A graduate degree can be a worthwhile investment, creating opportunities for career growth, networking, and skills development. Of course, pursuing a master’s entails costs that must be managed. Determining how to pay for your master’s degree should sit high on your to-do list as you consider your options.
Fortunately, the VCU online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (HSEP) offers relatively affordable tuition and fees and generous financial aid opportunities that typically reduce the program’s cost. Most Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students qualify for, and secure, financial assistance through federal aid, scholarships, military benefits and employer tuition assistance programs.
This article explores the financial aid options available to students in the VCU online HSEP program.
Start Planning Your Financial Aid Strategy
Contact VCU’s Financial Aid Office for Guidance
Understanding Tuition and Fees
VCU offers its online HSEP master’s degree in full-time and part-time options, with tuition varying accordingly. Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates, the estimated tuition for a part-time in-state student is $28,224; for full-time in-state students, $28,220. The estimated tuition for part-time out-of-state students is $31,824; for full-time out-of-state students, $31,758. Per-credit hour tuition is $784 in-state, $884 out-of-state.
The cost of attending the VCU HSEP includes mandatory fees, such as technology or academic support services fees. VCU offers a useful cost calculator to help you determine your pre-financial aid costs. Financial aid is applied directly to your student bills. Should your aid exceed university charges, you will be refunded the difference.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
VCU offers financial aid in many forms, including scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.
Federal Financial Aid
Most graduate students use federal loans to help fund their degrees. Graduate students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans (available to all graduate students without financial need requirement). Direct PLUS Loans (which require a credit check and can cover remaining education costs not met by other aid) will be available through July 1, 2026, at which point the program will be elminated.
To apply for federal aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA as early as possible to ensure you meet key deadlines. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner VCU can consider you for financial aid to help support your education. You should still apply for financial assistance even if you miss the priority deadline.
Scholarships
The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs offers several scholarships to graduate students, including:
- John J. Accordino Scholarship: This scholarship targets graduate students who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to improving the quality of life in American communities.
- Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are committed to community service and have a deep interest in government and public affairs.
- James Hooker Memorial Scholarship: To qualify for this scholarship students must complete at least six credit hours of Public Safety (or Criminal Justice) coursework.
Students can visit the RAMS Scholarship Hub to view all available VCU scholarships. Online HSEP students can also use a scholarship database like Fastweb to search for external scholarship opportunities.
Military and Veteran Benefits and Other Funding Options
Military service members and their families may qualify for government education assistance programs at VCU.
GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program
Military veterans and their families pursuing graduate studies can significantly benefit from the Montgomery GI Bill, which provides up to 36 months of education assistance. This program is based on the length of active duty service and is available for up to 10 years following release from active duty, offering substantial financial support for tuition and fees. It allows veterans to focus on their studies without the burden of excessive educational costs, giving them an opportunity to advance their careers and enhance their skills in their chosen fields.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers even broader coverage, providing up to 36 months of financial support for those who served after September 10, 2001. This bill is available for 15 years following release from active duty, covering tuition, fees, and housing allowances, making it a comprehensive option for graduate students. The Yellow Ribbon Program supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill by covering higher out-of-state, private, or graduate school costs that exceed the standard benefits. Together, these programs empower veterans and their families to pursue advanced education with reduced financial barriers, facilitating academic and professional growth.
Additional Military Aid
All branches of the U.S. military provide tuition assistance for active-duty service members, including those in National Guard or Reserve units. Eligibility criteria, benefit options, and application procedures vary by branch.
To apply for military benefits, students must:
- Apply to VCU
- Request their military transcripts
- Apply for the relevant assistance program (through the Department of Veterans Affairs)
If you have any questions about applying to VCU or accessing military benefits, schedule a call with our Military Student Services admissions advisor.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
HSEP graduates working in government or non-profit organizations may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan if you’re working full-time for an eligible employer.
Contact the VCU financial aid office to learn more about this program and its application to VCU graduates.
Next Steps and How To Get Help
Contact Financial Aid
Once you’ve researched your options, take the next step in your financial planning by contacting VCU’s financial aid office for personalized guidance.
Application Support
If you’ve decided to study at VCU, start applying for scholarships and aid as soon as possible. Here’s a recap of the links you’ll need to get started:
- FAFSA application
- Wilder School Scholarships page
- VCU’s RAMS Scholarship Hub
- VCU Military Benefits Guidance
Funding your HSEP degree is manageable if you plan ahead and use the resources available. Start your VCU HSEP master’s degree application today and take the next step in your career.