Retention and Graduation Data

The SANS Technology Institute develops leaders to strengthen enterprise and global information security. Our graduates are highly valued because they design state-of-the-art, enterprise-level cyber defenses, champion the adoption of those defenses, and manage their implementation and ongoing operation.
The data presented here reflects the retention and graduation rates for our master's students and our certificate students, by year, since accreditation. As our students enter into and engage with our rigorous programs, they must balance the demands of their jobs, their studies, and their personal lives. As a preeminent institution of higher education translating contemporary information security practice and scholarship into effective educational experiences, our retention and graduation rates are in line with or exceed the national standards for graduate STEM programs (http://cgsnet.org/masters-completion-project).

Percentage of students retained or graduated (YTD)


Bachelor's Degree* 
Undergraduate Certificate Program
Master's Degree
Graduate Certificate Program
2021
95%
76%
91%
85%
2020
54%
84%
63%
2019

74%
83%
60%

* Bachelor's degree program launched in 2021.

Last updated July 2022

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