Attending the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management degree programs can save you thousands of tuition dollars. High-value emergency management degree majors keep costs low to inspire more humanitarian heroes who defeat danger. Since the 1970s, emergency management schools have trained undergrads to safely mitigate disasters. This criminal justice field needs brave problem-solvers committed to addressing hurricanes, bombings, earthquakes, wildfires, and more. Allocated over $28 billion, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has 11,300 workers ready to respond to crises. Local, county, and state governments also employ nearly 9,600 emergency management directors to lead risk-reducing initiatives. That’s because our vulnerable world faces increasing natural and man-made hazards. For instance, Business Insider reported the U.S. has more than 1,200 tornadoes each year spinning up to 300 mph. Floods cause approximately 200 deaths and $3.5 billion worth of damage annually. The US State Department counted 8,584 terrorist attacks that killed 18,700 global citizens in 2017 alone. Online emergency management bachelor’s will prepare you for shielding communities in harm’s way.
Our Methodology
To celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day this January, Affordable Schools investigated online low-cost emergency management degree options for students called to serve and protect. We used the NCES College Navigator tool to find four-year bachelor’s degrees in the crisis/emergency/disaster category. We checked the distance education box to ensure flexible 24/7 emergency management course access. Our results turned up 31 public and private universities to consider. Then, our staff reviewed the latest average tuition data from each college’s website. We looked at how much full-time online students pay annually at each. Our researchers aimed to reduce student debt by selecting the 20 cheapest schools. Preference was given to colleges charging $7,500 or less for higher education. We devised the following five-point rubric to grade the economical emergency management degree choices.
Points:
Under $7,500 – 5 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 3 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Next, the AS Staff evaluated how personalized the online courses are. We did this by searching affordable colleges for emergency management degree programs with low student-faculty ratios. The National Center for Education Statistics calculates this ratio by dividing the number of students by the number of professors. Small digits, such as 10:1, suggest there are fewer pupils assigned to each teacher. Big student-faculty ratios like 30:1 indicate online courses will be crowded with many peers. Large classes help provide a greater diversity of perspectives. However, smaller cohorts are best for getting individualized teaching and mentoring. You’ll form stronger connections to experienced emergency management faculty. So we created another rubric based on student-faculty ratios. Online cost-effective emergency management degree options received up to three points for active learner engagement.
Points:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
Finally, Affordable Schools wants to help courageous public safety personnel succeed. Most disaster response and mitigation jobs require at least a baccalaureate. That’s why we sought out online best-value emergency management degree programs with strong outcomes. One critical College Navigator statistic we used was graduation rate. Graduation rates are percentages out of 100 that tell how many undergrads finish in four to six years. Completing emergency management studies on time will help you into the life-saving profession faster. Timely graduations can also save you beaucoup bucks without extra tuition bills. Our team prioritized great graduation rates of 50 percent and better. Another 1-3 points were awarded based on completion chances. We carefully added up points for all three factors. The 20 highest scorers were profiled as our best online cheap emergency management degree finalists.
Points:
Less than 30 percent – 1 Point
Between 30 percent and 50 percent – 2 Points
More than 50 percent – 3 Points
Ranking the 20 Best Affordable Online Colleges for Emergency Management Programs
20. Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Given the 2009 CCA Most Innovative Best Practices/New Program Award, Everglades University is a holistic private, nonprofit Boca Raton school that gifts $16.7 million in financial aid to support 2,262 Egrets online and at four Florida sites for a 59 percent graduation rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Everglades in the South’s top 122 colleges with the second-best social mobility. Niche noticed Everglades for the 25th best online education and 190th top management courses. College Factual placed EU 50th overall for student diversity. Everglades University starts the 20 best online affordable colleges for emergency management degree options with yearly online tuition of $19,120. On Blackboard Collaborate, the B.S. in Disaster and Crisis Management enrolls online students at an 18:1 engagement ratio to plan emergency responses. Advised by Prof. Michael Belmarez, the 123-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum spans 41 months with eight-week Web modules like Hazard Analysis and Disaster Health Management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Crisis Management
Online Tuition: $19,120
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
19. Union Institute & University
Cincinnati, OH
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Designated a 2020 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Matching Institution, Union Institute & University is a private, nonprofit limited-residency UECU member that funds $3.36 million in financial aid to empower 925 learners studying online or at five locations with an 8:1 ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Union 152nd for online bachelor’s and 85th for online veteran education. Washington Monthly declared UI&U the 242nd best Midwest value. College Factual picked Union 94th for student diversity and 34th for criminal justice degrees. Union Institute & University takes our 19th spot among online low-cost colleges for emergency management degree majors that charge $16,350. Since 2001, the inexpensive B.S. in Emergency Services Management has trained critical incident response leaders on D2L Brightspace with 25 percent retention. Chaired by Prof. Jim Babcock, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited path offers an optional Homeland Security Certificate atop eight-week online courses like Terrorism and Defense Planning.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management
Online Tuition: $16,350
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 11 percent
18. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Celebrated as a 2018 WCET Outstanding Work Award finalist, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private, nonprofit AITU member that’s endowed for $111.3 million to teach 22,000 Eagles in more than 40 majors virtually or at 130 global campuses with 19 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Embry-Riddle second for online bachelor’s and first for online veteran education. Niche crowned ERAU the eighth best distance institution. Forbes named ERAU the 237th top-value nationwide. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is our 18th most affordable college for emergency management degree majors with $12,390 online costs. On ERNIE, the Department of Security & Emergency Services grants a B.S. in Homeland Security and a B.S. in Emergency Services for two specializations: Fire Services or Aviation Emergency Management. Overseen by Prof. Mike McCabe, this cheap 123-credit, SACS-accredited online plans cover nine-week courses from Accident Investigation to Intelligence Collection.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
Online Tuition: $12,390
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 19 percent
17. Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Chosen for a 2015 Alpha Chi Honor Society Star Chapter Award, Kansas Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit Methodist NAICU member that’s endowed for $27.1 million to register 716 Coyotes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio online and at its 28-acre Salina campus near Crisis City. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Kansas Wesleyan the 39th top Midwest school and 32nd best social mobility performer. Washington Monthly deemed KWU the 206th top baccalaureate institution. College Factual placed KWU 46th for homeland security education. Kansas Wesleyan University is Affordable Schools’ 17th best online high-value emergency management degree provider with $29,500 annual pricing. On Canvas, the “College of Distinction” provides a cost-effective B.A. in Emergency Management with Criminal Justice and Unmanned Aircraft Systems tracks for 99 percent job placement. Led by Dr. Lonnie Booker, the 52-credit, HLC-accredited major has a 2+2 transfer format to finish online courses like Crisis Communication and Victimology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $29,500
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
16. Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Granted the 2018 Insight Into Diversity Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, Adelphi University is a private, nonprofit Long Island NE-10 member that’s endowed for $188.6 million to educate 7,859 Panthers from 64 countries at an average 12:1 ratio online or at four New York centers. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Adelphi 43rd for first-year experiences and 90th for social mobility. On Niche, Adelphi boasts America’s 142nd best criminal justice programs. Washington Monthly chose Adelphi 82nd overall. Adelphi University is the AS Staff’s 16th most affordable university for emergency management degree studies online with a $21,800 annual total. Since 2005, the College of Nursing & Public Health has delivered a low-cost B.S. in Emergency Services Administration on Moodle to fulfill CEM certification for 95 percent job placement. Directed by Dr. David Williams, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited option accepts Police Academy credits to accelerate through online courses like Occupational Safety to capstone projects.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Online Tuition: $21,600
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 70 percent
15. George Washington University
Washington, DC
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Conferred a 2016 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practices Award, George Washington University is a private, nonprofit CUWMA member of the Atlantic-10 that’s endowed for $1.79 billion to admit 41.1 percent of its 27,075 applicants with an average 3.74 GPA for 82 percent six-year graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked George Washington 42nd for veteran education and 16th for internship experience. Niche named GWU the 37th best public health school. Money magazine selected GWU 235th for tuition value. George Washington University begins our top 15 online affordable colleges for emergency management degree training that bills $18,450. On Blackboard, the School of Medicine & Health Sciences presents a 2+2 BSHS in Emergency Medical Services Management for third-year juniors to advance paramedic leadership skills. Headed by Dr. Jeffrey Akman, the cost-effective 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited completion track blends 4000-level online courses from Disaster Prevention to Health Care Law.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Services Management
Online Tuition: $18,450
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 82 percent
14. Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, IN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Selected for a 2019 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, Indiana Institute of Technology is a private, nonprofit WHAC member that’s endowed for $95.1 million to run five colleges and 19 Midwest locations with 9,652 Warriors pursuing more than 50 majors at a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Indiana Tech in the top 346 online bachelor’s programs. On Niche, IIT boasts America’s 156th most student diversity and 387th safest campus. The Institute of International Education placed IIT 26th for studying abroad. Indiana Institute of Technology came in 14th among our online top-value colleges for emergency management degree programs with $12,120 online tuition. Every five weeks, the College of Arts & Sciences starts new Emergency Response Management B.S. cohorts on Blackboard to teach disaster recovery strategies. Administered by Dr. Oliver Evans, the cost-effective 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence requires minimum 2.0 GPAs during online courses like Labor Relations and Risk Management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Response Management
Online Tuition: $12,120
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
13. Drury University
Springfield, MO
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Home to the 2018 NAC&U Award for Student Engagement Excellence recipient, Drury University is a private, nonprofit Disciples of Church CIC member that’s endowed for $97.5 million to instruct 3,210 Panthers from 57 nations in more than 70 degrees for a 96 percent job placement rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Drury 208th for online bachelor’s education. Niche declared DU America’s 79th top criminal justice school and 145th best free application college. Kiplinger’s named Drury the 66th top private value. Drury University is Affordable Schools’ 13th best online accredited college for emergency management degree training with $9,600 yearly expenses. Based in Burnham Hall, the College of Continuing Professional Studies delivers a cheap B.S. in Emergency Management on Moodle with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio to help harden vulnerable communities. Coordinated by Prof. Kimbrea Browning, the 124-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum has eight-week online blocks like Hazard Identification and Grant Writing.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $9,600
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 19 percent
12. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Presented a 2019 NACADA Region 7 Excellence in Advising Award, the University of Central Missouri is a public, state-funded Warrensburg MIAA member that’s endowed for $45.4 million to attract 12,300 Mules from more than 50 countries into 187 programs with a 17:1 ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Central Missouri 48th for online veteran education and 54th for social mobility. Niche noticed UCM for America’s 258th best undergrad teaching. Washington Monthly picked UCM for the 122nd top Midwest value. The University of Central Missouri finished 12th among the AS Staff’s affordable distance education emergency management degree options with an inexpensive $8,862 price. On Blackboard, the School of Public Services awards a top-value B.S. in Crisis & Disaster Management and optional Terrorism & Homeland Security Certificate with 97 percent six-month job placement. Managed by Dr. Lynn Urban, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited bachelor’s requires 150 fieldwork hours plus online courses like Intro to CDM and Business Continuity.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Crisis and Disaster Management
Online Tuition: $8,862
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
11. Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Named the 2018 CSAC Institutional Academic Excellence Award winner, Immaculata University is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic ACCU member in Pennsylvania that’s endowed for $19.7 million to employ more than 80 faculty teaching 2,500 Mighty Macs at a 9:1 ratio for 79 percent freshman retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Immaculata 211th nationally with the 186th best social mobility. Forbes positioned IU 219th among research colleges. On Niche, IU boasts America’s 105th safest learning environment. Immaculata University stands as our 11th most economical university for emergency management degree studies online with $26,500 tuition. Partnered with Penn State since Fall 2019, the College of Adult Professional Studies provides a B.S. in Emergency Planning & Management on Moodle with Omicron Sigma Sigma membership. Designed by Dr. George Schwartz, the inexpensive 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited path includes online eight-week courses like Threat Assessment and Philadelphia Police Academy training.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Planning and Management
Online Tuition: $26,500
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
10. Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Picked for the 2016 ASCD Stan Hooper Award for Educational Excellence, Crown College is a private, nonprofit Christian & Missionary Alliance member in Minnesota that’s endowed for $8.8 million to employ 81 faculty instructing 1,320 Storm at an 18:1 ratio with 13 clubs like Mu Kappa. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Crown the 11th best Midwest college for social mobility. On Niche, Crown boasts America’s 21st most conservative students and 35th best religious studies. College Factual placed Crown 148th for male/female diversity. Crown College made our top 10 online affordable colleges for emergency management degree majors with a $14,530 average cost. Since Fall 2013, the Center for Professional Studies has used Blackboard Learn for a Christ-centered B.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management that teaches ethical response methods. Advised by Dr. Alexander Zell, the low-cost 125-credit, HLC-accredited online program has a 98 percent financial aid rate for eight-week courses from Policy Analysis to Disaster Relief.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $14,530
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
9. Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Bestowed Victory Media’s 2019-20 Top 10 Military Friendly School Award, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit Fayette CIC member that’s endowed for $18.4 million to enroll 4,008 undergrad Peacocks with an average 3.14 GPA and 22 ACT score for 43 percent six-year graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Upper Iowa 171st for online bachelor’s and 97th for online veteran education. Niche placed UIU 348th for student diversity. Washington Monthly crowned UIU the 211th best Midwest value. Upper Iowa University is our ranking’s ninth-best affordable accredited college for emergency management degree programs with a $14,130 online rate. Through D2L Brightspace, the Department of Social Science provides an Emergency and Disaster Management Major (B.S.) with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio to mitigate natural or human-caused catastrophes. Chaired by Dr. Sara Reed, the cost-effective 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence entails eight-week online courses like Public Budgeting and Urban Management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management
Online Tuition: $14,130
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
8. University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Honored with the 2017 Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Award, the University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public, space-grant CUMU member that’s endowed for $88.9 million to welcome 10,862 full-time Mavericks from 72 nations and contribute 326,458 community service hours. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Omaha 80th for online bachelor’s and 49th for online veteran education. Forbes named UNO the 188th top state school. Washington Monthly deemed UNO the 194th best Midwest value. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is our eighth cheapest accredited university for emergency management degree options online that require $8,400 annually. Transferred to Canvas in Fall 2018, the Emergency Management B.S. provides College of Public Affairs cohorts 16 custom concentrations, such as Natural Disasters, Fire Service Management, and Security Intelligence. Headed by Dr. John Bartle, the economical, 120-credit, HLC-accredited plan has 76 percent retention in online courses like Risk Mitigation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $8,400
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
7. Columbia College
Columbia, SC
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Prized a 2017 Council for Advancement & Support of Education Award, Columbia College is a private, nonprofit women’s Methodist AAC member that’s endowed for $19.0 million to teach 1,165 undergrad Koalas online and on its 53-acre South Carolina campus with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Columbia 223rd for online bachelor’s programs. On Niche, Columbia has America’s 258th safest learning environment. College Factual declared Columbia the 277th best education value and 245th top criminal justice school. Columbia College scored seventh place among our best affordable online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management majors with an $11,850 annual average. The School of Professional Studies offers a $5,000 SCSFA Discount for completing two B.A. in Disaster & Emergency Management tracks: Fire Science or Emergency Management. Led by Dr. D’Michelle Dupre, the low-cost, 120-credit, SACS-accredited online degree has five-week Canvas courses like Bioterrorism and Hazard Modeling.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $11,850
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
6. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Extended a 2018 Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence Award, SUNY College of Technology at Canton is a senior public, polytechnic NAC branch that’s endowed for $12.8 million to support 3,213 undergrad Roos online and at its 555-acre North Country campus with an 18:1 ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Canton 113th for online bachelor’s and 68th for online veteran education. College Factual placed SUNY Canton 74th for homeland security programs. Best Value Schools named Canton the state’s top buy. SUNY College of Technology at Canton is the sixth most affordable college for emergency management degree studies online with $7,070 expenses. On UCanWeb, the School of Science, Health & Criminal Justice delivers a cheap B.S. in Emergency Management or B.Tech. in Homeland Security for 100 percent job placement. Administered by Prof. Michelle Currier, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited curricula share seven-week online courses like Community Preparedness and Incident Command.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security
Online Tuition: $7,070
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
5. Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Declared a 2019 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence finalist, Arkansas Tech University is a public, doctoral-granting River Valley AASCU member that’s endowed for $37.4 million to empower 11,151 undergrad Wonder Boys in six colleges with an 18:1 ratio for 41 percent on-time completion. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Arkansas Tech 75th in the South with the 76th best social mobility. Washington Monthly crowned ATU the 33rd best bang for the buck. Niche named ATU the sixth safest Arkansas college. Arkansas Tech University reached Affordable Schools’ top five best-value emergency management degree programs online with $6,960 tuition. Founded in 2005, the Department of Emergency Management confers a low-cost Bachelor of Science (B.S.) fully online on Blackboard with an IAEM Chapter to learn hazard mitigation tactics. Coordinated by Dr. Sandy Smith, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited bachelor’s map spans eight semesters of Web courses like Principles of Preparedness and 400 internship hours.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $6,960
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
4. Pierce College
Puyallup, WA
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Crowned a 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Rising Star Award winner, Pierce College is a public, coed junior NWAC member that budgets $164.2 million annually to openly enroll 17,707 Raiders with an average 2.91 GPA into more than 45 degrees for 26 percent six-year graduation. On Niche, Pierce boasts America’s 111th safest campus environment. The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked Pierce 18th for associate-level education. WalletHub declared Pierce the fifth top-value with the 85th best career outcomes. Pierce College finished fourth among online colleges for emergency management degree programs with a cheap $6,825 yearly cost. Each August, the Division of Adult, Continuing & Community Education starts third-year BAS in Homeland Security Emergency Management transfers on Canvas for tackling 21st-century terrors. Directed by Prof. John Pennington, the 60-credit, NWCCU-accredited completion track has online courses like Counterterrorism and a Tribal HSEM Certificate.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Homeland Security Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $6,825
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 26 percent
3. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Selected for the 2018 ACMA General Excellence Award, Arkansas State University is a flagship public, research-based AASCU member on Crowley’s Ridge that’s endowed for $76.1 million to engage 14,085 Red Wolves from 68 nations at an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Arkansas State 152nd for online bachelor’s and 119th for social mobility. Niche named A-State America’s 231st best criminal justice school. Washington Monthly deemed A-State the 119th best Southern value. Arkansas State University won bronze for our third best affordable online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management that charges $6,540 per year. Home to the Regional DPEM Center, the College of Nursing & Health Professions confers an economical B.S. in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management on Blackboard with 74.9 percent first-year retention. Coordinated by Dr. Susan Hanrahan, this inexpensive, 120-credit, HLC-accredited degree entails seven-week online courses like Resource Management and Hazardous Materials.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $6,540
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
2. Barry University
Miami Shores, FL
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Given the Florida Campus Compact’s 2017 Campus of the Year Award, Barry University is a private, nonprofit Dominican ICUF member in Miami Shores that’s endowed for $43.98 million to educate 7,186 Buccaneers at an average age of 29 for 62 percent retention in nine schools. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Barry 84th for social mobility and 279th for public affairs. On Niche, Barry boasts America’s 19th most ethnic diversity. College Factual named Barry 139th for Catholic education and 30th for homeland security programs. Barry University is Affordable Schools’ second-best online economical emergency management degree provider with tuition of $7,410. The School of Professional & Career Education (PACE) delivers a B.S. in Emergency Management with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio for Canvas courses like Disaster Response Operations. Architected by Dr. Timothy De Palma, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited option accepts $30 applications year-round from undergrads with 2 or more years of experience.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $7,410
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Lauded for its 2018 Quality Matters Learner Support Certification, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a flagship public, land-grant UArctic Consortium member that’s endowed for $143.7 million to employ 546 faculty teaching 8,336 Nanooks from 38 countries in 146 degrees with an 11:1 ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Fairbanks 99th for online bachelor’s education and 285th for social mobility. The Wall Street Journal picked UAF 343rd overall. Forbes crowned UAF the 185th best value and 211th top public school. The University of Alaska Fairbanks scored our top spot of affordable colleges for emergency management degree studies with $6,360 online pricing. Since Spring 2017, the eCampus has logged into Blackboard Learn for a Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management that solves homeland challenges with a 32 percent graduation rate. Managed by Dr. Mark Herrmann, the 120-credit, NWCCU-accredited plan spans six-week online sessions like Cyber Resiliency and Organizational Theory.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management
Online Tuition: $6,360
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent
Which Careers are Best With an Online Top-Value Emergency Management Degree?
Finishing an affordable emergency management degree online in 48-72 months will begin a bright future stopping bad guys and keeping innocents safe in diverse careers. For example, emergency management directors create step-by-step plans for municipalities to mitigate and respond to crisis situations fast. Homeland security specialists develop, implement, and test protocol for protecting citizens during disasters. Border patrol officers watch our nation’s entry points to thwart illegal crossings by criminals. Counterterrorism analysts review domestic and international intelligence to assess the risk of attacks. Emergency 911 dispatchers answer phone calls and text messages from people in distress to send out first responders. Paramedics provide first aid and CPR to critical patients during transport to licensed medical centers. Business continuity planners work in the for-profit sector to help corporations quickly recover after crises. Hazardous materials managers coordinate the safe handling and storage of dangerous goods like radium and chlorine. Other jobs include incident response manager, cybersecurity specialist, arson investigator, FBI agent, secret service officer, public health worker, and campus security director.
What is the Salary ROI After Online Affordable Colleges for Emergency Management Degrees?
Online cheap emergency management degree majors help maximize future earnings potential in public safety jobs with wide-ranging pay. The Class of 2019 had an average bachelor’s starting salary of $51,347. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, emergency management directors receive a mean annual wage of $81,140. Emergency management specialists earn median income of $45,670. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics make $37,760 on average. Emergency 911 dispatchers bring home mean compensation of $43,290. Firefighters reaped median profits of $53,240. Arson investigators are paid an average $64,140. Police and detectives report a median salary of $63,380. Security guards have modest mean income of $30,730. Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security employees report a $93,489 average. Business operations specialists like continuity planners earn a mean $76,960. Cybersecurity analysts enjoy median revenue of $102,470 per year.
Are Employers Hiring Graduates with an Online Affordable Degree in Emergency Management?
Graduating from online affordable colleges for emergency management degree credentials can increase your chances of success in today’s thriving $21.44 trillion economy. In 2018, the full-time employment rate for bachelor’s grads was 86 percent. High school and GED diploma holders had a much lower rate of 72 percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a low unemployment percentage of 3.5 for this January. Emergency management jobs are expected to increase 5 percent for 500 openings by 2028. Demand for EMTs and paramedics will jump 7 percent to 280,800 total positions. Firefighters can expect a 5 percent uptick for 17,600 new jobs. The number of arson investigators will surpass 13,700 for 6 percent growth. Employment in law enforcement will rise 5 percent to 846,300 officers. The 10-year outlook for cybersecurity analysts is booming with 32 percent, or 35,500, more jobs. NBC labeled California, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, and Florida the five most emergency-prone states. Inexpensive online emergency management degree programs let you easily relocate and find jobs wherever disaster strikes.
AS Staff
January 2020
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable online bachelor’s in emergency management degrees.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 30 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- 25 Best Affordable Fire Science Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 25 Best Affordable Cyber/Computer Forensics Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 25 Best Affordable Corrections Administration Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- The 20 Most In-demand Jobs Over the Next Decade
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- The 20 Most Affordable Online Colleges
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