Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
World-renowned Information Security Institute with NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation and direct DoD partnerships
University of Pennsylvania
Ivy League cybersecurity program with blockchain research focus and Philadelphia financial sector connections
Pennsylvania State University
Top value public program with NSA/DHS designation and strong alumni network across government agencies
- 1.Pennsylvania has 20+ accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 8 NSA Centers of Academic Excellence designations
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 globally with its Information Security Institute and 94% graduation rate
- 3.Penn State offers top public cybersecurity education at $19,816 in-state tuition with government recruiting partnerships
- 4.Pennsylvania cybersecurity professionals earn median $89,570 annually—9% above the national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide 15,000+ cybersecurity jobs with major employers including Comcast, UPMC, and PNC Bank
Cybersecurity Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania stands out as a premier destination for cybersecurity education, offering programs that range from world-renowned research institutions to accessible state universities. The state's strategic position between Washington D.C. and New York City, combined with major tech centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, creates unique opportunities for cybersecurity students.
Pennsylvania's cybersecurity programs benefit from strong government connections, with many holding NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations. Students have access to internships at major corporations like Comcast and UPMC, as well as government agencies. For national comparisons, see our best cybersecurity bachelor's programs ranking. Those considering costs should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide.
The state also offers excellent pathways through cybersecurity bootcamps and professional certifications. Students interested in specific certifications can explore our guides to CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certification, both highly valued by Pennsylvania employers.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Pennsylvania May 2024, NSA CNSS 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility to professors
Pennsylvania-specific salaries and job placement
NSA Center of Academic Excellence status
Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Private | $63,829 | 94% | 7:1 | Yes | 98.5 |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Private | $66,104 | 95% | 6:1 | Yes | 94.2 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Public | $19,816 | 85% | 16:1 | Yes | 91.8 |
| 4 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | Private | $58,965 | 73% | 10:1 | Yes | 87.9 |
| 5 | Villanova University | Villanova | Private | $62,773 | 91% | 12:1 | No | 86.4 |
| 6 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Public | $21,442 | 83% | 15:1 | Yes | 85.1 |
| 7 | Temple University | Philadelphia | Public | $17,712 | 72% | 14:1 | Yes | 82.7 |
| 8 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | Private | $59,930 | 91% | 9:1 | No | 81.3 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg | Middletown | Public | $15,562 | 71% | 12:1 | Yes | 79.8 |
| 10 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia | Private | $51,560 | 82% | 11:1 | No | 77.9 |
| 11 | Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | Public | $12,868 | 65% | 18:1 | Yes | 75.2 |
| 12 | West Chester University | West Chester | Public | $11,910 | 71% | 19:1 | No | 73.6 |
| 13 | Kutztown University | Kutztown | Public | $12,262 | 58% | 20:1 | No | 71.4 |
| 14 | La Salle University | Philadelphia | Private | $48,700 | 75% | 13:1 | No | 69.8 |
| 15 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Private | $32,940 | 68% | 15:1 | No | 68.1 |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate - highest among Pennsylvania cybersecurity programs
- • $95,000 average starting salary for graduates
- • 7:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention
- • DoD partnerships providing security clearance pathways
Program Strengths
- World-class Information Security Institute with cutting-edge research
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation with government partnerships
- Industry-leading faculty including cryptography and network security experts
- Direct recruiting pipeline to top tech companies and government agencies
- Extensive cybersecurity lab facilities and hands-on learning opportunities
Why Ranked #1
Carnegie Mellon's Information Security Institute is globally recognized as the premier cybersecurity research center. With a 94% graduation rate and direct partnerships with the Department of Defense, graduates command starting salaries averaging $95,000 and enjoy unparalleled research opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on experience with real-world security challenges and access to cutting-edge research made CMU an incredible investment in my career."
— CMU Cybersecurity Graduate, Class of 2024
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% graduation rate with exceptional academic support
- • 6:1 student-faculty ratio for intensive mentoring
- • NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation
- • Direct recruiting from major financial institutions
Program Strengths
- Ivy League reputation opening doors to top-tier opportunities
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency security specialization
- Strong connections to Philadelphia's financial sector
- Research opportunities in emerging technologies
- Small class sizes with world-renowned faculty
Why Ranked #2
UPenn's cybersecurity program leverages the university's Ivy League reputation and Philadelphia's financial sector connections. With a focus on blockchain security and fintech applications, graduates are highly sought after by major financial institutions.
Student Reviews
"UPenn's focus on blockchain security positioned me perfectly for a role at a major cryptocurrency exchange right after graduation."
— UPenn Cybersecurity Graduate, Class of 2024
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • $19,816 in-state tuition offering exceptional value
- • 85% graduation rate with strong academic support
- • 16:1 student-faculty ratio balancing access and resources
- • Direct pathways to government cybersecurity roles
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation
- Extensive alumni network across government and industry
- Comprehensive curriculum covering all cybersecurity domains
- Government internship and recruiting partnerships
- State-of-the-art cybersecurity lab facilities
Why Ranked #3
Penn State offers exceptional value as a top public cybersecurity program with NSA/DHS designation. The program's strong alumni network spans government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, providing excellent career prospects at a fraction of private school costs.
Student Reviews
"Penn State's government connections helped me land a cybersecurity analyst role at a federal agency immediately after graduation."
— Penn State Cybersecurity Graduate, Class of 2024
Pennsylvania University Systems and Cybersecurity Programs
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways into cybersecurity careers through several university systems and prestigious private institutions.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) includes 14 universities offering affordable cybersecurity programs. Shippensburg University stands out with its NSA designation and strong government connections. West Chester University and Kutztown University also provide quality programs at under $13,000 annual tuition for in-state students.
Penn State's main campus leads the state university sector, but regional campuses like Penn State Harrisburg also offer cybersecurity programs with NSA designations. These campuses provide Penn State's academic reputation at slightly lower costs and with more flexible scheduling options for working professionals.
Private institutions like Carnegie Mellon, Drexel, and Villanova offer world-class programs with smaller class sizes and extensive industry connections. While more expensive, these programs often provide superior research opportunities and career placement services that justify the higher investment for many students.
For students considering broader technology education options, Pennsylvania also excels in related fields. Our computer science programs in Pennsylvania and information technology programs in Pennsylvania guides detail additional pathways into tech careers.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor and protect organizational networks and systems from cyber threats
Information Security Manager
Lead cybersecurity teams and develop organizational security strategies
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks to identify security vulnerabilities
Security Architect
Design and implement secure technology infrastructure
Incident Response Specialist
Respond to and mitigate cybersecurity incidents and breaches
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Virginia
Illinois
Massachusetts
Washington
Georgia
North Carolina
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $16,800 | $32,400 | $52,000 |
| Average Class Size | 25-30 students | 25-30 students | 15-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Industry Connections | Regional | Regional | National/Global |
| Financial Aid | Limited | Very Limited | Extensive |
| Job Placement Rate | 85-90% | 85-90% | 90-95% |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to NSA-designated programs with government career pathways
- Proximity to major tech centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- Strong alumni networks in both government and private sector
- Balance of prestigious private institutions and affordable public options
- Opportunities in financial services cybersecurity (Philadelphia) or healthcare security (UPMC)
- Lower overall cost of living (consider Texas or North Carolina)
- Larger tech industry presence (California or Washington)
- More sunshine and warmer weather (Florida or Arizona)
- Specific industry focuses like entertainment (California) or aerospace (Colorado)
Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Programs FAQ
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Pennsylvania-specific salary data for cybersecurity professionals, May 2024
NSA/DHS designated cybersecurity programs and requirements, 2024
State financial aid programs and transfer articulation agreements
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.