Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is essential. Every day, companies, organizations, and government agencies face cyberattacks that threaten data, finances, and operations. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, making skilled cybersecurity professionals more important than ever. For anyone looking to enter this field, an online cybersecurity degree offers a flexible and practical path. You can earn a respected credential from anywhere while balancing work, family, or other commitments.
Affordability is also a key concern. Many students worry that quality education comes with an overwhelming price tag. Several online programs combine low tuition with a strong curriculum and accreditation. These programs provide hands-on labs, exercises, and exposure to industry tools, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of the job market.
We have highlighted the most affordable online cybersecurity bachelor’s programs, focusing on tuition cost, accreditation, program quality, and career readiness. You’ll learn about each program’s key features, including concentrations, online delivery format, and practical experience opportunities.
Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs
1. Kennesaw State University – BS in Cybersecurity
Kennesaw State’s online BS in Cybersecurity is designed for flexibility, letting students complete courses fully online at their own pace. The program focuses on network security, digital forensics, and cybersecurity management, giving students the option to tailor learning toward areas that interest them most.
Tuition is about $199 per credit hour plus a $340 online learner fee per semester, making it highly affordable for a full bachelor’s program. KSU is recognized for its commitment to cybersecurity education, and while not all online tracks are CAE-designated, the program meets strong academic and industry standards, preparing students for careers in IT security, ethical hacking, and risk management.
2. Western Governors University (WGU) – BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
WGU’s cybersecurity bachelor’s is entirely online and self-paced, allowing students to progress faster and pay less overall. Each six-month term costs $4,365, so motivated students can reduce total tuition by completing courses efficiently. The program offers concentrations in security management and network defense, plus it aligns coursework with industry certifications such as CompTIA and CISSP.
WGU is regionally accredited, giving graduates a recognized and respected credential. This format is particularly suitable for working professionals who want a flexible schedule, hands-on skills, and certification-ready coursework integrated into their degree.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – BS in Cybersecurity
SNHU’s online BS in Cybersecurity allows students to study fully online with structured courses and clear timelines, making it easy to balance work or other commitments. The program offers concentrations in network security, threat analysis, and digital forensics, giving students the chance to focus on specific career paths.
Tuition is $342 per credit, totaling around $41,040 for a full bachelor’s degree. The program is recognized by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), meaning it meets rigorous standards for cybersecurity education. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enter government, corporate, or tech-sector cybersecurity roles.
4. St. Philip’s College – Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity
St. Philip’s College offers a 100% online (or hybrid) Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity designed for students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a related field. The BAT program totals 120 credit hours when combined with the AAS, helping you build on what you’ve already studied.
Tuition is very low; the online cybersecurity courses are about $150 per credit hour for the BAT program. (SPC is part of the Alamo Colleges District, so pricing is very favorable.) Accreditation for the institution is underway at the appropriate level, and the program is structured to give you real cybersecurity skills. You’ll take classes on network defense, risk management, digital forensics, and other core security topics.
5. University of the Potomac – BS in Cybersecurity & Policy
The University of the Potomac offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity & Policy that you can complete entirely online. The program is MSCHE-accredited, which means it meets a recognized standard of quality. It requires 120 semester credit hours to graduate.
This degree is more than just technical; it also covers cybersecurity law, policy, and ethics, making it a good fit if you see yourself working in government, regulation, or security strategy. The cost is $240 per credit hour, bringing the total for the degree to about $28,800 if you complete all required credits.
6. Metropolitan State University (Metro State) – BS in Cybersecurity
Metropolitan State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity designed for working adults who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. The program is fully online, with structured courses that allow students to complete assignments and labs on their own schedules while keeping up with guided deadlines.
Tuition is about $285.70 per credit, making the total cost for the 120-credit program approximately $34,284, which is very affordable compared to other four-year programs. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on skills in network security, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity management.
Students also complete lab-based assignments simulating real-world threats, which helps build both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Metro State is regionally accredited, giving students a recognized degree.
7. Bellevue University – BS in Cybersecurity
Bellevue University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that combines affordability, flexibility, and career-ready skills. Each credit costs $449, making the total cost for 120 credits around $53,880, which is still reasonable for a fully accredited program with strong career preparation.
Bellevue’s curriculum covers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, including network defense, database security, Python programming, and digital forensics. The program is structured so students can take courses at their own pace, while still having access to faculty guidance and support.
Bellevue University is regionally accredited, and the program includes coursework aligned with industry standards, preparing students for certifications and cyber challenges.
Why Online Cybersecurity Degrees Are a Smart Choice
Cybersecurity is a field that’s growing fast. Companies, organizations, and government agencies all need skilled professionals to protect their data and networks. That makes getting a degree in cybersecurity a smart move. Online programs are especially convenient because you can study from home or anywhere, which makes it easier to balance work, family, and school.
Many programs also include hands-on labs and exercises, so you don’t just read about cybersecurity, you practice it. Affordable programs let you get a respected degree without taking on a huge debt. If you plan your time carefully, you can finish faster and start your career sooner.
How to Get the Most from an Affordable Online Cybersecurity Program
Studying online doesn’t mean you compromise on quality. Look for programs that are accredited or recognized by cybersecurity organizations. Some even include preparation for certifications like CompTIA or CISSP. Take advantage of online labs, projects, and simulations; they teach you real-world skills. Focus on areas that match your career goals, like network security, digital forensics, or cybersecurity policy.
If possible, gain experience through internships or part-time jobs while studying. By picking the right program and staying disciplined, you can earn an affordable degree, get practical experience, and be ready to start a career in a field that’s in high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Cybersecurity Degrees
Can I get a good job after completing an online cybersecurity degree?
Yes. Online degrees from accredited schools are respected by employers. Graduates can work as network security analysts, information security specialists, ethical hackers, or cybersecurity consultants. With the growing demand for cyber professionals, especially in tech companies, banks, and government agencies, there are plenty of opportunities for those with practical skills and a degree.
What kind of salary can I expect in cybersecurity?
Entry-level roles in cybersecurity typically start around $60,000–$75,000 per year, depending on location and company. With experience, certification, and specialized skills, salaries can rise to $100,000 or more. Employers highly value hands-on experience, so programs with labs and simulations can give you an advantage.
Will this degree teach practical skills I can use on the job?
Yes. Most programs include hands-on labs, virtual exercises, and projects that simulate real cyber attacks. You’ll learn to secure networks, detect threats, perform digital forensics, and respond to incidents — skills that employers look for in new hires.
Are online cybersecurity graduates in demand right now?
Absolutely. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. Companies and governments face more threats every day, so skilled professionals are always needed. Completing an online degree in cybersecurity positions you well to enter a stable, high-demand career.
Can I specialize or focus on a particular area of cybersecurity online?
Yes. Many programs offer concentrations such as network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, or cybersecurity policy. Choosing a concentration helps you develop skills tailored to the career you want, making it easier to stand out to employers.