By Audience

Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees for Military and Veterans (2027)

Best online cybersecurity degrees for military students in 2027, with a veteran tuition rate, discount, waiver or grant, ranked by score.

Top Overall Pick

Bachelor's

Champlain College

BS in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations

Vermont

Score
75.9of 100
Cost
$342per credit
Length
120credits
Read Our Champlain College Review

Programs Ranked Here

22

Schools

18

Degree Levels

3

Fully Online

22

Source: School program pages, verified October 2026

The best online cybersecurity degrees for military students pair a reduced rate with real credit for your service. Of the 22 programs here, 17 publish a military per-credit price, and many sit at $250 per credit. Champlain, Franklin and Old Dominion also count military training toward the degree, which can shorten your time more than a discount does.

Top Picks

Top Pick at Each Degree Level

The leader in each degree level on this list.

Method

How We Chose These Programs

We started with every online cybersecurity program in our database that states a military or veteran tuition rate, discount, waiver, grant or credit pathway. Then we scored them on cost, graduate earnings, completion, online experience and the other measures on our methodology page, and ranked them within each degree level.

The page shows the military terms each school states, with the standard price beside it where the school gives one. We list ten programs per degree level at most.

  • A military or veteran tuition rate, discount, waiver or grant stated on a school page
  • Rates shown only when the school publishes the number
  • Ranked on the shared methodology

Scores combine seven published factors. The methodology page shows each weight and rubric.

Bachelor's

Ranks #1 to #9 at this level

Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked

The 9 top-scoring of 10 programs at this level.

  1. 1

    Bachelor's

    Champlain College

    BS in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations

    School based in Vermont

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #1: its graduates in this field earn a median $112,282 (the highest among bachelor's programs on this list) and it charges $342 per credit (lower than 7 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Veterans and service members headed toward investigation work get the closest match here. Criminal Investigation sits beside Malware Forensics and Operating System Forensics, and a Digital Forensic Practicum finishes the plan. Servicemembers pay $250 per credit, and Champlain accepts transfer credit for military training. Seven-week terms let you take one to three courses at a time, so you can scale up or down when duty hours shift.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $342 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $41,040
    School State
    Vermont
    • Cost 9.7 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 10 / 10
    • Completion 7.6 / 10
    • Online Experience 3.7 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 7.8 / 10
    • Program Reputation 8.8 / 10
  2. 2

    Bachelor's

    Franklin University

    Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Ohio

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #2: its graduates in this field earn a median $102,099 (higher than 5 of 6 other bachelor's programs on this list) and 55.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (higher than 5 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Service members who already carry a stack of college credits and military transcripts can finish fastest here. Current service members pay $250 per credit instead of $398, up to 94 of the 124 credits can transfer, and eight starts a year mean no waiting on a fall term. The NSA has designated the B.S. a Center of Academic Excellence. Ask admissions for the full course list.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $398 per credit
    Credits
    124 credits
    Format
    8 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $49,352
    • Cost 8.3 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 8.2 / 10
    • Completion 6.6 / 10
    • Online Experience 7.4 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 4.8 / 10
    • Program Reputation 7.8 / 10
  3. 3

    Bachelor's

    University of Arkansas Grantham

    Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Arkansas

    • Fully Online
    • Public
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #3: it charges $305 per credit (the lowest among bachelor's programs on this list) and 100% of its undergraduates study fully online (tied for the highest share among bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Military members who want certification-minded coursework and a computer thrown in. The Heroes rate is $250 per credit hour, a laptop comes at no added cost, and the Network+ and Security+ aligned courses include lab exercises. Linux Administration and Virtualization come before Cryptography. The $50 per credit hour resource fee still applies, and DEAC accreditation means checking how a later school treats these credits.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $305 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $36,600
    Time to Finish
    38 months
    • Cost 10 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 6.5 / 10
    • Completion 3.5 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.3 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 2.8 / 10
    • Program Reputation 3.1 / 10
  4. 4

    Bachelor's

    American Public University System

    Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in West Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Private for-profit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #4: its school awards about 352 bachelor's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (the most among bachelor's programs on this list), but 41.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (lower than 7 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Aimed at service members who want to pick a specialty. Concentrations include Critical Infrastructure for industrial control and SCADA systems, Digital Forensics, Privacy and Surveillance, and Wireless and Mobile Security, with electives like Cyber Warfare and Red and Blue Team Security. The Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit covers active duty, Guard, Reserve and military families, and ebooks cost nothing. Courses start every month.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $360 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Format
    12 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $43,200
    • Cost 9.2 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 5.5 / 10
    • Completion 1.9 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.3 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 8.9 / 10
    • Program Reputation 3.8 / 10
  5. 5

    Bachelor's

    Liberty University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (IS), Information Assurance (IA)

    School based in Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #5: 74% of its undergraduates study fully online (a higher share than 4 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list), but at $410 per credit it costs more than 6 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list.

    Military benefits

    A business-side route for Guard, Reserve and active duty students who expect to manage information risk. Network Security, Information Security Planning and Cybersecurity come through Liberty's business school, ending in a capstone built around a real-world project. Military undergraduates pay $250 per credit rather than $410, up to 75% of the degree can transfer, and electronic textbooks are free. It's less technical than Liberty's computer science option.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $410 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $49,200
    School State
    Virginia
    • Cost 8.1 / 10
    • Completion 3.1 / 10
    • Online Experience 6.6 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 4.2 / 10
  6. 6

    Bachelor's

    Dakota State University

    Cyber Leadership and Intelligence, BS

    School based in South Dakota

    • Fully Online
    • Public
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #6: it charges $373.80 per credit (lower than 5 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list), but its graduates in this field earn a median $78,637 (lower than 4 of 6 other bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Pick this if your military background leans toward intelligence work more than systems administration. You choose a Digital Forensics or a World Affairs and Human Behavior specialization and train with open-source intelligence and AI tools. Past interns landed at the Air Force, Homeland Security and two national laboratories. Current military students receive a discounted rate and scholarships off the $373.80 standard credit price. Only three starts a year.

    Cost
    $373.80 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Format
    3 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $44,856
    School State
    South Dakota
    • Cost 8.9 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 4.2 / 10
    • Completion 3.5 / 10
    • Online Experience 5.2 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 6.3 / 10
    • Program Reputation 3.2 / 10
  7. 7

    Bachelor's

    McKendree University

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Defense (Online)

    School based in Illinois

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #7: 55.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (higher than 5 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list), but its school awards 2 bachelor's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (the fewest among bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    This is the management track, for service members moving toward security leadership. This is a business degree, so Cyber Risk Management and Mitigation and Legal and Ethical Environment of Cyber Defense sit beside Cyber Defense Networking, with a Practicum in Cyber Defense at the end. Courses align with the NICE framework. Students eligible for tuition assistance pay $250 per credit hour instead of $430, in eight-week sessions.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $430 per credit
    School State
    Illinois
    • Cost 7.7 / 10
    • Completion 6.6 / 10
    • Online Experience 2.8 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 0.3 / 10
    • Program Reputation 0.8 / 10
  8. 8

    Bachelor's

    National American University

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, FOCUSED (Cybersecurity Focus Area)

    School based in South Dakota

    • Fully Online
    • Private for-profit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #8: 100% of its undergraduates study fully online (tied for the highest share among bachelor's programs on this list) and it charges $380 per credit (lower than 4 of 8 other bachelor's programs on this list), but its graduates in this field earn a median $58,897 (the lowest among bachelor's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Security is one option inside a broader IT degree here, which suits service members who are still deciding. a broader IT degree. Active-duty military pay $166.66 per credit hour and veterans $200, across a 135 quarter credit path that includes Internet Security, Network Security, Cybercrime and Information Systems, and Computer Forensics. Cloud and AI focus areas sit alongside it. Security depth is lighter than a dedicated major.

    Military Rate
    $200 per credit
    Cost
    $380 per credit
    Credits
    135 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $51,300
    School State
    South Dakota
    • Cost 8.8 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 0.8 / 10
    • Completion 1.7 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.3 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 5 / 10
    • Track Record 2 / 10
    • Program Reputation 0.4 / 10
  9. 9

    Bachelor's

    Old Dominion University

    Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Public
    • Military Tuition Benefit

    Why it ranks #9: 59.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (the highest among bachelor's programs on this list), but its price of $453 per credit is the highest among bachelor's programs on this list.

    Military benefits

    Built for studying around duty schedules: no scheduled class meetings, eight-week terms and six starts a year. A signed military pathway agreement may grant credit for military training and experience, and active duty students may qualify for a discounted rate. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Digital Forensics and Cyber Law lead into an internship course and two capstones. Skip it if you need live classes.

    Cost
    $453 per credit
    Credits
    120 credits
    Format
    6 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $54,360
    School State
    Virginia
    • Cost 7.2 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 2 / 10
    • Completion 7.9 / 10
    • Online Experience 3.4 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 8.3 / 10
    • Program Reputation 9.4 / 10
Master's

Ranks #1 to #10 at this level

Online Master's Degrees Ranked

The 10 top-scoring of 15 programs at this level.

  1. 1

    Master's

    Champlain College

    Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science

    School based in Vermont

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #1: its graduates in this field earn a median $145,009 (higher than 4 of 5 other master's programs on this list) and its school awards about 98 master's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (more than 8 of 9 other master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Military investigators who already handle seized phones and drives will recognize this syllabus: Mobile Device Analysis, Operating System Analysis, Malware Analysis and Digital Forensics and Encryption. Champlain accepts military training for transfer credit, and the servicemember rate is $500 per credit across a 30 to 36 credit degree. The thesis capstone is writing-heavy, which is the trade-off if you wanted a practical exam.

    Military Rate
    $500 per credit
    Cost
    $608 per credit
    Credits
    30-36 credits
    Time to Finish
    10 months
    School State
    Vermont
    • Cost 7.4 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 9.7 / 10
    • Completion 5.8 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.2 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 7 / 10
    • Program Reputation 8.4 / 10
  2. 2

    Master's

    Hallmark University

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Texas

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #2: 60% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (tied for the highest among master's programs on this list) and it charges $595 per credit (lower than 8 of 9 other master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Veterans whose bachelor's isn't in technology can still get in. Hallmark accepts three years of experience, or a technology degree plus two years, or an intermediate technology certification. Six starts a year means a short wait after separating, and military, active-duty members and spouses get a reduced per-credit rate. Coursework includes Forensics and Network Intrusion and an Advanced Cyber Defense Seminar. Accreditation is national (ACCSC), so check transfer plans.

    Cost
    $595 per credit
    Credits
    36 credits
    Format
    6 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $21,420
    Time to Finish
    12 months
    • Cost 7.6 / 10
    • Completion 7 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.2 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 1.3 / 10
  3. 3

    Master's

    American Public University System

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies

    School based in West Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Private for-profit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #3: it charges $470 per credit (the lowest among master's programs on this list) and its school awards about 223 master's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (the most among master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    A service member holding Security+ can use it as an admission route, since APUS takes a bachelor's plus IT coursework, an IT certification or two years of related work. Courses start monthly in eight-week blocks. The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit across 36 credits, plus an $85 technology fee per course. Offensive Cybersecurity and Cyber Intelligence are included.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $470 per credit
    Credits
    36 credits
    Format
    12 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $16,920
    • Cost 9.3 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 5.4 / 10
    • Completion 1.2 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.2 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 8.5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 2 / 10
  4. 4

    Master's

    Capitol Technology University

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Maryland

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #4: it charges $665 per credit (lower than 5 of 9 other master's programs on this list), but its graduates in this field earn a median $104,008 (lower than 4 of 5 other master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Active-duty members pay $350 per credit and retirees $550, which suits people who want a technical program without paying the civilian rate. Terms are eight weeks and asynchronous, so there are no set login times to fit around shift work. Labs cover malware analysis, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, and the capstone is a comprehensive risk assessment exercise. A $55 technology fee applies to every credit on top of tuition.

    Military Rate
    $350 per credit
    Cost
    $665 per credit
    School State
    Maryland
    • Cost 6.8 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 4.5 / 10
    • Completion 2.4 / 10
    • Online Experience 8.3 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 4.5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 7.3 / 10
  5. 5

    Master's

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

    Master of Science in Aviation Cybersecurity

    School based in Florida

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #5: its graduates in this field earn a median $145,240 (the highest among master's programs on this list) and 94% of its graduate students study fully online, but 34.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (lower than 8 of 9 other master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Aviation, air traffic and drone veterans can put their background to work here. Courses cover Operational Technology Risks in Aviation (IoT, ICS, SCADA), Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Applications in Space. The military rate is $755 per credit over 30 credits, and you can follow a one-year plan or a two-year plan. It is narrow by design, so choose it only if aerospace is your target.

    Military Rate
    $755 per credit
    Cost
    $902 per credit
    Credits
    30 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $27,060
    Time to Finish
    12 to 24 months
    • Cost 4.5 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 9.7 / 10
    • Completion 0.7 / 10
    • Online Experience 7.3 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 3.2 / 10
    • Program Reputation 6.9 / 10
  6. 6

    Master's

    West Virginia University

    Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management

    School based in West Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Public
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #6: 60% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (tied for the highest among master's programs on this list), but at $1,063 per credit it costs more than 8 of 9 other master's programs on this list.

    Military benefits

    Locked Shields, a live cyber defense exercise, is open to students here, and the capstone is a live project with a corporate partner. The program trains for CISSP through ISC2 and covers eleven certifications in all. Current and former service personnel get $100 off each credit hour, and WVU participates in Yellow Ribbon. Expect a business-heavy curriculum and only fall and spring starts.

    Military Rate
    $100 per credit
    Cost
    $1,063 per credit
    Credits
    30 credits
    Format
    2 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $31,890
    • Cost 3.3 / 10
    • Completion 7 / 10
    • Online Experience 2.7 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 5.6 / 10
  7. 7

    Master's

    Capella University

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Applied AI

    School based in Minnesota

    • Fully Online
    • Private for-profit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #7: 100% of its graduate students study fully online (tied for the highest share among master's programs on this list), but its price of $735 per quarter credit is the highest among master's programs on this list.

    Military benefits

    Servicemembers and veterans can use a 10% military discount offered in select programs, and Capella quotes $8,770 in potential savings for students who bring a Certified Ethical Hacker credential. The 48 quarter credits blend security with applied AI in virtual labs. At $735 per credit, those savings matter.

    Cost
    $735 per quarter credit
    Credits
    48 quarter credits
    Est. Tuition
    $35,280
    School State
    Minnesota
    • Cost 3 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 5.5 / 10
    • Completion 1.1 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.2 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 5.7 / 10
    • Program Reputation 6 / 10
  8. 8

    Master's

    Colorado Christian University

    Master of Science in Cyber Security

    School based in Colorado

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #8: it charges $628 per credit (lower than 6 of 9 other master's programs on this list) and 46% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years, but its school awards 2 master's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (fewer than 8 of 9 other master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Active duty, reserve and National Guard members and their dependents pay $350 per credit hour instead of $628. You take one course at a time in five-week or seven-week blocks, and Ethical Hacking and Cyber Kill Chain plus Malware Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment give IT-minded service members an offensive-leaning course list.

    Military Rate
    $350 per credit
    Cost
    $628 per credit
    Credits
    30 credits
    Format
    1 start a year
    Est. Tuition
    $18,840
    • Cost 7.2 / 10
    • Completion 2.2 / 10
    • Online Experience 6.6 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 0.5 / 10
    • Program Reputation 1.1 / 10
  9. 9

    Master's

    City University of Seattle

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Washington

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #9: 50% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years (higher than 6 of 9 other master's programs on this list) and it charges $775 per credit, but its school awards 1 master's degree a year in this field per IPEDS (the fewest among master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Military spouses and active-duty students get tuition discounts, and CityU is a Yellow Ribbon school. The Cyber Defense depth of study includes Cryptography, Cloud Security Integration and Software Reverse Engineering, and the CY 665 capstone closes the degree. Credits run 39 to 59 depending on background, so ask for an evaluation first.

    Cost
    $775 per credit
    Credits
    39-59 credits
    School State
    Washington
    • Cost 5.6 / 10
    • Completion 2.9 / 10
    • Online Experience 4.9 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 0 / 10
    • Program Reputation 6.4 / 10
  10. 10

    Master's

    Saint Leo University

    Master of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Florida

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #10: its school awards about 35 master's degrees a year in this field per IPEDS (more than 6 of 9 other master's programs on this list), but its graduates in this field earn a median $94,011 (the lowest among master's programs on this list).

    Military benefits

    Service members and spouses pay $670 per credit hour in place of $785, a saving on each of the 30 credits. About 75% of Saint Leo's graduate students study exclusively online, so the virtual classroom is well populated. Internships and research projects are built into the curriculum.

    Military Rate
    $670 per credit
    Cost
    $785 per credit
    Credits
    30 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $23,550
    School State
    Florida
    • Cost 5.5 / 10
    • Graduate Earnings 3.2 / 10
    • Completion 0.6 / 10
    • Online Experience 5.7 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 5.1 / 10
    • Program Reputation 3.2 / 10
Associate

Ranks #1 to #3 at this level

Online Associate Degrees Ranked

3 programs, ranked against each other.

  1. 1

    Associate

    Franklin University

    Associate of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in Ohio

    • Fully Online
    • Private nonprofit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #1: 55.5% of its transfer students earn a credential within eight years and it charges $398 per credit.

    Military benefits

    Franklin lets current service members finish all 60 credits at $250 each, plus a $100 resource fee each semester. Up to 45 credits can transfer in, so prior training or coursework may shorten the road. Eight start dates a year, with 6- and 12-week courses, make it easy to begin between assignments. The capstone can't be transferred, so plan to take it at Franklin.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $398 per credit
    Credits
    60 credits
    Format
    8 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $23,880
    • Cost 1.6 / 10
    • Completion 8.2 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.1 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 2.7 / 10
    • Program Reputation 5.9 / 10
  2. 2

    Associate

    American Public University System

    Associate of Science in Cybersecurity

    School based in West Virginia

    • Fully Online
    • Private for-profit
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #2: it charges $360 per credit and 100% of its undergraduates study fully online.

    Military benefits

    Built around military students, this A.S. starts every month and runs in 8-week courses. The Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit covers active-duty, Guard, Reserve and family members, and ebooks cost nothing. Coursework includes Hardening Operating Systems, Red and Blue Team Security and Cryptography Concepts, ending in a capstone portfolio. Eight-week terms move fast, so expect a steady weekly workload.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $360 per credit
    Credits
    60 credits
    Format
    12 starts a year
    Est. Tuition
    $21,600
    • Cost 2.5 / 10
    • Completion 4.2 / 10
    • Online Experience 9.7 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 3 / 10
    • Track Record 1.1 / 10
    • Program Reputation 6.4 / 10
  3. 3

    Associate

    Pikes Peak State College

    Cybersecurity, Associate of Applied Science

    School based in Colorado

    • Fully Online
    • Public
    • Military Rate

    Why it ranks #3: its school awards about 19 associate degrees a year in this field per IPEDS.

    Military benefits

    Active-duty students pay $250 per credit for this applied associate degree from a college the NSA recognizes as a Cyber Security Center of Academic Excellence. Courses like Vulnerability Assessment, Network Defense and Counter Measures and Enterprise Security map toward Security+ and Cisco CCNA, and a 3-credit internship is available. The $250 rate is for active duty, so others pay Colorado's online rates.

    Military Rate
    $250 per credit
    Cost
    $460.30 per credit
    Credits
    60 credits
    Est. Tuition
    $27,618
    School State
    Colorado
    • Cost 0.2 / 10
    • Completion 0.3 / 10
    • Online Experience 2.4 / 10
    • Credential Alignment 7 / 10
    • Track Record 4.8 / 10
    • Program Reputation 5.3 / 10

Side by Side

Compare Every Program Side by Side

Sort any column. The order you see first is the ranking.

Best for Military Students: every ranked program
Rank School and Program Degree Score Cost per Credit Credits Delivery Military Rate
1 Champlain College B.S. BS in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations Bachelor's 75.9 $342 120 Fully Online $250 per credit
2 Franklin University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor's 69.8 $398 124 Fully Online $250 per credit
3 University of Arkansas Grantham B.S. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor's 65.0 $305 120 Fully Online $250 per credit
4 American Public University System B.S. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor's 62.1 $360 120 Fully Online $250 per credit
5 Liberty University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (IS), Information Assurance (IA) Bachelor's 53.2 $410 120 Fully Online $250 per credit
6 Dakota State University B.S. Cyber Leadership and Intelligence, BS Bachelor's 51.7 $373.80 120 Fully Online
7 McKendree University B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Defense (Online) Bachelor's 43.8 $430 Fully Online $250 per credit
8 National American University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, FOCUSED (Cybersecurity Focus Area) Bachelor's 43.1 $380 135 Fully Online $200 per credit
9 Old Dominion University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Bachelor's 56.1 $453 120 Fully Online
1 Champlain College M.S. Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science Master's 75.1 $608 Fully Online $500 per credit
2 Hallmark University M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master's 67.1 $595 36 Fully Online
3 American Public University System M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies Master's 58.7 $470 36 Fully Online $250 per credit
4 Capitol Technology University M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master's 57.3 $665 Fully Online $350 per credit
5 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide M.S. Master of Science in Aviation Cybersecurity Master's 53.5 $902 30 Fully Online $755 per credit
6 West Virginia University M.S. Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management Master's 53.2 $1,063 30 Fully Online $100 per credit
7 Capella University M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Applied AI Master's 51.3 $735 48 Fully Online
8 Colorado Christian University M.S. Master of Science in Cyber Security Master's 46.8 $628 30 Fully Online $350 per credit
9 City University of Seattle M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master's 46.8 $775 Fully Online
10 Saint Leo University M.S. Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master's 38.3 $785 30 Fully Online $670 per credit
1 Franklin University A.S. Associate of Science in Cybersecurity Associate 49.9 $398 60 Fully Online $250 per credit
2 American Public University System A.S. Associate of Science in Cybersecurity Associate 45.7 $360 60 Fully Online $250 per credit
3 Pikes Peak State College A.A.S. Cybersecurity, Associate of Applied Science Associate 30.7 $460.30 60 Fully Online $250 per credit
Cost per credit is the published online rate; October 7, 2026 data. Scores use methodology version 1.0.

How Military Rates, Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill Fit Together

Three things pay for most military students, and they work differently. The first is your branch's tuition assistance, which you request through your education office. The second is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which VA says helps pay for school if you served at least 90 days on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, among other routes. The third is the school's own military rate.

Many schools on this page set the military price at $250 per credit, which is why it helps to ask your education counselor what your branch pays per credit before you compare. McKendree states its $250 rate for military students who are eligible for tuition assistance. VA lists Tuition Assistance Top-Up as its own benefit, so ask whether it applies to your term.

The Yellow Ribbon Program matters when tuition runs past what the GI Bill covers. VA says it can help with private school, out-of-state and graduate tuition, and you must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level.

Not every school participates. West Virginia University states it does for graduate programs, so confirm the rest with each school's veterans office. VA also says a qualified service member can transfer all 36 months, or part, to a spouse or child, with Defense Department approval.

Getting Credit for Military Training Before You Pay for Courses

A lower rate saves money on every course. Credit for what you already know removes courses entirely, and it usually saves more.

Champlain says it gives credit for prior learning and experience and accepts transfer credit for work experience, training and military training, across its bachelor's and master's tracks. Franklin lets up to 94 credits transfer into its 124-credit bachelor's, and up to 45 into its 60-credit associate degree.

Old Dominion says a signed military pathway agreement may grant academic credit for military training and experience, and its separate prior learning credit costs 20 to 50 percent of the current tuition rate and cannot exceed 60 credit hours.

Send your Joint Services Transcript to admissions before you enroll, and ask for the credit evaluation in writing. Terms of seven and eight weeks at Champlain, Franklin, APUS and Liberty also help when your duty schedule changes, because you can take one course, skip a term or add a second.

Matching a Cybersecurity Degree to Your Military Background

If you work in communications, signals or network operations, an associate or bachelor's degree can formalize skills you already use. APUS charges $250 per credit across its associate, bachelor's and master's tracks, with twelve starts a year, and its associate degree includes a Red and Blue Team Security course.

Pikes Peak State College is the lowest-commitment way to start, with a Security+ certification focus and a $250 Active Duty Online rate.

If you plan to move into defense contracting or federal work, look at schools the NSA has designated. Champlain, Franklin's B.S., Old Dominion and Capitol all state a National Center of Academic Excellence designation. Dakota State's cyber leadership and intelligence degree lists past internships with the Department of Homeland Security, Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Air Force.

For a master's, Hallmark folds CISSP training into tuition, Capitol lists Security+, CISSP and SSCP alignment, and West Virginia University lists a wider set that includes CEH, CISM and CySA+. Embry-Riddle suits aviation and aerospace roles, and it carries the highest military rate on this page, so weigh that against the focus.

What to Check Before You Commit

Read the fine print on who qualifies. Champlain's rate is $250 for servicemembers and $297 for veterans and their families in the bachelor's, and $500 for servicemembers, veterans and their families in the master's. Franklin's $250 applies to current service members. Embry-Riddle's rate covers U.S. service members, reservists, National Guard members, spouses and dependents age 26 and under.

Compare the standard price too. West Virginia University states a $100 per credit hour discount, a different shape from a flat rate, so look at the total of 30 credits instead of the headline. VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool and the TA DECIDE tool from Military OneSource let you compare schools by cost and quality before you apply.

Finally, ask each school for its current military price in writing. Rates change, and we show what each school states on its own pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees for Military in 2027?

Which Are the Best Online Cybersecurity Degrees With a Military Discount?

Can I Use the GI Bill for an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

Can I Use Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill Together?

Do These Schools Give Credit for Military Training?

Do Military Rates Apply to Spouses and Family?

Which Master's Has Certification Training Built In?

Where Can I Compare Costs for Online Cybersecurity Programs?

Sources

All sources retrieved .