This article will list the top associate’s degrees in public safety based on the affordability of the program.
An associate’s degree in public safety can serve as the first step in a wide range of careers such as fire prevention, disaster relief, criminal justice, emergency management or local government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects these types of jobs to show growth within the next several years.
From a list of schools that offer associate’s degree public safety programs, we ranked the schools according to their affordability based on the the most recent tuition and fees published by NCES College Navigator.
The top 8 affordable associate’s degree public safety programs are:
- Dallas College
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Piedmont Community College
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Bladen Community College
- Durham Technical Community College
- Century College
- Sullivan University
8. Sullivan University
Louisville, Kentucky
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Sullivan University offers a public safety associate’s degree online in criminal justice with flexible options, as students can choose to study at one of their four campuses, or even earn their degree online. This degree deals with public safety as it relates to the criminal justice system, and it prepares students for the ever-changing environment of this system. Graduates of this associate’s degree public safety program will be prepared to enter the field in a variety of career options, including law enforcement, corrections, social services, or emergency management.
Tuition: $13,500
7. Century College
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Associate in Applied Science in Public Safety
The 60-credit associate’s degree public safety program at Century College is a great option for students looking for an affordable, flexible program. The program is designed for both current workers and those new to the field, and students can study either full-time or part-time, with public safety associate’s degree online options available as well. All program participants will choose from 1 of 3 tracks – Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression, or Leadership and Management. The curriculum focuses on how all of the aspects of public safety function together in an “all-hazards” approach to public safety.
Tuition: $10,227
6. Durham Technical Community College
Durham, North Carolina
Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration
The affordable public safety associate’s degree online program at Durham Technical Community College gives students the opportunity to earn their public safety degree in as little as 18 months. The 64-credit program is designed to be completed entirely online, as well as being financial aid eligible. The curriculum will prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed in technical, managerial, and administrative areas, and is designed for both new students and current workers wishing to advance in their field.
Tuition: $8,245
5. Bladen Community College
Dublin, North Carolina
Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration
Bladen Community College offers an associate’s degree public safety with four choices for areas of degree concentration: Law Enforcement Services, Emergency and Fire Management Services, Correction Services, and Security and Loss Prevention Services. Each of these degree tracks has a curriculum of between 64 and 68 credits. All four programs offer technologically advanced techniques, well-qualified instructors, and high-tech facilities.
Tuition: $7,502
4. Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, Indiana
Associate of Applied Science in Homeland Security/Public Safety
Ivy Tech Community College offers an exciting associate’s degree program in public safety and homeland security, with a curriculum that covers topics such as emergency response and recovery, and terrorist threats. This 60 credit program is available at 6 of the school’s campuses. Students will graduate prepared for employment in their local communities, as well as with state and federal agencies.
Tuition: $6,556
3. Piedmont Community College
Roxboro, North Carolina
Associate in Applied Science in Public Safety Administration
At Piedmont Community College, students can earn their associate’s degree in public safety while focusing on one of the following areas of concentration: correction services, emergency and fire management services, law enforcement services, or security and loss prevention. This flexible 67-68 degree program allows students to study either in person, or earn a public safety associate’s degree online. The instructors offer real-world experience. The program is designed to provide both students and practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed for both entrance and advancement in the public safety field.
Tuition: $6,287
2. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati, Ohio
Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety Technology
The associate’s degree public safety program at Cincinnati state is a highly affordable option for both new students or current industry workers desiring upward mobility in the field. The 62-credit program is designed with the help of local industry representatives to meet the relevant public safety needs, particularly those with the highest relevance locally. Students will learn to help secure borders, airports, waterways and seaports; prepare to respond to disasters; and provide counter-terrorism and law enforcement support.
Tuition: $4,585
1. Dallas College
Dallas, Texas
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Dallas College is a leader in career training programs, offering more than 300 degrees and certificates – including the most affordable associate’s degree public safety on our list. Available at three of their 7 campuses, this 60-credit, 4-semester program is designed for both those with criminal justice backgrounds and recent high school graduates looking to enter the field. The curriculum is created with an emphasis on public safety as it relates to the criminal justice system, and graduates will be prepared for entry into the fields of law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, or private security.
Tuition: $4,411
OAD Staff
Related Resources:
- Top Career Schools Online
- Highest Paying Trades
- Highest Paying Associate’s Degrees
- Associate’s in Criminal Justice Online
- Associate’s in Homeland Security Online
