Visualizing the ROI of a Cybersecurity Degree

Written by: University of Tulsa • Feb 10, 2026

Infographic explaining the return on investment for a cybersecurity degree.

Cybersecurity professionals are in demand at organizations of all sizes, and the field is known for its high earning potential. But is a degree in cybersecurity worth it? Considering the potential return on investment (ROI) for those who earn a cybersecurity degree can help prospective technology professionals make an informed decision about their education and career path.

To learn more, check out the infographic created by The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security program.

What Is a Cybersecurity Degree?

Cybersecurity degree programs help students develop technical expertise in the field and prepare for a role as an information security analyst, penetration tester, cybersecurity engineer, or cybersecurity manager.

A bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity includes courses covering topics such as introduction to cybersecurity, system and network security, information system assurance, and penetration testing. A master’s in cybersecurity program includes advanced coursework in security auditing, defensive cybersecurity technologies, cryptography, and cybersecurity policy.

Most cybersecurity professionals hold a college degree. As of 2023, 77,112 information security analysts held a bachelor’s degree, while 45,787 held a graduate degree, according to DataUSA. In comparison, 30,044 completed some college but did not hold a degree.

College graduates who were computer and information technology (IT) majors had a median salary that is higher than that of all those with a bachelor’s degree, regardless of major, which means they generally benefit from a comparatively high ROI on their degrees. In 2022, college graduates who were computer and IT majors had a median wage of $95,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the median wage for those with degrees in all majors was $66,000.

Individuals who earn a cybersecurity degree can position themselves to obtain a relevant cybersecurity certification. Some degree programs, especially master’s degree programs, offer preparation for certification exams, including those for certifications such as the CompTIA Pentest+, CompTIA Security+, certified information systems security professional (CISSP), and offensive security certified professional (OSCP/PEN-200).

Cybersecurity Career Paths

Graduates with a cybersecurity degree are in demand and qualify for many high-paying roles. The median wage for computer and IT occupations reached $105,990 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Around 356,700 computer and IT jobs are projected to be available annually from 2023 to 2033.

Cybersecurity professionals are expected to see strong job growth in the coming years. Information security analysts are projected to see 33% job growth from 2023 to 2033, according to the BLS, while computer and IT managers are projected to see 17% job growth.

Other key cybersecurity occupations have six-figure median salaries and many job openings, according to CompTIA data:

Penetration testers, a type of ethical hacker, identify vulnerabilities by simulating cyber attacks. They have a median salary of $132,000, and there were over 16,000 job openings for these professionals in 2024/25.
Cybersecurity analysts assess cybersecurity systems and risk mitigation tools to protect private data. They have a median salary of $133,000, and there were over 155,000 job openings for these professionals in 2024/25.
Cybersecurity engineers develop security systems to protect data from cyber attacks. They have a median salary of $140,000, and there were over 44,000 job openings for these professionals in 2024/25.
Cybersecurity managers oversee cybersecurity specialists and systems for an organization. They have a median salary of $151,000, and there were over 40,000 job openings for these professionals in 2024/25.
Cybersecurity architects design security infrastructure to protect an organization from potential cyber threats. They have a median salary of $150,000, and there were over 7,000 job openings for these professionals in 2024/25.

Boosting the ROI of a Cybersecurity Degree

The exact ROI an individual gains by earning a cybersecurity degree depends on the cost of their degree and the salaries they earn throughout their career. How can potential cybersecurity students increase their ROI from earning their degree?

First, they can lower the cost of earning their cybersecurity degree. Next, they can choose to specialize their degree in an area where professionals are in demand. Then, they can consider earning a graduate degree to further increase their earning potential.

Specifically, cybersecurity students should maximize their scholarships and grants. In 2023/24, undergraduate and graduate students received $160.2 billion in grants, according to College Board. That includes $82.8 billion from colleges and universities, $44.3 billion from the federal government, and $14.9 billion from state governments.

Undergraduate students received an average of $16,360 in financial aid, while graduate students received an average of $28,420.

Cybersecurity students should also choose the right specialization. Sixty–seven percent of organizations report they face moderate or critical skills gaps in cybersecurity in their workforce, according to the World Economic Forum. Cybersecurity specialists who are in demand include cybersecurity data analysts, security analysts, IT auditors, cybersecurity project managers, threat and vulnerability analysts, and security software developers.

Finally, degree-seekers should consider earning a master’s degree. According to DataUSA, the highest-paid information security analysts hold a graduate degree, and the average salary for graduate-degree holders is $153,706. According to Payscale, those with a Master of Science in Cyber Security have a median salary of around $96,000, nearly $20,000 more than the median salary of those with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security, which is $78,000.

Other benefits of earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity include that it can prepare individuals for specialized roles, increase their earning potential, provide them with experience using data and other technologies, help them build an advanced skill set, and prepare them for relevant certifications.

Get the ROI of a Cybersecurity Degree

Investing in a cybersecurity degree can pay off. Cybersecurity professionals report high salaries and career advancement opportunities. Prospective students who can maximize their earning potential while minimizing the cost of their degree will see the highest ROI from earning a cybersecurity degree.

Sources

College Board, Trends in Student Aid: Highlights

CompTIA, Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer

CompTIA, Cybersecurity Architect

CompTIA, Cybersecurity Engineer

CompTIA, Cybersecurity Manager

CompTIA, Penetration Tester

DataUSA, Information Security Analysts

Indeed, “Advantages of Earning a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity”

Payscale, Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc), Cybersecurity Degree

Payscale, Master of Science (MS), Cybersecurity Degree

State Higher Education Finance, “Sources and Uses of State Funding”