Cybersecurity Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Protection of computer systems and networks from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Starting Salary
$75K
median
Mid-Career
$115K
salary
ROI Payback
3 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
1.5%
rate
Cybersecurity Overview
Protection of computer systems and networks from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Category
STEM
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
68%
Enrollment Trend
growing
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
8%
Lifetime Premium
$1050K
Female Graduates
18%
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$18,900
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$18,900
after scholarships
ROI Payback
0 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$1,031,100
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,050,000) minus net degree cost ($18,900)
Cybersecurity Salary Progression
Common Cybersecurity Careers
Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
CISO
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Cybersecurity
#1
Carnegie Mellon
#2
Georgia Tech
#3
MIT
#4
Purdue
#5
University of Maryland
Related Majors
Cybersecurity Degree FAQ
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