BYU CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS)

The information below outlines the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, and service commitment for BYU students interested in applying.

About the Program

The BYU CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) prepares students for careers in government cybersecurity by providing full tuition, a living stipend, and professional development funding in exchange for a required government service commitment after graduation.

Through the program, students become part of a cohort at BYU and a national network of SFS scholars while receiving mentoring, professional development, and assistance in securing government internships and full-time employment.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service Program is a nationally recognized initiative that prepares the next generation of cybersecurity professionals for government service. As an NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, BYU is proud to offer this opportunity. Learn more about the national program on the NSF CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service website.

Benefits

• Full tuition
• Annual stipend
  
  • $27,000 undergraduate
  • $37,000 graduate
• $6,000 annual professional development funding, including:
  
  • One-time laptop/computer purchase
  • Required travel to the SFS Career Fair in Washington, D.C.
  • Professional certifications
  • Conferences and training
  • Other approved professional expenses

Career Development

Throughout the program, students receive personalized career development and support as they prepare for government internships and full-time employment.

BYU has established relationships with federal, state, and local government agencies and provides individualized guidance to help students identify opportunities, connect with employers, and secure qualifying government cybersecurity positions.

Student Obligations

In exchange for these scholarship benefits, students commit to the following program requirements:

While at BYU

• Maintain full-time enrollment in the BYU Cybersecurity program.
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Participate in the SFS Seminar and cohort activities.
• Engage in research, outreach, competitions, or other professional development activities.
• Develop an AI Integration Statement describing how you will build AI-related competencies throughout your degree program.
• Obtain approval before accepting outside employment.

Professional Development

• Complete a government cybersecurity internship.
• Attend the annual SFS Job Fair in Washington, D.C.

After Graduation

• Secure a qualifying government cybersecurity position.
  
  • Qualifying employers include federal executive agencies, national laboratories, and eligible state, local, and tribal government organizations.
• Work in government for one year for each year of scholarship support received.
• Repay scholarship funds if program obligations are not fulfilled.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Currently enrolled in BYU Cybersecurity B.S. program or applied for admissions to the IT & Cybersecurity, M.S. program
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (3.5+ recommended)
• Meet federal employment and security clearance requirements

Degree Options

Applicants can choose one of three options at BYU as outlined below:

• Option 1 - B.S. Only (2 years):
  
  • For declared Cybersecurity majors at BYU who will be Juniors in Fall 2026
  • Funding: Junior and Senior years
    
• Option 2 - M.S. Only (2 years):
  
  • For students who will complete a relevant technical B.S. (Cybersecurity, IT, CS, EE, CE, or IS) from an accredited program before Fall 2026
  • Must be accepted into the BYU IT & Cybersecurity M.S. program.
    
    • Late admission petitions available for exceptional students who missed the M.S. program deadline
  • Funding: Both years of the M.S. degree
    
• Option 3 - Combined B.S. + M.S. (2-3 years):
  
  • For declared Cybersecurity majors at BYU who will be Juniors or Seniors in Fall 2026
  • All options require acceptance into the IT & Cybersecurity M.S. program
    
    • Funding Options:
      
      • Senior year + 2-year M.S. → 3 years of funding
      • Senior year + 1-year M.S.* → 2 years of funding
      • Junior & Senior year + 1-year M.S.* → 3 years of funding
        *A 1-year M.S. requires permission from the SFS Admissions Committee.
        Please contact Audra McHoes if you would like to discuss eligibility.

Application Process

• Submit the online application.
• Participate in an interview, if selected.
• Finalists receive scholarship offers.
• Accepted students complete required SFS documentation and onboarding before scholarship approval by the NSF.