Top 25 Most Affordable Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Macon, GA · BS Information Technology, Cybersecurity concentration

If you’re looking for a degree that focuses on cybersecurity but do not want to commit to a standalone cybersecurity major, MGA’s online BS in Information Technology is an appealing option. The university offers an extensive 27-credit cybersecurity concentration, covering ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, and incident response. As a result, there is considerably more specialized coursework than programs with smaller cybersecurity electives, such as Georgia Southern, which offers a 12-credit concentration and costs over $8,000 more.

Why Study at Middle Georgia State University?

Graduates of the cybersecurity concentration will have the NSA and DHS CAE-CD designation noted on their academic transcripts. A separate 21-credit cyber forensics concentration is an alternative option for students more interested in digital investigations and evidence handling. MGA also allows you to earn up to 40 credits through CLEP and DSST exams, which can reduce completion time as well as the estimated total tuition of $23,032.

Kennesaw, GA · BS Cybersecurity

Kennesaw State offers an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity that is well worth considering if you’re a resident in a state without any affordable local options. KSU provides three different tracks from a CAE-CD-designated university. Systems security focuses on protecting devices and infrastructure, network security on securing communications and connected systems, and cybercrime on investigating digital offenses.

Why Study at Kennesaw State University?

The Double Owl Pathways allow you to work toward a master’s at KSU at the same time as studying for your bachelor’s. Cybersecurity students can count their graduate-level courses toward both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, reducing the amount of coursework needed to earn both qualifications. Since 2024, KSU’s master’s in cybersecurity offers a face-to-face study option, but the bachelor’s degree does not yet support a fully in-person option.

KSU’s per-credit rate of $201 is especially interesting, as that’s matched by Georgia Southern. The key difference is that KSU offers a dedicated cybersecurity degree with three tracks versus a 12-credit concentration. And on top of this, KSU comes in at $2,443 less overall. But while the tuition fee is certainly affordable, there has been a notable rise from $340 to $594 in mandatory online semester fees. That equates to an increase of $2,032 over eight semesters, bringing the total to $28,872.

Statesboro, GA · Bachelor of Information Technology, Cybersecurity specialization

Georgia Southern’s bachelor’s in IT is a high-quality degree at a CAE-CD designated institution. Although not strictly a cybersecurity degree, there are plenty of relevant classes, including programming and database design. At the same time, a required internship provides the opportunity to explore a cybersecurity role in a real-world setting. And at $31,315, the overall fee is competitively priced.

Why Study at Georgia Southern University?

It is important not to overstate the cybersecurity angle. While you can nominate cybersecurity as your area of emphasis, that only amounts to 12 credit hours and four courses (Basics of Intelligent IT Solutions, Digital and Computer Forensics, AI-Powered IT Applications, and Advanced Network Security). If you aren’t absolutely set on a career in cybersecurity, this program allows you to keep your options open.

Salt Lake City, UT · BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

WGU takes a bit of a different approach from the other cybersecurity programs on our list. The CAE-CD-designated university provides an online-only degree with a largely self-directed model that offers flexibility if you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. This is best suited to existing cybersecurity professionals who don’t need hands-on teaching and are looking to formalize their existing knowledge base. However, the self-guided nature of the program naturally demands a lot of self-motivation.

Why Study at Western Governors University?

One of WGU’s standout features is the opportunity to earn 16 industry certifications alongside your degree, including well-respected qualifications like CompTIA Security+ and CySA+.

Across eight terms, the total cost works out to $37,000, but crucially, WGU charges a flat rate of $4,425 per six-month term. That means you can significantly reduce costs to $23,125 (after fees), assuming a five-term completion, roughly in line with MGA’s fees. And according to data published by the university, 60% of graduates finish the degree within 29 months.

Pembroke, NC · BS Information Technology, Cybersecurity track

Unlike the other four programs in our top five, which are fully online, UNCP’s program is campus-based. The CAE-CD designation covers its BS in Information Technology cybersecurity track, where coursework spans secure system design, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. The designation also makes students eligible for cyber competitions, NSA-funded research projects, and scholarships and internships through NSA partnerships.

Why Study at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke?

Thanks to North Carolina’s NC Promise program, UNCP keeps costs affordable at $39,150. Tuition is capped at $500 per semester for in-state students and $3,500 for out-of-state students, with the state covering the difference between these reduced rates and UNCP’s full tuition cost. Unlike a scholarship, the reduced rate is built into tuition and does not depend on income or academic performance.

It is worth noting that the NC Promise caps tuition, not fees, and $11,150 of the $39,150 is made up of fees. 2025-26’s $2,500 rate would have ranked UNCP third on the list. But in-state students still benefit enormously with a total cost of $15,150.