The Truth Behind Cheap vs Accredited Online Degrees
You’ve done the research. You’ve compared spreadsheets. You’ve found an online cybersecurity degree that costs significantly less than the competition, and you’re ready to click “enroll.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth: 83% of online programs actually cost more than in-person classes when you factor in all the extras (research from Eduventures). That bargain-basement tuition? It might be hiding thousands of dollars in additional costs that only reveal themselves after you’ve committed.
Let’s examine these hidden costs and understand why investing in an accredited cybersecurity degree with embedded certifications is the wiser approach for advancing your career.
The Sticker Price Illusion
When you’re comparing online cybersecurity degrees, it’s tempting to sort by price and pick the cheapest option. That makes sense. College is expensive, and every dollar saved is a dollar you can put toward your career.
The problem is that advertised tuition rarely tells the whole story.
Common hidden costs in budget online programs include:
- Online proctoring charges
- Course materials and textbooks (some programs charge $200+ per course)
- Program-specific fees that vary wildly by institution
- Lab access fees for hands-on practice
- Certification exam vouchers (purchased separately)
- Study materials for industry certifications
Research shows that the billing structure matters enormously. Some schools charge a flat rate per term, allowing you to take more courses and graduate faster, while others charge per credit hour, meaning your costs balloon with every additional class.
What looks like a $15,000 degree can quickly become a $30,000 investment once you add up everything you actually need to become job-ready.
The Certification Cost Trap
Here’s where things get really expensive for cybersecurity students specifically. In this field, certifications aren’t optional luxuries. They’re must-haves. Employers expect to see credentials like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND), or similar certifications on your resume. Without them, your degree alone may not open the doors you’re hoping for. Now, let’s look at what happens when your degree doesn’t include these certifications:
The DIY certification path costs:
- CEH exam fee: $1,199 (plus training courses ranging from $850-$2,500)
- CND exam fee: $450+ (plus separate training materials)
- CompTIA Security+: $404 (plus study materials)
- Additional practice exams and prep courses: $200-$500 each
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and want to graduate with industry certifications (which most employers expect), you could be looking at $3,000-$7,000 in additional costs on top of your tuition.
That “cheap” degree suddenly doesn’t look so affordable.
The Lab Access Problem
Cybersecurity is a hands-on field. You can’t learn to defend networks by studying theory alone. You need hands-on practice in realistic environments, experiment safely, and learn from trial and error.
Quality programs include:
- Virtual lab environments with real-world scenarios
- Access to industry-standard security tools
- Practice networks you can attack and defend
- Simulation platforms for incident response
Budget programs often either skip this entirely (leaving you with purely theoretical knowledge) or charge substantial additional fees for lab access. Some students report paying $500-$1,500 per semester for adequate lab time.
At EC-Council University, students have unlimited access to virtual labs that provide immersive, hands-on practice environments mirroring real-world cybersecurity scenarios. You’re not just learning about penetration testing; you’re actually doing it in a controlled environment that prepares you for what you’ll face on the job.
Why Accreditation Is Worth Paying For
An accredited cybersecurity degree from a recognized institution protects your investment. You’re not just paying for classes. You’re paying for a credential that will be respected throughout your entire career. EC-Council University holds accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This means your degree is respected by employers, other graduate schools, and global organizations.
On the other hand, non-accredited programs are an unsafe investment because:
- Credits may not transfer if you decide to pursue a higher degree
- Some employers and government agencies won’t recognize your qualifications
- You may not be eligible for specific financial aid programs
- Professional licensing boards may not accept your education
The ECCU Value Proposition: What's Actually Included
Let’s talk specifics about what a specialized cybersecurity university offers compared to generic programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program includes:
- Embedded preparation for globally recognized EC-Council certifications (CEH, CND, and more)
- Unrestricted access to virtual labs for hands-on practice, at no additional cost
- Curriculum designed by the same organization that created industry-standard certifications
- Faculty with real-world cybersecurity experience
The Master of Science in Cyber Security program takes it further:
- Ranked among the Top 10 online master’s programs in cybersecurity by Fortune®
- Advanced certifications integrated into the coursework
- 5 specialization tracks aligned with specific career goals
- Leadership and management-focused curriculum for those targeting C-level roles
When you factor in the certifications, lab access, and study materials included in tuition, ECCU students often save thousands compared to students who pursue degrees and certifications separately.
What Recruiters Actually Look For
Here’s a reality check from the hiring side of the table.
When cybersecurity recruiters review candidates, they’re looking for three things: education, certifications, and practical experience. A degree from a specialized, accredited institution signals that you have all three.
Why specialized programs carry more weight:
- Recruiters recognize EC-Council certifications as industry benchmarks
- Hands-on lab experience translates directly to job readiness
- Accreditation ensures consistent educational standards
- Specialized programs indicate a genuine commitment to the field
A generic IT degree from an unaccredited institution, even if it costs less upfront, may require you to spend years proving yourself and obtaining additional certifications before you’re competitive for the roles you want. As things stand, there are approximately 4 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs globally. Employers are hiring, but they’re hiring candidates who can demonstrate real-world skills from day one. Your education should position you among those candidates.
Find out more about why online cybersecurity degrees are worth pursuing in 2026.
Calculating True Return on Investment
Before you make your decision, run the real numbers.
Questions to ask of any program:
- Are certifications included in the curriculum?
- What lab or technology fees are charged separately?
- Is the program accredited?
- What is the average time to completion?
- What academic and career support services are included?
- Do graduates typically need additional certifications after completing the program?
When you add up the actual cost, the “expensive” accredited program with embedded certifications often costs less than the “cheap” alternative. More importantly, it positions you for higher starting salaries and faster career advancement, which compounds over your entire professional life.
Your Next Step
Choosing the right online cybersecurity degree is one of the most important career decisions you’ll make. Don’t let sticker price alone drive that decision.
Ready to invest in your future the smart way?
Explore the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security for a comprehensive undergraduate path with embedded certifications and hands-on training.
Or, if you’re ready for advanced leadership preparation, discover why the Master of Science in Cyber Security earned its Fortune® Top 10 ranking.
Remember, your cybersecurity career deserves an education that pays dividends for decades, not hidden costs that drain your resources before you even start.
Need help making an informed decision?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common hidden costs include separate certification exam fees, lab access charges, technology fees, proctoring costs, and study materials. These can add thousands of dollars to your total investment.
Accreditation ensures your credits transfer to other institutions and guarantees employers will recognize your degree as legitimate.
Yes, ECCU embeds preparation for globally recognized EC-Council certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Network Defender (CND), directly into the curriculum.
Yes, the program is ranked among the Top 10 online master’s programs in cybersecurity by Fortune®.
