Technology
Cybersecurity Analyst
Defend organizations from cyberattacks — monitor systems, investigate incidents, and harden defenses. One of the fastest-growing tech roles.
high-growthremote-friendlyhigh-pay
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$72k
$105k
$155k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+32%
+32% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
165,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Certification Online
Security+ → CySA+ → CISSP
Time
6–12 months
Cost
$800 – $3,500
Cert-friendly field. CISSP requires 5 yrs experience.
Bootcamp Online
Cybersecurity Bootcamp Certificate
Time
6–9 months
Cost
$8,000 – $18,000
Top programs
Best for career changers.
Degree Hybrid
BS Cybersecurity
Time
4 years
Cost
$40,000 – $120,000
Many gov contractors prefer degrees.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Attainability breakdown
What are the odds
you actually get there?
Six factors weighted to estimate the realistic probability a motivated person reaches this outcome. Higher = more attainable.
78
Composite
Attainability Score
Editorial estimate
Editorial estimate — based on best-available qualitative info. We're upgrading individual factors to published statistics where available.
- Educational difficultyHow hard the required schooling is to complete6520%
- Licensing & examsPass rates and difficulty of required exams10015%
- Entry-job competitionHow many applicants per open entry-level role6520%
- Career stay-rateInverse of early-career attrition / industry exit7015%
- Market demandOpenings vs available workforce9215%
- Alternative pathsHow many viable ways exist to enter the field8815%
Recommended schools
Schools known for this path
Verified high-ROI programs aligned with Cybersecurity Analyst. Direct, transparent links to each school's official program page. See the full ROI shortlist →
WGU
Online, competency-based
Tuition
~$4,005 / 6-month term
Flat-rate. Finish faster, pay less.
Programs for Cybersecurity Analyst
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
Avg B.S. completion 2.5 yrs
Total cost
$20,000
Starting pay
$75,000
Cybersecurity Analyst
Break-even
6 mo
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$1,229,100
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Purdue Global
Online, public university
Tuition
$371 / quarter credit
Built for working adults with prior college credit or experience.
Programs for Cybersecurity Analyst
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
Heavily reduced with transfer credit / military / prior learning
Total cost
$35,000
Starting pay
$42,000
Help Desk Technician
Break-even
3.3 yrs
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$577,500
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Penn State Online
Online, Big Ten brand
Tuition
$675–$700 / credit
Same Penn State diploma as on-campus students.
Programs for Cybersecurity Analyst
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
120 cr × ~$600/cr
Total cost
$72,000
Starting pay
$55,000
Data Analyst
Break-even
3.6 yrs
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$751,600
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
6–12 months
You'd spend (avg)
$2,150
Starting salary
$72,000
Mid-career
$105,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · ISC2