Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Georgia 2025
Georgia Institute of Technology
NSA/DHS designated Center of Excellence with world-class research in cryptography and network security. Direct pipeline to Atlanta tech companies
Georgia Southern University
NSA designated program with strong hands-on training and excellent value at under $7,500 annual tuition
Kennesaw State University
Rapidly growing program with strong industry partnerships and cybersecurity lab facilities serving metro Atlanta
- 1.Georgia has 15+ accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 4 NSA/DHS designated Centers of Excellence
- 2.Georgia Tech ranks #1 in the state with 90% graduation rate and world-renowned cybersecurity research
- 3.Georgia offers exceptional value with most programs under $13,000 annual in-state tuition
- 4.Georgia cybersecurity analysts earn median $98,350 annually—6% above national median (BLS Georgia 2024)
- 5.Atlanta serves as the Southeast's cybersecurity hub with major employers like CDC, Delta, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola
Cybersecurity Education Landscape in Georgia
Georgia has established itself as a major cybersecurity education hub in the Southeast, with programs ranging from prestigious Georgia Tech to affordable regional universities. The state's combination of strong academic programs, industry partnerships, and growing tech sector in Atlanta creates an ideal environment for cybersecurity students.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students concerned about costs should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Georgia-specific compensation data and job market insights.
Georgia's cybersecurity programs benefit from proximity to major corporations like Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and the Centers for Disease Control, all of which have significant cybersecurity needs and offer internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Georgia May 2024, NSA CAE Program
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility to professors
Georgia-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
National Security Agency Centers of Excellence status
Georgia Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | Public | $12,682 | 90% | 19:1 | Yes | 96.5 |
| 2 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | Public | $7,348 | 78% | 21:1 | Yes | 89.2 |
| 3 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | Public | $7,433 | 75% | 22:1 | No | 87.8 |
| 4 | University of Georgia | Athens | Public | $12,080 | 85% | 18:1 | Yes | 86.4 |
| 5 | Augusta University | Augusta | Public | $10,264 | 73% | 16:1 | Yes | 85.1 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | Public | $11,858 | 69% | 24:1 | No | 82.7 |
| 7 | Mercer University | Macon | Private | $39,940 | 81% | 13:1 | No | 81.5 |
| 8 | Columbus State University | Columbus | Public | $7,284 | 66% | 18:1 | No | 79.8 |
| 9 | Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville | Public | $9,426 | 72% | 17:1 | No | 78.9 |
| 10 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta | Public | $6,970 | 65% | 20:1 | No | 77.2 |
| 11 | Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus | Public | $6,998 | 62% | 19:1 | No | 75.8 |
| 12 | Albany State University | Albany | Public | $6,872 | 58% | 17:1 | No | 74.3 |
| 13 | Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta | Private | $27,756 | 64% | 16:1 | No | 73.5 |
| 14 | Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | Public | $6,944 | 55% | 18:1 | No | 72.1 |
| 15 | Savannah State University | Savannah | Public | $6,866 | 53% | 19:1 | No | 71 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia • University
Program Highlights
- • 90% graduation rate - highest among Georgia cybersecurity programs
- • Average starting salary of $95,000 for graduates
- • 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • Located in Atlanta's tech corridor with abundant internship opportunities
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Excellence designation with top security clearance opportunities
- World-renowned research in cryptography, network security, and cyber-physical systems
- Direct industry partnerships with Atlanta Fortune 500 companies
- State-of-the-art cybersecurity labs and simulation environments
- Strong alumni network in government and private sector cybersecurity roles
Why Ranked #1
Georgia Tech's cybersecurity program stands as one of the nation's premier programs, designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Excellence. The program combines world-class research with practical application, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and direct connections to Atlanta's thriving tech ecosystem.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia • University
Program Highlights
- • 78% graduation rate with strong job placement
- • $7,348 annual in-state tuition - exceptional value
- • 21:1 student-faculty ratio for quality instruction
- • Growing alumni network in cybersecurity field
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Excellence designation at extremely affordable tuition
- Hands-on curriculum with extensive cybersecurity lab exercises
- Strong industry connections throughout Georgia and Southeast
- Dedicated cybersecurity faculty with industry experience
- Active cybersecurity club and competition teams
Why Ranked #2
Georgia Southern's cybersecurity program offers exceptional value as an NSA-designated Center of Excellence at under $7,500 annual tuition. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with extensive lab work and real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia • University
Program Highlights
- • 75% graduation rate with improving outcomes
- • $7,433 annual tuition - affordable Georgia education
- • 22:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Convenient location for Atlanta area internships and jobs
Program Strengths
- Rapidly expanding program with modern facilities and curriculum
- Strong connections to Atlanta metro area employers
- Emphasis on practical cybersecurity skills and certifications
- Active industry advisory board guiding curriculum development
- Growing research opportunities in cybersecurity
Why Ranked #3
Kennesaw State's cybersecurity program has rapidly grown to become one of Georgia's strongest, serving the metro Atlanta area with practical, industry-focused education. The program benefits from close proximity to Atlanta's business district and major corporations.
Georgia's University Systems for Cybersecurity
Georgia's cybersecurity education is anchored by the University System of Georgia (USG), which includes flagship institutions like Georgia Tech and UGA alongside regional universities serving specific areas of the state.
The Georgia Institute of Technology leads as the state's premier technical institution, offering world-class cybersecurity research and education. The University of Georgia provides comprehensive cybersecurity programs with strong liberal arts foundations, while regional universities like Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State offer more affordable alternatives with quality instruction.
Students interested in specialized cybersecurity tracks should consider Georgia Tech's focus on cryptography and systems security, UGA's emphasis on cybersecurity policy and management, or Augusta University's healthcare cybersecurity specialization. For those seeking online cybersecurity degrees, several Georgia institutions offer fully online or hybrid programs.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212.00Monitor networks, investigate security breaches, and implement security measures for Georgia corporations and government agencies
Information Security Engineer
Design and implement security systems for Atlanta's major corporations including Delta, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot
Penetration Tester
Conduct security assessments and vulnerability testing for Georgia businesses and government entities
Security Consultant
Provide cybersecurity expertise to small and medium businesses throughout Georgia
Incident Response Specialist
Lead cybersecurity incident response for critical infrastructure and healthcare organizations in Georgia
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Virginia
North Carolina
New York
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $8,500 | $24,800 | $32,500 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $22,000 | $38,300 | $46,000 |
| Financial Aid Availability | High | Moderate | High |
| Class Sizes | Medium | Medium | Small |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Very Strong |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Atlanta's growing tech and cybersecurity job market
- Affordable in-state tuition with quality education options
- NSA-designated programs with government career pathways
- Proximity to major corporations with cybersecurity needs
- Moderate cost of living compared to other tech hubs
- More extensive cybersecurity program options
- Larger tech ecosystems (California, Texas, New York)
- Specialized cybersecurity research opportunities
- Higher starting salaries (though higher cost of living)
- More diverse cybersecurity specializations
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Cybersecurity Programs
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data
Georgia-specific salary and employment data
NSA/DHS cybersecurity program designations
Official enrollment and program information
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.