Cybersecurity Scholarships with 2024 Deadlines

Cybersecurity refers to technology and practices that ensure the confidentiality, quality, and availability of information in computer systems and electronic data.

Cybersecurity professionals work to protect sensitive business information, such as financial data or intellectual property, for public, private, and philanthropical organizations. Government organizations like the CIA and the NSA also rely on cybersecurity analysts to protect national information security.

As digital technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, cybersecurity is also expanding into numerous sub-fields and areas of study. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for information security will grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031--four times as fast as the average American job.

Getting a degree in cybersecurity is one of the best ways to dive into this exciting and fast-growing field. Cybersecurity scholarships are available for undergraduate students and graduate students studying cybersecurity, as well as minority students and women who are underrepresented in the technology industry.

Make a Bold.org profile to access hundreds of exclusive scholarships, with more added daily.

Students can expect to gain mastery in a variety of different areas from a cybersecurity degree. For example, students may learn about network and web security, cryptography, government and national security, and secure coding, preparing them to enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals for private businesses, governmental organizations, or nonprofits.

Legal and ethical issues around information security and privacy are also at the forefront of the debate on cybersecurity. Students may have an opportunity to explore these issues in their coursework.

Here at Bold.org, we have compiled a list of cybersecurity scholarship opportunities, including scholarships for women, students of color, undergraduate students, and graduate students. We know the importance of funding your college education, and that's why we're dedicated to finding innovative ways to make it affordable.

Read our blog post on computers and information technology to learn more about degrees such as computer science, computer technology, and information security. You can also create a free Bold.org profile on our platform to access our scholarship search engine and search for scholarships to help fund your educational journey.

Best Cybersecurity Scholarships for Financial Assistance

Scholarships for High School Students

As a high school student with a passion for cybersecurity, the path to your future career begins here. Dive into our collection of scholarships specifically curated for young enthusiasts ready to make their mark in the digital world. These scholarships are designed to provide financial support and recognition for your early interest and achievements in this crucial field.

STEM Scholarships

For students dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a keen focus on cybersecurity, our STEM scholarships offer an opportunity to help pay for your college degree. These scholarships are tailored for those who are not only passionate about technology but are determined to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Undergraduate Scholarships

For undergraduate students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, this is your platform. Our undergraduate scholarships provide essential financial support, allowing you to focus on honing your expertise in protecting digital infrastructure and information. These scholarships recognize your commitment and support your academic journey to becoming a professional ready to tackle global cyber threats.

Scholarships for College Students

College students in the cybersecurity field should explore scholarships designed to propel them toward their academic and professional goals. Whether you're just beginning your college journey or are deep into your cybersecurity studies, these scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens, enabling you to immerse fully in mastering the skills needed to safeguard our digital world.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students in cybersecurity, your advanced studies and research are vital to the future of digital security. Our college scholarships for graduate students are here to help support your ambitious projects and innovative solutions to complex cybersecurity challenges. With financial assistance, you can focus on contributing valuable knowledge and advancements to the cybersecurity community.

PhD Scholarships

PhD candidates in cybersecurity, your pursuit of in-depth research and dedication to advancing the field is commendable. Our PhD scholarships are designed to help support your rigorous academic endeavors, providing the financial backing needed to explore uncharted territories in cybersecurity. These scholarships acknowledge the importance of your work and its potential impact on shaping a secure digital future.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program's mission is to increase diversity in the science and engineering fields by creating more opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, and disabled people. Those who are pursuing full-time, research-based science and engineering Master's degrees or PhDs at an accredited college are eligible to apply.

The scholarship looks for applicants who have demonstrated excellence and potential as scientists and engineers early in their careers. Experienced scientists and researchers who are active members of their fields serve on the review committee.

The fellowship spans five years and provides winners with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for tuition and fees. Fellows are also given opportunities for professional development and networking.

Eligibility Requirements for Cybersecurity Scholarships

Eligibility for cybersecurity scholarships often includes criteria such as:

1. Enrollment in an accredited college or university program focused on cybersecurity, information security, or computer science.
2. A minimum GPA requirement (often 2.5 or higher).
3. Demonstrated interest or experience in cybersecurity through coursework, internships, or certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker).
4. Commitment to a career in cybersecurity, sometimes requiring a service agreement or internship.

What Jobs Can I Get With A Cybersecurity Degree?

Information technology is a rapidly growing field, and students who graduate with a cybersecurity degree can expect to enter a booming job market in the next ten years.

Cybersecurity analysts are cybersecurity generalists who protect hardware, software, and networks against cyber attacks. They anticipate cyber threats by using data-driven analysis of current and future cyber trends and respond to cyber attacks when they occur as the first line of defense. Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median pay for an information security analyst is $102,600 per year or $49.33 per hour.

A network security analyst's role is similar to that of cybersecurity analysts but focuses more on protecting computer networks and information systems specifically. Network security analysts are responsible for staying up to date on intelligence threats, testing and implementing network disaster recovery plans, and researching new ways to protect a computer network.

Cybersecurity consultants are hired by organizations outside of their home organization to help companies implement security strategies. They may be involved with identifying security issues and creating security solutions for the companies that they work with. Problem-solving is a key component of cybersecurity consultants' day-to-day work.

Forensic engineers are a type of engineer that focuses on investigating, analyzing, and finding solutions for structural, mechanical, and material engineering failures. True to their name, forensic engineers may collaborate with law enforcement to stage investigations of security intrusions, or they may collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure that problems with products do not reoccur in the future.

Security architects are the ones who design, build, and maintain security infrastructure within a company or organization.

Many of these job titles may overlap in their work requirements, and the day-to-day duties of each of these jobs will vary depending on the company that you work at. Apply for summer cybersecurity internships in order to gain exposure to different cybersecurity-related professions and prepare yourself for the job market upon graduating from a cybersecurity degree program.

How Do I Earn a Certification in Cybersecurity?

You can earn a cybersecurity certification if you are looking to switch careers and break into the cybersecurity industry from another field or if you have a related degree in a STEM major like computer science or engineering and want to gain more expertise in cybersecurity.

Certificates can also help boost your resume if you already have an undergraduate or graduate degree in cybersecurity by demonstrating expertise in a specialized area.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is one of the most prestigious credentials in the cybersecurity industry and is offered by (ISC)2, a professional cybersecurity organization. In order to become CISSP-certified, you need to have two or more years of work experience in one of the eight designated cybersecurity-related fields. Once you have the necessary work experience, you will be able to take the CISSP exam and become an (ISC)2 member.

(ISC)2 also offers other certification pathways for those who do not have enough work experience to qualify for the CISSP program or have more industry-specific interests, including an entry-level certification, secure software development, and healthcare security & privacy.

CompTIA Security+ is a global cybersecurity certification program that prepares students with the hands-on skills necessary to pursue a career in information technology or IT security. This is an entry-level certification program that teaches students about attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities, security architecture and design, security implementation, and more so that students will be prepared to enter into intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

Now that you understand what cybersecurity scholarships are out there and the different career opportunities that are available to cybersecurity graduates, you're ready to begin applying for scholarships! Create a free Bold.org profile to access our scholarship search engine and find tech scholarships for students of all identities, and check out our other blog posts to learn more about applying for scholarships and financing your education.

Why Cybersecurity Scholarships Matter

With increasing data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats, the demand for cybersecurity experts far exceeds the supply. Scholarships help attract talented students who may otherwise be deterred by the high cost of tuition. These scholarships matter because they encourage students to pursue cybersecurity and help them pay for school.

Cybersecurity Internships and Co-op Opportunities

Many cybersecurity scholarships come with the added benefit of internships or co-op placements, giving students practical experience while they study. Programs like the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service often include internships with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the National Security Agency (NSA).

Additional Resources for Cybersecurity Students

(ISC)2 Undergraduate/Associate Scholarships

The (ISC)2 Undergraduate/Associate Scholarships offered by the Center for Cyber Security and Education will award up to 20 cybersecurity scholarships between $1,000 - $5,000.

High school students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in a cybersecurity-focused field or undergraduate students who are currently studying cybersecurity in 2023 are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on three categories: passion, merit, and financial need.

The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)

The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program from the National Security Administration is available for current high school seniors who plan to major in computer science or electrical engineering in college. The scholarship program offers up to $30,000 per year in tuition assistance and gives students a summer internship opportunity at the NSA during college.

Students who are selected for this scholarship receive an annual salary and benefits, including PTO, health insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Recipients must also work at the National Security Administration for 1.5 times the length of time they receive scholarship money.

Last Mile Education Fund

The Last Mile Education Fund seeks to increase diversity in tech by helping underrepresented students and low-income students who have already committed to a career in the technology industry access high-paying jobs and achieve outstanding results. The fund offers financial assistance to students who are within four semesters of graduating from college (typically juniors and seniors), identify as women, are low-income, and are currently pursuing a computing-related degree.

Many different types of funding are offered, including Emergency Mini-Grants of $600 and Last Mile Grants that provide up to $10,000 toward tuition and fees.

If you're considering entering the cybersecurity workforce, you should apply for college scholarships to reduce the costs of college and maximize your financial aid.