Tuition and Financial Aid for the Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Tuition and Fees
| Part-Time | Full-Time | |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Credits | In-State $28,224 | In-State $28,220 |
| Out-of-State $31,824 | Out-of-State $31,798 |
Please note: VCU reserves the right to adjust tuition costs when deemed necessary. The VCU Board of Trustees sets official fees in June/July of each year.
Fees and tuition costs are calculated based on the following assumptions:
- In-state and out-of-state part-time students complete two courses (or six credits) each term for six terms.
- In-state and out-of-state full-time students complete three courses (or nine credits) each term for four terms.
Financing Your Graduate Education
Many HSEP students qualify for federal financial aid. To determine your eligibility, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to include VCU’s FAFSA code: 003735 when you submit your application.
The FAFSA is used to assess your financial need and connect you with available funding options. Graduate students are typically eligible for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and may also explore Direct PLUS Loans or other aid opportunities, depending on individual circumstances.
For more information and step-by-step guidance, contact the VCU financial aid office or visit Student Financial Services to explore all available VCU financial aid options.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to support professional development. Check with your organization’s human resources department to see if this benefit is available to you.
Dean’s HSEP Graduate Student Scholarship
Established in 2025, the Dean’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Graduate Student Scholarship supports online students entering the HSEP graduate program. Prospective students who submit their application for the online master’s by the final term deadline may qualify for this scholarship.
No additional application is required for scholarship consideration. All eligible applicants are automatically reviewed during the admissions process. For any questions, contact your VCU enrollment advisor.
Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship
The Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship is a competitive program that supports outstanding master’s students through professional work experience, in-state tuition and fees, and a stipend provided by a host employer. Fellows are placed with organizations in the Richmond region for one academic year and work 20 hours per week while maintaining full-time enrollment in their graduate program. Selection is based on an annual application and review process.
For more information, email wilderfellows@vcu.edu or contact the Office of Student Success at (804) 827-2791.
Military Benefits
Military service members and their families may be eligible for government programs that assist with education expenses at Virginia Commonwealth University. Only the Department of Veterans Affairs can determine your eligibility for VA education benefits as each program has specific requirements.
If you are unsure which program applies to you, compare benefits through the VA website or call the GI Bill® helpline at (888) 442-4551.
The Post 9-11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education assistance based on active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001. Components include:
- Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® (active duty)
- Transferability to dependents
- Yellow Ribbon Program
The Montgomery GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education assistance based on active duty service. Components include:
- Ch. 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Ch. 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® (selected reserves)
Federal and state survivors and dependents programs provide education assistance to dependents of veterans who became permanently disabled or died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Programs include:
- Ch. 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
- Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
Chapter 31 is a program for service members and veterans with service-connected physical or mental disabilities.
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. Billing and processing are not handled by Military Student Services, but we are available for guidance.
While my experiences as a full-time professional had given me a certain breadth of understanding about emergency management, the depth of knowledge I’ve gained from the program has given me tremendous confidence.
James “Matt” Leicester
Emergency Management Coordinator for Chesapeake Regional Health Care
A Smart Investment in Your Future
Earning your Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from the Wilder School is a strategic — and affordable — step toward leadership in a growing field. Graduates can advance into higher-level roles across emergency management, intelligence, and public safety.
Learn more about career opportunities and outcomes for HSEP graduates.
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