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Right Arrow Button IconThese 5 cybersecurity master’s programs cost about $15K or less

These 5 cybersecurity master’s programs cost about $15K or less

By
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
and
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
By
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
and
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
June 29, 2023 at 5:58 PM UTC
Georgia Tech graduate attends the fall commencement at Bobby Dodd Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)Georgia Tech graduate attends the fall commencement at Bobby Dodd Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

The cybersecurity workforce has reached an all-time high, employing an estimated 4.7 million people globally, but the industry is still short more than 3.4 million professionals, according to the 2022 (ISC)² cybersecurity workforce study. And in the U.S. alone, there are more than 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs, data from Cybersecurity Ventures shows. 

In reaction to the growing talent gap, higher education institutions, companies, and organizations have launched programs to help candidates get their start in cybersecurity. This includes cybersecurity bootcamps and even free upskilling programs—such as Accenture’s recent launch of its Cyber Million program in partnership with Immersive Labs, a cybersecurity company, with the goal of filling 1 million cybersecurity jobs during the next decade. 

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While there are different options for pursuing a career in the field, one way to maximize earning potential is through earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity—whether online or in person. The upfront cost of the programs may be higher than a bootcamp or other upskilling program, but the return on investment (ROI) can also be higher. 

For example, cybersecurity master’s graduates from the University of California—Berkeley, which Fortune ranks as having the No. 1 online program in the U.S., go on to earn median base salaries of more than $182,000 in the six months after graduation. With a total program cost of roughly $76,000, these graduates see a ROI of nearly 140%. 

However, a program costing more than $75,000 can be a barrier to entry for future cybersecurity workers. And some of the best cybersecurity master’s programs in the country cost about $15,000 or less—and also produce grads with high earning potential. At Marshall University, online cybersecurity master’s grads earn median base salaries of $100,000 after graduation, but the entire program costs just slightly more than $15,000.

For cybersecurity career hopefuls, Fortune has compiled a list of five cybersecurity programs—both online and in-person—that cost roughly $15,000 or less. 

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Fortune online master’s in cybersecurity ranking: No. 14

Total tuition: $9,920

Acceptance rate: 59.1%

Enrollment: 647 students

2. Kennesaw State University

Fortune online master’s in cybersecurity ranking: No. 15

Total tuition: $11,490

Acceptance rate: 85%

Enrollment: 371 students

3. University of Alabama–Birmingham

Fortune in-person master’s in cybersecurity ranking: No. 1

Total tuition: $14,040

Acceptance rate: 61%

Enrollment: 112 students

4. Marshall University

Fortune online master’s in cybersecurity ranking: No. 2

Total tuition: $15,270

Acceptance rate: 66%

Enrollment: 14 students

5. California State University—San Marcos

Fortune online master’s in cybersecurity ranking: No. 11

Total tuition: $15,675

Acceptance rate: 86.67%

Enrollment: 31 students

Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.

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About the Contributors

Sydney Lake
By Sydney LakeAssociate Editor
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Sydney Lake is an associate editor at Fortune, where she writes and edits news for the publication's global news desk.

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Jasmine Suarez
Reviewed By Jasmine SuarezSenior Staff Editor
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Jasmine Suarez was a senior editor at Fortune where she leads coverage for careers, education and finance. In the past, she’s worked for Business Insider, Adweek, Red Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more. 

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Syracuse University’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students to effectively combat cybercrime. No GRE currently required, but a master’s degree is preferred.

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