Addressing the Cyber Skills Gap: Retention & Recruitment Secrets from Higher Education
by Michael Sink for Campus Technology
As the digital threat landscape grows more sophisticated, organizations across all sectors are working tirelessly to recruit — and just as importantly, retain — skilled cyber talent. For colleges and universities, the stakes are especially high. These institutions not only protect sensitive research and personal data but also serve as training grounds for the next generation of cyber professionals.
Higher education cyber turnover rates have recently plateaued, with two-thirds of professionals staying in their roles over the past year, driven by strong benefits packages and a sense of shared mission amongst teams. While this stability is cyclical, especially as employment trends shift and cybersecurity tools mature, institutions are working to ensure the retention and recruitment of top cyber talent by continually investing in professional development, fostering collaborative work environments, and equipping teams with the latest tools available to protect and defend against threats.
As the broader cyber skills gap grows across sectors, colleges and universities are pioneering creative, intentional strategies that go beyond compensation to stave off increased cyber attrition — and industry has the opportunity to follow suit.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Higher ed cyber turnover has plateaued: Two-thirds of professionals have stayed in their roles over the past year, supported by strong benefits packages and a shared sense of mission.
- Retention strengths include benefits and culture: Colleges and universities offer affordable health insurance, strong retirement plans, job security, smaller teams, and "homegrown" pipelines that build institutional loyalty.
- Recruitment and retention focus on skills, upskilling, and AI tools: Institutions emphasize skills-based hiring, internal student pathways, vendor and certification partnerships, and AI and automation tools to support understaffed teams and professional growth.
Why Higher Education Has a Retention Edge
One of higher education's most underappreciated advantages is its robust benefits packages. While the private sector often lures candidates with larger paychecks, colleges and universities typically offer more affordable health insurance, strong retirement plans, and greater job security. For many, these benefits counterbalance any pay gap, particularly for mid-career professionals with families and long-term financial goals.
Beyond benefits, the structure of higher education cyber teams offers unique retention strengths. Teams are often smaller and more tightly knit than their counterparts in large corporations. This fosters a sense of community, shared mission, and personal investment in the institution's success.