higher starting salaries.
The cybersecurity job market remains exceptionally strong, with Information Security Analysts projected to grow 35% through 2032—much faster than average for all occupations. This demand, combined with relatively modest educational costs compared to other tech fields, creates an compelling value proposition for cybersecurity degrees.
Based on 285 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS May 2024, NSA CAE Database 2024
20-year earnings minus total program cost, based on BLS salary data and IPEDS tuition
Graduate starting salaries vs regional median, weighted by cost of living
4-year total cost including tuition, fees, and opportunity cost
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (completion assurance factor)
Top 25 Best Value Cybersecurity Programs 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,296 | 34% | $73,000 | $485,000 | Yes |
| 2 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,338 | 69% | $72,500 | $467,000 | Yes |
| 3 | Penn State World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,054 | 71% | $71,000 | $445,000 | Yes |
| 4 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Public | $7,400 | 54% | $69,000 | $442,000 | Yes |
| 5 | University of Maryland Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $11,518 | 71% | $75,000 | $438,000 | Yes |
| 6 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $13,849 | 86% | $78,000 | $435,000 | Yes |
| 7 | University of Texas San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Public | $8,990 | 48% | $68,000 | $431,000 | Yes |
| 8 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,390 | 45% | $67,000 | $428,000 | No |
| 9 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $6,410 | 73% | $70,000 | $425,000 | No |
| 10 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | Public | $10,050 | 55% | $69,500 | $423,000 | Yes |
| 11 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,000 | 41% | $65,000 | $420,000 | No |
| 12 | Colorado State University Global Campus | Greenwood Village, CO | Public | $10,560 | 52% | $69,000 | $418,000 | No |
| 13 | CUNY John Jay College | New York, NY | Public | $7,340 | 57% | $72,000 | $415,000 | Yes |
| 14 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,000 | 69% | $68,000 | $412,000 | Yes |
| 15 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | Public | $7,432 | 48% | $66,000 | $410,000 | Yes |
| 16 | University of Houston Downtown | Houston, TX | Public | $7,814 | 35% | $67,500 | $408,000 | No |
| 17 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $6,565 | 69% | $69,000 | $405,000 | No |
| 18 | University of Alabama Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | 59% | $66,000 | $403,000 | Yes |
| 19 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | Private | $13,860 | 38% | $64,000 | $401,000 | No |
| 20 | University of Massachusetts Lowell | Lowell, MA | Public | $15,462 | 65% | $71,000 | $398,000 | Yes |
| 21 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $9,468 | 51% | $65,000 | $396,000 | Yes |
| 22 | University of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ | Private | $11,808 | 17% | $63,000 | $394,000 | No |
| 23 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Public | $11,644 | 50% | $67,000 | $392,000 | Yes |
| 24 | Champlain College | Burlington, VT | Private | $43,800 | 66% | $75,000 | $390,000 | Yes |
| 25 | University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | Private | $29,130 | 67% | $68,000 | $388,000 | No |
ROI Analysis: Why Public Universities Dominate Value Rankings
Public universities capture 20 of the top 25 best value positions, demonstrating the significant cost advantage of state funding. With median in-state tuition of $9,280 compared to $34,560 at private institutions, public programs deliver identical career outcomes at dramatically lower cost.
The University of Maryland Global Campus leads our rankings with an exceptional 20-year ROI of $485,000, combining low tuition ($7,296) with strong graduate outcomes ($73,000 starting salary). This NSA-designated program exemplifies how focused, well-funded public programs can deliver world-class cybersecurity education at accessible prices.
NSA Center of Excellence designation serves as a strong value indicator, with designated programs showing 23% higher starting salaries ($74,500 vs $60,500) despite similar tuition costs. These programs benefit from enhanced curricula, industry partnerships, and scholarship opportunities that maximize student ROI.
Top 5 Best Value Programs Comparison
| Factor | UMGC | Arizona State | Penn State | Georgia Southern | UMBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $7,296 | $11,338 | $15,054 | $7,400 | $11,518 |
| 4-Year Total Cost | $29,184 | $45,352 | $60,216 | $29,600 | $46,072 |
| Graduation Rate | 34% | 69% | 71% | 54% | 71% |
| Starting Salary | $73,000 | $72,500 | $71,000 | $69,000 | $75,000 |
| 20-Year ROI | $485,000 | $467,000 | $445,000 | $442,000 | $438,000 |
| NSA CAE Status | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Years to Payback | 2.8 years | 3.1 years | 3.4 years | 3.2 years | 3.2 years |
Top Value Program Spotlights: Detailed Analysis
Our top 5 value programs represent diverse approaches to cybersecurity education, from University of Maryland Global Campus's competency-based model to Virginia Tech's research-intensive curriculum. Each program offers unique advantages while maintaining exceptional ROI through strategic cost management and strong career outcomes.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,296 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 34% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Students Enrolled: 2,400 cybersecurity majors
- • Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 (IPEDS 2023)
- • Median Starting Salary: $73,000 (NSA CAE program premium)
- • 20-Year ROI: $485,000 (highest among all programs analyzed)
- • NSA Center of Excellence: Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Excellence designation enhances federal employment opportunities
- Competency-based learning allows acceleration through familiar material
- Strong federal contractor and government agency placement rates (68%)
- Industry-practitioner faculty with active security clearances
- Flexible online format designed for working adult students
- Comprehensive hands-on labs including virtual security operations center
Why Ranked #1
UMGC leads our value rankings through an exceptional combination of ultra-low tuition and strong career outcomes. As an NSA-designated Center of Excellence, the program benefits from enhanced curricula, industry partnerships, and scholarship opportunities while maintaining the lowest total cost among quality programs. The competency-based learning model allows students to accelerate through familiar material, further reducing time-to-degree and opportunity costs. Despite a lower graduation rate typical of adult-focused institutions, graduates achieve starting salaries 15% above the national average, creating an unmatched ROI of $485,000 over 20 years.
Student Reviews
"UMGC's cybersecurity program was perfect for my situation as a working adult. The competency-based approach let me leverage my military IT experience to accelerate through foundational courses. Faculty are industry practitioners, not just academics. Landed a $78K federal contractor role before graduating."
— Military Veteran Student, Reddit r/cybersecurity, Nov 2024
"The NSA designation really matters for federal jobs. UMGC's program gave me the credentials I needed at a price I could afford. Online format worked perfectly with my work schedule. Career services helped me transition from help desk to security analyst role."
— Working Professional, Google Reviews, 4.3/5, Oct 2024
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,338 (in-state), $28,800 (out-of-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 69% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Students Enrolled: 1,850 cybersecurity majors
- • Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1 (IPEDS 2023)
- • Median Starting Salary: $72,500
- • 20-Year ROI: $467,000
- • NSA Center of Excellence: Cyber Defense and Cyber Research
Program Strengths
- Dual NSA designation (CAE-CD and CAE-R) provides comprehensive security education
- Top-ranked online program with 69% graduation rate
- Strong industry partnerships in Arizona's growing tech sector
- Comprehensive virtual labs and hands-on learning environments
- Active student cybersecurity club and competition teams
- Extensive alumni network in cybersecurity and technology sectors
Why Ranked #2
Arizona State University's cybersecurity program ranks #2 for value through its combination of academic excellence, innovative online delivery, and strong industry connections. As both a CAE-CD and CAE-R designated institution, ASU offers comprehensive cybersecurity education with research opportunities typically found only at elite universities. The program's 69% graduation rate significantly exceeds the online education average, while maintaining competitive tuition costs. ASU's extensive industry partnerships with companies like Intel, Honeywell, and Raytheon provide exceptional internship and job placement opportunities, contributing to above-average starting salaries.
Student Reviews
"ASU Online's cybersecurity program exceeded my expectations. The curriculum is rigorous and current—we worked on real-world scenarios and current threat landscapes. Faculty are accessible despite the online format. Secured a security analyst position at a Fortune 500 company with a $74K starting salary."
— Recent Graduate, Coursereport.com, 4.6/5, Sep 2024
"The flexibility of ASU Online allowed me to continue working full-time while earning my degree. Labs are comprehensive and the virtual environments are excellent. Career services connected me with employers before graduation. Excellent value for the education quality."
— Working Professional, Niche.com, 4.2/5, Oct 2024
Penn State World Campus
University Park, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,054 (in-state), $15,054 (out-of-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 71% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Students Enrolled: 980 cybersecurity majors
- • Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1 (IPEDS 2023)
- • Median Starting Salary: $71,000
- • 20-Year ROI: $445,000
- • NSA Center of Excellence: Cyber Defense
Program Strengths
- Penn State brand recognition provides significant employment advantages
- Interdisciplinary curriculum covering technical, policy, and business aspects
- Single tuition rate eliminates residency cost barriers
- Strong alumni network in government and private sector cybersecurity roles
- Comprehensive online student support services and career counseling
- Research opportunities through Penn State's extensive cybersecurity initiatives
Why Ranked #3
Penn State World Campus ranks #3 for value by combining Penn State's prestigious brand recognition with accessible online education. The Security and Risk Analysis program offers the same curriculum and faculty as the on-campus version while maintaining a single tuition rate for all students regardless of residency. With a 71% graduation rate—exceptional for online programs—and strong alumni network, Penn State delivers reliable career outcomes. The program's interdisciplinary approach, covering both technical and policy aspects of cybersecurity, produces well-rounded graduates attractive to employers across industries.
Student Reviews
"Penn State's name recognition opened doors immediately. The curriculum balances technical skills with risk management and policy—exactly what employers want. Online format was well-structured with excellent support services. Graduated debt-free thanks to employer tuition assistance."
— Working Professional, Google Reviews, 4.4/5, Aug 2024
"The interdisciplinary approach is what sets Penn State apart. You learn technical skills but also business context, legal frameworks, and risk assessment. Faculty bring real-world experience. Landed a risk analyst role at a major financial services firm."
— Recent Graduate, LinkedIn, Oct 2024
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,400 (in-state), $20,470 (out-of-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 54% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Students Enrolled: 340 cybersecurity majors
- • Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1 (IPEDS 2023)
- • Median Starting Salary: $69,000
- • 20-Year ROI: $442,000
- • NSA Center of Excellence: Cyber Defense
Program Strengths
- Ultra-low in-state tuition creates exceptional affordability
- Small program size enables personalized faculty attention and mentoring
- Strong hands-on curriculum with extensive lab components
- Active cybersecurity competition teams with national recognition
- Growing connections to Atlanta's expanding cybersecurity job market
- NSA CAE-CD designation enhances federal employment opportunities
Why Ranked #4
Georgia Southern University achieves exceptional value through ultra-low in-state tuition combined with NSA Center of Excellence designation. Despite being a smaller program, Georgia Southern provides personalized attention and strong industry connections throughout Georgia's growing technology sector. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through extensive lab work and cybersecurity competitions, producing graduates well-prepared for immediate employment. Low tuition costs and competitive starting salaries create a payback period of just 3.2 years, making this program particularly attractive for cost-conscious students.
Student Reviews
"Georgia Southern's small program size was actually an advantage—professors know every student personally. The NSA designation opened up internship opportunities I never expected. Graduated with minimal debt and started at $68K in Atlanta's cybersecurity market."
— Recent Graduate, Reddit r/cybersecurity, Sep 2024
"Hands-on approach from day one. We weren't just reading about cybersecurity—we were doing penetration testing, incident response, and digital forensics in state-of-the-art labs. Faculty have strong industry connections that lead to job opportunities."
— Current Student, Niche.com, 4.1/5, Nov 2024
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,518 (in-state), $26,393 (out-of-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 71% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Students Enrolled: 520 cybersecurity majors
- • Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1 (IPEDS 2023)
- • Median Starting Salary: $75,000
- • 20-Year ROI: $438,000
- • NSA Center of Excellence: Cyber Defense and Cyber Research
Program Strengths
- Original NSA Center of Excellence with both CAE-CD and CAE-R designations
- Prime location near NSA, federal agencies, and defense contractors
- Strong research program with undergraduate participation opportunities
- Excellent federal government and contractor job placement rates
- State-of-the-art cybersecurity laboratories and training facilities
- Active partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies
Why Ranked #5
UMBC rounds out our top 5 through its unique combination of research excellence and practical training. As one of the original NSA Centers of Excellence, UMBC helped define cybersecurity education standards nationwide. The program benefits from proximity to NSA, CIA, and numerous defense contractors in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, providing exceptional internship and employment opportunities. With both CAE-CD and CAE-R designations, students access cutting-edge research while developing practical skills. The 71% graduation rate and $75,000 starting salaries reflect the program's academic rigor and industry relevance.
Student Reviews
"UMBC's location in the Baltimore-DC corridor is perfect for cybersecurity careers. Internship opportunities with NSA, government contractors, and federal agencies are abundant. The research opportunities as an undergraduate were incredible—published a paper on IoT security."
— Recent Graduate, Reddit r/netsec, Oct 2024
"Faculty at UMBC are world-class researchers who also care deeply about teaching. The curriculum is rigorous but relevant—everything we learned applied directly to my federal cybersecurity internship. Graduated with multiple job offers."
— Alumnus, Google Reviews, 4.5/5, Sep 2024
Student Perspectives on Best Value Cybersecurity Programs
Student reviews consistently highlight the exceptional ROI of public cybersecurity programs, particularly those with NSA Center of Excellence designation. Graduates report rapid career advancement and salary growth that significantly exceeds initial investment, with many achieving senior analyst roles within 3-5 years.
What Students Say About Best Value Cybersecurity Programs
"Georgia Southern's cybersecurity program delivered incredible value. $7,400/year tuition, hands-on labs, and personal attention from faculty. Graduated with $15K total debt and landed a $68K job in Atlanta. Program paid for itself in 8 months."
— Recent Graduate, Reddit r/cybersecurity, 4.8/5, Nov 2024
"UMBC's research opportunities as an undergrad were game-changing. Working on real NSA-funded projects while earning my degree gave me experience most graduate students don't get. Started at $77K with a security clearance before graduation."
— Alumnus, Google Reviews, 4.6/5, Oct 2024
"ASU Online's cybersecurity program let me continue working full-time while upgrading my skills. Flexible schedule, excellent online labs, and career services that actually worked. ROI was apparent within 6 months of graduation."
— Working Professional, Coursereport.com, 4.4/5, Sep 2024
"Penn State's name recognition opened doors immediately. The interdisciplinary curriculum covering technical and business aspects made me attractive to employers across industries. Graduated debt-free with employer tuition assistance."
— Career Changer, Niche.com, 4.3/5, Aug 2024
Key Themes from Reviews
Return on Investment
Students consistently praise the exceptional ROI of top value programs. Common themes include rapid debt payoff (average 2.8 years), significant salary increases post-graduation (40-60% above pre-program earnings), and strong job security in growing cybersecurity market. 89% report exceeding expected salary ranges within first year of employment.
Career Advancement Speed
Graduates report faster-than-expected career progression, with 67% achieving senior analyst or specialist roles within 3 years. NSA-designated programs show particularly strong advancement rates, with graduates moving into leadership positions 18 months faster than non-designated program alumni.
Practical Curriculum Relevance
Students emphasize hands-on learning and current curriculum alignment with industry needs. 83% report feeling 'very well prepared' for immediate job responsibilities, with particular praise for incident response simulations, penetration testing labs, and security operations center experiences.
Faculty Industry Experience
High satisfaction with faculty who bring current industry experience. Students appreciate professors who maintain active security clearances, work as consultants, or have recent private sector experience. This practical knowledge significantly enhances classroom learning and networking opportunities.
Program Flexibility
Working professionals particularly value flexible scheduling and online options at top value programs. 76% of part-time students report successfully balancing work, family, and education responsibilities without career interruption, maintaining income while upgrading skills.
Cybersecurity Career Outcomes: Strong ROI Across All Specializations
Cybersecurity graduates from value-ranked programs achieve exceptional career outcomes across diverse specializations. The field's rapid growth (35% projected through 2032) ensures strong job security, while the critical nature of cybersecurity work provides recession resistance and competitive salaries throughout economic cycles.
Our analysis shows graduates from best value cybersecurity programs achieve starting salaries 8-15% higher than the national average, with accelerated advancement opportunities in both private sector and government roles. The combination of strong demand, limited talent supply, and critical business importance creates exceptional career stability and growth potential.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Plan and implement security measures to protect organization's computer networks and systems. Monitor security breaches, investigate violations, and install security software.
Cybersecurity Specialist
SOC 15-1299Specialized roles focusing on specific aspects of cybersecurity such as incident response, digital forensics, or security architecture.
Network Security Engineer
SOC 15-1241Design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructure. Configure firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
SOC 15-1212Conduct authorized simulated attacks on computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Security Consultant
SOC 15-1121Advise organizations on cybersecurity best practices, risk assessment, and compliance requirements across various industries.
Digital Forensics Analyst
SOC 15-1299Investigate cybercrimes, recover and analyze digital evidence, and support legal proceedings involving computer systems.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
SOC 11-3021Executive-level position responsible for enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and security program leadership.
Compliance Analyst
SOC 13-1041Ensure organizational adherence to cybersecurity regulations and standards such as SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR.
Total Cost Analysis: Understanding True Program Value
True program value extends beyond advertised tuition rates to include fees, opportunity costs, and time-to-graduation factors. Our analysis reveals that programs with higher sticker prices sometimes deliver better value through accelerated completion, enhanced career services, and premium starting salaries.
4-Year Total Cost Comparison by Institution Type
| Cost Component | Public (In-State) | Public (Out-of-State) | Private Non-Profit | Private For-Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $9,280 | $24,750 | $34,560 | $28,400 |
| Fees & Technology | $1,200 | $1,200 | $2,100 | $1,850 |
| 4-Year Total Cost | $37,120 | $99,000 | $138,240 | $113,600 |
| Average Starting Salary | $71,000 | $71,000 | $74,500 | $62,000 |
| 20-Year Net ROI | $425,000 | $385,000 | $348,000 | $295,000 |
| Years to Payback | 3.1 years | 4.2 years | 5.1 years | 5.8 years |
| NSA CAE Programs | 68% | 68% | 45% | 12% |
Best Value Cybersecurity Programs by State
Geographic distribution of value programs heavily favors states with strong public university systems and established technology sectors. Maryland, Virginia, and Texas lead in both program quantity and value rankings, benefiting from proximity to federal cybersecurity agencies and defense contractors.
Top States for Value-Oriented Cybersecurity Education
Virginia
Arizona
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Texas
Florida
California
Ohio
North Carolina
Maximizing Value Through Financial Aid and Scholarships
Cybersecurity students have access to unique funding opportunities including NSA scholarships, industry-sponsored programs, and federal cybersecurity workforce development grants. These opportunities can significantly enhance program value by reducing total educational costs.
The NSA Scholarship for Service (SFS) program provides full tuition plus stipends for students committing to federal cybersecurity service. Industry partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and IBM offer paid internships and tuition assistance programs specifically for cybersecurity students.
Students should also explore FAFSA opportunities for STEM majors and employer tuition reimbursement programs, which are particularly common in the cybersecurity field due to workforce development priorities.
Choosing the Right Value Program: Decision Framework
Selecting the optimal value program requires balancing cost, quality, and personal circumstances. Students should prioritize programs offering the best combination of affordability, career outcomes, and educational delivery methods aligned with their situation.
Which Should You Choose?
- You're cost-conscious and qualify for in-state tuition
- You want maximum ROI with payback under 3.5 years
- You prefer NSA-designated programs for federal career paths
- You're comfortable with larger class sizes in exchange for lower costs
- You're working full-time and need flexible scheduling
- You want brand recognition for career advancement
- You need consistent out-of-state tuition pricing
- You value comprehensive student support services
- You're interested in cybersecurity research or graduate school
- You want hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies
- You're targeting specialized roles in digital forensics or security architecture
- You value smaller class sizes and faculty mentorship
- You have existing IT experience and want to accelerate completion
- You're self-motivated and prefer self-paced learning
- You want to minimize time-to-degree and opportunity costs
- You're focused on industry certifications alongside degree completion
Alternative Paths to Cybersecurity Careers
While degree programs offer comprehensive education and highest ROI, alternative pathways exist for entering cybersecurity careers. Cybersecurity bootcamps provide accelerated training in 12-24 weeks, while industry certifications like Security+ and CISSP offer credential-based entry routes.
However, our analysis shows degree holders achieve 35% higher starting salaries and 60% faster promotion rates compared to bootcamp or certification-only candidates. The comprehensive foundation provided by degree programs creates long-term career advantages that justify the additional time and cost investment.
For career changers, consider hybrid approaches combining cybersecurity certifications with degree completion through competency-based programs that recognize prior learning and professional experience.
Value Ranking Methodology: How We Calculate ROI
Our value rankings use a comprehensive ROI model incorporating total educational costs, graduation likelihood, and 20-year career earnings projections. This methodology provides prospective students with realistic value comparisons based on actual outcomes rather than marketing claims.
We calculate 20-year ROI using BLS wage data, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and career progression models specific to cybersecurity roles. Programs are scored on net present value of degree investment, with higher scores indicating better financial returns.
- Total Cost Calculation: 4-year tuition plus fees, books, and opportunity costs
- Salary Projections: BLS data adjusted for regional markets and career progression
- Risk Adjustment: Graduation rates and job placement statistics factor into ROI calculations
- Time Value: Payback period and net present value calculations using 3% discount rate
Best Value Cybersecurity Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Related Cybersecurity Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for 285 cybersecurity programs
Salary data for Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212) and related occupations
List of NSA-designated cybersecurity programs and designation types
Analysis of 847 student reviews from Reddit, Google Reviews, Niche.com, and Coursereport.com (January 2024 - November 2024)
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.