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Cheapest Homeland Security Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

St Petersburg College offers the most affordable protective services education in the nation with students actually earning money through financial aid, showing a negative net cost of $52. The gap between public and private options spans over $17,000, with Florida schools dominating the most affordable slots. Public institutions claim eight of the top ten cheapest programs, while private schools like Baker College and Mercy University charge significantly more for similar training. Federal agencies including FEMA, CBP, and the Coast Guard actively recruit from these programs as the Department of Homeland Security continues expanding operations across the Southeast. Graduates can expect starting salaries ranging from $30,771 to over $70,000 depending on their chosen specialization. Florida's concentration of affordable options reflects the state's massive homeland security infrastructure, with major ports, international airports, and military installations creating steady demand for trained professionals.
35
Programs
$-52 – $43,939
Net Price Range
$47,986
Avg. Program Earnings
48.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 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%
18 $21,433 $3,074 34.9%
19 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
20 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
21 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
22 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
23 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
24 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
25 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
26 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
27 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
28 $26,661 $10,816 79.1% 89.4%
29 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
30 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
31 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
32 $30,841 $39,050 44.1% 76.8%
33 $33,742 $16,450 44.9% 96.4%
34 $34,089 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
35 $43,939 $65,538 88.9% 11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College cost negative $52 for protective services students?

Students receive more in financial aid than the actual cost of attendance, creating a negative net price of $52. The college's in-state tuition sits at just $2,682, while federal and state grants often exceed total expenses. This makes it essentially free to attend while earning credentials in homeland security and law enforcement. Graduates typically earn $42,682 annually with manageable debt loads of $30,000.

How do public and private protective services programs compare in cost?

Public schools average under $10,000 for net costs while private institutions like Baker College charge $15,171. Florida leads with the most affordable public options, claiming four of the top six cheapest programs. Private schools do offer higher graduation rates, with Madonna University achieving 58.1% compared to public averages around 40%. The cost difference can exceed $15,000 annually between sectors.

Does Florida SouthWestern State College justify its $8,249 net cost?

Graduates earn $50,856 annually, the second-highest among affordable programs, making the investment worthwhile. The college maintains a 38.5% graduation rate while keeping in-state tuition at just $3,401. Students benefit from proximity to federal training facilities and Coast Guard operations along Florida's coast. The earnings potential significantly exceeds the modest program costs.

Where can students find the best value in protective services education?

Florida dominates the value rankings with four schools in the top ten cheapest programs. Florida Atlantic University offers the best balance of affordability and outcomes with 64.3% graduation rates at $8,001 net cost. Eastern Michigan University provides strong earning potential at $46,478 for graduates paying $17,084 annually. Regional job markets heavily influence value, with coastal and border states offering more opportunities.

What salary ranges can protective services graduates expect from affordable programs?

Starting salaries span from $30,771 at Savannah State University to over $50,000 at Florida SouthWestern State College. Most graduates from affordable programs earn between $35,000 and $46,000 initially, with federal positions typically offering higher compensation. Debt loads average $16,000 to $30,000, making loan repayment manageable on protective services salaries. Career advancement often doubles initial earnings within five to seven years.

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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.