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Cheapest Homeland Security Colleges

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

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City stands out with a net price of just $5,877 for its Homeland Security program, making it the most affordable option among these 20 schools. The price spread reveals a significant gap, with costs ranging from under $6,000 to over $13,000 annually. Community colleges like Truckee Meadows and Pikes Peak State College offer particularly low in-state tuition rates at $3,144 and $4,302 respectively. The field connects directly to federal employment opportunities, as the Department of Homeland Security employs over 240,000 people across agencies like TSA, FEMA, and Customs and Border Protection. Graduation rates vary dramatically across these affordable programs, from Eastern Kentucky University's 49.7% to the University of Central Florida's 75.1%, suggesting that low cost doesn't necessarily correlate with completion success.
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 the cheapest option for Homeland Security?

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City offers the lowest net price at $5,877 annually, with in-state tuition of just $3,779. The school operates as a two-year campus of the OSU system, allowing students to begin their Homeland Security education at minimal cost. However, the graduation rate sits at 13.2%, which students should consider alongside the affordability factor.

How do community college programs compare to four-year universities in cost?

Community colleges like Truckee Meadows ($3,144 in-state) and Pikes Peak State College ($4,302 in-state) offer the lowest tuition rates for Homeland Security coursework. These two-year programs cost roughly half of what four-year universities charge. Graduation rates at community colleges typically range from 23% to 31%, reflecting the different student populations and program structures.

Does American Public University System justify its higher cost among these affordable options?

American Public University System charges $9,104 net price but delivers the highest median earnings at $53,858 for graduates. The online format serves military personnel and working adults, with a 53.2% graduation rate that exceeds many traditional campuses. Students graduate with an average debt of $24,942, which aligns reasonably with the strong earning potential.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among these budget-friendly programs?

The University of Central Florida leads with a 75.1% graduation rate despite charging $10,650 net price. Florida International University follows closely at 73.9% with a slightly lower cost of $9,133. Both Florida universities demonstrate that affordable public education can maintain high completion rates, particularly in states with growing security sectors.

What regional advantages do these affordable programs offer for Homeland Security careers?

Many of these schools sit near major security employers and training facilities. Florida International University benefits from Miami's role as a major port and international gateway, while Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn a median of $36,848 in a region with significant federal installations. Colorado's Pikes Peak State College serves the Colorado Springs area, home to NORAD and multiple military bases requiring security professionals.

More Homeland Security Rankings

Best Value Homeland Security Homeland Security Under $20,000

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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.