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Homeland Security Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

St Petersburg College delivers the most affordable pathway into protective services careers with a negative net price of $52, meaning students receive more financial aid than tuition costs. This Florida program sits at one end of a pricing spectrum that stretches to $19,452, revealing how location and institution type shape educational expenses. Graduates from these programs enter a field where federal agencies like TSA, Border Patrol, and FEMA actively recruit, particularly in regions with major airports, ports, and emergency management centers. Florida dominates this affordable market with six institutions, reflecting the state's massive tourism industry and extensive coastline that demands substantial security infrastructure. Earnings data shows graduates can expect salaries ranging from $30,771 to $50,856, with Florida SouthWestern State College graduates achieving the highest median earnings at $50,856 annually. The 37 percent graduation rate at St Petersburg College mirrors industry patterns where many students transition directly into employment before completing degrees, drawn by immediate job opportunities in growing security sectors.
17
Programs
$-52 – $19,452
Net Price Range
$40,193
Avg. Program Earnings
43.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
3 $5,877 $3,779 13.2%
4 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
5 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
6 $8,249 $3,401 38.5%
7 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
8 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
10 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
11 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
12 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
13 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
15 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
16 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
17 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's protective services program financially unique?

St Petersburg College offers a negative net price of $52, meaning financial aid exceeds all educational costs for the average student. Students actually receive money back after covering tuition, fees, and other expenses. This occurs because the in-state tuition of $2,682 combines with substantial federal and state aid packages. Despite this generous funding, the program maintains a 37.5 percent graduation rate with graduates earning $42,682 annually.

How do public and private costs compare for these protective services programs?

Public institutions dominate the affordable range, with 12 of the 15 schools offering net prices below $18,000. Private colleges like Mercy University charge $15,770 net compared to public options like Miami Dade College at $5,929. Baker College represents the most affordable private option at $15,171 net price. Public schools also show more variation in acceptance rates, ranging from Eastern Kentucky's 64.31 percent to Florida Atlantic's 81.32 percent.

Where do graduates earn the highest salaries in these affordable programs?

Florida SouthWestern State College graduates achieve the highest median earnings at $50,856 annually, despite a net price of only $8,249. Eastern Michigan University follows with $46,478 in graduate earnings at a $17,084 net cost. These figures contrast sharply with Savannah State University, where graduates earn $30,771 annually. The earnings range of nearly $20,000 reflects different regional job markets and specialization areas within protective services.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in these protective services schools?

Higher costs do not guarantee better graduation outcomes in these programs. Florida Atlantic University achieves the highest graduation rate at 64.3 percent with an $8,001 net price, while more expensive Baker College graduates only 31.3 percent of students. Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City shows the lowest graduation rate at 13.2 percent despite moderate costs. Many students enter the workforce before completing degrees, drawn by immediate employment opportunities in security and emergency services fields.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.