Affordable Online Bachelor's in Homeland Security

The field of Homeland Security has exploded since 2001, when the U.S. government created the department of Homeland Security, and it's never been as easy to break into the field with the availability of accredited online homeland security degree programs. Today the Department of Homeland Security is one of the country's largest federal agencies and employs nearly 185,000 ...

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The field of Homeland Security has exploded since 2001, when the U.S. government created the department of Homeland Security, and it's never been as easy to break into the field with the availability of accredited online homeland security degree programs.

Today the Department of Homeland Security is one of the country's largest federal agencies and employs nearly 185,000 workers, and jobs in the private sector have continued to grow as well. A bachelor's degree in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or a related field is ideal for anyone who loves criminal justice but wants to specifically focus on issues of terrorism and disaster relief.

Since the turn of the 21st century, more and more universities have begun to offer such degrees, and many online colleges have even added the program to their repertoire. This is great news for working professionals or busy parents who need to be able to take classes on their own time. The other big benefit of choosing distance education is that many of these schools are less expensive than traditional universities, and in fact none of the schools on this list cost more than about $16,000 a year! You should also note that the numbers we have included are raw tuition rates - if you qualify for financial aid or scholarships, you could save even more money on your college education.

Methodology

We also feel the need to stress that just because these programs are online does not mean that they lack quality. The schools appearing in this ranking are the least expensive of their kind, according to the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator database. These are all reputable, accredited schools that frequently make it on to national rankings by top publications, including U.S. News & World ReportForbesWashington Monthly, and Businessweek. They are listed according to their tuition (most expensive first), and we placed public institutions based on the average of their in-state and out-of-state rates.

Cheap Online Homeland Security Degree Program Rankings

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

#1 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Thomas Edison State University

  • Trenton, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online

TESC is an accredited online college designed exclusively for adults. It is also one of the best online colleges available to distance education learners, and has been regularly recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, GetEducated.com, the National University Technology Network, and others since the 1990s for its commitment to online education. Students in the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program must complete 120 credits to graduate, and take classes such as "Counterterrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues," "Protecting the Homeland, Response and Recovery," and "Social Impact of Disasters in the Community." TESC students must also complete a Capstone course and select a number of electives to round out their online homeland security degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,182
Out-of-state
$9,342
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,024
Out-of-state
$12,024
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,721
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Vincennes University

  • Vincennes, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Vincennes University, labeled as "Indiana's First College," offers a number of distance education courses, including a program in Homeland Security delivered entirely online. The online college administrators created the program with a focus on excellence and innovation in education, and as a result have collaborated with highly experienced homeland security professionals and professors of superior caliber. This bachelor's degree will prepare you for careers with the DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies that require four-year degrees. The school also hosts conferences known as the "Homeland Security and Public Safety Community Academies," has a club just for aspiring HS professionals, and provides resources for students who want to pursue an internship. College Prowler reports that the vast majority of students consider this online college "worth the money" and full of "knowledgeable professors."

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,926
Out-of-state
$14,730
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
42%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
16,389
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

National University is an accredited online college that has uniquely chosen to structure its Homeland Security program around a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Students can take advantage of all the resources offered by the School of Business and Technology while also immersing themselves in the study of air and ground transportation security, public health management, biological terrorism, intelligence management, cyber protection, and more. National has positioned itself as a best online college by certifying that 100% of its professors have PhDs and emulating the one-to-one teaching method proposed by the Oxford Learning Model.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,064
Out-of-state
$11,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,881
Out-of-state
$16,881
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,648
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • Fairbanks, AK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

If the programs at the University of Alaska appeal to you, there's good news: you won't have to brave the snowy tundra in order to capitalize on the school's excellent selection of degrees. UA Fairbanks offers 100% online college classes for virtual learners, and has structured the HSEM program in particular to be delivered entirely through distance education. As a division of the school of management, the online homeland security degree program covers a range of topics related to Homeland Security, all grounded in the study of real-world experiences and practical scenarios. UA Fairbanks, including its top online school, has been recognized for its quality by such reputable publications as Forbes and Washington Monthly.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,296
Out-of-state
$23,087
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,265
Out-of-state
$23,095
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
6,826
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#5 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Colorado Technical University is a top online college with a HSEM program a cut above the rest; this B.S. in Criminal Justice was developed in conjunction with the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School. This means that students enrolled at CTU benefit from a curriculum developed by true experts in the field. The 182 credit program allows people to specialize in one of five areas, and students who want to branch out from Homeland Security might also consider Forensic Investigation, Cybercrime and Security, Human Services, or a General concentration. Alumni speak overwhelmingly positively about their time at this affordable online college, including nearly 90% reporting satisfaction with their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,939
Out-of-state
$11,939
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,683
Out-of-state
$13,683
Retention Rate
44%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
24,016
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Franklin University is not only one of the most affordable online colleges, it is also one of the best schools for veterans, as recognized by Military Advanced Education Magazine for several years running. Military members and veterans in particular might be attracted to the school's Emergency Management and Homeland Security program, especially if they are considered going to college online. The online homeland security degree curriculum covers crisis response and disaster management, threat assessment, safety and security operations, labor relations, fiscal administration, risk management, and of course homeland security. As a graduate of Franklin, you could end up in a satisfying career anywhere from the FBI to a casino in Las Vegas.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,815
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Herzing University-Akron

  • Akron, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Herzing University created its online college program in Homeland Security in response to the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2001. The degree is formulated to give students a top online college experience, and is characterized by the study of security threats, intelligence analysis, organizational safety, terrorism risk, investigations, and the management of critical incidents. Herzing is an accredited online college that targets its program toward people who have great respect for authority, can work well alone and in groups, respond well under stress, and can pay attention to details. For more than one year, this university has been listed as a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
410
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Florida Institute of Technology

  • Melbourne, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Florida Tech Online is the online college division of the Florida Institute of Technology, a well known school offering dozens of degree programs to students. One such degree is the B.A. in Criminal Justice Homeland Security, a career-focused program that combines liberal arts learning with the development of industry-specific skills. You'll learn about parole, law enforcement, corrections, and probation, while also studying the specifics of public safety, natural disasters, terrorism, disaster relief, and threats to national security. This online homeland security degree could be a good fit for you regardless of whether or not you have no criminal justice experience or are a professional looking to grow your career. PayScale rates this top online college #2 in Return on Investment in the state of Florida, while the Times Higher Education has ranked it one of the best 200 universities in the world.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,346
Out-of-state
$42,346
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,338
Out-of-state
$22,338
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
7,830
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

American InterContinental University

  • Chandler, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online

Students who choose to attend American InterContinental University's online college will benefit from a Homeland Security Program that has been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the Emergency Management Higher Education Program. The affordable online homeland security bachelor's degree program is 180 credits, with 45 "specialization" credits, and can be completed in as little as 36 months of full-time study. Experienced professors instruct students on how to apply industry relevant knowledge to their future careers. This includes the study of terrorism, counterterrorism, natural disasters, crisis management, public policy, national security, and so many other areas that you're practically guaranteed never to be bored!

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,758
Out-of-state
$11,758
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,244
Out-of-state
$12,244
Retention Rate
21%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
13,480
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Excelsior College

  • Albany, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online

Many of Excelsior's programs are designed for working adults who want to attend college online in order to finish or augment their current degree. The school's Criminal Justice program is no exception, and students in the Homeland Security department benefit from maximum transfer credit for previous academic work, credit for military service or professional experience, and affordable online college tuition. Courses focus on developing job-ready skills in topics such as international terrorism, incident response and management, security planning, counterterrorism, and other areas of essential interest to homeland security personnel. Self-administered surveys reveal that 99% of graduates consider Excelsior's education to be relevant to their career.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,166
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#11 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Florida State's program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is self-described as a "World-Class Education." It is one of the best online college options for students interested in homeland security because it combines theoretical discussion in areas such as public health and terrorism studies with practical application through internships and certificate programs. All classes are available online, including electives in Risk Communication, Ethics, and Terrorism, among other subjects. Fiske's Guide to Online Colleges recently included FSU on its "Budget Ivy List," and major publications like USA Today and Princeton Review agree that it is a truly affordable online college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$24,116
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
45,130
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#12 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Austin Peay State University

  • Clarksville, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Austin Peay State's Homeland Security concentration is meant to appeal to students interested in a wide range of criminal justice fields. All students are educated in topics related to politics, sociology, psychology, law, and public management, while those specializing in Homeland Security will also delve into such subjects as terrorism studies and federal law enforcement agencies. This online college is part of the Regents Online Degree Programs (RODP), a collaborative between nearly twenty community colleges and universities in Tennessee. The school is currently considered to be in the Top 30 best public schools in the nation and Top 65 regional universities in the South, according to U.S. News.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,816
Out-of-state
$12,360
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,226
Out-of-state
$13,212
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
9,609
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#13 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

University of Akron Main Campus

  • Akron, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Akron has combined the study of Emergency Management and Homeland Security into a single degree program focused on environmental and technological hazards, emergency planning and preparedness, terrorism, and disaster relief. Students already pursuing a bachelor's degree outside this program can still earn a minor in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, or can pursue a certificate in the same field. Courses are available in a variety of formats and through both Akron and a number of nearby community colleges. Students can also join the International Association of Emergency Managers or pursue research at the Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research. Akron is a highly ranked, top online college that has been recognized by U.S. News, Businessweek, and others, and was also named a "Carnegie Cluster Leader."

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,595
Out-of-state
$9,595
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,610
Out-of-state
$10,610
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
14,498
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#14 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Strayer University

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Strayer University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  Strayer is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,940
Out-of-state
$14,940
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Related articles:

Sources:
College Prowler
Wikipedia
The New York Times
USA Today
Times Higher Education
PayScale
GI Jobs
Forbes
Washington Monthly
The National University Technology Network
College Navigator

About the Author:
Iris Stone got her start in writing when she began working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Check out her Google+ Profile.

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