What is the starting salary for Cybersecurity graduates in Dallas?

The estimated starting salary for Cybersecurity graduates in Dallas, TX is $83,200 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 104. The national average starting salary for this major is $80,000. Salaries in Dallas are 4% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Cybersecurity degree worth it in Dallas?

A Cybersecurity degree in Dallas has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.2 years, with a projected lifetime return of $991,260 after subtracting education costs. With 82 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,274/year, Dallas offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.7% 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 Dallas?

The average annual public university tuition in Dallas is $11,274, while private universities average $58,540/year. Including room and board ($13,911/year), total 4-year costs range from $100,740 at a public school to $289,804 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Dallas is $14,498/year.

What jobs can Cybersecurity graduates get in Dallas?

Cybersecurity graduates in Dallas can pursue careers as Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, CISO. Key skills valued by local employers include Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, Incident Response. The Dallas 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 Dallas?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Cybersecurity graduates in Dallas would pay $1,144/month on an estimated $100,740 in loans, with $36,526 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,971/month but save $19,000 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $83,200, monthly payments would represent 16% of gross monthly income.

Cybersecurity Degree in Dallas, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$83K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$120K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.2 yrs

in Dallas

Cost of Living

104

index (100 = avg)

Cybersecurity in Dallas, TX Overview

Dallas is one of Texas's top college towns, with 82 institutions and a student population of 75,338. Public tuition averages $11,274/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Cybersecurity has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Network Security and Ethical Hacking skills. The adjusted starting salary in Dallas is approximately $83,200.

Cybersecurity Salary in Dallas (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Dallas's cost of living index of 104 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$83,200(+$3,200 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$119,600(+$4,600 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$150,800(+$5,800 vs national)

Note: National average Cybersecurity salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Dallas adjustment factor: 1.04x based on the local cost of living index.

Cybersecurity ROI Calculator for Dallas

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,274 | Private avg: $58,540

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Dallas avg aid: $14,498/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$100,740

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$46,800

vs HS diploma in Dallas

ROI Payback Period

2.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Dallas

$991,260

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,092,000) minus total education cost ($100,740)

Student Loan Payoff for Cybersecurity in Dallas

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$100,740

Monthly Payment$1,144

Total Interest$36,526

% of Monthly Income16%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$100,740

Monthly Payment$1,971

Total Interest$17,526

Interest Savings$19,000

Colleges in Dallas for Cybersecurity

University of Texas at Dallas

public

$14,032/yr

$56,128 total

Southern Methodist University

private

$58,540/yr

$234,160 total

University of North Texas at Dallas

public

$8,516/yr

$34,064 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Dallas College

$2,220/yr

Top Employers for Cybersecurity in Dallas

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

NSACrowdStrikePalo Alto NetworksMandiantBooz Allen

Key Dallas Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Cybersecurity Job Titles

Security AnalystPenetration TesterCISO

Cybersecurity in Nearby Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$92K starting · COL 115

90 colleges

San Antonio, TX

$96K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Austin, TX

$86K starting · COL 107

30 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$81K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

El Paso, TX

$74K starting · COL 93

38 colleges

Arlington, TX

$75K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$66K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Plano, TX

$68K starting · COL 85

9 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Dallas

Prompt Engineering

$52K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$99K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$88K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$92K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$85K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$88K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$52K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$52K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Cybersecurity degree outcomes in Dallas, TX: 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 Texas.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Dallas 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 Dallas Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas 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 (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas 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 Dallas — 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.

Explore More

Compare Cybersecurity ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Dallas.

Cybersecurity Overview Colleges in Dallas All Majors