Top affordable online cybersecurity master degree programs

There are many factors that influence choosing the right online cybersecurity master’s program. Affordability is usually top on that list for many students.

That’s why the Cybersecurity Guide research team compiled a new list that ranks the top online cybersecurity master’s degree programs based on the overall projected cost of tuition.

However, affordability should not come at the expense of getting the best possible career preparation possible. So in order to be included in our most affordable online cybersecurity master degree programs for 2026 rankings, each school has to also be designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C).

Ad

cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.

Feature Online Master's Programs

The CAE designation was created by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security to help cybersecurity programs at top education and research institutions prepare tomorrow’s cybersecurity experts.

The program exists to help the United States maintain an edge in digital security and build a robust pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.

The 2026 list of top affordable online cybersecurity master’s programs includes a blend of long-established cybersecurity programs. But the list also includes new, emerging programs offering innovative cybersecurity courses.

The online cybersecurity master’s degree programs included in this year’s affordability rankings also offer a range of opportunities for students and career preparation.

With specialties ranging from increasing technical skills and ability to management and administration, there are plenty of options to fit a wide variety of career paths.

Top affordable online cybersecurity master’s programs for 2026

1. Columbus State University

   Columbus, Georgia

   
   Program: Cybersecurity (MS)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $9,270
   Delivery Method: Online, campus & hybrid
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $309
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

2. Fort Hays State University

   Hays, KS

   
   Program: Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $10,470
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $349
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

3. Southeast Missouri State University

   Cape Girardeau, MO

   
   Program: Cybersecurity (MS)
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $11,850
   Delivery Method: Online
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $395
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

4. University of West Florida

   Pensacola, Florida

   
   Program: Master of Science (M.S.) Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $12,750
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $425
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

5. University of Central Missouri

   Warrensburg, Missouri

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $13,350
   Delivery Method: Online & campus
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $445
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

6. University of Southern Maine

   Portland, Maine

   
   Program: Master's in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $15,780
   Delivery Method: Online
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $526
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

7. Northern Kentucky University

   Highland Heights, Kentucky

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $15,900
   Delivery Method: Online
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $530
   Credits: 30
   Learn more: Program details

8. Southern Utah University

   Cedar City, Utah

   
   Program: M.S. in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $16,368
   Delivery Method: Online
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $451 in-state | $496 out-of-state
   Credits: 33
   Learn more: Program details

9. American Military University

   Charles Town, West Virginia

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Tuition: $16,380
   Delivery Method: Online
   2025/2026 Cost per credit: $455
   Credits: 36
   Learn more: Program details

10. Boise State University

    Boise, Idaho

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $16,500
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $550
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

11. Marshall University

    Huntington, WV

    
    Program: Cybersecurity, MS
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $17,153
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $571.75
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

12. Indiana Institute of Technology

    Fort Wayne, IN

    
    Program: Cybersecurity, M.S.
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $17,700
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $590
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

13. Champlain College

    Burlington, Vermont

    
    Program: Master's in Cybersecurity Management
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $17,850
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $595
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

14. Eastern Michigan University

    Ypsilanti, Michigan

    
    Program: Cyber Security [M.S.]
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $18,000
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $600
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

15. Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State, Mississippi

    
    Program: M.S. in Cyber Security and Operations
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-CO, CAE-R
    Tuition: $18,011
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $581
    Credits: 31
    Learn more: Program details

16. Murray State University

    Murray, Kentucky

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management online
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $18,180
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $606
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

17. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

    Lowell, Massachusetts

    
    Program: Master of Science in Security Studies: Cybersecurity Concentration
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Tuition: $18,300
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $610
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

18. University at Albany

    Albany, NY

    
    Program: Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
    Tuition: $19,031
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $540.38 in-state | $634.38 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

19. University of New Hampshire

    Durham, New Hampshire

    
    Program: M.S. in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management (CPRM)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $19,200
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $640
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

20. Wilmington University

    New Castle, Delaware

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $19,332
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $537
    Credits: 36
    Learn more: Program details

21. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD, and CAE-R
    Tuition: $19,470
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $486 in-state | $649 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

22. Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo, Florida

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $20,100
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $670
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

23. Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix, Arizona

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $20,400
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $600
    Credits: 34
    Learn more: Program details

24. Dakota State University

    Madison, South Dakota

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Defense
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Tuition: $20,460
    Delivery Method: Online & campus
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $385 in-state | $682 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

25. University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland

    
    Program: Master's Degree Cybersecurity Technology
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Tuition: $20,820
    Delivery Method: Online
    2025/2026 Cost per credit: $694
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

2025 Affordable listings

2024 Affordable listings

Additional resources

If you are looking for your next opportunity in cybersecurity, be sure to check out these related resources:

• Check out all of your cybersecurity degree options
• Cybersecurity bootcamp training
• Cybersecurity-specific scholarships
• Podcast: Latest research and opportunities on college campuses