10 Affordable Online Homeland Security Degrees (2025)

A common path for students seeking to work in public and private sectors focused on combating domestic and international terrorism is to obtain a bachelor's degree in homeland security.

As described below, there are many options for earning an affordable online homeland security degree to pursue in-demand jobs and service-oriented careers such as police detectives, information security analysts, and emergency management directors.

List of Affordable Homeland Security Degrees Online

The following list of accredited colleges provides excellent choices for earning an affordable online homeland security degree for employment in cybersecurity, border protection, and other crucial positions.

1. Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina offers the most affordable online homeland security degree as part of the NC Promise Tuition Plan.

In-state costs for its online Bachelor of Science degree in homeland security program is $41.67 per credit plus fees, and residents receive a guaranteed fixed tuition rate for eight semesters. Non-residents pay $208.33 per credit.

This flexible program requires 120 credits with courses covering topics like national security and globalization.

2. Wichita State University

The tuition at Wichita State University in Kansas is reasonably priced at $241.55 per credit hour plus fees for undergraduate online programs.

Their Bachelor of Science degree in homeland security offers a comprehensive education for success in operations and management and is delivered through asynchronous learning. It requires 120 credits with at least 36 credits in the major to graduate.

Core coursework covers topics such as:

• emergency management
• border security
• risk assessment
• cybersecurity
• research methods

3. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University in Alabama has an online Bachelor of Science degree in homeland security that costs only $270 per credit hour. Eligible active-duty military members pay $250 per credit.

The curriculum includes the following topics:

• disaster planning and management
• typology of terrorism
• critical infrastructure protection
• ethical and legal issues
• cybersecurity

This program teaches homeland security methodologies and assessments to leverage tactical responses and procedures, preparing students for jobs in emergency management and law enforcement.

4. University of Alaska, Fairbanks

The University of Alaska in Fairbanks offers a top-ranked bachelor's degree in homeland security and emergency management through distance education that costs $289 per credit plus applicable fees.

It offers several concentrations to choose from, such as:

• public safety administration
• cybersecurity and information technology management
• emergency medical and public health management
• fire administration

The curriculum integrates emergency preparedness and business management to equip students with practical skills and real-world experience for career success in various fields.

5. Waldorf University

The cost is $325 per credit hour at Waldorf University in Iowa for online programs, including its Bachelor of Arts degree in homeland security. Active-duty military members who qualify pay $250 per credit.

This degree includes the following concentrations:

• emergency management
• cybersecurity
• criminal justice

Students gain comprehensive knowledge of homeland security practices, including proper prevention and response procedures for terroristic threats. It requires 120 total credits and takes about four years to complete.

6. State University of New York, Canton

The State University of New York (SUNY) in Canton delivers a Bachelor of Technology degree in homeland security through convenient distance education. It costs $292 per credit for residents and $353 for non-residents.

Students engage in course subjects such as:

• criminal law and procedure
• intelligence analysis
• immigration law and border patrol
• public safety and incidence response

This program covers homeland security strategies and theories, providing practical knowledge and skills in identifying and mitigating substantial security threats.

7. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham in Little Rock provides options to earn an affordable online homeland security degree. The programs cost just $295 per credit and require 120 credits.

It has an online Bachelor of Arts degree in multidisciplinary studies with a homeland security concentration that prepares students for border security and disaster management jobs.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice specializing in homeland security is also available through distance learning.

8. American Public University

American Public University charges a reasonable rate of $350 per credit plus applicable fees for its online Bachelor of Arts degree in homeland security.

Eligible students receiving the Veteran Grant pay $315 per credit, while military members pay a reduced rate of $250. This bachelor's program requires 120 credits and allows up to 90 transferable credits.

Coursework covers subjects including:

• border and coastal security
• legal and ethical issues
• research methods
• critical infrastructure protection

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security and counterterrorism at Southern New Hampshire University for a low cost of $330 per credit.

This homeland security degree requires 120 credits and permits up to 90 transferable credits. It focuses on providing a thorough background in terrorism studies.

Coursework introduces students to homeland security and counterterrorism and explores intelligence and counterintelligence.

10. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland provides an online bachelor's degree in homeland security through its global campus. Tuition is $318 per credit for residents, and military members pay a reduced rate of $250 per credit.

Non-residents pay $499 per credit, and it requires 120 credits. Core courses cover topics like public safety and strategic planning.

The program teaches essential critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills for leadership and management roles in the homeland security profession.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security Cost?

When establishing the cost of an online bachelor's degree in homeland security, students must consider factors such as the required credit hours of the program and how many semesters it takes to graduate.

As described on our list, it is possible to find an affordable online homeland security degree with low-cost tuition ranging from $41 to $350 per credit hour for bachelor's programs, which typically require 120 total credits.

How To Make an Online Homeland Security Degree Affordable

Many financial aid programs are available to help make an online homeland security degree affordable. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential first step toward learning about eligibility.

Financial assistance options to cover college expenses include the following:

• federal or private loans
• institutional or federal grants and scholarships
• work-study programs
• military tuition assistance
• installment payment plans
• tuition reimbursement programs

Is an Online Homeland Security Degree Worth It?

Individuals interested in pursuing careers in homeland security typically need at least a bachelor's degree. Obtaining one is highly beneficial and worth the effort for those seeking rewarding roles in the field.

An online degree in homeland security is a cost-effective and convenient option for busy professionals seeking careers in cybersecurity or law enforcement and can be a worthwhile investment at a reasonable price.

Find an Affordable Degree in Homeland Security Online Today

An affordable online homeland security degree is an excellent option for students interested in safeguarding the nation and making constructive contributions to society. They can easily find one today with our list of accredited institutions.