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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.
| 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:
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
| 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
| 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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