Forsyth Tech, Alamance, and Catawba Valley place in the top three spots nationally
October 2025 — North Carolina has claimed a commanding presence in the 2026 national rankings of top cybersecurity associate degree programs, with seven colleges from the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) earning places in the Top 25, including the top three spots overall.
The rankings, published by the independent research team at Cybersecurity Guide, reviewed 199 associate degree programs across the United States. All selected programs are designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) and were evaluated based on academic quality, student-to-faculty ratios, graduation and retention rates, admission selectivity, and in-state tuition affordability.
CCN Member Schools in the 2026 Top 25 (Ranked Order)
1. Forsyth Technical Community College – Winston-Salem, NC
2. Alamance Community College – Graham, NC
3. Catawba Valley Community College – Hickory, NC
8. Wake Technical Community College – Raleigh, NC
11. Pitt Community College – Winterville, NC
12. Gaston College – Dallas, NC
23. Fayetteville Technical Community College – Fayetteville, NC
This strong showing underscores CCN’s leadership in cybersecurity workforce development, built on a collaborative statewide model that emphasizes affordability, practical skills, industry alignment, and support for diverse learners, including military-connected students, career changers, and rural communities.
About the Ranking Organization
Cybersecurity Guide is a trusted independent resource that provides education and career information for cybersecurity students and professionals. While the site accepts advertising, its editorial team operates separately and emphasizes data-driven analysis. Their ranking methodology is transparent and grounded in real metrics that matter to students and employers.
What It Means for Students and Employers
These seven Carolina Cyber Network colleges offer nationally recognized associate degrees for quality and value. For students, that means access to CAE-C certified programs with strong academic support, real-world lab experiences, and pathways to industry-recognized certifications. For employers, it signals a reliable, growing pipeline of skilled cybersecurity talent across North Carolina.
Learn More
To see the full list and explore the methodology, visit:
Cybersecurity Guide – Top Cybersecurity Associate Degree Programs for 2026