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Best Value Homeland Security Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Barry University in Miami delivers the highest post-graduation earnings at $103,746 for homeland security graduates, nearly triple the field's lowest earner at $32,382. This dramatic earnings spread across the 20 programs reflects the field's connection to federal employment hubs, where proximity to agencies like Customs and Border Protection, TSA operations, and immigration enforcement can significantly impact career trajectories. American Public University System offers the most affordable path at just $9,104 net cost, making advanced security training accessible without major debt burdens. The data reveals an interesting pattern where private institutions like Barry command higher tuition but often deliver stronger earnings potential, while public universities like Eastern Kentucky and Arkansas Tech provide solid middle-ground options. With federal homeland security spending exceeding $50 billion annually, graduates enter a job market where location and institutional connections matter as much as program quality in determining long-term financial outcomes.
50
Programs
$5,877 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$46,554
Avg. Program Earnings
48.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Homeland Security Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,104 $53,858 $8,400 53.2%
2 $22,978 $103,746 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
3 $18,305 $72,231 $14,436 33.3%
4 $9,962 $36,848 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $11,732 $40,017 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
6 $13,571 $44,776 $9,552 19.5%
7 $14,352 $47,260 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
8 $15,336 $47,118 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $12,171 $36,668 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
10 $15,001 $44,170 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
11 $21,931 $60,082 $17,450 43.0% 77.9%
12 $21,803 $57,318 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
13 $16,334 $42,682 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
14 $14,824 $37,208 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
15 $12,915 $32,382 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
16 $18,467 $44,055 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
17 $15,960 $34,704 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
18 $19,733 $40,667 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
19 $21,869 $43,240 $24,308 55.5% 80.9%
20 $28,345 $55,132 $8,886 55.9%
21 $23,991 $36,437 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
22 $31,058 $45,696 $13,320 50.0%
23 $21,607 $28,598 $23,700 35.7%
24 $34,439 $38,289 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
25 $40,289 $40,667 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
26 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
27 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
28 $19,086 $9,900
29 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
30 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
31 $16,767 $8,216 37.2%
32 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
33 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
34 $5,877 $3,779 13.2%
35 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
36 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
37 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
38 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
39 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
40 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
41 $32,478 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
42 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
43 $20,798 $22,194 56.7% 91.3%
44 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
45 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
46 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
47 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
48 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
49 $10,123 $4,686 31.2%
50 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Barry University's $103,746 average earnings compared to other programs?

Barry University's location in Miami provides direct access to major federal agencies and private security contractors. The program benefits from proximity to Port of Miami operations, international airport security, and regional CBP headquarters. Students often secure internships and full-time positions with agencies that offer higher starting salaries than typical state and local positions. The 59.63% acceptance rate indicates selective admissions that may correlate with stronger post-graduation outcomes.

How do public university costs compare to private options for homeland security degrees?

Public universities average around $10,000-15,000 in net costs, with Eastern Kentucky at $9,962 and University of Central Missouri at $15,336. Private institutions range much higher, with Barry University reaching $22,978 and Capella University at $18,305. However, the earnings gap often justifies higher private costs, as graduates from private programs frequently earn $20,000-40,000 more annually than their public university counterparts.

Is American Public University System's $9,104 cost sustainable for quality education?

American Public University System maintains low costs through online delivery and efficient operations while producing graduates who earn $53,858 annually. The 53.20% graduation rate indicates reasonable student success despite the low price point. The university serves many military and federal employees who benefit from tuition assistance programs. Student debt averages $24,942, which remains manageable given the mid-range earning potential in the field.

Does geographic location significantly impact homeland security career earnings?

Location plays a important role in earnings potential, with programs near federal agencies and major infrastructure showing higher graduate salaries. Barry University's Miami location yields $103,746 average earnings, while more rural programs like Angelo State University in Texas average $32,382. Universities near Washington DC, major ports, airports, and border regions typically produce graduates who access higher-paying federal positions. The $71,364 earnings gap between highest and lowest programs largely reflects these geographic advantages.

Where do graduates with lower debt burdens typically attend school?

New Jersey City University graduates carry just $13,875 in average debt while earning $40,017 annually, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. University of North Texas students graduate with $17,023 in debt but earn $47,260, offering strong financial outcomes. Public universities consistently produce lower debt loads than private institutions, with most state schools keeping graduate debt under $25,000. These lower debt burdens allow graduates to pursue federal careers that may require security clearances and extended training periods.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.