Top Master’s in Cyber Security Scholarships for Your Graduate Education in Cyber Security

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for information security analysts will rise by 33% between 2020 and 2030. This highlights the need for cyber security professionals to stop hackers or develop malware prevention measures. If you want to improve your skills and gain a competitive advantage, you should consider pursuing a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security.

One of the biggest challenges people face in education is student debt. To help you avoid indebtedness, we curated a list with the best scholarships to finance Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security. You will also find other financial aid alternatives to ease the burden of tuition payment. 

What Is a Master’s in Cyber Security?

A Master’s Degree in Cyber Security is a postgraduate degree that lasts, on average, two years. It covers information assurance, computer security, and computer science. You can also specialize in advertising networks, computer ethics, computer security, cryptography, cyber crime, digital forensics, information security, or signals intelligence. These programs come in a variety of formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid.

To gain admission into a cyber security postgraduate program, you must have completed a four-year degree program in a relevant field. Relevant undergraduate majors include computer science, information systems, information technology, and cyber security.

How Much Does a Master’s in Cyber Security Cost?

The average cost of a Master of Science degree is $62,300. However, the tuition for your degree can vary substantially according to factors like subject, format, or institution. On-campus programs are typically more expensive than online ones. This is primarily because as an on-campus student you will have access to the university’s facilities as well as other resources like mentors and career coaches.

Master’s in Cyber Security Salary: How Much Can You Earn?

According to Payscale, people with a Master of Science in Cyber Security earn an average salary of $89,000 per year. It is important to note that your salary is highly dependent on your skill level, location, and the company you’ve joined. Your responsibilities can also impact the amount of money you earn.

Is a Master’s in Cyber Security Worth It?

A Master’s in Cyber Security is worth it. It is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field. If you want to stay competitive in the cyber security industry, you must constantly learn new skills and gain hands-on experience. Studying at the postgraduate level is a great way to do that.

In addition, a master’s degree will significantly increase your chances of landing a job in cyber security as hiring companies prefer professionals with a strong academic background. A postgraduate degree program can pave the way for numerous career opportunities in the industry, including computer network architect, cyber crime analyst, cyber security engineer, penetration tester, incident analyst, or information security analyst. 

Likewise, a Master’s in Cyber Security will allow you to network as attending school gives you the opportunity to form professional relationships. You will interact with expert instructors, mentors, and career coaches and build professional relationships with your cyber security peers.

A two-year degree is also important if you want to continue studying. Most universities require a master’s degree to pursue a doctoral program. You also need a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security to take some professional certification exams.

How to Pay for Your Cyber Security Graduate Degree with Master’s in Cyber Security Scholarships

A Master’s Degree in Cyber Security can take a significant toll on your pocket. Fortunately, many institutions offer scholarships to alleviate the financial burden. A scholarship for a Master’s in Cyber Security is usually awarded based on academic merit or financial need. You can find full as well as partial scholarships.

To gain access to a scholarship, you must meet the criteria specified by the provider, which can be a university, union, community group, or charitable organization. These scholarships are usually restricted to professionals with a four-year degree in cyber security. Some also require students to have extensive work experience in the field. 

Scholarships are typically used to offset the cost of books, tuition, and room and board. To apply for a Master’s in Cyber Security scholarship, visit the provider’s official site. Here you will find a list of requirements to help you determine your eligibility. 

Best Master’s in Cyber Security Scholarships: Overview

Best Master’s in Cyber Security Scholarships: In Detail 

Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship | AFCEA

This scholarship is only available to female and minority students that in their second semester of a graduate degree and reside in the United States. The education institution must be accredited and located in the United States and candidates must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

This scholarship targets STEM majors, so you can use it to finance degrees in programming, computer science, information technology, and other fields that are related to cyber security.

Life’s Choices Foundation Graduate Scholarship | Association of Former Intelligence Officers

This is a scholarship for graduates who want to work in national security. You must be a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers or a relative of a member to be eligible. To apply, you must submit your resume, cover letter, letter of recommendation, transcript, and pictures, among other documents.

Scholarship for Women Studying Information Security | CRA-WP

Applied Computer Security Associates and CRA-WP collaborate to provide scholarships to female students interested in learning about information security. Their primary goal is to increase the number of women in the industry. To qualify for this opportunity, you must be in the formative stages of your career, pursuing either an undergraduate or a graduate degree. You must also be a US citizen enrolled in an accredited university. 

Retention Scholarship | Department of Defense

This prestigious scholarship is sponsored by the Department of Defence and administered by the National Security Agency with the aim of promoting higher education in cyber security. It also aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of top talent in cyber security and IT and strengthen the country’s cyber security workforce. 

Applicants must be pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate in Cyber Security or a related technical field. Recipients must complete a service commitment after graduation, which is determined by the sponsoring organization.

CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service | DHS, NSF, OPM

In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation offers a scholarship to students who pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in cyber security. The aim is to meet the growing demand for cyber security professionals in federal, state, and local governments. 

Each qualified applicant must agree to work for the US government after graduation for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship. The scholarship program lasts for almost three years with stipends that amount to $34,000 per year. You can attend this program virtually or in person.

KnowBe4 Women In Cybersecurity Scholarship | KnowBe4, (ISC)²

KnowBe4 is a popular provider of training in security and phishing. In partnership with (ICS)², it offers scholarships to women interested in pursuing a career in cyber security. This scholarship awards $10,000 for tuition and $3,000 for campus housing. In addition, the eligible applicants will receive an (ICS)² certification exam voucher as well as soft and hard copies of the study materials to prepare for the exam of their choice. 

This opportunity is open to high school seniors, undergraduate degree holders, and grad students. To apply, you must be a US citizen with a 3.3 GPA or higher. The program you choose must be hosted by an accredited institution.

Cyber-Scholars Scholarship | NCFTA

This scholarship provides support to eligible students pursuing a degree in cyber security, information security, information technology, artificial intelligence, or related field from an accredited institution. To qualify, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Applicants must also be enrolled in a class, either online or on-campus, when they apply for the scholarship and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. They will be required to submit a resume, transcript, academic references, personal statement, and proof of citizenship as part of their application.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program | NSF GRFP

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program aims to increase diversity in STEM fields. The scholarship is only available to graduates who want to pursue a research-based degree in cyber security. Recipients will receive a $34,000 annual stipend as well as $12,000 for tuition and fees.

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Yellow Ribbon Program | US Department of Veterans Affairs 

Veterans can apply to the Yellow Ribbon Program to finance their studies in out-of-state colleges, private schools, foreign schools, and graduate schools. Applicants must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This scholarship is transferable to dependents.

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship | Washington State University 

Washington State University provides scholarships to women pursuing a bachelor, master’s, or doctoral degree in the United States or Canada. The degree must be in computer science, computer technology, or a field related to cyber security. The application process involves submitting a resume, letters of reference, and academic transcripts. 

How to Pay for Your Cyber Security Graduate Degree Without Scholarships: Alternative Financial Aid Options

Finding a scholarship program to cover your postgraduate degree fees can be difficult. Here, we show you other alternatives to pay for your tuition as a cyber security student.

Loans 

If you are considering a federal student loan, you can apply for a direct subsidized loan or a direct unsubsidized loan. The former requires you to demonstrate financial need, while the latter doesn’t.

The most significant advantage of federal loans is that they do not require credit checks. You can also defer repayment if you are experiencing financial difficulties. These loans have a fixed interest rate. 

There are also private student loans issued by banks and other lenders. These loans require a full credit cheque, and interest accrues once you start attending classes. There is no subsidized option: you will fully reimburse the loan plus interest accrued. 

Grants 

Grants are generally awarded based on financial need. To qualify for certain grants, students must have a certain GPA score. Other grants are only available to students pursuing studies in specific fields. 

Employer Sponsorship 

Some companies invest in their employees by financing their post-secondary education through sponsorship programs. Some organizations offer full or partial sponsorships to successful applicants. To access these opportunities, candidates usually need to explain how the program will benefit their careers and help them grow professionally. 

GI Bill

Veterans of the US military can use their GI Bill benefits to cover their tuition fees as well as housing and study materials. Many universities that offer cyber security master’s degrees accept both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. Each comes with its own set of prerequisites so do your research to determine if you are eligible.

Should You Apply for a Master’s In Cyber Security Scholarship?

If you want to become a cyber security analyst, or pursue another career in the field, applying for a scholarship to finance your master’s degree is always a good idea. As we have shown you, there are plenty of institutions that offer scholarships opportunities for graduate cyber security students. These scholarships allow you to finance your program and advance in your career without breaking the bank.

Master’s In Cyber Security Scholarships FAQ