What is the starting salary for Cybersecurity graduates in Akron?

The estimated starting salary for Cybersecurity graduates in Akron, OH is $84,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. The national average starting salary for this major is $80,000. Salaries in Akron are 5% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Cybersecurity degree worth it in Akron?

A Cybersecurity degree in Akron has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,022,200 after subtracting education costs. With 5 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,330/year, Akron offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.3% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Cybersecurity in Akron?

The average annual public university tuition in Akron is $11,330, while private universities average $45,325/year. Including room and board ($8,745/year), total 4-year costs range from $80,300 at a public school to $216,280 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Akron is $8,336/year.

What jobs can Cybersecurity graduates get in Akron?

Cybersecurity graduates in Akron can pursue careers as Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, CISO. Key skills valued by local employers include Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, Incident Response. The Akron job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include NSA, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks.

How long to pay off student loans for Cybersecurity in Akron?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Cybersecurity graduates in Akron would pay $912/month on an estimated $80,300 in loans, with $29,115 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,571/month but save $15,145 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $84,000, monthly payments would represent 13% of gross monthly income.

Cybersecurity Degree in Akron, OH — Salary & ROI 2026

Cybersecurity degree analysis for Akron, OH. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$84K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$121K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.7 yrs

in Akron

Cost of Living

105

index (100 = avg)

Cybersecurity in Akron, OH Overview

While Akron has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Cybersecurity students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $8,745/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Cybersecurity has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Network Security and Ethical Hacking skills. The adjusted starting salary in Akron is approximately $84,000.

Cybersecurity Salary in Akron (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Akron's cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$84,000(+$4,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$120,750(+$5,750 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$152,250(+$7,250 vs national)

Note: National average Cybersecurity salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Akron adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.

Cybersecurity ROI Calculator for Akron

Estimate your return on investment for a Cybersecurity degree using local Akron tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,330 | Private avg: $45,325

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Akron avg aid: $8,336/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$80,300

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$47,250

vs HS diploma in Akron

ROI Payback Period

1.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Akron

$1,022,200

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,102,500) minus total education cost ($80,300)

Student Loan Payoff for Cybersecurity in Akron

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$80,300

Monthly Payment$912

Total Interest$29,115

% of Monthly Income13%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$80,300

Monthly Payment$1,571

Total Interest$13,970

Interest Savings$15,145

Colleges in Akron for Cybersecurity

University of Akron

public

$11,330/yr

$45,320 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Stark State College

$4,344/yr

Top Employers for Cybersecurity in Akron

Akron offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Cybersecurity graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NSACrowdStrikePalo Alto NetworksMandiantBooz Allen

Key Akron Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Cybersecurity Job Titles

Security AnalystPenetration TesterCISO

Cybersecurity in Nearby Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH

$82K starting · COL 103

31 colleges

Cleveland, OH

$77K starting · COL 96

20 colleges

Cincinnati, OH

$82K starting · COL 102

28 colleges

Toledo, OH

$86K starting · COL 108

16 colleges

Dayton, OH

$83K starting · COL 104

9 colleges

Parma, OH

$72K starting · COL 90

4 colleges

Canton, OH

$67K starting · COL 84

4 colleges

Lorain, OH

$68K starting · COL 85.2

3 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Akron

Prompt Engineering

$53K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$100K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$89K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$92K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$86K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$89K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$53K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$53K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Cybersecurity degree outcomes in Akron, OH: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Cybersecurity programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Ohio.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Akron using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Cybersecurity graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Cybersecurity career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Cybersecurity grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Akron Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Ohio students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Ohio)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Ohio programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "ohio higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Cybersecurity Degree in Akron — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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