Studying Cybersecurity in Iowa

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Updated June 22, 2023

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Earning an Iowa cybersecurity degree can prepare you for in-demand jobs with higher-than-average salaries. Discover the benefits of studying cybersecurity in Iowa.

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Iowa state capitol building at sunset Credit: Monte Goodyk / Moment / Getty Images

Known for its agricultural industry and famous state fair, Iowa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of studying cybersecurity. However, the Hawkeye State — with a lower cost of living than the national average — is home to colleges and universities with cybersecurity programs across degree levels.

According to Cyberseek's heat map, Iowa had more than 5,000 job openings in this field from May 2022 to April 2023, with a total workforce of over 8,000 cybersecurity professionals in the state during that same timeframe.

Use our guide to learn more about why to consider earning your cybersecurity degree in Iowa.

Iowa at a Glance

  • Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 2022: $88,210
  • Percentage of Workforce in Tech: 4%
  • Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $10 billion
  • Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 56

Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS

Why Go to College for Cybersecurity in Iowa?

If you want to earn a cybersecurity degree, Iowa offers relevant programs at various educational levels. The state boasts 56 degree-granting postsecondary institutions and a $10 billion tech industry that Iowa cybersecurity students can benefit from.

If you earn a cybersecurity degree in Iowa and stay in the state after graduation, you can use the connections you made while enrolled to learn about job openings, get letters of recommendation, and land internships.

Education Statistics for Iowa

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports Iowa has 39 four-year institutions and 17 two-year institutions. Only 49.1% of Iowa students enroll in distance education, compared to 59% nationally.

Iowa vs. National Education Statistics
Higher Education Statistics Iowa Data National Data
Four-Year Colleges 39 2,520
Two-Year Colleges 17 1,216
Students Enrolled in Distance Education 49.1% 59%

Sources: NCES

Accreditation for Iowa Schools

Accreditation is a process that affirms schools offer a high-quality education. Accrediting agencies look at factors like instructor credentials, curricular offerings, and student outcomes.

Attending an institutionally accredited college or university makes it easier to qualify for federal financial aid, transfer credits to another institution, or apply for graduate school. Organizations like the Higher Learning Commission offer institutional accreditation in Iowa.

The best Iowa cybersecurity programs may also hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET. Programmatic accreditation — which is optional — verifies that a program's coursework prepares learners for jobs in the field.

Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in Iowa

Many factors are involved in the school selection process and each prospective student's preferences vary. For example, you may want to prioritize diverse cybersecurity programs or look for schools that offer specific curricular concentrations that align with your career goals.

Prospective Iowa cybersecurity students should also consider factors like degree level and program format — online, in-person, or hybrid. According to NCES data, a higher percentage of students enrolled in on-campus programs in Iowa than the national average in 2021.

Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country:

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees

Degrees vary by school: Some institutions offer a standalone cybersecurity major, while others offer cybersecurity as a specialization within a field like computer science. In addition to cybersecurity programs with broad curricula, some schools may offer degrees with concentrations. These specialized programs can help students qualify for in-demand tech jobs.

Below, we describe three cybersecurity-adjacent programs Iowa learners may encounter during their school search.

Software Engineering Degree

Software engineering programs can prepare you to become a security software developer, computer hardware engineer, or information security analyst. This degree covers topics like programming, cybersecurity fundamentals, and computer architecture.

IT Management Degree

An IT management degree focuses on the fundamentals of information technology management and can prepare you for a variety of tech jobs.

Computer Forensics Degree

Computer forensics programs can give you the skills to apply for jobs like information security analyst, computer systems analyst, and incident responder. This degree explores IT and criminal justice issues.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree

Prospective students should consider how to pay for a cybersecurity degree in Iowa. Students can research financial aid that helps defray the cost of their degree.

Options like scholarships, fellowships, and grants do not require repayment, while student loans require repayment with interest. If you take out loans, ensure you understand the loan's terms and payment plan.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

At public universities, in-state tuition typically costs less than out-of-state tuition. Private institutions usually do not charge different tuition rates based on student residency. Some online programs may offer in-state or otherwise discounted tuition to all enrollees.

Iowa's Cost of Living

Cost of living varies by state and can impact how you budget for your education. According to World Population Review, Iowa's cost of living index score is 89.9, which falls below the national average. This score signifies that Iowa is, on average, more affordable than other states, so students in Iowa can expect to pay less for basic necessities like groceries, housing, and transportation.

Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates from Iowa

According to CompTIA's 2022 State of the Tech Workforce report, leading tech industry sectors in Iowa include telecommunications and internet services, IT services and custom software services, and tech manufacturing. Career fields like cybersecurity and systems engineering, network engineering, and software are popular in the state.

CompTIA data also reveals Iowa's tech occupation wages are 107% higher than the national median. Average salaries for cybersecurity jobs in the state exceed average salaries for other roles, too: According to the BLS, the average annual salary for all careers in Iowa is $53,520, while information security analysts in the state make $132,590 per year as of 2022.

Cybersecurity graduates in Iowa can benefit from a marketplace that seeks workers with these skills. For example, CyberSeek's cybersecurity supply/demand heat map reveals the demand for workers with cybersecurity certifications like the certified information systems security professional and certified information systems auditor credentials currently outpaces the supply of professionals with these credentials in Iowa.

Below, we discuss several cybersecurity careers in Iowa and employment trends for the state.

Select Cybersecurity Careers in Iowa

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers, also called pen testers, protect an organization's data and computer networks by locating potential vulnerabilities. Pen testers usually need a bachelor's or master's in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.

  • Average Salary for Penetration Testers: $90,840 (June 2023)
  • Job Outlook in Iowa (2018-28): Projections Central includes penetration testers in its information security analyst career category. The organization projects 47.7% job growth for information security analysts in Iowa from 2018 to 2028.

Security Engineer

Security engineers create systems that protect data and prevent cybercrime. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

  • Average Salary for Security Engineers: $98,970 (June 2023)
  • Job Outlook in Iowa (2018-28): Projections Central includes security engineers in its information security analyst career category. The organization projects 47.7% job growth for information security analysts in Iowa from 2018 to 2028.

Incident Responder

Incident responders aim to minimize damage from cyberattacks and data breaches. They usually need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

  • Average Salary for Incident Responders: $85,430 (June 2023)
  • Job Outlook in Iowa (2018-28): Projections Central includes incident responders in its information security analyst career category. The organization projects 47.7% job growth for information security analysts in Iowa from 2018 to 2028.

Learn about Iowa-specific employment trends for cybersecurity and related positions below.

Iowa Employment Trends

Projected Job Growth for Computer Hardware Engineers, Computer Network Architects, and Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Year State National
Computer Hardware Engineers
2020 Employment 270 66,200
2030 Projected Employment 300 67,300
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 +11.1% +1.7%
Computer Network Architects
2018 Employment 1,540 165,200
2030 Projected Employment 1,800 174,200
Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 +16.9% +5.4%
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
2020 Employment 9,960 1,847,900
2030 Projected Employment 12,340 2,257,400
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 +23.9% +22%

Source: Projections Central

Salaries for Cybersecurity and Related Careers, 2022
Career Iowa Employment Iowa Annual Mean Wage National Median Annual Wage
Computer and Information Systems Managers 3,580 $133,270 $173,670
Computer Hardware Engineers 280 $92,720 $140,830
Computer Network Architects 1,130 $110,460 $129,490
Computer Network Support Specialists 1,830 $62,990 $129,490
Computer Programmers 980 $87,770 $102,790
Computer Systems Analysts 5,050 $91,380 $102,790
Information Security Analysts 1,240 $132,590 $119,860
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 3,320 $86,650 $97,160
Software Developers 9,310 $103,140 $132,930
Web Developers 490 $72,000 $87,580

Source: BLS OEWS

Iowa offers a number of cybersecurity roles with faster-than-average growth projections and higher-than-average salaries. These include jobs like computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, and software developer.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Cybersecurity Employers in Iowa

Marco Technologies: Marco Technologies boasts offices in various Iowa cities, including Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, and Waterloo. The company's over 650 certified systems engineers and tech representatives provide technical and security services in 12 states.

Valeo Networks: Valeo Networks offers technology services like compliance, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and managed IT. It has locations in seven states, including Iowa.

Wells Fargo: With over 12,000 employees in the Des Moines area, Wells Fargo hires cybersecurity professionals to help protect their sensitive financial data.

Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Iowa

Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach

Located at Iowa State University, this multidisciplinary center works on cybersecurity teaching, outreach, and research. It has achieved recognition multiple times as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education from the National Security Agency.

Iowa Cyber Hub

The Iowa Cyber Hub connects cybersecurity students, professionals, and employers in the state.

Iowa InfoSec

This group holds monthly meetings for information security professionals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. These gatherings facilitate connection and discussions about cybersecurity in an informal setting.

Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Iowa

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Questions About Cybersecurity in Iowa

Can I get a cybersecurity degree at Iowa State?

Yes, you can earn a cybersecurity degree at Iowa State. The school offers multiple undergraduate and graduate options in the field, including a BS in cybersecurity engineering, a cybersecurity minor, an MS in cybersecurity, and a graduate certificate program.

Are there good cybersecurity schools in Iowa?

If you want to earn a cybersecurity degree, Iowa offers several options. For example, students who pursue cybersecurity degrees at Iowa State benefit from studying at a school designated with National Security Agency designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education.

What is the average salary in Iowa for cybersecurity?

According to the BLS, information security analysts — a broad career category that includes many cybersecurity roles — earn an average annual salary of $132,590 in Iowa as of 2022. Pay varies by education, job, and location.

Is studying cybersecurity in Iowa worth it?

Cybersecurity programs are designed to prepare learners for cybersecurity jobs in Iowa. These careers offer higher-than-average salaries and faster-than-average growth projections, which can signal a positive return on investment for earning a degree in this field.

Last reviewed June 8, 2023.

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