20 Top Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree Programs (2026)

Program Summary

Anne Arundel Community College offers a 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. You’ll undertake 21 credits of general education (English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, etc.), and 40 credits of program requirements. 23 of these 40 credits come from a choice of 3 concentrations: security, digital forensics, or networking.

In-county residents are charged just $135 per credit hour, totaling around $8,235. That rises to $19,337 for other Maryland residents, or $27,999 for out-of-state students. The degree is offered in both in-person and fully online formats.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission, the program combines strong academic fundamentals with practical technical training. Admission is open to high school graduates or GED holders, and articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer to 4-year partner universities for continued study.

What Makes Anne Arundel a Great Cybersecurity School?

Anne Arundel is in the heart of cybersecurity territory. You’ll benefit from direct exposure to Maryland’s defense and intelligence community near Fort Meade, and the program will equip you with the skills to seek employment straight away. Hands-on lab work, the option to join the Cyber Defense Club, and a CAE-CD (cyber defense) designation will put you in a strong position after you graduate.

The program’s advisory board includes NSA professionals and industry experts, and many graduates move directly into cybersecurity roles across the state. But if you want to consolidate first, you can earn certifications through Anne Arundel’s School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, or convert to a bachelor’s degree via a transfer agreement. Scholarship opportunities such as NSF’s Scholarship for Service further strengthen Anne Arundel’s appeal as a top option for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Program Summary

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) offers a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity that combines technical coursework with hands-on learning. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to identify and mitigate threats, use Python in a cybersecurity context, configure and troubleshoot networks, carry out penetration tests, and implement risk management strategies and policies.

In-state tuition ranges from $124 (in-county) to $246 per credit, for an estimated total of no more than $14,760. Nearby state residents get a similar rate, while the full out-of-state cost is $22,620. You can earn Credit for Prior Learning, which may allow you to waive some general education classes and reduce your overall costs. The program, accredited by MSCHE, is open to high school graduates. CCBC maintains articulation agreements with the University of Maryland Global Campus (one of our top-rated institutions for online cybersecurity degrees) and other state universities, allowing students to continue their studies while earning industry-recognized certificates along the way.

What Makes CCBC a Great Cybersecurity School?

At CCBC, you’ll be getting a cybersecurity education from a CAE-CD-designated school. Its dedicated cyber labs will provide you with opportunities to practice defensive strategies and undertake simulation-based problem solving. A significant majority of graduates are employed or pursuing additional education within six months of completing the program. With CCBC’s strong ties to federal agencies, local employers, and regional defense contractors, you’ll be well prepared to enter one of the most active cybersecurity job markets in the country.

Program Summary

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers a 65-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, available online or in-person at a choice of 5 different locations within the state. Virginia residents pay about $195 per credit, or roughly $12,700 for the full program, while out-of-state students pay approximately double. 

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program includes core coursework in network defense, digital forensics, and systems security. Placement assessments help get students linked up with the right entry-level courses, and established transfer pathways lead to bachelor’s degrees at George Mason University, Marymount University, and other Virginia institutions.

What Makes NOVA a Great Cybersecurity School?

Northern Virginia’s AAS program is set up with certifications in mind. It’s designed to prepare you for 4 widely-recognized industry certs. And if you already possess certifications, you may be able to get credit for them (up to 9 credits).

This makes NOVA a great choice for moving straight into the industry after graduation. Located near DC, it offers unparalleled access to the federal cybersecurity workforce. If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year school, there are good articulation agreements in place, but NOVA emphasizes that this is not the primary purpose of the program.

Program Summary

Ivy Tech Community College’s 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity prepares you for both immediate employment and continued education. In fact, you can actually choose to take it as an Associate of Science (AS) if you know you’ll want to convert to a 4-year degree. The AAS program, offered online and on campus, costs Indiana residents approximately $179 per credit, or about $10,740 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Ivy Tech maintains an open-admissions policy and offers multiple transfer pathways to Purdue University, IUPUI, and other Indiana institutions. You can also earn stackable credentials along the way to build your qualifications gradually.

What Makes Ivy Tech a Great Cybersecurity School?

What stands out to us about Ivy Tech is its unparalleled speed. You can opt for the Cyber Academy Accelerated AAS, in which you will complete the program in 11 months while living and studying on a Department of Defense military base. You’ll get to use real military cybersecurity training structures, including the “Cybertropolis” simulation city. While this is a real differentiator, the standard 2-year (or part-time) program is also well worth your consideration: it’s hands-on, and all 16 locations have access to the CAE-CD designated Cyber Center.

The completely open admissions policy is also a big plus if you don’t have a super strong academic background. And Ivy Tech has a very generous articulation agreement in place, with guaranteed admissions (as opposed to merely guaranteed transferability of credits) to multiple 4-year institutions.

Program Summary

Sinclair Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Investigation Technology is a 61-credit program. It has more of a narrow focus than many other associate degree programs on our list. Specifically, the program is heavy on law enforcement applications: it features required classes in computer forensics, constitutional law, and criminal justice. So if you want to start your cybersecurity career at places like the FBI, Sinclair is a program worth considering.

Offered in both hybrid and in-person formats, the program costs Ohio residents about $156 per credit, or roughly $9,518 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Sinclair maintains open enrollment and provides multiple transfer agreements with institutions such as the University of Dayton and Wright State University.

What Makes Sinclair a Great Cybersecurity School?

Sinclair is CAE-CD-designated and operates one of the region’s most advanced campus-based Cyber Ranges. You’ll gain direct experience through simulated cyber defense exercises and can participate in national competitions and apprenticeships with local employers. While you’ll get a grounding in all of the cybersecurity fundamentals, you’ll also be set firmly on a track toward digital forensics, so it’s a great pick if that’s one of your career goals. You’ll also earn embedded certificates alongside your degree.

If you’re definitely intending to convert to a bachelor’s degree, then other community colleges boast articulation agreements with potentially more prestigious cybersecurity schools. However, your credits are guaranteed to be accepted at 4 schools, including the well-respected University of Cincinnati. For the price, especially as a resident, Sinclair is well worth considering.

Program Summary

Oklahoma City Community College’s 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cyber/Information Security is classified as a “Technical and Occupational” program, meaning that it’s designed to prepare you directly for the workforce. The program is delivered in person and follows an open-admissions policy. In-state tuition averages just $104 per credit, totaling about $6,335 for Oklahoma residents. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), OCCC maintains transfer agreements with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and other four-year institutions, making it easy for you to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or IT.

What Makes OCCC a Great Cybersecurity School?

OCCC’s program is distinctly industry-focused. You’re required to complete the CompTIA A+ certification as preparation training, and the curriculum subsequently includes preparation for more senior and widely-recognized professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA. With strong regional hiring outcomes (around 85% of graduates enter cyber or IT-related roles), OCCC serves as a practical, career-oriented starting point for students entering the cybersecurity workforce. It’s worth being aware that, unlike some other options, you’ll need to attend in person.

Program Summary

Rose State College’s Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is a two-year program that combines technical coursework with hands-on training in network and information security. The curriculum is aligned with certifications, with some courses specifically named as preparation classes for CompTIA certs, including Security+, Network+, and Cloud+. The program costs Oklahoma residents approximately $132 per credit, or around $8,733 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Rose State maintains transfer pathways to Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma for students seeking to continue into a four-year cybersecurity or IT program.

What Makes Rose State a Great Cybersecurity School?

Rose State was the first community college in Oklahoma to receive the NSA CAE-CD designation. Its program includes access to the on-campus Cyber Security Center, a digital forensics lab, and a simulated Security Operations Center where students practice monitoring and incident response. Many graduates are hired by employers connected to nearby Tinker Air Force Base and the state’s growing defense technology sector. With a strong reputation for applied learning and workforce readiness, Rose State provides one of the most established cybersecurity training options in the region.

When it comes to articulation agreements, your credits will definitely be accepted toward a 4-year degree at Oklahoma State and the University of Central Oklahoma. Other community colleges offer a wider and stronger choice in this regard.

Program Summary

Mt. Hood Community College offers one of the more interesting AAS programs on this list, in that you are required to pick a concentration. While many associate-level programs offer a more general cybersecurity overview, at Mt. Hood, you’ll be picking between Penetration Testing and Network and Security Operations. You can earn your AAS either in-person or in a hybrid format. If you’re an Oregon resident, you’ll pay about $14,438 in total; there’s no differentiation between in-district and in-state applicants. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Mt. Hood requires placement testing for admission.

What Makes Mt. Hood a Great Cybersecurity School?

Mt. Hood has a few unique features for a community college. First and foremost, it also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), so you have a remarkably clear pathway to a 4-year program if you choose to go down that route. You’ll also have the option of either a hands-on capstone project or cooperative education as part of your AAS, which underlines the school’s practical, hands-on focus.

Since 2018, Mt. Hood has also incorporated training that aligns directly with industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Cisco Cyber Operations. Price is on the higher side for an AAS, but there are plenty of program specifics that might make Mt. Hood right for you, especially if you already know you want to be a penetration tester.

Program Summary

Coastline College offers a flexible Associate of Science in Cybersecurity that can be completed entirely online or via a hybrid format. The 60-credit program is one of the most affordable anywhere in the country, with in-state tuition averaging $46 per credit for a total of just $2,760. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), Coastline’s program allows students to transfer credits to the California State University system or to Dakota State University for completion of a bachelor’s degree.

What Makes Coastline a Great Cybersecurity School?

Coastline is widely regarded for its flexibility, accessibility, and low fees. The program’s 100% online option is particularly popular among active-duty military members and working adults seeking to advance their careers in IT security. Faculty mentorship, career services, and a strong track record of job placement make Coastline a standout choice for remote learners nationwide.

The great price and easy access do not come at the expense of quality. Coastline is CAE-CD designated, and the courses align nicely with the kind of entry-level cybersecurity positions you’re likely to be targeting: incident monitoring and response, firewalls, computer security policies, etc. You’ll also get an introduction to slightly more advanced skills like penetration testing and digital forensics.

Program Summary

St. Petersburg College (SPC) offers a 60-credit Associate of Science in Cybersecurity that you can complete fully online. The program is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into IT security roles, but you can also transition into a 4-year degree. In-state tuition averages $112 per credit, for a total cost of about $6,720. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SPC maintains transfer partnerships with institutions such as the University of South Florida, as well as offering its own bachelor’s program.

What Makes St. Petersburg a Great Cybersecurity School?

St. Petersburg is one of Florida’s most respected community college options for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. It boasts very strong job placement/education advancement rates; that’s no doubt partly down to the fact that you get the chance to sit for major certifications like CEH and Security+ while studying for your degree.

SPC benefits from being in a good area: the average salary for a computer network support specialist in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area ($76,070) is more than $7,000 higher than the state average. If you’re not going straight into the workplace, you can stay on at St. Petersburg to earn a BAS. SPC also offers technology short-term training via its Workforce Institute.

Program Summary

MVCC’s cybersecurity program is a strong all-rounder. The AS blends coursework and practical exercises to set you up for your choice of further education or entry-level work. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the program costs New York residents approximately $228 per credit, or about $14,364 in total. 

Open to high school graduates, MVCC’s program easily transfers to the four-year bachelor’s in cybersecurity at SUNY Polytechnic.

What Makes MVCC a Great Cybersecurity School?

MVCC’s designated CAE-CD curriculum includes strong coverage of network defense, system administration, and digital forensics, all taught by practitioners with real-world cybersecurity experience (many faculty members have military backgrounds). You’ll train in the Cyber Lab and Cyber Range at the Griffiss Institute, gaining hands-on experience that mirrors real-world operations. You’ll have the chance to apply that knowledge, too: MVCC hosts a hackathon every semester. 

Graduates are highly sought after by state agencies and contractors across New York, and many go on to complete advanced degrees within the SUNY system. MVCC’s combination of applied learning and institutional partnerships makes it one of the top cybersecurity associate programs in the Northeast.

Program Summary

You can attend Forsyth Technical Community College for just $76 per credit hour if you’re a North Carolina resident. It’s a 64-credit program, but that still works out at under $5,000 for the entire degree. The “IT – Cybersecurity” AAS is available either online or in-person, with day and evening classes on offer. Admission is open to high school graduates or GED holders, and credits transfer to universities within the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, including Winston-Salem State University.

What Makes Forsyth Tech a Great Cybersecurity School?

If you live in North Carolina, Forsyth Tech is hard to ignore. The program is an exceptional overall value. You might be put off by “IT” in the program title, but you’ll still cover all of the main cybersecurity fundamentals, as guaranteed by the CAE-CD designation. In fact, Forsyth’s Davis iTEC Cyber Security Center is one of just 10 CAE Regional Resource Centers nationwide, so you can be confident you’re receiving high-quality teaching that will go beyond basic computing.

Program Summary

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) offers a 67-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity designed for students pursuing technical skills in network defense, threat analysis, and risk management. In-state tuition averages just $76 per credit, for an estimated total of $5,092. Accredited by SACSCOC, the program follows an open-admissions model with placement testing for course readiness. Credits transfer smoothly to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and other regional universities through established articulation and guaranteed admission agreements.

What Makes Rowan-Cabarrus CC a Great Cybersecurity School?

RCCC is designated as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which shows that the program has academic chops. You’ll train in the Cybersecurity Learning Lab and can take advantage of partnerships with major employers, including Duke Energy and Bank of America. The college also hosts an annual Cybersecurity Summit that can connect you with industry professionals and potential employers.

You’ll definitely have the option of transferring to a strong 4-year college, with UNC Charlotte a regular in our advanced degree rankings. Guaranteed admission (with the required GPA) is a strong perk, and a handful of less prestigious colleges even partner with Rowan-Cabarrus CC to offer guaranteed scholarships. That said, Rowan-Cabarrus excels most if you’re looking for a budget-friendly leg-up straight into the industry.

Program Summary

Dakota State University (DSU) offers a 60-credit Associate of Science in Network Security Administration that serves as both a standalone credential and a pathway into the university’s nationally recognized bachelor’s programs in Cyber Operations and Network Security. The program is available online and on campus, giving you flexibility in how you study. In-state tuition averages $285 per credit, or about $17,100 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), DSU admits students directly into the associate program, with the option to continue seamlessly into a four-year cybersecurity degree.

What Makes Dakota State a Great Cybersecurity School?

You won’t find anywhere offering an AS/AAS with better cybersecurity credentials than Dakota State. It’s one of a tiny handful of institutions nationwide to be triple CAE-designated; it can more than hold its own against some of the most established four-year colleges. Even as an associate-level student, you’ll gain access to the university’s advanced cyber facilities and have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research alongside faculty experts.

On the other hand, you do pay a fairly significant premium at DSU compared to most other associate programs. If the academic side is so important to you, then you may be better off going straight for the bachelor’s degree. It’s also important to be aware that, as an AS rather than an AAS, the 2-year program by itself is not specifically designed to get you workplace-ready; you’ll get a good IT grounding, but you’ll probably need to transfer before you’re ready for a dedicated cybersecurity role.

Program Summary

Bismarck State College (BSC) offers a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Computer Networks. It will directly prepare you for a career in information security and network administration, which aligns well with the typical “gateway” cybersecurity-adjacent roles available to associate degree graduates.

The program is offered both on campus and online, giving you the flexibility to study around work or family commitments. In-state tuition costs approximately $195 per credit, or about $11,705 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), BSC also allows you to seamlessly transfer into its own Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, or into partner institutions such as the University of North Dakota (one of our top-ranked online bachelor’s programs).

What Makes BSC a Great Cybersecurity School?

Bismarck State is CAE-CD-designated, and its curriculum is nationally recognized for aligning with workforce-ready skills in system hardening, cloud defense, and digital forensics. You’ll gain real-world experience through an optional internship; BSC has partnerships with industry leaders like Palo Alto Networks. You’ll also complete hands-on lab work in BSC’s Cybersecurity Center. With strong job placement rates and healthy demand from energy, defense, and technology employers, Bismarck State is one of the most career-focused cybersecurity associate degrees in the country in 2026.

Program Summary

Eastern New Mexico University’s Ruidoso Branch Community College (ENMU–Ruidoso) has a well-respected 63-credit Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity. It’s designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in IT and network defense, and you’ll earn two major industry certifications (CompTIA Security+ and CEH) along the way.

Offered both online and in-person, in-district tuition is as low as $53 per credit, or $3,339 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ENMU–Ruidoso maintains open admissions and provides direct transfer pathways into Eastern New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and other related programs.

What Makes ENMU–Ruidoso a Great Cybersecurity School?

Most AAS programs align with industry certifications in some way, but ENMU Ruidoso is one of the few where you’ll actually earn the certs as part of the program. And these aren’t even the most basic entry-level certifications: Security+ and CEH will set you up very nicely indeed to land genuine cybersecurity roles. Add in the fact that this is one of the cheapest places to acquire your AAS (especially if you’re eligible for in-district rates), and ENMU Ruidoso becomes an extremely viable option.

Program Summary

Collin College’s 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity provides hands-on technical experience through lab-based instruction and industry-aligned coursework. Tuition for district residents is $67 per credit, totaling about $4,020. Even if you’re coming from out of state, you’ll only pay $12,120. 

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program features multiple transfer options to the University of Texas at Dallas, East Texas A&M, and Collin’s own Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity.

What Makes Collin College a Great Cybersecurity School?

Cost is the biggest selling point for Collin College. Not only is it one of the cheaper associate’s degrees, but it also feeds directly into a bachelor’s program that ranks among the very cheapest in the country. It’s CAE-designated, too, so you aren’t sacrificing academic quality.

Counting against Collin is the lack of internship opportunities, but that is true of many AAS programs. Some students have also suggested that professional networking opportunities are minimal, although you will have the chance to compete in the National Cyber League.

Program Summary

San Antonio College’s 60-credit AAS in Information Assurance and Cyber Security is super flexible: it’s available on-campus or online, and you’ll earn a variety of stackable awards en route to the full degree. The program costs Texas residents about $99 per credit, for an estimated total of $5,940. 

Accredited by SACSCOC, SAC follows an open-admissions model and provides smooth credit transfers to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), a nationally recognized cybersecurity institution. Credits also transfer across all Alamo Colleges and to other Texas public universities.

What Makes San Antonio College a Great Cybersecurity School?

San Antonio College has an impressive course list: it provides a proper cybersecurity education that will get you genuinely prepared for the real world. You’ll cover network security, intrusion detection, computer forensics, and incident response, and there’s also a required internship. The SAC associate’s degree, therefore, holds up on its own merits, but it also has good articulation agreements in place if you are looking to transfer.

Program Summary

Cochise College’s AAS in Cybersecurity trains students in secure systems management, digital forensics, and network defense. The program costs Arizona residents approximately $96 per credit, or about $5,760 in total. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Cochise operates under an open-admissions policy and maintains strong transfer agreements with the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Thomas Edison State University.

What Makes Cochise a Great Cybersecurity School?

Cochise College offers a good-value, up-to-date associate’s degree in cybersecurity. By concentrating on the fundamentals, some institutions neglect to also adequately move with the times, but Cochise has teaching on modern automation tools and techniques. The college’s Virtual Reality Cyber Lab provides hands-on technical experience, and coursework includes preparation for CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certifications.

Cochise is also close to Fort Huachuca (which, if you haven’t heard of it, is a major US Army intelligence and cyber operations hub). This allows you to more easily seek access to government-connected cybersecurity internships and employment opportunities. Graduates are frequently hired by Department of Defense contractors and federal agencies across Arizona and beyond.

Program Summary

Lake Superior College (LSC) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity degree. Unusually, it’s a 72-credit program, but affordable per-credit rates keep the total cost below $14,000 for Minnesota residents. 

Despite the additional credit hours, you can still complete the associate’s degree at LSC in 2 years. Studying in a hybrid format, you’ll also have the opportunity to sit for CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+, and CompTIA Security+. The curriculum is further aligned with other certifications, including CEH.

What Makes Lake Superior a Great Cybersecurity School?

As well as setting you up for certifications, LSC will give you opportunities to apply your skills in the real world. The Center for Cybersecurity maintains community partnerships with local businesses, allowing you the chance to undertake real projects while studying for your associate’s degree. The upshot is that you’ll graduate essentially workplace-ready, especially if you’re interested in the network side of cybersecurity. 

On the other hand, if you do wish to continue your education, there are plenty of better articulation/transfer schemes. Because the AAS is meant to prepare you for the workplace, LSC does not offer automatic transfer routes, although your academic advisor will be able to provide personalized support.