10 Most Affordable Internet Security Degrees Online

Updated November 29, 2022

An affordable online bachelor's degree can help jumpstart a new career. Find out more on our 10 Most Affordable Internet Security Degrees Online.

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In a continuation of our series of online degree programs, we explore the best online internet security degree undergraduate programs in the list below.

Just like we need to guard our streets with police officers and protect our borders with the military, the internet also needs people knowledgeable about security. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in Internet Security, sometimes called "Cybersecurity," can help you get your foot in the door as you pursue a career with private companies or a variety of government agencies - including the NSA, FBI, and CIA. Because of the types of courses included in an Internet Security program, it's actually pretty easy to earn your degree online. Distance education is particularly enticing to working adults and parents who need maximum control over their schedules.

Also check out our ranking of the best affordable online colleges.

Methodology

We determined the 10 cheapest online bachelor's degree programs in Cybersecurity and related programs by first discovering all the schools that both offer B.S. or B.A. degrees in Security and also offer said programs 100% over the internet. Then, we identified the 10 cheapest among these using information from NCES/College Navigator (a service of the U.S. Department of Education). Note that for public schools, we tabulated their order in the ranking by using an average of in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.

Note: This article may contain sponsored links. These are designed to help you connect with programs easily.

Cheap Online Internet Security Degree Programs Ranked


#1 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT
#2 Colorado State University Greenwood Village, CO
#3 Dakota State University Madison, SD
#4 University of Maryland University College Adelphi, MD
#5 Wilmington University New Castle, DE
#6 Franklin University Columbus, OH
#7 Walden University Minneapolis, MN
#8 National College Portland, OR
#9 University of the Potomac Vienna, VA
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Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6070

    Looking for a highly flexible, customized education in a supportive online environment at a fraction of the cost of traditional colleges? A B.S. in I.T.-Security from WGU may just be your ticket to a lucrative and challenging career in cybersecurity, networks and operating systems, or software development. Voted the most innovative company by Fast Company, WGU offers incomparable affordability by charging flat-rate term tuition that covers all courses taken that term; at WGU earning an undergrad degree in 2 years is a distinct possibility. An added benefit: the program provides a CCNA Security certification as part of the degree, an industry badge of honor. It's no wonder then that this online school is a media favorite - Time magazine hailed WGU as the best relatively cheap university.

  2. Colorado State University
    Location

    Greenwood Village, CO

    Tuition

    $8400

    Fully accredited and Colorado university system-affiliated CSU Global in Fort Collins, a charming Denver suburb with excellent student life, is a leading online school in the region. The B.S.-I.T.'s Cyber Security specialization offers a challenging accredited online internet security degree curriculum focusing on practical courses such as digital forensics and information security issues. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships and grants, as well as low-interest loans, along with a tuition guarantee at admission that freezes tuition rate for the entire duration of enrollment. CSU Global was recently entered in the official congressional record when a Colorado senator congratulated the university on its tremendous achievements as the nation's first 100% online public non-profit university.

  3. Dakota State University
    Location

    Madison, SD

    Tuition

    $7506

    The DSU campus located in Madison, SD, boasts a state-of-the-art B.S.- Cyber Operations program that caters to the rising demand for information security professionals as an antidote for dubious cyber practices. Lucrative employment for graduates (95% placement rate) is offered not only by a multitude of small private companies but also by government giants like FBI, NSA and EROS, with whom DSU has ongoing relationships. An already affordable tuition is made further cost effective by numerous financial aid opportunities availed by over 81% of degree-seeking students. What better platform to follow your cyber security career dreams than at one of the most technologically advanced universities in the region?

  4. University of Maryland University College
    Location

    Adelphi, MD

    Tuition

    $6552

    UMUC offers an undergrad bachelor's degree with a Cybersecurity major at its highly ranked drug-free campus. The bachelor's degree equips students with the tools required to protect a company's information assets, opening up career fields in systems security and management, cyber forensics, and more. The school's robust financial aid program provides numerous federal and private scholarships in addition to the prestigious Information Assurance scholarship awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense. If Cybersecurity is your career goal, UMUC is an excellent choice, especially considering the Department of Homeland Security and the NSA have recently renewed UMUC's status as a leader in cybersecurity education into the year 2021.

  5. Wilmington University
    Location

    New Castle, DE

    Tuition

    $9950

    A pioneer in cybersecurity education in the region, Wilmington University's B.S. in Computer and Network Security (CNS) is a one-of-a-kind program offering graduates specific skills in specialized categories - such as encryption technology - for careers in the private and public sector. This program is offered both in the traditional campus format and online, with rolling admissions for maximum flexibility. The CNS coursework is reviewed and accredited by the NSA to meet the national training standard requirements (NSTISSI 4011) needed to procure government entry-level positions in information security. In addition to academic training, the program offers the option of experiential learning in the form of a co-op program for credits. Cheap off-campus living and financial aid options make WU an attractive choice for many.

  6. Franklin University
    Location

    Columbus, OH

    Tuition

    $10681

    To meet the rising need for cybersecurity professionals (information security jobs are projected to grow 22% by 2020) Franklin University offers a B.S.-Information Security in online, traditional or combined avatars to its student body of busy professionals on the fast track to success. Online internet security degree Students gain valuable real world experience through core courses covering network security, risk management, disaster recovery, and more by an HLC-accredited institution held to rigorous academic standards. Competitive tuition rates are further enhanced by numerous merit- and need-based scholarships and military benefits. Rated among the best colleges for health and drug safety; a collaborative community; and flexible, current study options, Franklin University is a safe bet for education with an edge.

  7. Walden University
    Location

    Minneapolis, MN

    Tuition

    $11460

    Walden offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in I.T. with a Security and Forensics concentration for students interested in a career in systems security or computer forensics. The college gives transfer credits for related education or prior work experience and offers a customizable roster of classes, available in various formats on your smartphone via a unique MobileLearn app. The information security coursework also passed NSA's CNSS training standards, ensuring that education at Walden is held to the highest possible standard. Various tuition reduction opportunities are available to applicants in addition to scholarships - including military and veteran discounts, family and partner savings, and degree acceleration. Responsible placement services, competitive tuition and high academic satisfaction compel 100% of Walden's student body to return year after year.

  8. National College
    Location

    Portland, OR

    Tuition

    $11550

    A B.S. in Cybersecurity from National College aims to equip its students with the tools necessary to find gainful employment in an industry projected to grow 37% by 2022. The ACICS-accredited program is available on campus with day and evening classes or completely online, fostering high student satisfaction with their academic experience. Active placement services ensure graduate placement by means of externships, job fairs, and partnership with the local business community. A slightly higher tuition rate is mitigated by several financial aid opportunities - military benefits, life experience credit, and the Imagine America scholarship - available through personal guidance by helpful student services representatives. It's no wonder then that an impressive 78% current students agree that they are getting their money's worth at National College.

  9. University of the Potomac
    Location

    Vienna, VA

    Tuition

    $13434

    Potomac offers a B.S. in I.T. with a concentration on Cyber Security or Digital Forensics at its campus locations in Washington D.C., Virginia or online. The curriculum includes core coursework in data systems, security, and operation technology while preparing students for professional certification exams through special focus courses. This regionally and nationally accredited institution has a rolling admission policy and a 100% acceptance rate, both positives for busy professionals looking to enhance their career prospects. A slightly higher tuition is softened by numerous scholarships and grants available in addition to veteran benefits and private low-interest loans. Networking opportunities abound while enrolled in the affordable online internet security degree program due to the campus' location in the heart of the nation's government and business districts, 3 blocks from the White House.

  10. Location

    ,

Resource: Internet Security Scholarships

Sources:

College Navigator
Petersons
U.S. News and World Report
College Prowler

About the Author:

Iris Stone got her start in the industry when she began working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Check out her Google+ Profile.

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