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2026 Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË Master's Degrees in Homeland Security

Compare affordable online homeland security master's degree using manually collected tuition data and carefully verified student ratings.

Updated 7/9/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Updated 7/9/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
  • 200+ Expert Interviews
  • 1,800+ 91³ÉÈË Colleges
  • 30,000+ 91³ÉÈË Degrees

Choosing one of the cheapest online homeland security master's degrees allows you to gain advanced training in national defense, emergency response, and security policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Most homeland security master's programs online cluster between roughly $4,000 and $8,000 per year.
  • Eleven of the 15 schools charge the same tuition regardless of residency.
  • All of the homeland security graduate programs take two years or less to finish, with only the University of Alaska Fairbanks listing a shorter estimated completion time of 18 months.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools

%%YEAR%% Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The 91³ÉÈË research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Annual In-State Tuition Annual Out-of-State Tuition Recommendation Median Salary
# 1 #1 Angelo State University $4,181 $11,471 89% N/A
# 2 #2 Sul Ross State University $4,772 $11,072 100% N/A
# 3 #3 Arkansas Tech University $4,859 $4,859 88% $59,668
# 4 #4 The University of West Florida $6,375 $6,375 85% N/A
# 5 #5 Columbia Southern University $6,462 $6,462 79% $83,721
# 6 #6 Auburn University at Montgomery $7,245 $7,965 80% N/A
# 7 #7 University of Management and Technology $7,605 $7,605 50% N/A
# 8 #8 Northwestern State University of Louisiana $7,830 $7,830 91% N/A
# 9 #9 American Public University System $8,190 $8,190 79% $91,488
# 10 #10 University of Maryland Global Campus $9,792 $11,862 70% N/A
# 11 #11 Towson University $10,044 $10,044 93% N/A
# 12 #12 Liberty University $10,440 $10,440 75% N/A
# 13 #13 University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,100 $23,100 91% N/A
# 14 #14 Arizona State University, 91³ÉÈË $11,632 $11,632 93% $90,117
# 15 #15 University of Arizona $11,900 $11,900 96% N/A
#1
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,181
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $11,471
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.01 / 5
Overall Rating
89%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

91³ÉÈË Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Angelo State boasts the #1 cheapest homeland security master's online in the U.S. right now, with a tuition of just $4,181/year. (This number more than doubles for out-of-state students.)
  • Embedded within the master's is an Emergency Management Certificate, which is a four-course sequence.
  • Master's students work across subjects that increasingly intersect in today's security environment, including terrorism and counterterrorism, federal immigration law, international trafficking, and biological and radiological hazard response.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Angelo State University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and widespread recommendations. Students consistently praise approachable professors, small classes, and a campus culture where faculty, advisers, and admissions staff respond quickly and offer individualized support. Many also value affordability, scholarships, flexible online formats, and manageable navigation for working adults. Several reviews note rigorous coursework that improves career readiness and accountability. Criticisms focus on uneven advising, occasional unhelpful instructors, limited course availability, confusing online directions, weak online interaction, and technology or facility access issues. A few reviewers also mention isolation, rising costs, and isolated program-specific quality concerns.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate 91³ÉÈË: 1,486 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
#2
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,772
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $11,072
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.04 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

91³ÉÈË Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • 91³ÉÈË graduate students can choose from many electives in cybercrime, including cybercrime law and policy, cyber warfare, cybercrime investigation, and cybersecurity, which is a more substantial cyber sequence than many homeland security programs provide.
  • The 30-credit curriculum starts with a 15-credit core in homeland security, emerging issues, social research, and criminal justice policymaking, then gives students room to move into several threat areas that often overlap in real-world security work.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Sul Ross State University as a flexible, generally supportive option, especially for people balancing full-time work and needing online access. Students frequently praise caring professors, small class sizes, prompt faculty communication, approachable instructors, and coursework that is challenging without being inflexible. Affordability is a recurring strength, though not universally; some say costs still create stress. Several reviews highlight practical scheduling benefits, strong academic growth, and meaningful research or career preparation. The main frustrations center on weak institutional support outside the classroom, including inconsistent office communication, slow administrative processes, limited scholarships, reduced program funding, scarce resources, and a difficult website.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate 91³ÉÈË: 444 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 45%
#3
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,859
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $4,859
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.83 / 5
Overall Rating
88%
Recommend
81%
Helpful for Career

91³ÉÈË Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Arkansas Tech describes its Emergency Management and Homeland Security program as the world's first accredited emergency management program, giving it a legacy.
  • 91³ÉÈË students can complement the master's program with specialized certificates in areas such as business continuity, cyber risk management, risk management in higher education, global security, cyber resilience, and small unmanned aerial systems.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Arkansas Tech University are largely favorable, with many praising helpful advisers, caring professors, and a welcoming small-campus atmosphere that feels personal rather than impersonal. Several reviewers say the school works well for busy adults, parents, and transfer learners because scheduling flexibility, online options, and responsive staff make completion more realistic. Affordability, financial aid, career support, and practical coursework are recurring strengths. Criticism centers on uneven program quality, especially complaints about disorganized instruction, unclear expectations, weak test alignment, and limited engagement in some online courses. A few also mention parking difficulties, flooding, noisy library conditions, and concerns about borrowing excessive loans.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate 91³ÉÈË: 367 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $59,668
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
#4
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,375
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,375
Average Program Length: 24 months
3.66 / 5
Overall Rating
85%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

91³ÉÈË Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • 91³ÉÈË students gain experience using the UWF Cyber Range, a virtual environment designed for cybersecurity education, training, and research where they can work through realistic cyberattack and defense scenarios.
  • Combined with UWF's role as the Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) Regional Resource Center for the Southeast, the curriculum aligns each concentration with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, connecting coursework to nationally recognized workforce competencies.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of West Florida are broadly positive, driven by high marks for small classes, approachable professors, and flexible online formats that help those balancing full-time work. Many describe a friendly, personal environment where faculty, advisors, and support staff are accessible, and the campus is scenic, quiet, and community-oriented. Affordability and practical preparation also stand out. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, limited scholarships and funding, aging facilities, parking, and restricted course availability in some areas. Several negative reviews cite unresponsive or rude faculty, confusing policy changes, outdated materials, and online courses that felt self-taught, overly demanding, or poorly supported.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate 91³ÉÈË: 4,165 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
#5
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,462
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,462
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.96 / 5
Overall Rating
79%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

91³ÉÈË Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • CSU’s master's curriculum combines advanced homeland security topics like global terrorism, intelligence analysis, and weapons of mass destruction with a built-in criminal justice concentration that emphasizes constitutional law, correctional systems, and criminal justice administration.
  • CSU allows up to 24 transfer credits toward the 36-credit degree, which is a substantial amount for a master’s program, and this can shorten your time to completion.

3 Student Reviews for Master's in Homeland Security Degrees

Peter, Graduated 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5

I had an excellent experience at Columbia Southern University. The flexible schedule worked well for me with my full-time job and family life balance. As with any school whether in person or online, you get what you put into it. Excellent school and very... Read More

Matt W., Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

Conducted a lot of research for my Master's degree and CSU seemed to have it all. Great structure in the online classes and just the right balance of reading and assignments. Would definitely recommend this to any working adult pursuing their degree.... Read More

JG, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

I've been attending CSU since 2006. I earned my Bachelor's degree in 2009 and am now working on my Master's. Since CSU is approved by DOE, my Bachelor's degree fulfilled my education requirement for my current job with the Department of the Interior.... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Columbia Southern University are largely favorable, with many praising its affordability, included books, flexible pacing, and strong fit for working adults, military members, and parents balancing jobs, deployments, or family care. Students often describe the coursework as writing-heavy, research-intensive, and more demanding than expected, with responsive advisors, practical instructors, and generous transfer-credit policies standing out. Career benefits such as promotions, job changes, and résumé value appear frequently. Criticisms center on inconsistent professor quality, delayed financial aid or refunds, uneven feedback, proctoring hassles, and, in older reviews especially, frustration over national accreditation limiting transfer or graduate-school options.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate 91³ÉÈË: 5,550 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $83,721
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 33%
  • Retention Rate: 71%

Stories Behind the Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË Homeland Security Master's Degrees: An Editorial Analysis

For Students Who Want a Broader Security Lens

Northwestern State University of Louisiana 

Northwestern State distinguishes itself by treating homeland security as a multidisciplinary field. The curriculum incorporates interagency coordination, transnational crime, protection of public events, intelligence, and covert U.S. operations, giving students exposure to a wider operational picture than many peer programs. The degree also offers both a thesis/PIL pathway and an applied project option, making it a good fit for students deciding between doctoral preparation and workforce-focused experience. 

Where Homeland Security Meets the Arctic

University of Alaska Fairbanks

No other program approaches homeland security through the unique lens of Alaska's geography and strategic importance. UAF combines disaster management, emergency preparedness, and security while emphasizing Arctic challenges, remote infrastructure, and real-world instruction from faculty with military and law enforcement backgrounds. The university also participates in both FEMA's Higher Education Program and the Department of Homeland Security University and Agency Partnership Initiative. 

Where Homeland Security Meets Cybercrime

Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross' homeland security master's is a great fit for students interested in cybercrime alongside homeland security. The curriculum includes cyber warfare, cybercrime investigation, cyber law, human trafficking, immigration issues, terrorism, disasters, and border security topics within the same degree. The optional internship further strengthens its applied focus.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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FAQs About Affordable 91³ÉÈË Homeland Security Master's Degrees

How Much Does an 91³ÉÈË Homeland Security Master's Degree Cost?


Annual in-state tuition on this ranking ranges from $4,181 to $11,900. Most programs cluster between about $4,000 and $8,000 per year, with Angelo State University offering the lowest listed tuition. Costs rise more noticeably after the top eight schools, so students may want to compare both annual tuition and total program length before choosing.

Do 91³ÉÈË Homeland Security Master's Programs Charge Out-of-State Tuition?


The fact is that most schools do not. Eleven of the 15 schools above hosting online homeland security master's programs charge the exact same tuition for in-state and out-of-state online students. 

The main exceptions are the following:

  • Angelo State
  • Sul Ross State
  • Auburn at Montgomery
  • Maryland Global Campus
  • Alaska Fairbanks 

At those schools, out-of-state students pursuing homeland security at the graduate level will pay higher annual tuition (sometimes much higher).

Which Affordable Homeland Security Master's Programs 91³ÉÈË Report the Highest Earnings?


 Among schools with available salary data, American Public University System reports the highest median earnings at $91,488. Arizona State University 91³ÉÈË follows at $90,117, and Columbia Southern University reports median earnings of $83,721. Arkansas Tech University also reports earnings data at $59,668. 

Which Program Features Should Students Compare in a Homeland Security Master's Beyond Tuition?


Students should compare residency pricing and completion time, as those are both connected to cost, as explained in detail above. There's also student reviews, which can be helpful to get a firsthand perspective from someone who's been there. 

Additionally, students should look at curriculum focus, certificate options, and applied learning opportunities. Some examples from the list above include:

  • Angelo State embeds an Emergency Management Certificate
  • Sul Ross offers a substantial cybercrime sequence
  • Arkansas Tech provides multiple specialized certificates
  • UWF includes cyber range training
  • Northwestern State offers both thesis and applied project pathways

If you want to examine the cream of the crop and look beyond low tuition cost for a moment, 91³ÉÈË researchers have put together a list of the very best online master's in homeland security degrees on a separate page. Tuition is also listed but it's not the defining feature. 

Student Reviews of 91³ÉÈË Homeland Security Programs

Taylor Eichner, Graduated 2023

Attended: Purdue Global

The programs are great. The military financial department is difficult and continuously locked me out even after I waived my tuition assistance. The instructors are amazing and I was able to communicate changes in my military Status. Very supportive

Review Date: 3/8/2023

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Taylor Eichner, Graduated 2023

Keith Hamilton, Graduated 2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Over the past couple of years I have had a great experience finishing both my bachelors and masters degrees. The professors have always been a great help and the resources that are provided are outstanding. I am glad to have chosen this school and to become an Alumni soon!

Review Date: 3/29/2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Keith Hamilton, Graduated 2022

Hayley Baldwin, Graduated 2021

Attended: Purdue Global

Purdue University Global made it very easy to go to school while being a working professional. Expectations were clearly defined and all professors were very accommodating and willing to work through like challenges, especially with Covid-19 and all of the other joys 2020 brought us. I would 100% recommend this program to others and may even come back for a Doctorate in the future.

Review Date: 1/19/2021

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Hayley Baldwin, Graduated 2021

Byron Ballard, Graduated 2019

Attended: Trident University International

I honestly believe Trident University is a challenging yet rewarding institution. I received my Bachelors Degree in 2016 from Trident. Trident has helped me to become more open minded and look outside my way of thinking. I look forward to taking what Ive learned and use it in the near future.

Review Date: 6/20/2019

Attended: Trident University International

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Byron Ballard, Graduated 2019

Brett Dragun, Graduated 2019

Attended: American Public University System

Great education and the convenience of being online. Being the sole earner for family makes it difficult to attend actual classes. AMU allows for some flexibility and you can log on throughout the week. If something comes up in your life there is an easy way to get an extension. Already working in the field I can say the education is applicable.

Review Date: 11/25/2017

Attended: American Public University System

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Brett Dragun, Graduated 2019

Keith Henninger, Graduated 2018

Attended: Trident University International

The Professors created an atmosphere that made me not only learn the material, but guided me correctly presenting what I learned and discovered through research. They also showed appreciation and gave value to personal experiences that I shared with the class.

Review Date: 9/21/2019

Attended: Trident University International

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Keith Henninger, Graduated 2018

John R. Carnes Jr, Graduated 2018

Attended: PennWest California

The classes are completed online. There are no classes to attend. The classes are 8 weeks in length. Each week is a unit. Where you are expected to do readings, assignments and class discussions in a forum. Some classes, like summer classes, are 7 weeks in length. You have a lot of writing. there are 4 core law classes. Most of the stuff I learned in college prep classes in High School. Then 5 classes in your concentration. I have anti-terrorism for my classes. You can pursue criminal justice also.... Read More

Review Date: 3/30/2017

Attended: PennWest California

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

John R. Carnes Jr, Graduated 2018

Tiffany Brown, Graduated 2017

Attended: American Public University System

As single mother who works full time, this school has been amazing! The class curriculum is very well put together, and has taught me so much useful information that I will be able to utilize in my career. I'm able to continue my education without having to take time away from my children or my job. I highly recommend this school to anyone working and a parent.

Review Date: 10/31/2016

Attended: American Public University System

Overall Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Tiffany Brown, Graduated 2017

Matt W., Graduated 2017

Conducted a lot of research for my Master's degree and CSU seemed to have it all. Great structure in the online classes and just the right balance of reading and assignments. Would definitely recommend this to any working adult pursuing their degree. I started this year 2015 and have had no financial issues or enrollment concerns.

Review Date: 8/25/2015

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Matt W., Graduated 2017

JG, Graduated 2017

I've been attending CSU since 2006. I earned my Bachelor's degree in 2009 and am now working on my Master's. Since CSU is approved by DOE, my Bachelor's degree fulfilled my education requirement for my current job with the Department of the Interior. CSU degrees are perfectly fine for all US Government jobs that require a degree. This school is legit, the instructors and curriculum are top notch. I am extremely satisfied with my attendance.

Review Date: 7/23/2015

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

JG, Graduated 2017

Jason Remigio III, Graduated 2012

Attended: Colorado Technical University - 91³ÉÈË

If you like 91³ÉÈË schools this is the school you might go to, you can use webcam and the instructors webcam might work. There are problems with the technical issues online, when you lose connection and you need to know what happens. The courses are recorded and you can playback the instruction every time till you got what you missed. The problem is getting the career before the time expires for financial aid to be paid off.

A little warning you can't use this degree to get into the legal field because... Read More

Ohh, I'm still looking in previous jobs for experience as I live in California where unemployment is high. Probably the whole nation, Obama took care of my financial aid, since I have no income that is lower than $25,000 a year salary income I owe nothing and paid monthly from Sallie Mae so I have nothing owed. I used to be in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As I used my experience with the instructors and expressed my differences and tactics in law enforcement. After you get a new job, continue your education because it will pay off in the future. Go to a campus school, your employer will let you go part-time. Whatever the situation is with you.

Review Date: 1/2/2013

Attended: Colorado Technical University - 91³ÉÈË

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jason Remigio III, Graduated 2012

Now a teacher, Graduated 2010

Attended: American Public University System

My program was online and it was a very enjoyable experience.

Review Date: 11/9/2015

Attended: American Public University System

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Now a teacher, Graduated 2010

Zachary H. Roberts, Graduated 2016

Attended: Wilmington University

As a veteran, I wanted to continue to serve my country and Wilmington University offered me that chance to develop my career in the field of Homeland Security. Throughout this degree program, I found myself challenged to tackle important issues both foreign and domestic and studied under the guidance of accomplished professionals from diverse fields and experiences. I am confident upon receipt of my diploma, I will have greatly enhanced my career in service to my country.

Review Date: 9/14/2016

Attended: Wilmington University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Zachary H. Roberts, Graduated 2016

Mac MacEwen, Graduated 2022

Attended: Everglades University - Campus

Everglades University Tampa Campus has been amazing. The staff and faculty truly care and want to see every student succeed. Everglades Tampa is especially attentive to Veterans. The care, concern and commitment to Veterans is without peer. If you are looking for a school where you are supported while you learn then Everglades University Tampa is your next step.

Review Date: 10/16/2023

Attended: Everglades University - Campus

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Mac MacEwen, Graduated 2022

Alex Smith, Graduated 2015

Attended: American University

American University offered a highly specialized degree utilizing experienced professors that yielded a strong graduate program. The campus was small but beautiful and ran free AU shuttles to various points around town making getting to and leaving campus a breeze. Overall the experience was phenomenal and I would highly recommend it.

Review Date: 5/31/2016

Attended: American University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Alex Smith, Graduated 2015

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