University campus in Kansas
Updated January 2026

Best Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas — 2026 Rankings

Compare the top information security colleges in Kansas. 6 accredited information security schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value—from Butler Community College to Kansas State University.

#1 ProgramKansas State
Avg Salary$92,340
Tuition From$3,090/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Best information security degree programs: Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $3,090 to $32,750/year

Butler Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,090/yr

IPEDS 2023

Information Security degree programs available: 3 associate's in Kansas

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

1 online information security degree programs in Kansas

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries

Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita

Hakia Research 2026

Information Security degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$92,340
Are Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Yes. The best information security degree programs in Kansas deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $92,340 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $16,171/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, 2026

3
Programs
$92,340
Median Salary
$24,941/yr
Avg Tuition
70%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

Program Landscape

Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan, Friends, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Kansas information security programs earn a median salary of $78,489—20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $9,964 to $32,750 annually, with an average of $24,941/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 70%, with the highest reaching 70%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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Kansas State University

PublicNSA CAE
Manhattan, KS
$9,964
Tuition/yr
$332
Per Credit
49.0
Score
Website
🥈

Kansas Wesleyan University

Private
Salina, KS
$32,750
Tuition/yr
$300
Per Credit
69%
Grad Rate
49.0
Score
Website
🥉

Friends University

Private
Wichita, KS
$32,108
Tuition/yr
$1,070
Per Credit
70%
Grad Rate
47.1
Score
Website

Best Information Security Associate's Programs in Kansas, 2026

3
Programs
$92,340
Median Salary
$7,401/yr
Avg Tuition

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

Program Landscape

Kansas offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Butler Community College, Manhattan Area Technical ..., Rasmussen University-Kansas, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,401/yr—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,787 in Kansas.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.

Curriculum & Specializations

Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information security schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Kansas.

Start your Information Security career with an associate's degree

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Butler Community College

Public
El Dorado, KS
$3,090
Tuition/yr
$103
Per Credit
59.6
Score
Website
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Manhattan Area Technical College

Public
Manhattan, KS
$5,976
Tuition/yr
$199
Per Credit
61.8
Score
Website
🥉

Rasmussen University-Kansas

For-Profit
Topeka, KS
$13,137
Tuition/yr
$378
Per Credit
43.2
Score
Website

Complete Information Security Degree Program Rankings in Kansas

Best Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas

### Program Landscape Kansas offers **3 accredited** associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Butler Community College**, **Manhattan Area Technical ...**, **Rasmussen University-Kansas**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$7,401/yr**—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging **$50,787** in Kansas. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions. ### Curriculum & Specializations Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information security schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Kansas.

  1. #1. Butler Community College

    Hakia ranks Butler Community College as the #1 associate's in information security degree program in Kansas. This public institution in El Dorado, KS has annual tuition of $3,090 ($103/credit). Ranking score: 59.6.

  2. #2. Manhattan Area Technical College

    Hakia ranks Manhattan Area Technical College as the #2 associate's in information security degree program in Kansas. This public institution in Manhattan, KS has annual tuition of $5,976 ($199/credit). Ranking score: 61.8.

  3. #3. Rasmussen University-Kansas

    Hakia ranks Rasmussen University-Kansas as the #3 associate's in information security degree program in Kansas. This for-profit institution in Topeka, KS has annual tuition of $13,137 ($378/credit). Ranking score: 43.2.

Online Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas

### Online Program Options Kansas's community colleges offer 1 online associate's information security programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include **Rasmussen University-Kansas**, all regionally accredited and recognized by Kansas employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online associate's programs average **$13,137/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. Kansas-based employers including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **60 credit hours** in 2 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online information security degrees in Kansas, these accredited information security schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • Rasmussen University-Kansas - Topeka, KS - Tuition: $13,137/year

Best Bachelor's Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas

### Program Landscape Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with **3 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **1 public** and **2 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **Kansas State**, **Kansas Wesleyan**, **Friends**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from Kansas information security programs earn a median salary of **$78,489**—20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$9,964** to **$32,750** annually, with an average of **$24,941/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **70%**, with the highest reaching **70%**. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. ### Curriculum & Specializations Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. Kansas State University

    Hakia ranks Kansas State University as the #1 bachelor's in information security degree program in Kansas. This public institution in Manhattan, KS has annual tuition of $9,964 ($332/credit). Ranking score: 49.0. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-R.

    Watch: K-State Regenerative Agriculture Overview with Dr. Chuck Rice

  2. #2. Kansas Wesleyan University

    Hakia ranks Kansas Wesleyan University as the #2 bachelor's in information security degree program in Kansas. This private institution in Salina, KS has annual tuition of $32,750 ($300/credit) and a 69% graduation rate. Ranking score: 49.0.

  3. #3. Friends University

    Hakia ranks Friends University as the #3 bachelor's in information security degree program in Kansas. This private institution in Wichita, KS has annual tuition of $32,108 ($1070/credit) and a 70% graduation rate. Ranking score: 47.1.

Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$16,171/year
Average out-of-state tuition$40,428/year
Community college tuition$4,043/year
4-year savings for residents$97,028
2+2 transfer pathway savings$24,256

Source: IPEDS 2023

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Kansas

State Aid Programs

Kansas students pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple federal and state financial aid options. The primary federal aid avenue is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at Federal Student Aid. This application determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based grant program specifically designed for students attending Kansas independent institutions. For detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures, prospective students should visit the Kansas Board of Regents website.

Key Programs & Amounts

Many Kansas institutions offering information security programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Public four-year universities in Kansas average $7,625 in in-state tuition, making them significantly more affordable than out-of-state options at $19,960 (IPEDS). Community colleges in Kansas offer even lower tuition costs, with institutions like Butler Community College charging $3,090 annually. Students should also explore employer tuition assistance programs, particularly with major Kansas employers such as Spirit AeroSystems and Koch Industries. The College Scorecard provides transparent data on net price and aid packages at specific institutions, helping students make informed financial decisions about their information security education.

Information Security Degree ROI Calculator — Kansas

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
$

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Information Security Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Kansas City$102K
Wichita$97K
Overland Park$92K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Kansas

Find information security jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Information Security Jobs in Overland Park

KS
Sprint/T-Mobile
telecom
Garmin
tech
Netsmart
healthtech
Black & Veatch
engineering

Information Security Jobs in Wichita

KS
Spirit AeroSystems
aerospace
Textron Aviation
aerospace
NetApp
tech

Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Kansas

State Transfer System

Kansas offers strong transfer pathways for information security students through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, administered by the Kansas Board of Regents. This system provides systemwide course transfer agreements that guarantee course credits earned at 28 two-year institutions will transfer to 34 four-year institutions in the state. Students completing associate degree programs in information security at community colleges like Butler Community College (19 completions) or Manhattan Area Technical College (11 completions) can seamlessly transition to bachelor's degree programs at universities such as Wichita State University, University of Kansas, or Kansas State University without losing credit hours or delaying graduation.

How Transfers Work

The transfer process is streamlined through formal articulation agreements that specify which courses satisfy degree requirements at four-year institutions. Students maintain their progress toward a bachelor's degree while saving significantly on tuition costs during their first two years. Associate degree graduates from community colleges can enter four-year programs as juniors, positioning them to complete bachelor's degrees efficiently. The Kansas Comprehensive Grant program provides need-based financial aid at Kansas independent institutions, benefiting transfer students. For detailed transfer planning, students should consult their institution's transfer counselor and access the Kansas Board of Regents' official transfer equivalency resources to verify specific course mappings and ensure a smooth transition to their chosen four-year program.

Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Kansas?

Industry & Workforce

Kansas offers a growing landscape for information security education with 10 institutions currently offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state's technical colleges and universities have produced 31 associate degree completions and 9 bachelor degree completions in recent years, demonstrating a commitment to workforce development in cybersecurity and information protection. Leading institutions like the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University provide rigorous curricula designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in this critical field.

Salary Outlook

Kansas's major employment hubs in Wichita, Kansas City, and the surrounding metro areas are home to significant employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Koch Industries, all organizations with substantial information security needs. Public four-year tuition averages $7,625 in-state, making Kansas an affordable option compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Students can explore related fields through programs in cybersecurity in Kansas, network administration, and information technology to build comprehensive technical expertise. For those seeking additional perspective, comparative state programs are available in information security in Texas and information security in California.

6 Programs
Information Security Program Availability in Kansas
Kansas offers 6 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park.

Source: IPEDS 2023

Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas

Employment Outlook

Kansas offers a growing landscape for information security professionals, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence. The state's job market reflects strong demand from both public and private sectors, with employers actively seeking skilled cybersecurity talent. According to BLS occupational data, Kansas has a strong employment base across multiple industries that rely on information security expertise. Job seekers in Kansas benefit from competitive compensation packages and a lower cost of living compared to national averages, making the state an attractive destination for information security careers.

Salaries by Metro

The Kansas City Metro and South Central Kansas regions represent the strongest job markets for information security professionals. Wichita and the Kansas City area serve as tech hubs with multiple Fortune 500 companies and mid-market firms requiring extensive cybersecurity infrastructure. Northeast Kansas, anchored by Lawrence and Manhattan, offers opportunities in education and research sectors. For comprehensive salary information and career outlook data specific to Kansas, consult the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. Students interested in related fields should explore Cybersecurity programs in Kansas and Information Technology in Kansas for complementary career pathways.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Kansas$60,021$133,893
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in Kansas

Online Programs

1 available in Kansas

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$14,554/yr$16,171/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Best Information Security Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Information Security Degree Programs in California2$14,804Ashford University
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Texas11$7,637The University of Texas at San Antonio
Best Information Security Degree Programs in New York22$21,236CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Florida14$14,274University of South Florida
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Washington11$4,477Green River College
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Massachusetts5$48,552Northeastern University
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Illinois15$36,950Illinois State University
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Georgia9$6,892University of North Georgia

Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ

How We Rank Information Security Degree Programs

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 6 information security degree programs in Kansas using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for information security graduates. Kansas median salary of $92,340 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Kansas salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas

Butler Community College — El Dorado, KS

Hakia Insight: Butler's emphasis on hands-on network defense labs feeds directly into Kansas's regional healthcare and manufacturing sectors, where employers value technicians who can troubleshoot live systems on day one rather than requiring months of on-the-job training.

At the associate's level, butler's information security program emphasizes hands-on lab experience in network defense and system administration, giving students real-world troubleshooting skills employers want immediately. You'll work with current technology in dedicated security labs rather than just theory, preparing you for help desk and junior admin roles right after graduation. The program has strong partnerships with regional Kansas employers who actively recruit Butler graduates, and many students complete industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Network+ while earning their degree. Transfer agreements with Kansas State University and Wichita State make it easy to continue toward a bachelor's if you choose that path later.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Regional healthcare systems in Kansas, Local government IT departments, Kansas-based manufacturing firms, Regional financial institutions.

Top Transfer Destinations
  • Kansas State University
  • Wichita State University
  • University of Kansas
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Network Support Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Location Advantages:

Manhattan Area Technical College — Manhattan, KS

Hakia Insight: MATC's proximity to Fort Riley military installations and Kansas State University creates a rare two-exit advantage: students can stop at the associate's degree for immediate DoD contractor roles or transfer seamlessly into K-State's NSA-designated cybersecurity bachelor's.

At the associate's level, strong alignment with Kansas State University's proximity creates a natural transfer pipeline—many MATC information security students move seamlessly into K-State's bachelor's programs with credits already applied. The program balances cybersecurity fundamentals with practical networking skills, so you're job-ready for entry-level positions while also building credentials for four-year completion. Students gain experience in firewall configuration, intrusion detection, and access control systems through embedded labs. The college's connections to Fort Riley and regional defense contractors offer unique internship and employment pathways you won't find at other Kansas community colleges.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Fort Riley military installations, Kansas State University, Manhattan city/county IT, Regional healthcare networks, Kansas defense contractors.

Top Transfer Destinations
  • Kansas State University
  • University of Kansas
  • Wichita State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Junior Network Administrator
  • IT Support Technician
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Cisco CCNA (basics)

Location Advantages:

Rasmussen University-Kansas — Topeka, KS

Key Distinction: Rasmussen University-Kansas offers comprehensive Information Security programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: Rasmussen University-Kansas positions itself as an accessible pathway for Topeka-area working adults, eliminating the cost and time barriers that prevent many regional candidates from entering cybersecurity roles.

Rasmussen University-Kansas offers Information Security programs in Topeka, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Best Bachelor's Information Security Degree Programs in Kansas

Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS

Key Distinction: NSA and DHS designated National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity. Access to Beocat high-performance academic supercomputer

Hakia Insight: K-State's NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation combined with access to the Beocat supercomputer and faculty like Dr. Vasserman (digital privacy) and Dr. Munir (autonomous vehicle security) means undergraduates can contribute to research on emerging attack surfaces—not just defend legacy systems.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Kansas State University combines computer science, system administration, and systems analysis to provide comprehensive education and hands-on training in security, cryptography, and networking. Students prepare for careers monitoring and protecting critical infrastructure, developing high-assurance software, and designing safety- and security-critical systems and networks. K-State's computer science department is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS. The program emphasizes excellent graduate placement and features extremely active and competitive student organizations. Students have access to Beocat, a high-performance academic supercomputer, and can participate in undergraduate research opportunities through K-State's 90-plus research centers. The program also offers study abroad options across more than 85 countries.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for Information and Systems Assurance
  • Intelligent Systems, Computer Architecture, Analytics and Security Laboratory
  • Probabilistic and Information Theoretic Security Laboratory
  • Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems
Industry Partners
  • Collins Aerospace (collaborator)
  • Adventium Labs (partner)
  • NASA (sponsor)
  • National Science Foundation (sponsor)
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research (sponsor)
  • Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (sponsor)
  • U.S. Army (sponsor)
  • Semiconductor Research Corporation (sponsor)
  • National Security Agency (collaborator)
  • Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Eugene Vasserman — Cybersecurity, digital literacy, social media privacy
  • Dr. Arslan Munir — Autonomous vehicle security, hardware-based security, AI resilience
  • Dr. John Hatcliff — Military cybersecurity systems, cyber-physical systems
  • Dr. George Amariucai — Social media privacy, information theoretic security
  • Dr. Kevin Steinmetz — Social engineering, cybercrime investigations
  • Dr. Scott DeLoach — Computer science and cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
  • National Center of Academic Excellence for Research in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS

Location Advantages:

Kansas Wesleyan University — Salina, KS

Key Distinction: Kansas Wesleyan's emphasis on hands-on competition-driven learning and individualized technical depth in cryptography and incident response sets it apart from purely compliance-focused programs.

Hakia Insight: Kansas Wesleyan's small-class, competition-driven model produces graduates exceptionally strong in cryptography and incident response precisely because students face real problems in seminars, not anonymously in 200-person lectures.

At the bachelor's level, kansas Wesleyan delivers a cybersecurity program rooted in small-class instruction where students work closely with faculty on real applied problems—no large lecture halls or generic intro courses. The curriculum emphasizes both offensive and defensive security skills, with dedicated coursework in cryptography, malware analysis, and incident response that goes beyond standard introductory treatments. Students participate in hands-on labs using industry-standard tools and environments, and the program actively encourages participation in Cyber Defense Competition (CDC) and student-led capture-the-flag (CTF) events, which boost both technical skills and résumé visibility. Faculty maintain strong ties to regional IT and defense sectors, and they frequently invite practitioners into the classroom to discuss real breach scenarios and career pathways. The program's strength lies in its ability to tailor student learning trajectories—students can concentrate on cloud security, embedded systems security, or traditional infrastructure defense depending on their interests and internship placements. Graduates routinely report that their hands-on competition experience and direct faculty mentorship accelerated their hiring timelines, with many landing security analyst or junior engineer roles at companies across Kansas and the broader Midwest shortly after graduation.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Kansas-based IT and defense contracting corridor

Friends University — Wichita, KS

Key Distinction: Friends University frames cybersecurity through an organizational risk and governance lens, preparing students to think strategically about security beyond technical implementation alone.

Hakia Insight: Friends University's governance-focused curriculum bridges the hiring gap between purely technical candidates and security leaders—employers like Novacoast and regional aerospace firms need people who understand how to sell security investments, not just build them.

At the bachelor's level, friends University's information security program sits at the intersection of business risk and technical implementation, appealing to students who want to understand how security decisions flow from organizational strategy rather than exist in isolation. The curriculum weaves together network security, systems administration, and security governance within a context that emphasizes how technical controls serve broader business objectives. Students encounter real-world case studies of security failures and organizational responses, and they apply this perspective through internships with regional firms where they see firsthand how risk appetite, compliance obligations, and technical capability intersect. The program leverages Wichita's strong manufacturing and aerospace base, connecting students with companies that manage sophisticated supply-chain security challenges and industrial control system protection requirements. Faculty blend academic rigor with practitioner experience, creating a bridge between theory and the concrete decisions security professionals make daily. Graduates emerge prepared not only for traditional security analyst roles but also for positions in security architecture, risk management, and security program development—paths that require understanding both the technical and organizational dimensions of cybersecurity.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Novacoast, Inc., Knowmadics.

Location Advantages: Wichita aerospace and manufacturing sector with advanced cybersecurity needsRegional logistics and supply-chain industry presence