Best Cybersecurity Degrees in Denver Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Denver is one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity job markets in the Mountain West, supported by federal agencies, aerospace, healthcare, and tech employers.
• The best cybersecurity degrees in Denver combine NSA designation, hands-on labs, internship access, and strong certification alignment.
• University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Denver lead the region for program depth and employer connections.
• Average entry-level cybersecurity salaries in the Denver metro area range from $75,000 to $95,000, with senior roles exceeding $130,000.
• Online and hybrid cybersecurity programs in Colorado offer flexibility without sacrificing accreditation or academic rigor.

Why Study Cybersecurity in Denver, Colorado?

Denver has become a cybersecurity and technology hub for the Rocky Mountain region. The metro area is home to federal agencies, defense contractors, financial services firms, healthcare systems, and rapidly growing startups. Organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Dish Network, Kaiser Permanente, Northrop Grumman, and multiple government installations create consistent demand for cybersecurity professionals.

According to industry workforce data, Denver ranks among the top mid-sized U.S. cities for cybersecurity job postings. The local ecosystem includes:

• Federal facilities and defense contractors
• Cloud and SaaS companies
• Healthcare and financial institutions
• Energy and aerospace companies

This diversity of employers makes Denver an ideal place to pursue a cybersecurity degree with strong internship and employment opportunities.

How We Evaluated the Best Cybersecurity Degrees

To determine the strongest cybersecurity degree programs in Denver, we considered:

• Accreditation and regional recognition
• NSA National Center of Academic Excellence designation
• Curriculum depth and hands-on lab experience
• Alignment with certifications such as CISSP, Security+, CEH, and CySA+
• Job placement support and employer partnerships
• Tuition affordability and financial aid options
• Online and hybrid flexibility

The following programs stand out for academic quality and career outcomes.

Top Cybersecurity Degrees in Denver, Colorado

University of Colorado Denver

Degrees Offered: BS and MS in Cybersecurity
Format: On-campus and hybrid options
Location: Downtown Denver

CU Denver is widely regarded as the top public cybersecurity option in Denver. Its programs emphasize applied security, secure software engineering, and network defense. Students gain hands-on experience in advanced labs and benefit from proximity to federal agencies and corporate headquarters.

The university is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA, an important credential that signals program rigor.

Best For: Students seeking a research-backed, technical cybersecurity education with strong employer connections.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Degree Offered: BS in Cybersecurity
Format: On-campus with flexible scheduling
Location: Denver

MSU Denver offers one of the most affordable cybersecurity degrees in the region. The program focuses heavily on practical skills including penetration testing, digital forensics, network security, and risk management.

MSU Denver partners with local employers for internships and cooperative work programs, providing real-world experience before graduation.

Best For: Budget-conscious students who want a career-focused, hands-on program in Denver.

University of Denver

Degrees Offered: BS and MS in Cybersecurity; graduate certificates
Format: On-campus and online options
Location: Denver

The University of Denver offers a private, career-driven cybersecurity curriculum with small class sizes. Graduate programs focus on leadership, governance, and advanced threat mitigation, making it appealing to professionals pursuing management roles.

The university also maintains strong alumni networks throughout Colorado’s business community.

Best For: Students seeking smaller classes and a pathway into cybersecurity leadership roles.

Community College of Denver and Transfer Pathways

Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Format: On-campus

For students seeking an affordable entry point, community colleges in Denver offer associate programs aligned with four-year transfer pathways. These programs typically prepare students for Security+ and Network+ certifications while reducing total tuition costs.

Best For: Students planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program or enter the workforce quickly.

Cybersecurity Programs Comparison

Institution Degree Levels Estimated Annual Tuition NSA Designation Format University of Colorado Denver BS, MS $11,000–$15,000 (in-state) Yes On-campus, Hybrid MSU Denver BS $9,000–$13,000 Varies by program On-campus University of Denver BS, MS $40,000+ (private) Not NSA-designated On-campus, Online Community College of Denver Associate $4,000–$6,000 No On-campus

Online Cybersecurity Degrees in Colorado

Many Denver-based institutions now offer online or hybrid cybersecurity programs. These programs include the same curriculum as on-campus degrees and are ideal for working professionals.

When evaluating online cybersecurity degrees in Colorado, confirm:

• Regional accreditation
• Availability of virtual labs
• Exam preparation for certifications
• Internship or capstone project requirements

Online learning can significantly expand access while maintaining academic quality.

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity Graduates in Denver

Cybersecurity roles in Denver span multiple industries. Common job titles include:

• Information Security Analyst
• Security Operations Center Analyst
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Cloud Security Engineer
• Penetration Tester

Average salary ranges in the Denver metro area:

• Entry-level: $75,000–$95,000
• Mid-career: $100,000–$120,000
• Senior-level: $130,000+

Graduates with NSA-designated degrees and industry certifications tend to command higher starting salaries.

Certifications and Specializations to Consider

The strongest cybersecurity degrees in Denver align coursework with high-demand certifications such as:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• CompTIA CySA+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• Cloud security certifications from AWS or Azure

Specializations in cloud security, digital forensics, and threat intelligence are particularly valuable in Colorado’s tech and defense sectors.

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting the best cybersecurity degree in Denver, ask:

• Does the program offer internships with local employers?
• Are faculty members industry practitioners or researchers?
• How many students secure jobs within six months of graduation?
• Does tuition align with your long-term salary expectations?

Students seeking affordability with strong regional employer ties often prefer MSU Denver. Those prioritizing research credentials and NSA recognition typically choose CU Denver. Working professionals may gravitate toward flexible graduate options at the University of Denver.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Colorado residents benefit from lower in-state tuition at public universities. Additional financial aid opportunities include:

• Federal Pell Grants and student loans
• Cybersecurity scholarships from industry associations
• Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy scholarships
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs

Students should complete the FAFSA early and explore security-cleared scholarship pathways, which can cover tuition in exchange for government service commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cybersecurity Degrees in Denver

Why should you study cybersecurity in Denver, Colorado?

You should study cybersecurity in Denver because the city has a growing tech and security job market, with employers in federal agencies, defense, healthcare, finance, energy, and cloud services. This mix creates steady demand for interns and graduates with cybersecurity skills.

Which Denver schools are known for strong cybersecurity programs?

In Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver are well known for cybersecurity programs. CU Denver offers NSA-recognized degrees, MSU Denver focuses on hands-on training, DU offers small classes and leadership tracks, and CCD provides an affordable associate path and transfer options.

How much can you earn with a cybersecurity degree in Denver?

With a cybersecurity degree in the Denver metro area, you can often earn about $75,000 to $95,000 in entry-level roles, $100,000 to $120,000 at mid-career, and $130,000 or more in senior positions. Graduates who hold industry certifications and come from rigorous programs may have higher starting offers.

Can you complete a cybersecurity degree online in Colorado?

Yes. Several Colorado schools, including some in Denver, offer online or hybrid cybersecurity degrees. These programs usually match on-campus curricula and often include virtual labs, certification prep, and capstone projects designed for working adults who need flexible schedules.

Which certifications should you pursue with a Denver cybersecurity degree?

While earning your degree in Denver, you should consider certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CISSP for advanced roles, and cloud security credentials from AWS or Azure. Many local programs align courses with these exams to help you prepare.