Key takeaways
- Indiana, like the rest of the United States, is facing a surge in cybercrime incidents, thus an increasing number of colleges in Indiana are offering cybersecurity programs.
- To address the increasing need of cybersecurity professionals, Indiana has launched various initiatives to promote cybersecurity education and attract aspiring professionals.
- Cybersecurity students can pursue internships and apprenticeships with organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.
- Additionally, Indiana’s government has released a free guide, the Cybersecurity Education Toolkit, to help schools stay safe and connected.
- Several organizations, such as the Indiana Cybersecurity Council and Indiana Information Sharing and Analysis Center, are working to strengthen Indiana’s cybersecurity framework.
- The cybersecurity field in Indiana offers promising career opportunities with competitive salaries and the demand for cybersecurity experts in the state is expected to grow further.
- When selecting a cybersecurity program in Indiana, consider factors such as career goals, program curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Butler University, Anderson University, and Indiana Tech are just some of the institutes in Indiana offering a bachelor’s degree in Indiana.
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals should consider colleges in Indiana for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Though the state does not present a similar level of opportunity as that of California, it is currently ripe with potential. Additionally, several colleges in the state are leaders in cybersecurity education and innovation.
Indiana presents a wealth of education opportunities for students looking to pursue higher education. Currently, there are over 60 colleges and universities in the state offering 4-year degree programs. But the abundance of options isn’t the only reason why Indiana colleges are an ideal option for cybersecurity students.
In this article, we list some of the best colleges in Indiana offering excellent cybersecurity programs. We also discuss what makes colleges in Indiana ideal for cybersecurity education. However, before you begin searching for colleges in Indiana, find out what the degree has to offer by reading an in-depth guide on a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity colleges in Indiana with excellent cybersecurity programs
Cybersecurity is a technical field, and it is natural to have a plethora of questions when searching for the top colleges in Indiana for cybersecurity. It is best to seek out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cybersecurity majors before applying to colleges.
For those who have no doubts, or if you have already cleared all your queries, you can begin your search for Indiana colleges. Instead of searching for colleges by city such as ‘colleges in Fort Wayne Indiana’ or ‘colleges in Indianapolis Indiana’, browse through our recommendations listed below.
Indiana Tech University
Indiana Tech offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity at the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Science. It is Indiana Tech’s Cybersecurity program offers a unique blend of technology and criminal justice, preparing you for a successful career in cybersecurity.
Additionally, you’ll learn about network security, digital forensics, and cyber defense, gaining the skills needed to protect organizations from cyberattacks. The program’s hands-on approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced instructors create a dynamic learning environment.
Moreover, Indiana Tech is a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. The designation is a guarantee that you’ll receive a top-notch education and the necessary guidance and resources to become a leader in the field. It is also the ideal option for students looking for colleges in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Fort Wayne, Indiana | 2.75 | 65% | $29,560 |
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Global Policy at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Through the partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Global and International Studies, students gain technical knowledge of cyber systems and their effect and relation with global policy.
During the 4-year program, students will learn about programming, data structures, networks, and security, as well as the broader social and legal issues in cybersecurity. Thus, the program is ideal for students who want to become a part of cybersecurity governance and policymaking after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Bloomington, Indiana | 2.0 | 80.4% | $11,790 (in-state)
$40,480 (out-of-state) |
Anderson University
Anderson University offers a comprehensive cybersecurity degree that prepares students for a successful career in cyber defense. Through a rigorous curriculum, the university’s cybersecurity program prepares you to become a cybersecurity expert and defend against cyber threats.
You’ll learn about information assurance, server and network security, cryptography, and cyber-related public policy. Plus, the program offers hands-on training, a cutting-edge curriculum, experienced faculty, and a wide range of career opportunities. Thus, it is one of the best cybersecurity programs in the state.
Anderson’s cybersecurity degree is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, are detail-oriented, and are passionate about data protection and safety.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Anderson, Indiana | 3.0 | 52% | $34,080 |
Butler University
Butler University offers a specialized cybersecurity track within the Computer Science and Software Engineering degree. Its cybersecurity track is a comprehensive program that explores the latest cybersecurity techniques, ethical hacking, and network security principles.
Through hands-on coursework and projects, students gain practical skills and experience simulating real-world cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation in programming, data structures, and networked systems, essential for a successful career in cybersecurity.
In addition to technical skills, students learn about the ethical implications of cybersecurity and the importance of responsible practices. This prepares them for a variety of roles in the field, such as security architect, forensic computer analyst, vulnerability analyst, and penetration tester. It is an ideal choice for students searching for colleges in Indianapolis, Indiana.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Indianapolis, Indiana | 2.0 | 82% | $44,460 |
Why choose colleges in Indiana for a cybersecurity degree?
According to the Internet Report Crime by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a record-breaking number of cybercrime incidents were reported in the United States in 2023. The total losses amount to $12 billion, which is staggering, to say the least.
11,000 cybercrime incidents were reported from Indiana in 2023, a record-high for the state. Moreover, these criminal activities cost the state and its residents millions of dollars. Thus, the state’s focus turns towards cybersecurity stakeholders, including cybersecurity colleges in Indiana.
To cater to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the state is investing in strengthening its education pipeline. By bringing together all the stakeholders and launching a number of cybersecurity initiatives the state has initiated its cyber revolution. Here are just some of the reasons why colleges in Indiana are ideal for aspiring cybersecurity experts.
Educational opportunities
Indiana faced multiple cyber-attacks in the last year and that too of varying intensity and types. To combat the rising cybercriminal activity, the state has launched the following initiatives to promote cybersecurity education and attract aspiring professionals.
Indiana Cybersecurity Internship Program
The Cybersecurity Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in various cybersecurity fields, working alongside experts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Interns will apply their academic knowledge to real-world tasks such as malware analysis, incident response, and data management.
Additionally, students can also apply for internships at the National Security Agency. Here, students not only develop professional expertise but also benefit from the opportunity to obtain scholarships to fund their education. Plus, the internship is paid which is a major plus point.
Cybersecurity Education Toolkit
To help schools stay safe and connected, the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity, along with the Indiana Department of Education and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency, has released a free guide. The Cybersecurity Education Toolkit guide provides easy-to-follow resources, best practices, and tips for everyone in the school community.
Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (CSAP) provides students with the chance to work alongside cyber experts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Moreover, apprentices will gain practical experience, apply their academic knowledge, and build a professional portfolio while working with experts in the field.
Cybersecurity initiatives in Indiana
As of 2018, Indiana has been hosting the Cybertech Midwest Conference, a gathering of cybersecurity experts from around the world. Additionally, the state has adopted the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework to promote uniformity in statewide cybersecurity initiatives.
The following are just some of the cybersecurity organizations working towards strengthening Indiana’s cybersecurity framework.
Indiana Cybersecurity Council
Established in 2017, the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC) is a collaborative body of experts from various sectors, including government, private industry, military, research, and academia. Its goal is to address Indiana’s cybersecurity challenges and position the state as a leader in this field.
Indiana Office of Technology
The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is the state’s technology center, responsible for ensuring the security and efficiency of its technology infrastructure. It sets security standards, provides training, and coordinates incident responses to protect state agencies from cyber threats. IOT works closely with other state agencies, such as the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, to implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.
Indiana Information Sharing and Analysis Center
The Indiana Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IN-ISAC) is a platform designed to enhance cybersecurity among state agencies in Indiana. It helps Indiana state agencies improve their cybersecurity by sharing information and collaborating. Additionally, it offers tools like real-time monitoring and threat warnings, reduces costs through centralization, and partners with universities to provide hands-on training for students.
Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center
The Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center (IIFC) collects, analyzes, and shares information about criminal and terrorist activity in Indiana to support law enforcement agencies and protect the public. It was established in 2006 to improve information sharing and intelligence gathering among local, state, and federal agencies.
Career opportunities
Indiana Cybersecurity Hub’s website provides a detailed list of organizations for students and fresh graduates seeking employment opportunities in cybersecurity. Moreover, students can explore jobs in the private sector via job search platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, and so on.
If you are thinking of obtaining a cybersecurity job in Indiana, the following is a list of salary ranges sorted by job title as per Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide.
| Job title | Average pay | |
| Indianapolis | Fort Wayne | |
| Systems Security Manager | $166,355 | $144,060 |
| Security Architect | $150,350 | $130,200 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $134,345 | $116,340 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $117,855 | $102,060 |
Projected job growth
According to Cyber Seek, Indiana has over 13,000 employed cybersecurity professionals and is seeking an additional 4,959 experts to join its cybersecurity workforce. The current supply-to-demand ratio is at 86%, slightly higher than the national average. But still not enough to cover state’s the demand for cybersecurity workers.
In the past 14 years, the demand for cybersecurity experts in Indiana has grown by 80%, 12% more than the national average. The rise is expected to continue as the state launches a number of awareness and educational initiatives, pushing companies and residents to adopt best cybersecurity practices.
How to shortlist cybersecurity programs at colleges in Indiana?
Sorting through the many 4-year colleges to find the best colleges for cybersecurity in Indiana can be challenging. Plus, dealing with the hassle of college planning and selection while trying to make the most of your final year in school can be exhausting. To make the process a little easier, we offer a guideline you can follow to shortlist colleges in Indiana.
When searching for the best colleges for cybersecurity in the state, consider the following:
Career goals
Your first and foremost consideration should be the kind of cybersecurity role you want to pursue after you graduate. If becoming a cybersecurity network architect is your goal, then pursue a degree that offers network architecture as a focus area of study.
Cybersecurity engineers should pursue cybersecurity engineering degrees, and those interested in cloud and application security networks should pursue relevant specializations.
Program curriculum
Secondly, conduct extensive research on what your academic journey will look like. Make sure to browse the available specializations before you choose a program. Additionally, look at the general, concentration-specific, and elective courses the college offers.
A careful perusal of the curriculum will help potential students determine if the particular college for cybersecurity bachelor suits their career goals or not. If the program curriculum does not focus on building technical expertise in your desired professional field, it is not the right option for you.
Experiential learning opportunities
Experiential learning is crucial for cybersecurity students. It helps them apply their knowledge, develop practical skills, gain industry exposure, and build confidence. This experience gives them a competitive advantage when they enter the job market. The best colleges for cybersecurity in Indiana will give students internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Explore cybersecurity colleges
Reviewing some of the best colleges for cybersecurity offering on-campus and online cybersecurity degrees in other states can help students determine the value proposition a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity should offer. Here are some cybersecurity colleges in other states that you can compare with the top colleges in Indiana.
- Explore good colleges in Alaska.
- Discover good colleges in Florida.
- Georgia tech colleges for cybersecurity.
- Find ideal cybersecurity colleges in Mississippi.
- Colleges in New York for a cybersecurity major.
Enroll at cybersecurity colleges in Indiana today!
Many of the top colleges in Indiana offer unique cybersecurity programs that students can enroll in. Programs such as Indiana University Bloomington’s Cybersecurity and Global Policy prepare students for leadership roles by equipping them with the knowledge needed to create governance policies, and so on. If you are looking for innovative and unique programs in cybersecurity, colleges in Indiana are ideal for you!