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 2025 rankings, each school has to also be designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C).

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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 2025 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 2025

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

   Atlanta, Georgia

   
   Program: Online Master's of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-R
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $10,720
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $335
   Credits: 32
   GRE requirement: Not required
   

2. University of Central Missouri

   Warrensburg, Missouri

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $12,750
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of West Florida

   Pensacola, Florida

   
   Program: Master of Science (M.S.) Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $12,750
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

4. Northern Kentucky University

   Highland Heights, Kentucky

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Online
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $14,220
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $474
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

5. University of Illinois at Springfield

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $15,270
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $509
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

6. Boise State University

   Boise, Idaho

   
   Program: Online Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $15,750
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $525
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

7. University of Alabama in Huntsville

   Huntsville, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $16,350
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $545
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

8. Murray State University

   Murray, Kentucky

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management online
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $16,950
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $565
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

9. Dakota State University

   Madison, South Dakota

   
   Program: Master of Science in Cyber Defense
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R & CAE-CO
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $17,430
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $581
   Credits: 30
   GRE requirement: Required
   Learn more: Program details

10. Champlain College

    Burlington, Vermont

    
    Program: Information Security Master's Degree Program
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $17,850
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $595
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

11. Eastern Michigan University

    Ypsilanti, Michigan

    
    Program: Cyber Security [M.S.]
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $18,000
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

12. University of Southern Maine

    Portland, Maine

    
    Program: Master's in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $18,030
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $601
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

13. Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State, Mississippi

    
    Program: M.S. in Cyber Security and Operations
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $18,104
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $584
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Optional
    Learn more: Program details

14. California State University - San Marcos

    San Marcos, California

    
    Program: Master’s of Science in Information Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $18,321
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $591
    Credits: 31
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

15. Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, Georgia

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $18,390
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $613
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

16. Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CO, CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $18,690
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $623
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

17. Wilmington University

    New Castle, Delaware

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,332
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $537
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

18. Quinnipiac University

    Hamden, Connecticut

    
    Program: MS Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,470
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $649
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

19. Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix, Arizona

    
    Program: Master’s in Cybersecurity Degree
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,550
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $575
    Credits: 34
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

20. Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City, Utah

    
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,620
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $654
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

21. Hood College

    Frederick, Maryland

    
    Program: Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,650
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $655
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

22. University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell, Massachusetts

    
    Program: M.S. in Security Studies: Cybersecurity or Critical Infrastructure Protection
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,650
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $655
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

23. University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland

    
    Program: Master's Degree Cybersecurity Technology
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $19,770
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $524 in-state | $659 out-of-state
    Credits: 30
    Learn more: Program details

24. Liberty University

    Lynchburg, Virginia

    
    Program: Master’s in Cyber Security Online
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $20,340
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $565
    Credits: 36
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

25. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

    Whitewater, Wisconsin

    
    Program: Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $20,340
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $678
    Credits: 30
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

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