The most affordable homeland security degrees online provide flexible training in intelligence analysis, emergency management, and cybersecurity. These accredited programs align with industry standards, preparing you for careers in government, private security, and law enforcement. Online learning allows you to balance studies with personal and professional commitments while gaining essential skills for national and public safety roles.
Key Takeaways:
- National University is #1 most affordable online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with yearly tuition at $4,162.
- Thomas Edison State University leads with a median graduate earnings of $70,220 for its Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- American Public University System excels with a 90% retention rate.
By manually checking tuition rates, we ensure only the most affordable online degrees make our list. Each institution is accredited and provides fully online programs with clear pricing. Read our methodology for details.
2025 Most Affordable Homeland Security Degrees Online
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University | La Jolla (CA) | $4,162 | |
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City (NC) | $5,000 | |
| Georgia Military College | Milledgeville (GA) | $5,070 | |
| Wichita State University | Wichita (KS) | $7,529 | |
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach (AL) | $8,100 | |
| SUNY Empire State University | Saratoga Springs (NY) | $8,480 | |
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | Canton (NY) | $8,480 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks (AK) (and 1 other) | $8,670 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton (NJ) | $8,856 | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Kansas City (KS) | $9,150 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $9,480 | |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston (AL) | $9,750 | |
| Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $9,900 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | Manchester (NH) | $9,900 | |
| American Public University System | Charles Town (WV) | $10,500 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| Trident University International | Cypress (CA) | $12,450 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | St. Leo (FL) | $12,750 | |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue (NE) | $13,470 | |
| Campbell University | Buies Creek (NC) | $13,950 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide | Daytona Beach (FL) | $15,090 | |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette (IA) | $15,150 | |
| Excelsior University | Albany (NY) | $15,300 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $15,750 | |
| Mercer University | Macon (GA) | $16,320 | |
| Northeastern State University | Tahlequah (OK) | $16,399 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $17,220 |
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Online Homeland Security Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Student Reviews of Online Homeland Security Programs
I have really enjoyed my time at Everglades University so far. The professors and administrative staff have been very helpful every step of the way. The class structure is easy to follow and the flexibility in the schedule has allowed me to persue I degree while raising a family, working full time, and still maintaining a social life. The class material has been well focused and I am confident it will be helpful in the future.
Review Date: 12/23/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I started my educational progression while deployed to Iraq in 2019. AMU was very understanding of military engagements, which allowed me to navigate through courses and assignments without missing deadlines. The online platform is extremely helpful to those who may work full-time jobs, have kids, or other conflicting schedules. The only downside for me was that the professors were sometimes disengaged within the course, which made it difficult to receive feedback on upcoming assignments. I recently... Read More
Review Date: 1/30/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Distinctively contrasting the reviews on here where it seems they only came to vent about a bad experience, I attended UMGC for 6 years from 2015-2021 throughout a Marine Corps career and deployments, and I could not be happier. I have associates and friends in and out of the service and none compare to the level of education and simultaneous amount of flexibility the school gave when it came to classes and schedules. The interface online the schools gives students makes the need to call an advisor... Read More
Review Date: 5/26/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
VERY IMPORTANT: I want to start off with saying in July 2018 National University holds all Blackboard collaborate weekly online sessions as OPTIONAL and will not go towards your final, as well as you can watch all recordings of sessions at anytime. My only Con is they are slow (month late) on processing TA for active duty military. Now that I touched on most individuals cons, I will explain the Pros I have the past two years I have attended. I am a HSE major and CJA major (Homeland security/ Criminal... Read More
Review Date: 11/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I may say from personal experience that this school is a great school and for those who said it was difficult to get in contact with advisors please note that all of them are extremely busy too and they cant just be concerned with one student when there are a whole bunch of students they are trying to help and they have a personal life they have to attend to as well and they are very nice and try to return everything as soon as possible so next time you try and say something rude about a school remember... Read More
Review Date: 11/9/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I think that UMUC offers a great alternative to going to school inside of a traditional classroom. I originally went to school at a community college (Kilgore College in Kilgore Texas) and earned my A.A. prior to coming to UMUC because I could work online classes into my schedule. During my coursework at UMUC I studied a large variety of different subjects that will make me very marketable to the Department of Homeland Security if I choose to go that route in life. I see many people gripe and complain... Read More
Review Date: 1/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Ashford University is a for profit school, that is the first thing that must be taken into consideration. Not always a bad thing, more often than not for profit schools are extremely flexible. Know what you are getting into and have a plan for finances. I am active duty military so I used TA and owned them a little so they appeased me to ensure I continued my education. For those who say it is easy great, then I am sure they graduated 4.0 or 3.97 like I did. Is it useless? I was accepted to Johns... Read More
Review Date: 5/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
DO NOT GIVE CREDENCE TO THOSE WHO CLAIM CTU DOES NOT WORK WITH YOU ON LATE ASSIGNMENTS I have had health issues throughout my degree as well as power and connectivity issues. I have never had any issues with CTU granting an extension. Honestly, the majority of those who are claiming issues have created their issues by not conforming to the rules and college guidelines. It's always someone else who is to blame with these type people, no personal accountability. During discussion boards and group projects... Read More
Review Date: 1/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have had the best experience at CSU. I recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Homeland Security program. I experienced a lot over these past four years and all of it was a great experience. I will admit that out of the all of the instructors that I met there each and every one of them deserves kudos from me. Well all except one who I will not name here, but the course was in the Political Science arena. I feel that I was given a great education, at a reasonable price, and in an agreeable amount... Read More
Review Date: 12/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Eastern Kentucky University has a beautiful campus and great people; who are really geared toward your success. I just wish that some of the faculty had more experience in the field in which the course they are teaching applies to and that professors could not switch courses in the middle of a semester (professors with no fire service experience should NOT teach courses in the fire service majors). I also think that if the academic and enrollment advisors did not change so much it would be easier... Read More
Review Date: 6/11/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I honestly have to say, my experience with Everglades was beyond great. After getting my Associates with another online college (not everglades) I was very apprehensive. However they handled everything with professionalism and ease. The admissions handled the transferring of my credits from my previous school and communicated with me every step of the way. The finance department walked me through my FAFSA, and even found me additional grants to help.I was registered in class with books in my hand,... Read More
Review Date: 12/22/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Reading other reviews and I never realized how hard I really did work at my degree. I always thought that maybe it was too easy but everyone talks how rigorous it was at APUS. Maybe I am just giving myself the short end of the stick and I deserve the degree I did work hard to get. I enjoyed the online platform. I never had trouble in my classes and when I discovered a student was copying my work along with others’ the professor addressed it immediately to try and get it to stop. I was able to attend... Read More
Review Date: 9/22/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My Ashford experience was a very good one, I received credit for my military experience as well as my current employment endeavors. So ,I was able to get a bachelor's degree in three and a half years. The classes and instructors were a challenge at times, but overall it was a great experience.
Review Date: 9/22/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Ignore the bad reviews. Unfortunately, for many of these students who entered ECPI, they've been prone to the spoon fed lifestyle of education and life. Having come from a traditional four year instituation and transfering due to relocation, I can see the distinct difference in teaching styles. I'd reccomend looking at these reviews closely before making your decision. Many of these reviews sound like students who just cannot comprehend college level material. Unfortunately, college is not for everyone.... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
In reading many of these reviews it appears that the positives are spot on and the negatives seem like sour grapes, to me anyway. I have nothing but praise for this school. I took both on-line and in-person classes and they were pretty fair and consistent. The support answer all questions in a timely manner and I never had any real delay with them getting back to me. The professors like any other school can be hit or miss but, all were professional. I actually enjoyed many of them as they appeared... Read More
Review Date: 6/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
After exploring different Emergency Management programs, I chose Everglades University after learning that the class sizes are smaller than most and the course pace is set up to where I only have to take one class a month. I work full-time, so only having to concentrate on one course at a time is life changing and enables me to finish my degree. I have a passion for helping people in need as I’ve worked in Emergency Medical Services for the past seven years. I worked all throughout the Covid-19 crisis,... Read More
Review Date: 10/13/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Everglades University staff was amazing and supportive throughout my four years. If you want to establish a career or a business this is the college for you everyone is caring and wants to see you succeed. Take the time and invest in your future so that you can later in life enjoy the benefits. You can afford to do this but first you have to believe that you can do it , with a little effort on your part you will be on your way to a brighter you.
Review Date: 6/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
St. John's University's New York City location can be strategic and provides many opportunities. Only 30 minutes away from Manhattan, all of New York City is only a subway ride away. Tuition and living costs are unreasonably high and match its educational standards.
Review Date: 10/6/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No