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Intelligence Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Harvard University charges $59,076 in annual tuition yet offers this specialized program at a net cost of just $16,816, making it surprisingly accessible alongside much cheaper public options. The 16 schools offering Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations programs under $20,000 span from Fayetteville State's remarkable $7,360 net price to private institutions pushing the upper boundary at $19,725. This field directly supports the growing cybersecurity and defense intelligence sector, where federal agencies and contractors actively recruit graduates for roles in threat assessment, digital communications security, and strategic information management. Graduation rates vary dramatically across this price range, from Fayetteville State's 35.2% to Harvard's 97.3%, while acceptance rates show equally wide spreads. The single reported earnings figure of $28,381 from Coastal Carolina University suggests entry-level positioning in a field where advancement potential typically accelerates with security clearances and specialized certifications.
16
Programs
$7,360 – $19,725
Net Price Range
$28,381
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
2 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
3 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
4 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
5 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
6 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
7 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
8 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
9 $16,767 $8,216 37.2%
10 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
11 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
12 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
13 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
14 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
15 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
16 $19,725 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Harvard's low net cost despite high tuition for this program?

Harvard's need-based financial aid brings the actual cost down to $16,816 despite $59,076 sticker price, making it competitive with public universities like Indiana University-Bloomington at $15,342. The 3.24% acceptance rate means only the most qualified students gain admission, but those who do often receive substantial aid packages. This creates an unusual situation where an Ivy League education costs roughly the same as state schools for this specialized field.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Graduation rates show no clear correlation with net price across these 16 programs. Fayetteville State offers the lowest cost at $7,360 but has a 35.2% graduation rate, while Brigham Young University achieves 82.2% graduation at $14,487. American Public University System, a for-profit institution, maintains 53.2% graduation rates at $9,104 net cost. The data suggests program structure and student support matter more than price alone.

Is the $28,381 starting salary competitive for intelligence operations graduates?

The single reported salary of $28,381 from Coastal Carolina University represents entry-level positioning in government or contractor roles that typically require security clearances. This field offers significant advancement potential as professionals gain experience and higher-level clearances, often doubling starting salaries within 5-7 years. Many positions also include federal benefits packages that add substantial value beyond base salary. The specialized nature of intelligence work means earning potential grows considerably with expertise and clearance level.

Where do most graduates find employment in command control and information operations?

Federal agencies including the Department of Defense, CIA, NSA, and FBI actively recruit from these programs, along with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Geographic proximity to military installations and intelligence hubs affects job placement, explaining why schools in different regions may have varying career outcomes. Private sector cybersecurity firms also hire these graduates for threat intelligence and digital security roles. The field's growth reflects increasing national security focus on information warfare and cyber threats.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.