Bellevue University Cybersecurity Program Ranked Most Affordable for 2026
Bellevue University Cybersecurity Program Ranked Most Affordable for 2026
Bellevue University has earned the top spot in Learn.org’s 10 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees in 2026 rankings, recognizing the University’s commitment to accessible, career-ready education in one of the fastest-growing technology fields.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program gives students hands-on experience with the tools and techniques today’s organizations rely on to protect critical data. The curriculum emphasizes building technical skills and a risk-based approach to security, preparing graduates to safeguard complex systems in a wide range of industries.
A signature feature of the program is enabling students to choose a program path which aligns to one of three in-demand cybersecurity workforce roles: Protect and Defend, Oversee and Govern, and Securely Provision.
“Cybersecurity today is not just a technical discipline—it’s a business, societal, and national security priority,” said Doug Rausch, Maenner Endowed Chair and associate professor and program director for the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs at Bellevue University. “Our cybersecurity curriculum is intentionally designed to be accessible to beginners while still developing the technical depth employers expect. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as Python programming, risk management, security controls, and incident response, preparing them to assess real-world threats and protect critical systems across government, defense, and private-sector environments.”
Learn.org’s rankings evaluate programs based on affordability, academic reputation, tuition rates, accreditation, student outcomes, and support services, offering prospective students a clear measure of value in online cybersecurity education.
More information about the Cybersecurity program is available here.
About Doug Rausch
Doug Rausch serves as the Maenner Endowed Chair and as an associate professor and program director for the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs at Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology. He teaches courses in security architecture and controls, network security, risk management, penetration testing, and digital forensics.
Rausch brings more than 30 years of professional experience to the classroom, including 25 years as an Air Force communications and cyber operations officer and eight years as a cybersecurity consultant. He has taught at Bellevue University since 2014. Rausch holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Dakota State University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Texas State University–San Marcos, and a Master of Military, Operational Art and Science from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a recipient of the John R. Maenner Professorship Award and Bellevue University’s Excellence in Service Award.
Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity FAQ
Q: Is Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is designed for students with no prior cybersecurity or technology experience. The curriculum allows students to begin coursework without extensive prerequisites while progressively building foundational and advanced cybersecurity skills.
Q: What careers does a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University prepare students for?
A: The program prepares graduates for cybersecurity roles in government agencies, public service organizations, private-sector businesses that manage consumer data, and national security and intelligence organizations. The degree supports both entry-level cybersecurity positions and long-term career advancement.
Q: What skills are taught in Bellevue University’s cybersecurity degree program?
A: Students in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program develop skills in Python programming, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), application of security controls, web and database security, and foundational concepts in penetration testing, digital forensics, and incident response.
Q: What learning formats are available for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity?
A: Bellevue University offers the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity in two formats: a traditional flexible format, which follows a standard academic term schedule, and an accelerated cohort format for students seeking a faster, structured path to degree completion. Both formats lead to the same degree and learning outcomes.
Q: Who teaches in Bellevue University’s cybersecurity program?
A: Courses are taught by faculty with professional experience in cybersecurity and national security environments, including work with organizations such as the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, and NASA. Faculty expertise helps ensure course content reflects current cybersecurity practices and real-world applications.
Q: How does Bellevue University’s cybersecurity program prepare students for real-world cybersecurity work?
A: Graduates of the program are prepared to evaluate cybersecurity concepts using real-world case studies, explain both technical and non-technical security solutions, apply cyber incident response plans, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and demonstrate professional competencies expected of cybersecurity practitioners.
