Franklin University Cybersecurity Students Earn Top 10 National Ranking in National Cyber League Competition

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Sherry Mercurio
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Three student teams place Franklin University 8th nationally in one of the nation's largest cybersecurity competitions

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Franklin University cybersecurity students have earned national recognition after three student teams competing through the University's Cybersecurity Special Interest Group (SIG) achieved an impressive No. 8 national ranking in the Spring 2026 National Cyber League (NCL) Cyber Power Rankings, demonstrating the institution's commitment to preparing workforce-ready cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

Powered by Cyber Skyline, the National Cyber League is one of the largest cybersecurity competitions in the United States. The Spring 2026 competition attracted more than 7,500 students from 670 high schools, colleges and universities across 49 states, challenging participants to solve authentic cybersecurity scenarios involving digital forensics, penetration testing, vulnerability auditing, cryptography, ransomware recovery and other in-demand cyber defense skills.

Franklin University's three participating teams competed against thousands of students nationwide, earning the University an overall national ranking of eighth in the Cyber Power Rankings.

"This achievement reflects the dedication, persistence, and teamwork demonstrated by our students throughout the competition," said Dr. Denise Bergstrom, program chair for Franklin University's associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in cybersecurity. "Experiential learning opportunities like the National Cyber League allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world cybersecurity challenges, identify areas for growth, and strengthen the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will rely on throughout their careers."

The National Cyber League was established to help develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through practical, skills-based challenges that mirror the work performed by cybersecurity practitioners. Participants receive detailed performance assessments that align their skills with industry-recognized competencies and workforce standards.

For Franklin students, participation in the Cybersecurity SIG and competitions such as NCL provides valuable opportunities to engage beyond the virtual classroom while building professional skills sought by employers. Students collaborate with peers, test their abilities against national competitors, and gain experience addressing the types of cybersecurity threats organizations face every day.

The recognition further highlights Franklin University's commitment to delivering career-focused education that aligns with rapidly evolving workforce needs. Through industry-relevant curriculum, faculty expertise, and experiential learning opportunities, Franklin prepares students to contribute immediately in high-demand cybersecurity roles.

"As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in complexity and frequency, employers need professionals who can demonstrate both technical knowledge and practical experience," Bergstrom said. "Competitions like NCL help students develop those capabilities while building confidence in their ability to solve real-world cybersecurity problems."

The National Cyber League's Spring 2026 Cyber Power Rankings were released by Cyber Skyline on May 13, 2026. Franklin University's No. 8 national ranking places the institution among the top-performing cybersecurity programs in the nation.

FACT BOX: Franklin University Cybersecurity Teams Earn Top 10 National Ranking
Recognition: Ranked No. 8 nationally in the Spring 2026 National Cyber League (NCL) Cyber Power Rankings
Participation: Three Franklin University teams competed through the Cybersecurity Special Interest Group (SIG)
About the Competition: One of the nation's largest cybersecurity competitions with more than 7,500 students from 670 institutions participated nationwide
Skills Demonstrated: Digital forensics, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, cryptography, and cyber defense
Why It Matters: Provides hands-on experience beyond the classroom, strengthens workforce-ready cybersecurity skills, and connects online students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

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