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Homeland Security Colleges Under $20,000

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

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City delivers the nation's most affordable Homeland Security education at just $5,877 net cost annually, making it nearly $1,400 cheaper than the next closest option. This dramatic cost advantage stands alongside Elizabeth City State University's remarkable 48.1% graduation rate, proving that budget-conscious programs can still produce strong outcomes. The federal government employs over 240,000 homeland security professionals across agencies like TSA, CBP, and FEMA, creating steady demand for trained graduates. American Public University System graduates earn $53,858 annually, demonstrating the field's earning potential even from affordable programs. These 15 schools span from community colleges offering associate degrees to universities with bachelor's programs, with net costs ranging from under $6,000 to just over $11,000. Florida International University combines reasonable $9,133 costs with an impressive 73.9% graduation rate, while University of Central Florida maintains selective 41% admissions despite affordable pricing.
50
Programs
$5,877 – $18,748
Net Price Range
$43,856
Avg. Program Earnings
45.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Homeland Security Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,877 $3,779 13.2%
2 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $7,457 $3,144 28.2%
4 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
5 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
6 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
7 $9,682 $4,302 23.0%
8 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $10,123 $4,686 31.2%
10 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
11 $10,790 $4,308 26.8%
12 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
13 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
14 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
15 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
16 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
17 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
18 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
19 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
20 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
21 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
22 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
23 $13,571 $9,552 19.5%
24 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
25 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
26 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
27 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
28 $14,449 $12,310 21.2%
29 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
30 $14,693 $8,112 32.9%
31 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
32 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
33 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
34 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
35 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
36 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
37 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
38 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
39 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
40 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
41 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
42 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
43 $16,767 $8,216 37.2%
44 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
45 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
46 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
47 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
48 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
49 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
50 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City's program so affordable compared to other options?

OSU-Oklahoma City charges just $5,877 in net costs, benefiting from Oklahoma's low cost of living and strong state funding for public education. In-state students pay only $3,779 annually, making it accessible for local residents. The school focuses on practical training rather than expensive facilities, keeping operational costs down. This represents nearly 25% savings compared to the next most affordable option at $7,237.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable Homeland Security programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 13.2% at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City to 75.1% at University of Central Florida. Four-year universities typically show stronger completion rates, with Florida International University achieving 73.9% and Eastern Kentucky University reaching 49.7%. Community colleges generally report lower rates due to transfer students and part-time enrollment patterns. Elizabeth City State University breaks this trend with an impressive 48.1% rate for a smaller state school.

Is American Public University System worth considering despite being a for-profit institution?

American Public University System graduates earn $53,858 annually, the highest among schools with available data, making it competitive despite for-profit status. The school charges $9,104 net cost with a solid 53.2% graduation rate, performing better than many traditional institutions. However, graduates carry $24,942 in average debt, requiring careful consideration of return on investment. The online format serves military and working adult students who need flexible scheduling.

Where do most job opportunities exist for Homeland Security graduates nationally?

Federal agencies like Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and Border Patrol offer the most positions, with concentrations near major airports, borders, and government centers. State and local emergency management agencies provide additional opportunities, particularly in disaster-prone regions like Florida and California. Private security firms and consulting companies increasingly hire graduates for corporate and infrastructure protection roles. The field employs over 240,000 professionals nationwide with steady growth projected through 2030.

Does attending a community college limit career advancement in Homeland Security?

Community colleges like Truckee Meadows and Pikes Peak State College offer associate degrees that qualify for entry-level federal positions, which often provide promotion pathways. Many graduates transfer to four-year programs, using community college credits to reduce overall education costs by 40-50%. Federal hiring practices emphasize experience and training over degree prestige, making affordable education viable for career growth. Some agencies prefer candidates with practical skills over theoretical knowledge, giving community college graduates competitive advantages.

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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.