Tuition and Financial Aid for the Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Tuition and Fees

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:

1. In-state and out-of-state part-time students complete two courses (or six credits) each term for six terms.
2. In-state and out-of-state full-time students complete three courses (or nine credits) each term for four terms.

About VCU’s Office of Financial Aid

The VCU Office of Financial Aid assists students as they navigate the process and plans for funding a degree. Our team provides a range of support services to help students learn about and apply for grants, scholarships, work-study employment and loans. Funds from federal, state, institutional and private sources are administered and distributed through the Office of Financial Aid, ensuring that students have the support they need to pursue their academic goals.

Key points about financial aid at VCU:

• One-on-one appointments are available for students, parents, faculty and staff.
• Financial aid funds are applied directly to the student’s university bill, with refunds generated when aid exceeds university charges.
• Eligibility for financial aid is determined by academic and financial circumstances and most students qualify for some form of assistance.

Code of Conduct

Virginia Commonwealth University is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). As a member of NASFAA, VCU’s Office of Financial Aid employees abide by the Statement of Ethical Principles. NASFAA has developed a Code of Conduct in response to changing business practices in the student loan industry. Visit the NASFAA website for more information.

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.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

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

Montgomery GI Bill®

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)

Survivors and Dependents Assistance

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

Vocational Rehabilitation

Chapter 31 is a program for service members and veterans with service-connected physical or mental disabilities.

Tuition Assistance

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.