Virginia ranks among the United States' top cybersecurity destinations. This southeastern state is home to the thriving Dulles Technology Corridor, one of the country's largest tech hubs.
Each year, CompTIA publishes a state-by-state analysis of the U.S. tech workforce in its Cyberstates report. Cyberstates' 2022 edition notes that 8.7% of Virginia's labor force works in the tech industry, the third-highest percentage in the United States.
Virginia offers a wealth of opportunity to cybersecurity professionals. Cyberstates 2022 lists cybersecurity as the state's second-most-popular tech specialization. Virginia is also close to Washington D.C. and dozens of U.S. federal agencies and contractors. Thus, strong demand for cybersecurity professionals in Virginia appears poised to continue.
The state's higher education network offers many opportunities for emerging cybersecurity professionals. Use this state guide to inform your search for the best cybersecurity colleges in Virginia.
Virginia at a Glance
Population:8,638,218
Climate:55.1℉ ℉ | 44.3 inches
Major Sports Teams: Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL)
Per Capita Income:$40,635
Fortune 500 Companies:39
% of Workforce in Tech:8.7%M
Economic Impact of Tech Industry:$58 billion
Number of Higher Learning Institutions:111
Sources: World Population Review, Current Results, Department of Numbers, Fortune, Cyberstates™, NCES
Are Virginia Cybersecurity Colleges the Best Option for You?
Virginia's information economy showed strong growth numbers in late 2021 and early 2022. From October 2021-March 2022, Virginia's information industry posted an average labor force growth rate of 3.3%. This was the highest rate of any industry in the state except hospitality.
Opportunity abounds for college students in Virginia. The state boasts an excellent education network with more than 110 degree-granting institutions. In 2022, Virginia ranked second in SmartAsset's annual study of the best U.S. states for higher education.
Virginia's reputation as an expensive place to attend college is somewhat misleading. In-state tuition rates at public colleges are high, exceeding the national average by about 46% in the 2019-20 school year. However, its private schools are more affordable than most. Tuition rates at Virginia's private colleges fell about 28% below the national average in 2019-20.
Virginia also outperforms the national average in graduation rates. For 2019, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported a nationwide graduation rate of 63% for first-time bachelor's students. NCES reported Virginia's undergrad graduation rate at 68.9%.
Overall, Virginia offers diverse learning opportunities through a well-developed higher education network. The state's thriving information industry creates a strong school-to-job pipeline.
Education Statistics for Virginia
Several trends define Virginia's higher education landscape:
Virginia students have enthusiastically embraced online education
The state's higher education spending aligns well with the national average
Virginians excel in educational attainment, particularly at higher degree levels
The following table offers an at-a-glance summary of key education statistics for the Old Dominion State.
| Higher Education Statistics | Virginia Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 71 | 2,679 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 40 | 1,303 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 79.9% | 72.8% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student | $6,519 | $8,636 |
| Tax Revenue Per Full-Time Student Allocated to Higher Education | $15,097 | $15,276 |
| Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree | 7.9% | 8.5% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree | 22.4% | 19.8% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher | 17.2% | 12.4% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS
Accreditation for Virginia Schools
The best cybersecurity colleges in Virginia share a critical feature: accreditation. Reputable schools always hold either national or regional accreditation. Experts generally place more importance on regional accreditation, as the bodies that grant it typically hold schools to higher standards.
In Virginia, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accreditation body. SACSCOC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Learners can also seek cybersecurity programs with endorsements from specialized accreditors like ABET. Programmatic accreditation demonstrates high levels of program quality and institutional effectiveness.
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Selecting the Best Virginia College With a Cybersecurity Program
Virginia's best schools for cybersecurity feature a full set of delivery formats. Options include traditional campus-based learning, innovative online education, and hybrid programs that combine both modes.
Virginia ranks among the national leaders in online learning rates. The state's large and prestigious college network also offers outstanding campus-based degrees.
On-Campus Versus Online Program Options
Campus-based cybersecurity programs often appeal to students who prefer a traditional college experience. However, many of the best colleges for cybersecurity in Virginia also offer online learning. The subsections below introduce and compare available formats.
On-Campus Programs
Virginia college students can enjoy a traditional campus-based learning experience at more than 110 accredited schools. On-campus programs offer advantages many students prefer, including:
More interaction with peers and instructors
Access to in-person networking opportunities
Advanced equipment and facilities, such as computer labs
Despite the rise of online learning in Virginia, on-campus experiences remain popular.
Online Programs
Virginia college students take online classes at a rate more than 7% above the national average. This speaks to the high quality of the state's distance learning programs.
Studying online can offer more scheduling flexibility. Many online programs deliver material asynchronously through pre-recorded lectures and instructional sessions. Remote learning can also reduce students' housing, travel, and parking costs.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs blend campus-based and online learning. They balance the benefits of both formats. Students still get on-campus benefits plus the convenience and flexibility of online learning.
In-person attendance requirements vary by program. Non-local students may sometimes need to relocate to Virginia to fulfill these requirements.
Explore Rankings for Top Cybersecurity Programs Online and In Person
Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree
Many students need help meeting the costs of studying cybersecurity or information security at universities in Virginia. Learners should begin by exploring nonrepayable forms of aid like scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Federal and private loans are another option. However, these repayable forms of aid create a debt burden. Consider them only as a last resort.
Some Virginia colleges offer payment terms designed to ease financial strain. For example, the University of Virginia offers an interest-free monthly payment program.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
As in other states, Virginia's public colleges apply lower tuition rates to in-state students and higher rates to learners from other states. However, students from outside Virginia can sometimes qualify for in-state rates.
Virginia is one of 15 states participating in the Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market. This program delivers in-state tuition to out-of-state students enrolled in some specialized programs. It extends to residents of participating states who are pursuing degrees not offered at public institutions in their home state.
Virginia's Cost of Living
The local cost of living has a significant impact on budgeting. As of 2022, Virginia posted a cost of living index score of 100.7, with 100 representing the national average.
Virginia's housing costs — a major expense for many students — are 12.1% higher than average. Affordable food, utility services, and transportation costs may help to offset these higher housing prices. Virginia ranks below the national average in all three categories.
Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in Virginia
U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking placed Virginia's economy 13th in the United States. The state boasts a thriving technology industry, thanks in part to the Dulles Technology Corridor. Many companies in Virginia serve agencies, contractors, and corporations affiliated with the U.S. federal government.
CompTIA's 2022 Cyberstates report valued the economic impact of Virginia's technology industry at $58 billion. The tech sector accounts for 11.3% of Virginia's overall economic impact and 8.7% of its workforce. These strong statistics speak to the health and growth of the state's tech businesses.
Tech workers also earn high pay in Virginia. CompTIA reports that as of 2022, the median tech salary in Virginia exceeded the nationwide industry median by 36%. This section details some of the career paths cybersecurity graduates can follow in Virginia's dynamic tech labor market.
Select Cybersecurity Careers in Virginia
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers ("pen testers") probe their employers' computer and information systems for vulnerabilities. As part of security teams, they identify and resolve security weaknesses, then compile reports. Candidates for entry-level positions usually need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.
Salary for Penetration Testers:$88,060Job Outlook in Virginia (2018-28): Projections Central includes penetration testers in its entry for information security analysts. It projects +45.4% job growth for information security analysts in Virginia from 2018-28.
Incident Responder
Incident responders check computer systems and networks for unusual activity. These professionals play a frontline role in defending against cybercrime. Incident responders also shape organizational cybersecurity policy and help their employers prepare responses. Entry-level candidates can qualify for junior incident responder positions.
Salary for Incident Responders:$73,980Job Outlook in Virginia (2018-28): Projections Central includes incident responders in its entry for information security analysts. It projects +45.4% job growth for information security analysts in Virginia from 2018-28.
Security Engineer
Security engineers create strategic plans, supervise systems and teams, and design digital asset protection tools. These cybersecurity team leads usually need a bachelor's degree and extensive experience. A master's degree in cybersecurity may help speed up career progression.
Salary for Security Engineers: $95,950Job Outlook in Virginia (2018-28): Projections Central includes security engineers in its entry for information security analysts. It projects +45.4% job growth for information security analysts in Virginia from 2018-28.
For more insight into Virginia's tech employment landscape, explore the tables and trends below.
Virginia Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 1,460 | 64,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 1,670 | 68,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +14.4% | +6.2% |
| Computer Network Architects | ||
| 2018 Employment | 10,000 | 159,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 11,370 | 167,700 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +13.7% | +5.3% |
| Software Developers, Applications | ||
| 2018 Employment | 39,400 | 944,200 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 51,570 | 1,185,700 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +30.9% | +25.6% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Virginia Employment | Virginia Average Annual Salary | National Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 13,390 | $172,530 | $161,730 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 3,590 | $139,180 | $126,140 |
| Computer Network Architects | 10,130 | $136,710 | $ 119,230 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 6,980 | $76,120 | $71,040 |
| Computer Programmers | 4,010 | $112,890 | $95,640 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 23,450 | $110,070 | $99,020 |
| Information Security Analysts | 16,930 | $121,940 | $107,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 15,410 | $98,810 | $89,460 |
| Software Developers | 68,250 | $127,830 | $114,270 |
| Web Developers | 3,430 | $103,930 | $85,490 |
Source: BLS OES
Virginia's tech employment landscape offers both opportunity and high earnings. Tech professionals like infosec analysts, systems analysts, and software developers thrive in Virginia in large numbers. Virginia-based tech workers also earned more than the national average for each of the featured careers.
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Cybersecurity Employers in Virginia
Virginia's Dulles Technology Corridor and closeness to Washington D.C. make the state a key player in the government and contracting sectors. Many cybersecurity professionals working for the U.S. federal government make their homes in Virginia.
Many major tech employers maintain headquarters in the Old Dominion State. Well-known examples include:
Sera-Brynn: Headquartered in Chesapeake, Sera-Brynn specializes in information security solutions for a global client base. In 2021, Cybercrime magazine listed Sera-Brynn as Virginia's top cybersecurity company.
Northrop Grumman: This major aerospace and military technology contractor generated $35.7 billion in sales in 2021. Many of its 90,000 employees work in cybersecurity-related positions. Northrop Grumman's sensitive operations demand elite information security capabilities.
Booz Allen Hamilton: With about 29,000 employees, Booz Allen Hamilton is one of the world's largest and best-known cybersecurity firms. The company maintains long-term relationships with clients in defense, intelligence, and the private sector.
Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Virginia
Virginia Cyber Security Partnership
Founded in 2012, VCSP focuses on collaboration between the public and private sectors. Its education and development programs help members stay on top of evolving cybersecurity developments.
CyberVirginia
Operated by Virginia's state government, CyberVirginia links users to educational opportunities, job listings, and informational resources. It also provides a widget for reporting cybersecurity incidents to the Virginia government.
ISSA-NOVA
The Northern Virginia chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a popular regional organization for cybersecurity professionals. Members gain access to events, monthly meetings, and informational resources.
Best Virginia Schools for a Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree
Explore the five best cybersecurity colleges in Virginia for bachelor's students. We rank schools based on factors like affordability and academics. You can learn more about our methods at the link below.
Best Virginia Schools for a Cybersecurity Master's Degree
Discover and compare the top five cybersecurity master's programs in Virginia using this ranked list. We refreshed this ranking for 2022 using a proprietary methodology. You can learn more about our ranking methods by following this link:
Questions About Cybersecurity in Virginia
Can I get a cybersecurity degree in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia boasts a large and well-developed higher education network. Learners can study cybersecurity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Is cybersecurity a good career in Virginia?
Virginia hosts a fast-growing technology industry. Close to major employers in the Washington D.C. metro area, the state includes the booming Dulles Technology Corridor. These factors combine to make Virginia an excellent cybersecurity destination.
How much do cybersecurity experts earn in Virginia?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks state-specific wage and salary data throughout the United States. As of May 2021, the BLS reports mean annual earnings of $121,940 for information security analysts in Virginia.
Which university in Virginia is the best for cybersecurity?
Many Virginia colleges host well-regarded cybersecurity programs. The best university for a given student depends on their learning and career objectives. Our ranked lists can help start your search for a school that meets your needs.
