Top 3 Information Security Programs in Ohio
University of Cincinnati
Strong industry partnerships with P&G, GE Aviation, and Fifth Third Bank for cybersecurity internships and co-op programs
Ohio State University
Home to the Center for Automotive Research's cybersecurity lab and NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence
Case Western Reserve University
Small class sizes with 12:1 student-faculty ratio and direct access to Cleveland's growing cybersecurity sector
- 1.Ohio ranks 7th nationally for cybersecurity job openings with 3,200 annual positions available
- 2.Information security graduates in Ohio earn median starting salaries of $68,400, above the national average
- 3.University of Cincinnati leads with 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- 4.Ohio offers in-state tuition averaging $12,600 for public universities with strong security programs
- 5.Major employers include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, and Progressive Insurance
18
Universities Offering Programs
$12,600
Average In-State Tuition
32%
Projected Job Growth
850+
Major Tech Employers
Based on 18 programs from Analysis of IPEDS, College Scorecard, and employment outcome data
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, and job placement success
Faculty credentials, research output, and curriculum comprehensiveness
Internship programs, corporate partnerships, and employer recruitment
Tuition costs, financial aid availability, and return on investment
Graduation rates, student satisfaction, and academic support services
Ohio's Information Security Job Market Outlook
Ohio's information security sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with cybersecurity job openings increasing 32% annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's diverse economy, spanning finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, creates robust demand for cybersecurity professionals across multiple industries.
Major employers driving this demand include JPMorgan Chase with over 2,500 technology professionals in Columbus, Nationwide Insurance's cybersecurity division, and Progressive Insurance's growing tech hub. Healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio Health are also major employers, requiring specialized security expertise for HIPAA compliance and patient data protection.
Information security graduates in Ohio earn competitive starting salaries averaging $68,400, with experienced professionals reaching $95,000-$120,000 annually. The concentration of Fortune 500 companies in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland provides extensive career advancement opportunities without requiring relocation to traditional tech centers like San Francisco or Seattle.
Complete Rankings: Ohio Information Security Programs 2025
| 1 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | $12,784 | 94% | $72,500 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Ohio State University | Columbus | $12,485 | 91% | $70,200 | 92.8 |
| 3 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | $61,032 | 93% | $75,800 | 91.5 |
| 4 | Wright State University | Dayton | $10,098 | 88% | $65,400 | 88.7 |
| 5 | University of Dayton | Dayton | $47,400 | 90% | $68,900 | 87.3 |
| 6 | Kent State University | Kent | $11,766 | 85% | $63,200 | 85.1 |
| 7 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | $12,300 | 83% | $61,800 | 82.9 |
| 8 | University of Toledo | Toledo | $10,574 | 80% | $59,500 | 80.4 |
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% employment rate within 6 months
- • $72,500 average starting salary
- • Over 200 co-op employer partners
- • NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program providing 12-18 months of paid industry experience
- Partnership with P&G, GE Aviation, and Fifth Third Bank for specialized cybersecurity roles
- ABET-accredited program with focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications
- Access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab with enterprise-grade security tools
- Faculty with active industry consulting and research in emerging security threats
Why Ranked #1
UC's information security program ranks #1 due to its exceptional co-op program, strong industry partnerships, and 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation.
How We Ranked Ohio Information Security Programs
Our ranking methodology prioritizes real-world outcomes over theoretical metrics. We analyzed employment data from the College Scorecard database, surveyed recent graduates about their job search experiences, and evaluated curriculum alignment with current industry demands in cybersecurity.
Employment outcomes carry the highest weight (35%) because job placement and salary progression are the primary reasons students pursue information security degrees. We tracked graduates for two years post-graduation, measuring not just initial employment but career advancement and salary growth within the cybersecurity field.
Industry connections (20% weight) proved crucial in our analysis. Programs with active internship partnerships, guest lecturer series, and corporate-sponsored projects consistently produced graduates with multiple job offers and higher starting salaries. Universities like Cincinnati and Ohio State excel in this area through their established corporate relationships.
Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Design and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats and attacks.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Focus on preventing, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents across enterprise environments.
Security Consultant
Provide expert cybersecurity advice to organizations, conduct security assessments, and implement protective solutions.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
Design, build, and maintain security systems and infrastructure to protect organizational assets.
Information Security Degree Types and Specializations in Ohio
Ohio universities offer information security education across multiple degree levels and specialization tracks. Bachelor's programs typically require 120-128 credit hours with core coursework in network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and risk management. Most programs include hands-on laboratory components and capstone projects involving real security challenges.
Master's programs in information security focus on advanced topics like security architecture, incident response management, and compliance frameworks. These 36-42 credit hour programs are designed for working professionals, with many offering evening and weekend classes. Popular specializations include digital forensics, cybersecurity management, and industrial control systems security.
Online information security degrees have gained significant traction, especially following the pandemic. Ohio institutions like Cincinnati and Ohio State offer fully online programs with the same faculty and curriculum as on-campus versions. These programs include virtual labs for hands-on learning and maintain the same accreditation standards as traditional degrees.
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Online Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,600 (in-state) | $45,800 | $18,500 |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 15-20 students | Varies |
| Industry Connections | Strong regional partnerships | Focused alumni networks | National partnerships |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | Minimal |
| Flexibility | Standard schedule | Some evening options | Fully flexible |
Admission Requirements and Application Tips
Most Ohio information security programs require a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, with stronger programs like Case Western and Ohio State preferring 3.5+. Mathematics preparation is crucial, with calculus and statistics strongly recommended. Some programs require or prefer prior computer science coursework, though it's not universally mandatory.
Standardized test scores vary by institution, with public universities typically requiring SAT scores of 1200+ or ACT scores of 26+. However, many programs now offer test-optional admissions, particularly for students with strong academic records and relevant experience in technology or mathematics.
Transfer students benefit from Ohio's articulation agreements between community colleges and four-year universities. Students can complete general education and basic computer science requirements at lower costs before transferring to complete their information security specialization. This pathway can reduce total degree costs by $15,000-$25,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Information Security Students
Ohio offers numerous financial aid opportunities for information security students. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides up to $2,796 annually for eligible students, while the Choose Ohio First Scholarship specifically targets STEM fields including cybersecurity, offering awards up to $5,000 per year.
Federal financial aid through FAFSA is available for all accredited programs. Students should complete their FAFSA application by March 1st for Ohio state aid consideration. The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, administered by the NSF, offers full tuition coverage plus stipends for students committed to government cybersecurity careers.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for cybersecurity education. Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Progressive provide up to $10,000 annually for employee education in security-related fields. This makes part-time or evening programs particularly attractive for working professionals.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want strong industry connections and internship opportunities
- In-state tuition rates are important for your budget
- You prefer larger programs with diverse course offerings
- Research opportunities interest you
- You prefer smaller class sizes and more personal attention
- Premium facilities and resources are worth higher tuition
- You want focused alumni networks in specific industries
- Location in Cleveland or Dayton aligns with career goals
- You need flexibility for work or family obligations
- You live outside major metropolitan areas
- You're already working in IT and want to specialize in security
- Cost efficiency is a primary concern
Related Information Security Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for cybersecurity professionals
Graduate employment rates, earnings, and program outcomes
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and graduation data
State-specific program data and workforce statistics
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.