When disaster strikes, who will help? When people’s lives are threatened by an earthquake, flood, bridge collapse, tsunami, or wildfire, who will provide essential aid? Who will organize the efforts to shelter, feed, and clothe people impacted by natural and man-made disasters? When there is a threat to our nation, who will be the one to identify the problem and ensure the threat is eliminated or mitigated? That person can be you.
Whether you complete the most expensive or the cheapest emergency management bachelor degree online, you’ll prepare for a career that makes a real difference. You’ll help people and families overcome emergencies or, depending on your education and career goals, help keep the country and the world safe from terrorist threats.
These programs, in short, help you become one of the most important professionals in the world. In this database, you’ll find 70 degrees from 53 different colleges and universities.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $50,400
Least Expensive (In-state): Elizabeth City State University (North Carolina) – $8,428
Least Expensive (Out-of-State): Elizabeth City State University – $24,428
28 Cheapest Emergency Management Bachelor Degree Online Programs
Southern New Hampshire University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Elizabeth City State University | (NC) | $8,428.00 $24,428.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota | (FL) | $12,874.00 $49,716.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $25,080.00 $31,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Ohio Christian University | (OH) | $27,500.00 $17,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
5 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $28,280.00 $33,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $31,800.00 | All Students |
7 | Athens State University | (AL) | $31,840.00 | All Students |
8 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $33,120.00 | All Students |
8 | Georgia Military College | (GA) | $33,120.00 | All Students |
10 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $33,424.00 | All Students |
11 | Vincennes University | (IN) | $33,729.00 $41,601.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $34,476.00 | All Students |
13 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $35,430.00 $77,910.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $36,016.00 $73,712.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Angelo State University | (TX) | $38,124.00 $88,524.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $38,940.00 $35,640.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | (LA) | $39,000.00 | All Students |
18 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $39,600.00 $27,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
19 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $40,010.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
20 | Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $40,300.00 $31,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 | Drury University | (MO) | $41,706.00 | All Students |
22 | Bethel University - TN | (TN) | $42,050.00 $33,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
23 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | (AK) | $43,200.00 | All Students |
24 | New England College | (NH) | $45,000.00 | All Students |
25 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $47,955.00 | All Students |
26 | Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
27 | Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $50,070.00 | All Students |
28 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $50,400.00 $64,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Columbia College - SC | (SC) | $50,400.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $50,578.00 $65,698.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $50,940.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Western Illinois University | (IL) | $51,391.00 | All Students | |
 Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $51,552.00 $59,328.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $52,080.00 | All Students | |
Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $52,710.00 $41,550.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Regent University | (VA) | $53,000.00 | All Students | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $56,280.00 $31,480.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
 Adelphi University | (NY) | $57,000.00 | All Students | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $57,600.00 | All Students | |
Thomas University | (GA) | $58,135.00 $31,135.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $58,500.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $59,123.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $59,760.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $60,552.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $61,824.00 | All Students | |
Barry University | (FL) | $62,800.00 | All Students | |
Mercer University | (GA) | $63,600.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $67,320.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $69,485.00 $33,485.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania College of Technology | (PA) | $73,100.00 | All Students | |
Saint Louis University | (MO) | $78,800.00 $36,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mississippi College | (MS) | $90,621.00 $39,637.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Adelphi University | (NY) | $99,600.00 | All Students | |
Everglades University | (FL) | $108,881.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of emergency management programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual bachelor’s in emergency management program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online emergency management degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online emergency, fire, or security program must be regionally accredited. Additionally, programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
ABET ABET accrediting organization
Why Choose the Cheapest Emergency Management Bachelor Degree Online?
If you are a caring, organized, and motivated person, you may thrive in an emergency management or homeland security career. Here are some of the top reasons to consider this type of bachelor’s degree:
- Numerous roles available: With online degrees in emergency management, graduates can work in high-level management, organizing large, complex response efforts. Or you can become an expert in directly delivering frontline assistance to those who need it most.
- Growing need for emergency services: While some professions in emergency management and security will see modest growth, others will see fast expansion. The need for health and safety specialists, for example, will grow by 13%.
- Help people in times of need: A bachelor’s in emergency management, and the subsequent careers, are not easy. But they are vastly rewarding. You will have the ability to help people in their most crucial times of need.
Emergency Management Online: Program Cost
When you search for an affordable online criminal justice bachelor degree, you’ll discover numerous options. This database includes 70 programs from 53 schools, giving aspiring emergency, safety, and security professionals plenty of choices. The average total price in this database is $50,400. Most bachelor degrees require four years of study, so the typical annual cost (average price divided by four years) is about $12,600. But the price can be much lower.
The cheapest online criminal justice bachelor degree in this database is the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. While this bachelor’s degree has a higher price for out-of-state residents, the estimated cost is still about half the database average, and is the lowest out-of-state cost in the country.
If you want an affordable online criminal justice bachelor degree, you’ll find plenty of excellent programs. This database includes 20 programs with an estimated in-state cost below $40,000, with six programs estimated below $30,000.
The most expensive bachelor’s degree comes from Everglades University. The Bachelor of Science in Crisis & Disaster Management from this private institution has an estimated cost of $108,881. The second most expensive is the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration from Adelphi University, which costs $99,600.
Who Offers the Cheapest Emergency Management Bachelor Degree Online?
While there are many affordable programs in this database, these are the three schools that offer the lowest tuition for a bachelor’s in emergency management:
#1. Elizabeth City State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
Cost: $8,428 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Elizabeth City State University offers the cheapest online criminal justice bachelor degree. With an in-state cost of only $8,428, North Carolina residents pay roughly $2,407 a year to complete this bachelor’s degree. That equals roughly $1,200 per semester, a lower cost than many community colleges, which are renowned for low prices.
This bachelor’s in emergency management delivers an education in national security and criminology. Students gain skills that have real-world application through this completely online degree. The subject matter includes criminal justice, cybersecurity, national infrastructure, and the protection of citizens across the country, in addition to general education courses.
ECSU has created one of the best online learning platforms in the country. By giving remote learners access to an easy-to-use student portal, it delivers the same education to both in-person and online students.
#2. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety & Emergency Management
Cost: $12,874 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This is another affordable bachelor’s in emergency management degree for in-state students. In this case, Florida residents can complete a bachelor’s degree in public safety with a total price below $13,000. Out-of-state students pay nearly the database average for this online program; their estimated cost is $49,716.
Students in this online bachelor program study a variety of topics ranging from law enforcement to paralegal issues. They also study fire science, emergency medical management, and medical services, training them to become a leader in this critical area.
This school delivers an excellent education to students from all walks of life. Learners have access to structured classes and one-on-one interaction that creates an immersive learning experience.
#3. Utah Valley University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Cost: $25,080 (In-state, Utah)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
If you are looking for an affordable online emergency management degree regardless of your location, this degree from UVU is a fine choice. While the in-state cost is $25,080 (making it third on the list), the out-of-state tuition is only $31,200, well below the database average.
Students learn to make a difference in their communities while saving lives during the most hectic situations. The program is designed for people starting their careers, as well as people with previous disaster response experience.
There are many factors, beyond a low cost, that makes UVU attractive to students. Online learners with this school can take advantage of multiple start dates, credit transfers, and financial aid guidance.
Emergency Management: Degree Program Types
While overall cost is important, you shouldn’t enroll in the cheapest online criminal justice bachelor degree simply for the price. You should also consider the various types and concentrations for these programs.
This database consists largely of two types: a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science. While they share parallels, there are important distinctions. A bachelor of arts (BA) degree is often wider in scope and subject matter. It may dive deeper into theoretical, ethical, and philosophical issues surrounding emergency management, fire response, and homeland security. A bachelor of science (BS), on the other hand, will be more specific, with emergency management courses often staying close to the hard science and research methods involving emergency services and disaster response.
These programs largely fall into three broad categories: 1) emergency management, 2) fire science, and 3) homeland security:
Emergency Management
An emergency management degree or disaster management program will teach you how to plan for emergencies and respond to human-made or natural disasters. Emergency management courses often focus on multiple forms of emergencies, including terrorist attacks, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, although they can be specialized to a specific type of disaster.
Fire Science
These programs study how fires start, how they spread, and how they can be extinguished. They will also include the best fire-prevention measures and how to properly organize a fire response, whether a wildfire, domestic fire, or commercial facility.
Homeland Security
These programs deal precisely with maintaining homeland security and dealing with threats both foreign and domestic. Many deal with technology and information systems, ultimately leading to careers with the federal government (such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency) or private organizations.
Within these emergency management degrees, there are many specializations, including:
- Corporate security
- Disaster management
- Emergency management
- Emergency services
- Fire services administration
- Fire and explosion investigations
- Homeland security
- Intelligence studies
- National security
- Public safety
- Safety engineering technology
- Security studies
Accreditation for Emergency and Fire Programs
Accreditation is an important part of the academic process. Schools that are accredited have been reviewed and approved by regional accrediting groups, which themselves have approval from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accordingly, all the programs in this database come from accredited institutions.
There is also a form of accreditation called “programmatic,” but it’s less common among these emergency management programs. Programmatic accreditation is not vital; as long as your education comes from an accredited college or university, you can be assured of getting a quality education from a respected institution.
Admission to the Cheapest Emergency Management Bachelor Degree Online Programs
When you apply to one of these bachelor’s in emergency management programs, you’ll need to meet specific admission requirements. The admission requirements are different for each school, but they usually follow a similar path.
The main requirement for prospective students, which is common to all programs, is a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs have GPA requirements as well. For instance, you may need a 2.5 GPA from your high school studies to enroll in one of these bachelor degrees. You may also need to submit ACT or SAT scores, although many schools admit students without these tests. While rare, some programs may require previous emergency management experience or education.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Very few careers in emergency management and homeland security require a license. In most cases, graduates with a bachelor’s in emergency management will not be required by the state or federal government to hold a license, but there are many certification options you might consider.
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress: Certificate Assembly
This group is a non-profit organization that provides fire-service certifications and higher-learning opportunities. The Certificate Assembly provides specialized credentials in fire services and prevention.
International Association of Emergency Managers
This organization has been dedicated to emergency management and civil defense since 1952. Although it started as a national organization, it has since evolved into an international group for emergency management specialists.
IAEM provides two emergency-related certifications: Associate Emergency Manager and Certified Emergency Manager. Both of these credentials show proficiency in maintaining professional standards for emergency management.
Disaster Recovery Institute International
According to its website, the DRII is “the oldest and largest nonprofit that helps organizations around the world prepare for and recover from disasters.” It correspondingly supports emergency management professionals by providing education, accreditation, and leadership throughout the sector, and offers numerous certifications serving various purposes. Most, however, are related to the concept of continuity within an organization. This group provides certifications for both individuals and organizations.
Salary and Career Information for Emergency, Fire, and Security Professionals
These emergency management degrees can lead to high-paying careers with excellent job stability. Here are the expected growth rates and median salaries for some top careers in emergency management, fire response, and homeland security:
Occupation | Expected growth (2022-2032) | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Directors | 3% | $107,360 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 4% | $100,660 |
| Health and Safety Specialists | 13% | $75,240 |
| Fire Inspectors | 5% | $65,800 |
| All Occupations | 3% | $46,310 |
Note: Many of the occupations listed above require additional education, training, and experience before or after completing online degrees in emergency management.
With roughly five years of experience (the standard for management occupations), you can become an emergency management director, which has a median salary of $107,360. The top 10% earn over $147,000, making this comparatively one of the highest-paying occupations in emergency and safety.
About 56% of emergency management directors work for local governments, while 15% work for state governments. Combined, roughly seven in ten work for state or local governments, and this number does not include those working for government-run hospitals or public colleges. A large majority, in other words, are public employees.
Overall, this is a stable career that can bring excellent salaries. The work is complex, and during times of crisis you’ll work far more than 40 hours a week, but you’ll likely be a well-paid professional working in a critical occupation.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Emergency Management Program?
You can find a world-class program that helps you achieve success in emergency management. But you need the right information to make it happen.
Start by using this database to research the total cost for various emergency management programs. Our database is especially useful because it provides clear information on emergency management degrees from accredited institutions. You won’t have to sort through unaccredited, low-quality programs when you leverage this database.
Research each emergency management program for concentration and coursework to make sure it fits your goals. This is especially important for these degrees because they span so many topics, including emergency management, fire science, and homeland security.
Review the program delivery method and schedule, and also make sure you can meet the basic admission requirements to increase your chances of acceptance.
Using this strategy, as well as support from GetEducated.com, you’ll find a top-quality emergency management degree that fits your needs!