Best Schools for Homeland Security

Homeland Security graduates earn a median of $69,948 within four years of graduating, ranking #92 out of 283 tracked majors — 12% above the median across all fields. There are 33 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 1,636 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: George Mason University graduates earn $143,972 while University of Arizona graduates earn $52,677 — a $91,295 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is modest: Homeland Security graduates see an average -2% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$69,948

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#92

of 283 Majors

1,636

Graduates

Public vs Private: Homeland Security

Public (19 schools)

$67,396

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (11 schools)

$71,103

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,707 more in early earnings on average for Homeland Security graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Homeland Security by State

Also by state: California, Nebraska

Top Homeland Security Schools by Graduate Earnings

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · For-Profit

Utica University

Utica, NY · Private

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

Bethel University

McKenzie, TN · Private

$79,079

4yr Earnings

25 grads · small sample

2yr: $57,318 (20)

Acceptance: 97.2%

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · For-Profit

Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Durham, NH · Public

$71,129

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 86.9%

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH · Public

$71,129

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 87.3%

#10

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL · Private

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, FL · Private

University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Private

$67,744

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public

Post University

Waterbury, CT · For-Profit

$66,145

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: N/A

#16

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha, NE · Public

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public

$63,858

4yr Earnings

30 grads · small sample

1yr: $25,085 (22)

Acceptance: 70.2%

#18

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, NY · Public

$63,759

4yr Earnings

30 grads · small sample

University of North Texas

Denton, TX · Public

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ · Public

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ · Public

$62,846

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 77.8%

#22

Campbell University

Buies Creek, NC · Private

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public

$62,649

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA · Public

$60,458

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 74.6%

#25

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public

$58,242

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 69.7%

#26

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO · Public

$54,595

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Ohio Christian University

Circleville, OH · Private

$53,626

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

Barry University

Miami, FL · Private

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL · Private

$44,055

2yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO · Public

Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX · Public

$32,382

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 79.2%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Landscape Architecture $47,605 Accounting and Related Services $46,933 Systems Science and Theory $46,775 Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other $46,084 International Business $45,876 Curriculum and Instruction $45,570

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Homeland Security?

George Mason University ranks #1 for Homeland Security with median graduate earnings of $143,972 within four years of graduating. There are 33 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Homeland Security graduates earn?

Homeland Security graduates earn an average of $69,948 within four years of graduating. This is 12% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $52,677 to $143,972 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Homeland Security program?

The average acceptance rate across Homeland Security programs is 79.5%. The most selective program is at Ohio Christian University with a 39.9% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Homeland Security?

Private Homeland Security programs average $71,103 in early earnings vs $67,396 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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