There’s never been a better time to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. The demand for qualified people in cybersecurity is high even while other tech jobs ebb and flow. But counting on the ongoing need for cybersecurity workers may not get you the job of your dreams. Some cybersecurity college programs are better than others.
Are you thinking about getting into the cybersecurity job market? There are some excellent four-year colleges in the U.S. Or are you hoping to pivot to cybersecurity or increase your earning power? Consider looking into the master’s programs available.
But like many in-demand degrees, the best programs come with a ton of schoolwork. Between projects and labs, you may get overwhelmed by the amount of coursework on your plate. Are you asking yourself, “Is there a writer or a lab report writing service ready to help me do my lab report or write my lab report from scratch for me?”
The good news is the answer is yes. Look for resources like EduBirdie or Studybay. “They offer excellent resources to help students,” explains professional editor and content writer Angelina Grin. Offering a writer or lab report writing service only scratches the surface of what they provide. These services can help you keep up with fast-paced programs and maintain balance.
Now let’s look at the top 10 U.S. cybersecurity colleges and why they rank so highly.
Top Undergraduate Cybersecurity Colleges
Today’s tech-savvy youth are tomorrow’s cybersecurity experts. These institutions offer competitive degree programs to prime you for the growing job market. Start on the right foot by preparing yourself for the admissions process. Use visits and orientation to explore the campus. And when you move in, clubs and organizations are great tools for connecting with other students.
It’s essential to look at your study habits and manage stress while working toward an in-demand degree like cybersecurity. You may also have to adjust to living in an unfamiliar place while making new friends. Reach out to counselors and review your college’s resources to bolster your chances of success.
#1 Carnegie Mellon University
Founded in 1900, this private college offers cybersecurity and computer science undergraduate degrees. And the percentage of the student body enrolling in these degrees is increasing. But admissions for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh can be competitive.
#2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Tied for the top spot with Carnegie Mellon, MIT has an even smaller student body and campus. This research-focused college is a beacon for math, science, and engineering studies. At this institution, the cybersecurity program is a fast-growing, quality program. And an MIT degree adds a distinct shine to the resume when applying for top cybersecurity jobs.
#3 University of California – Berkeley
Ranking No. 3 in cybersecurity studies and No. 1 in computer science, UC Berkeley is the top West Coast option. Admissions may still be challenging. But it also has a larger total student body and lower tuition costs than the top two choices. And with its proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, your transition from studies to career may mean less packing and moving.
#4 Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is better known as Georgia Tech. It is also a powerhouse cybersecurity program in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s the only public school ranking in the top five. And with much lower tuition than the first three colleges, many cost-conscious students are flocking there. Wallet-savvy in-state students can grab competitive cybersecurity degrees for even less money out-of-pocket.
#5 Stanford University
You’ll head back to the West Coast and the San Francisco Bay area for the fifth-ranked cybersecurity degree. Stanford University is a private college 30 miles south of San Francisco. But you’re still near enough to take advantage of the nearby tech sector. A Stanford degree can give you plenty of clout when you’re ready to job hunt.
The Top Colleges for Graduate Cybersecurity Programs
Some students start their cybersecurity journey as undergrads. They then opt to continue their studies in graduate programs. Others hope to reinforce broader computer science degrees or transition from another career. A growing number of schools are providing rigorous graduate cybersecurity degrees.
#1 University of Alabama – Birmingham
You won’t need to submit a GRE to enroll in the cybersecurity graduate program. But if you’re an international student, you must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. All prospective students will need to send in three letters of recommendation. A graduate degree from a public school like Alabama may offer you a great return on your investment. You may be able to skip entry-level positions and pay and get right into the career track you want.
#2 Syracuse University
The picturesque colors of New York paint a lovely backdrop to the Syracuse campus. And despite the much higher cost-per-unit than Alabama, competition for admissions is fierce. You’ll need 30 credit hours, but about 78 percent of students complete the program.
#3 DePaul University
Check out DePaul in the Windy City of Chicago for an intensive graduate cybersecurity program. This 52-credit program can get pricey without financial aid. But the payoff is that you’ll likely be in a better position to grab more advanced jobs to help you pay off student debt faster.
#4 New Jersey Institute of Technology
The Garden State is a great place for a cybersecurity graduate program. Price-wise, it ranks between Alabama and Syracuse and is a 30-credit program. You’ll only need one letter of recommendation, and the acceptance rate is higher than the first two schools on the graduate list. As a result, New Jersey Tech is a solid choice that can galvanize your career.
#5 Washington University in St. Louis
We head back to the Midwest for the fifth graduate cybersecurity choice. The program is smaller than the other school choices on the list but offers 30 credits at a beautiful campus. Washington University is a private school, and tuition reflects that. But it’s also a renowned research institution. And the Master of Cybersecurity Management degree could position you to achieve a key promotion or move into leadership.
Bonus Cybersecurity Colleges to Consider
More and more schools are offering quality cybersecurity degree options. Tied for #5 in the undergraduate degree list is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Other excellent schools for undergrad cybersecurity students to consider include:
- Cornell University (tied for #5 with Stanford)
- Purdue University – West Lafayette
- University of Maryland – College Park
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Plenty of schools are also adding or beefing up their graduate cybersecurity programs. It’s vital to do some research into the specific courses. Some grad programs skew more toward management, while others allow you to craft a more niche academic path. Some bonus schools to think about besides the ones we listed include:
- Villanova University
- Nova Southeastern University
- Georgetown University
- University of Missouri – St. Louis
- Regis University
The Future Job Market Is Bright for Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity degree at a top college is a good investment because it may be more resistant to layoffs and downturns. Some tech positions don’t survive economic dips. But cybersecurity positions are increasingly essential. These professionals ensure companies stay connected to customers and supply chains. Malware and hacking attacks are increasing, and data breaches are costly. Cybersecurity job seekers will continue to see key job options for the foreseeable future.