Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina 2025
North Carolina State University
NSA Center of Academic Excellence with leading cybersecurity research institute and direct Research Triangle partnerships
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
NSA designated program with strong industry connections to Charlotte's growing fintech and banking security sectors
Western Carolina University
Comprehensive cybersecurity program with NSA designation and hands-on penetration testing labs
- 1.North Carolina has 18 accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.NC State ranks #1 in North Carolina with 82% graduation rate and premier cybersecurity research institute
- 3.8 programs hold NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations - more than most states (NSA 2025)
- 4.North Carolina cybersecurity analysts earn median $98,740 annually - 2% above national average (BLS North Carolina 2024)
- 5.Research Triangle, Charlotte, and Greensboro provide 12,500+ cybersecurity jobs with Bank of America, Credit Suisse, and Red Hat
Cybersecurity Education in North Carolina
North Carolina has emerged as a major cybersecurity education hub, with 18 accredited programs serving the growing demand from Research Triangle tech companies, Charlotte's financial sector, and federal agencies. The state leads the Southeast in NSA-designated programs, offering students rigorous academic preparation and direct pathways to high-paying security careers.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide, and those exploring career outcomes can check our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for North Carolina-specific compensation data.
North Carolina's cybersecurity landscape benefits from the Research Triangle's concentration of tech companies, Charlotte's banking and fintech sector, and military installations requiring security expertise. Major employers like Bank of America, Red Hat, IBM, and SAS actively recruit from state programs, creating strong job placement outcomes.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS North Carolina May 2024, NSA CAE Database
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Center of Academic Excellence recognition and curriculum rigor
North Carolina-specific salaries from BLS OEWS data
Employer partnerships and internship placement rates
North Carolina Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh | Public | $9,058 | 82% | Yes | 94.8 |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte | Public | $7,019 | 73% | Yes | 91.2 |
| 3 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | Public | $7,469 | 69% | Yes | 88.5 |
| 4 | East Carolina University | Greenville | Public | $7,239 | 67% | Yes | 85.9 |
| 5 | Appalachian State University | Boone | Public | $7,446 | 77% | No | 84.2 |
| 6 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington | Public | $7,285 | 72% | Yes | 83.7 |
| 7 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | Private | $62,128 | 89% | No | 83.1 |
| 8 | Duke University | Durham | Private | $63,054 | 95% | No | 82.4 |
| 9 | Campbell University | Buies Creek | Private | $37,350 | 64% | Yes | 80.8 |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro | Public | $7,331 | 58% | Yes | 79.5 |
| 11 | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | Public | $6,781 | 56% | Yes | 78.2 |
| 12 | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville | Public | $5,985 | 42% | No | 75.8 |
| 13 | UNC Asheville | Asheville | Public | $7,366 | 68% | No | 75.1 |
| 14 | High Point University | High Point | Private | $39,900 | 75% | No | 74.3 |
| 15 | Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory | Private | $38,150 | 63% | No | 72.9 |
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate - highest among NC public universities
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • Active cybersecurity club with national competition wins
- • Co-op program placing students at major Research Triangle employers
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation with rigorous curriculum standards
- Dedicated Cybersecurity Research Institute with $15M+ in annual funding
- Industry partnerships with IBM, Red Hat, SAS, and Cisco for internships and jobs
- State-of-the-art penetration testing labs and incident response simulation center
- Strong placement rate (92%) with average starting salaries of $78,000
Why Ranked #1
NC State leads North Carolina in cybersecurity education with its NSA-designated program, world-class research institute, and direct partnerships with Research Triangle technology companies. The program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on labs and real-world security challenges.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on labs at NC State prepared me perfectly for my security analyst role at Red Hat. The faculty have real industry experience and the networking opportunities are incredible."
— Class of 2023 Graduate
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 73% graduation rate with strong job placement in Charlotte metro
- • New $12M cybersecurity building with modern lab facilities
- • Industry advisory board including executives from major banks
- • Student-run security consulting program serving local businesses
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence with focus on financial sector security
- Strong connections to Charlotte's banking and fintech industries
- Specialized tracks in digital forensics and risk management
- Active internship partnerships with Bank of America and Wells Fargo
- Affordable tuition at $7,019 for in-state students
Why Ranked #2
UNC Charlotte's cybersecurity program leverages the city's position as a major financial center, providing students direct access to banking, fintech, and consulting security roles. The NSA-designated program emphasizes both technical skills and business context.
Student Reviews
"UNC Charlotte's program gave me the perfect blend of technical and business skills. I landed a cybersecurity consultant role at a major bank right after graduation."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 69% graduation rate with personalized student support
- • Active participation in national cybersecurity competitions
- • Internship placements at FBI, NSA, and defense contractors
- • Mountain campus providing focused learning environment
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence with comprehensive curriculum
- Specialized penetration testing and digital forensics labs
- Small class sizes with 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Strong partnerships with federal agencies and defense contractors
- Affordable tuition with excellent value proposition
Why Ranked #3
Western Carolina offers one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity programs in the region, with NSA designation and specialized tracks in forensics, penetration testing, and incident response. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world scenarios.
Student Reviews
"WCU's cybersecurity program is rigorous but incredibly supportive. The professors really care about student success and the hands-on labs prepared me for real security challenges."
— Current Senior
North Carolina University Systems Overview
North Carolina's cybersecurity education landscape is anchored by the University of North Carolina System, which operates 16 campuses across the state. Eight UNC system schools offer cybersecurity programs, with NC State and UNC Charlotte leading in research and industry partnerships.
The UNC system schools provide excellent value for cybersecurity education, with in-state tuition ranging from $5,985 at Fayetteville State to $9,058 at NC State. Most programs hold or are pursuing NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations, ensuring curriculum meets national cybersecurity education standards.
Private universities like Wake Forest and Duke offer smaller class sizes and extensive resources, though at significantly higher tuition costs. Campbell University stands out among private schools with both affordability and NSA designation, making it an attractive middle-ground option.
Community colleges throughout North Carolina also offer cybersecurity associate degrees and certificates, providing affordable pathways to four-year programs. Many have articulation agreements with UNC system schools for seamless transfer.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and develop security protocols for North Carolina's banking and tech sectors
Information Security Manager
Oversee security teams and develop enterprise-wide security strategies for Research Triangle companies and financial institutions
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities for consulting firms and internal security teams
Digital Forensics Investigator
Analyze digital evidence for law enforcement, legal firms, and corporate investigations across North Carolina
Security Consultant
Provide cybersecurity expertise to businesses and government agencies, often focusing on compliance and risk assessment
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Virginia
Georgia
Pennsylvania
Illinois
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $7,300 | $23,500 | $45,200 |
| Class Size | 25-40 students | 25-40 students | 15-25 students |
| NSA Designation | Common (8/11) | Common (8/11) | Less Common (1/4) |
| Industry Connections | Strong Regional | Strong Regional | Strong + National |
| Research Opportunities | Available | Available | Extensive |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $29,200 | $94,000 | $180,800 |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality cybersecurity education with 8 NSA-designated programs
- Direct access to Research Triangle tech jobs and Charlotte financial sector opportunities
- Strong job market with 12,500+ cybersecurity positions and growing demand
- Lower cost of living compared to other major tech states
- Excellent in-state tuition rates averaging $7,300 annually
- Programs with proven industry partnerships and high job placement rates
- Access to Silicon Valley or other major tech hubs for specialized roles
- Higher salary potential in expensive markets like California or New York
- Specialized programs in emerging areas like IoT security or automotive cybersecurity
- Extensive alumni networks at specific target companies
- Research opportunities in specific cybersecurity niches
- International exposure or study abroad opportunities
$7,300
Average In-State Tuition
8
NSA Designated Programs
32%
Projected Job Growth
450+
Major Tech Employers
28
Average Class Size
4 years
Time to Degree
North Carolina Cybersecurity Programs FAQ
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official data on enrollment, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics from the National Center for Education Statistics
May 2024 state-specific salary data for cybersecurity analysts and related occupations in North Carolina
Official list of NSA-designated cybersecurity and cyber operations programs meeting national curriculum standards
Individual institution data on curriculum, faculty, facilities, and career outcomes for verification and additional context
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.