Top 3 Information Security Programs in Tennessee 2025
Strayer University-Tennessee
1 information security graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Lipscomb University
2 information security graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Southern Adventist University
1 information security graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 6+ accredited information security programs across public and private universities
- 2.Strayer University-Tennessee leads with 100% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Information Security Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 6 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 12 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top information security programs in the state are led by Strayer University-Tennessee, Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Tennessee Information Security Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 53.4 |
| 2 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 49 |
| 3 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 43.6 |
| 4 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 43.4 |
| 5 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 35.2 |
| 6 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 34.7 |
Top 5 Information Security Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Strayer University-Tennessee | Lipscomb | Southern Adventist | South College | Freed-Hardeman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,725 | $35,848 | $24,350 | $16,450 | $25,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 90% | 75% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 67% | 67% | N/A | 91% |
| Type | For-Profit | Private | Private | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 53.4/100 | 49.0/100 | 43.6/100 | 43.4/100 | 35.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 5 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, South College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee market.
A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lipscomb | $35,848 | 90% | 2 | 49.0 |
| #2 Southern Adventist | $24,350 | 75% | 1 | 43.6 |
| #3 South College | $16,450 | N/A% | 3 | 43.4 |
Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 2 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include Strayer University-Tennessee, South College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 1 | 53.4 |
| #2 South College | $16,450 | N/A% | 3 | 43.4 |
Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Tennessee are at Strayer University-Tennessee ($13,725/year), South College ($16,450/year), Southern Adventist University ($24,350/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Strayer University-Tennessee, a 4-year degree costs approximately $54,900 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Information Security Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Security Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | $54,900 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
| #2 South College | $16,450 | $65,800 | 1.6 years | For-Profit |
| #3 Southern Adventist | $24,350 | $97,400 | 2.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, TN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 1 information security graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 53.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,848 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 49.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 2 information security graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lipscomb's cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with new laboratory facilities and a collegiate cyber defense team for competitive skill-building. Students benefit from mandatory internships and learn from expert faculty who are recognized leaders and practitioners in the field.
Program Details
- Credits: 126 credits
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: at least 90 percent within six months of graduation
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $24,350 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 43.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 1 information security graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Southern's MS in Computer Science and Applied Computer Science programs offer rigorous education with strong regional reputation, where high-profile employers actively recruit students often offering jobs before graduation. The programs provide flexible pathways including a five-year combined bachelor's/master's option and specialized certificates in cybersecurity, web development, and data analytics.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor's degree in computer science from an ABET-accredited program
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 33 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $60,000 - $80,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
South College
Knoxville, TN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 43.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 information security graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 43.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $25,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 35.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 information security graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 35.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
FHU's Cybersecurity program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics like network security, encryption techniques, digital forensics and ethical hacking with hands-on learning in state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs. Students are guided by expert faculty who bring industry experience into the classroom, with exposure to potential employers through industry connections.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Tennessee
Explore machine learning programs in Tennessee
Explore data science programs in Tennessee
Explore data analytics programs in Tennessee
Explore cybersecurity programs in Tennessee
Explore software engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore information technology programs in Tennessee
Information Security Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Information Security in Tennessee FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Security degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.