Education

The Costs of Cybersecurity Education: A Year-Over-Year Analysis

Michael Moores

29 Aug 2024 — 6 min read

In recent years, cybersecurity has transitioned from a niche field to a critical component of modern business and government infrastructure. With the rise in cyber threats and increased incidents of data breaches, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. This surge in demand has led to an explosion in the number of cybersecurity courses offered by universities, boot camps, and online platforms. However, this increased demand has also driven up the cost of cybersecurity education.

A Look Back: Cybersecurity Education in 2000

At the turn of the millennium, cybersecurity was still in its infancy as a formalized field of study. Most professionals entered the field through computer science programs or on-the-job experience, with relatively few dedicated cybersecurity courses available. Although subjective, the courses that did exist were often affordable, with tuition fees for a semester-long university course averaging around $1,500.

The 2000s: The Start of the Climb

The early 2000s marked the beginning of a significant shift in cybersecurity education. As cyber threats became more prominent, universities began to develop specialized cybersecurity programs. The introduction of these courses saw a steady increase in prices. By 2005, the average cost of a cybersecurity course had risen to approximately $2,500, reflecting a 66% increase from 2000.

The 2010s: Exponential Growth

The decade from 2010 to 2020 witnessed an unprecedented rise in cybersecurity course prices. Several factors contributed to this:

Increased Demand: The number of cyberattacks and data breaches surged, creating a heightened need for trained cybersecurity professionals.
Expansion of Course Offerings: Universities and private institutions broadened their cybersecurity programs, introducing specialized certifications and short courses.
Growth of Bootcamps: The rise of coding bootcamps offering intensive cybersecurity training contributed to the overall increase in education costs.

By 2015, the average cost of a cybersecurity course had reached $5,000, doubling the 2005 average. By 2020, this figure had soared to nearly $8,000—a staggering 220% increase from 2000.

2020-Present: The New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online learning, which in turn further increased the cost of cybersecurity courses. In 2023, the average cost of a cybersecurity bootcamp ranged from $10,000 to $15,000, with some top-tier programs charging upwards of $20,000. Traditional university courses also saw price increases, with the average tuition for a semester-long course reaching $3,000 to $4,000.

Statistics at a Glance

2000: $1,500 average cost of a cybersecurity course.
2005: $2,500 average cost (66% increase from 2000).
2010: $4,000 average cost (160% increase from 2000).
2015: $5,000 average cost (233% increase from 2000).
2020: $8,000 average cost (433% increase from 2000).
2023: $10,000 to $15,000 for bootcamps; $3,000 to $4,000 for traditional courses.

Why the Increase?

Several factors have contributed to the rapid increase in cybersecurity course prices:

Market Demand: The need for cybersecurity professionals has significantly outpaced supply, driving up prices for education and training.
Increased Content: Modern cybersecurity courses cover an extensive range of topics, including cloud security, ethical hacking, and threat intelligence, requiring more resources and specialized instructors.
Credentialing and Certification: The rising importance of certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ has increased the cost of preparation courses. The importance of industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity has increased significantly over the years. Certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CompTIA Security+ have become essential for career advancement and specialization in the field.

However, the cost of obtaining these certifications has also seen a substantial increase. Below is a year-over-year analysis of the approximate costs associated with some of the most popular cybersecurity certification courses:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Becoming a certified CISSP is highly desirable in the cybersecurity business. Network security, security architecture, and risk management are among the topics addressed in the course. Seeking candidates with five years of relevant experience, the exam is designed for those looking to broaden their horizons. The vast majority of people at some time in their career obtain this certification. Proficient knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices is required of candidates hoping to pass the CISSP exam.

2000: $500 – The CISSP certification was relatively new, and the cost was lower compared to today.
2005: $700 – As the certification gained recognition, its cost increased.
2010: $900 – Continued growth in the cybersecurity field led to higher costs.
2015: $1,000 – The cost stabilized around this figure as the certification became more established.
2020: $1,200 – Reflecting the growing demand for advanced certifications, costs rose.
2023: $1,300 – The cost has increased slightly, reflecting inflation and demand.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Using the same instruments and resources as criminal hackers but in a way that complies with the law and moral principles, a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) finds weaknesses in networks and systems. The exam covers network security, attack vectors, and penetration testing techniques. CEH personnel are trained to think like hackers to secure a company's infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts wanting to expand their knowledge or move into a more ethical hacking-focused field should consider getting this globally recognized certification.

2000: $1,000 – Early adopters of the CEH certification paid a premium for this emerging credential.
2005: $1,200 – The cost rose as the certification became more widely recognized.
2010: $1,300 – The increase was driven by the growing importance of ethical hacking.
2015: $1,400 – Costs continued to rise with the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
2020: $1,500 – The price hit a new high as the field expanded further.
2023: $1,800 – The certification remains a valuable asset, and costs have continued to climb.

CompTIA Security+

An entry-level certification that offers a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity is the Security+ certification. Important subjects covered include threat detection, risk management, and network security. It is a common belief among IT workers that cybersecurity requires holding the esteemed Security+ certification. It is appropriate for people new to cybersecurity or IT professionals moving into a security career because it is made to validate the abilities required to carry out basic security tasks.

2000: $150 – The Security+ certification was relatively affordable when it first launched.
2005: $250 – The cost increased as the certification gained popularity.
2010: $300 – The price went up with the growing need for entry-level cybersecurity professionals.
2015: $350 – The price was adjusted to reflect the value and demand for the certification.
2020: $370 – The cost remained relatively stable with minor increases.
2023: $400 – The certification continues to be an accessible option for those entering the field, with slight price increases.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Managers and supervisors of an organization's information security program are the target audience for the CISM credential. Information risk management, governance, incident management, and creating security strategies are its main areas of attention. The CISM course is recommended for information security management professionals who wish to demonstrate their ability to match organizational goals with security measures. Those in managerial or leadership positions typically pursue cybersecurity.

2000: $500 – The CISM certification was relatively new, with a moderate cost.
2005: $600 – Costs increased as the certification became more recognized.
2010: $700 – Reflecting the growing importance of security management, prices rose.
2015: $750 – Continued demand for managerial roles in cybersecurity drove up prices.
2020: $800 – The cost stabilized as the certification became a standard requirement.
2023: $850 – Minor increases have occurred in recent years.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is available to IT professionals specializing in cloud security. It addresses many topics, including cloud architecture, data security, and regulatory framework compliance. The CCSP is suitable for professionals who oversee or manage cloud infrastructure security since it is made to verify competence in cloud environment security. It is well-known and intended for those with prior IT and security knowledge interested in cloud computing.

2000: Not Available – The CCSP was introduced later, as cloud security emerged as a critical area.
2005: Not Available – The certification did not exist at this time.
2010: Not Available – Cloud security was still evolving as a specialty.
2015: $600 – The CCSP was launched, with initial certification costs of $600.
2020: $750 – As cloud security became increasingly important, the cost of certification rose.
2023: $800 – The price has continued to rise with the growing emphasis on cloud security.

Final Thoughts

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the cost of education is likely to remain high. However, with the right approach, aspiring professionals can find ways to make this investment work for them. To help mitigate these costs, keep an eye on scholarships, employer-sponsored programs, and alternative learning methods.

In the IT/cybersecurity sector, there are many different kinds of certificates. It can be challenging to choose which choice to concentrate on if you're just starting out in the cybersecurity rabbit hole because there are so many available. Depending on your personal or corporate budget, several of these courses may be prohibitively expensive. Nonetheless, the aforementioned qualifications are recognized globally and are specific to their fields of expertise.

The CISSP certifies management and program implementation capabilities, whereas the CEH focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking skills. Security+ provides core knowledge to newcomers to the sector, whereas CCSP focuses on cloud security. The main components of CISM include information security management and risk assessment.