SANS Technology Institute
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
STI's programs serve working professionals who maintain careers while pursuing graduate education. This creates student communities of experienced practitioners sharing knowledge from diverse organizational contexts and security roles. Residential sessions bring students together for intensive learning experiences combining technical labs with networking opportunities. These gatherings build professional connections while enabling hands-on work not possible in purely online formats. Online components provide flexibility for students balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities. Asynchronous coursework enables study during available hours, while synchronous sessions create real-time interaction with faculty and peers. The professional orientation of programs creates natural peer networking. Students share experiences, discuss workplace challenges, and build relationships that persist beyond program completion. Many graduates remain engaged through SANS communities and professional organizations.
Location & Surroundings
SANS Technology Institute is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Residential sessions occur at SANS training events held throughout the United States and internationally, providing flexibility in completing in-person requirements. The D.C. area concentration of cybersecurity employment creates natural career opportunities for students and graduates. Federal agencies, defense contractors, consulting firms, and technology companies headquartered in the region employ STI graduates while providing tuition support for current students. Students located elsewhere benefit from online delivery and geographically distributed training events. Residential requirements can often be completed at locations convenient to students' home regions, reducing travel burdens while maintaining intensive learning experiences. The security industry's geographic distribution ensures career opportunities across the country and internationally. STI's online delivery enables students from diverse locations to access the programs while maintaining local employment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the Master of Science program currently totals approximately $60,000-70,000, including SANS course fees. Students often receive employer tuition assistance given the direct professional relevance of the education. Payment plans spread costs across the program duration. The investment reflects the significant value of combined GIAC certifications and graduate credentials. Individual SANS courses and certifications would cost substantial amounts independently; the degree program provides efficient bundling alongside academic components. Career outcomes reflect strong market demand for qualified security professionals. Graduates hold leadership positions in security operations, consulting, government agencies, and corporate security programs. The combination of practical skills, certifications, and graduate credentials enables advancement beyond technical roles. Salary expectations for security professionals with graduate credentials and GIAC certifications are strong, with many graduates commanding compensation significantly exceeding program costs within few years of completion. The security field's persistent talent shortage ensures strong job security alongside competitive compensation.
Campus Location
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