Anne Arundel Community College Online Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)

Anne Arundel Community College's online A.A.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity is among the better-credentialed associate degrees in this field, with ABET accreditation and an NSA Center of Excellence designation. Tuition is $135 per credit for county residents and $459 for out-of-state students, so it makes the most sense for Maryland residents.

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) in Arnold, Maryland offers this associate degree fully online, though some courses may require proctored exams or on-campus assessments at a testing center.

The school's credentials are the story. AACC is a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA, and it says it was the first institution in the nation designated a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3). The program is also accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission.

You earn an Associate of Applied Science. The ABET accreditation is the standout, since few associate programs state a programmatic accreditation in computing. The NSA CAE-CD designation and the DC3 digital forensics designation both apply to the college.

Federal data shows 57 degrees a year awarded in this field, across the two related fields in this site's scope, which suggests a program with real volume. The college's graduation rate is 31%, so be realistic about the effort required.

Where this degree can lead: Cybersecurity Degree Jobs.

Who It Fits

• You live in Anne Arundel County. Tuition is $135 per credit hour for county residents, a fraction of other Maryland and out-of-state rates.
• You want to specialize. The degree offers concentrations in Digital Forensics, Networking and Security, so you can pick a direction early.
• You're aiming at government or defense contracting. The NSA designation and an industry advisory board that includes DC3, Collins Aerospace (ARINC), Broadcom and PowerTrain Inc point that way.
• You want to build toward a bachelor's. Confirm transfer with the school you'd move to, but the program's accreditation helps.

Who Should Skip It

• You live out of state. At $459 per credit hour for other states or countries, the price is much higher, and cheaper online options exist.
• You can't get to Maryland at all. Some online courses may require proctored exams or on-campus assessments at a testing center.
• You want a certificate only. This is a full associate degree.

The A.A.S. has three concentration options: Digital Forensics, Networking and Security. The degree ends with CYB 270 Cyber Capstone, a 1-credit hour course.

The school says the program objectives support the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications. Other certifications listed in its materials are Cisco CCNA and the Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner (MCFE), which fits the forensics track. Ask which concentration has the most online sections, since not every course may be offered each term.

Standout Features

• AACC is a designated NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
• First institution in the nation designated a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by DC3
• Industry advisory board includes DC3, Collins Aerospace (ARINC), Broadcom and PowerTrain Inc

Per-credit tuition for 2026-27 is $135 for Anne Arundel County residents, $317 for other Maryland counties and $459 for other states or countries. Per-credit fees also apply whether courses are in person or online.

Ask for the full credit requirement, then multiply by the rate for your residency. Compare it against the federal per-credit charge of $425 listed for the college, which sits well above the county rate and below the out-of-state rate.

The program can be completed fully online, with the caveat that some courses may need a proctored exam at a testing center. If you live far from Arnold, ask where approved testing sites are.

Federal data shows 30% of the college's students study exclusively online. That's a larger online group than at many community colleges, which can mean more online course sections to choose from. Ask how often each required course runs online.

The full rubric is on the methodology page.

• The college's overall graduation rate is 31%, and 46.5% of transfer-in students complete within 8 years.
• Out-of-state tuition of $459 per credit hour is the highest rate in the schedule.
• Some courses may need proctored exams or on-campus assessments.
• Fees are charged per credit on top of tuition.

• How many credits is the degree, and what's the total with fees for my residency?
• Where can I take a proctored exam if I live far from Arnold?
• Which of the three concentrations has the most online sections?
• How do these credits transfer to a bachelor's in cybersecurity, in Maryland and beyond?
• Do the courses include the Network+ and Security+ exam, or just prepare me for them?
• How does the DC3 advisory relationship show up for students, such as projects or internships?

• Best Digital Forensics Degrees Rank 1 of 3, associate
• Best Cybersecurity Engineering Degrees Rank 1 of 1, associate
• Best Information Assurance Degrees Rank 2 of 3, associate
• Best ABET Accredited Programs Rank 1 of 1, associate
• Best Programs With Certifications Rank 8 of 10, associate
• Best Online Programs in Maryland Rank 2 of 3, associate

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