Best colleges for Homeland Security
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Homeland Security by graduate earnings are George Mason University ($90,956), Grand Canyon University ($68,503) and National University ($63,963), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- George Mason University (Fairfax, VA): $90,956, 147 graduates a year
- Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ): $68,503, 202 graduates a year
- National University (San Diego, CA): $63,963, 108 graduates a year
- Utica University (Utica, NY): $57,215, 89 graduates a year
- Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, FL): $54,837, 31 graduates a year
Compare 262 U.S. colleges offering Homeland Security by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 50 states.
Homeland Security programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $48,676 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 43.03 and the First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Homeland Security programs
The Homeland Security program focuses on preparing students for careers in protecting the nation from threats such as terrorism and other hazards. This program is ideal for individuals interested in law enforcement, emergency management, and related protective services, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to national security efforts.
Students in the Homeland Security program will develop core skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework covers essential knowledge areas such as public safety, administration, and law, preparing graduates to handle various security challenges effectively.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $90,956 | 147 | 68% | — | $21,741 |
| 2 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $68,503 | 202 | 43% | $21,535 | $28,787 |
| 3 | National University San Diego, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $63,963 | 108 | 43% | $31,817 | $23,450 |
| 4 | Utica University Utica, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $57,215 | 89 | 56% | $20,237 | $27,846 |
| 5 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $54,837 | 31 | 61% | $35,483 | $49,981 |
| 6 | University of New Hampshire Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $51,200 | 59 | 76% | — | $23,250 |
| 7 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester Manchester, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $51,200 | 20 | 50% | — | $23,250 |
| 8 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,753 | 21 | 38% | — | $24,617 |
| 9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,676 | 52 | 67% | $38,899 | $20,500 |
| 10 | University of North Texas Denton, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,969 | 47 | 61% | — | $17,293 |
| 11 | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,090 | 80 | 49% | — | $25,355 |
| 12 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,002 | 35 | 67% | — | — |
| 13 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,294 | 27 | 61% | $23,331 | $23,500 |
| 14 | New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,624 | 40 | 34% | — | $14,562 |
| 15 | University at Albany Albany, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,472 | 149 | 61% | — | $23,250 |
| 16 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,307 | 66 | 50% | — | $28,343 |
| 17 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,685 | 25 | 66% | — | $26,000 |
| 18 | Bethel University McKenzie, TN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $78,275 | 13 | 35% | $21,324 | $31,919 |
| 19 | Columbia College Columbia, SC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $67,338 | 9 | 37% | $23,986 | $27,855 |
| 20 | Waldorf University Forest City, IA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $66,446 | 138 | 21% | $22,328 | $23,437 |
| 21 | American Public University System Charles Town, WV Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $62,340 | 817 | 57% | $10,199 | $19,552 |
| 22 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $62,313 | 354 | 33% | $15,554 | $32,683 |
| 23 | Post University Waterbury, CT Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $53,772 | 65 | 25% | $14,659 | $23,625 |
| 24 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $48,676 | 46 | 21% | $21,266 | $20,500 |
| 25 | North Dakota State University Fargo, ND Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $42,802 | 9 | 64% | — | $27,000 |
Top 5 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA Public · Certificate | $54,209 | 302 | 39% | — | $22,869 |
| 2 | Husson University Bangor, ME Private not-for-profit · Certificate Small program | $46,281 | 5 | 59% | $18,839 | — |
| 3 | Lake Superior State University Sault Ste Marie, MI Public · Associate degree Small program | $42,663 | 16 | 51% | — | $21,875 |
| 4 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Certificate Small program | $38,140 | 17 | 68% | — | $20,843 |
| 5 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · Certificate Online | $38,140 | 118 | 0% | — | $20,843 |
Specializations within Homeland Security
5 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 43.03 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Homeland SecurityCIP 43.03012,784 graduates / yr102 institutions36 states
- Crisis/CIP 43.0302
Emergency/ Disaster Management 2,762 graduates / yr152 institutions44 states - Critical Infrastructure ProtectionCIP 43.0303568 graduates / yr25 institutions20 states
- Homeland SecurityCIP 43.0399285 graduates / yr17 institutions11 states
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism OperationsCIP 43.0304178 graduates / yr14 institutions12 states
Offered across 50 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 33-1091, First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Homeland Security program can pursue careers in various fields related to public safety and security. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 2.7% and approximately 7,000 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is $58,610, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Homeland Security
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 43.03.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 43.03 (Homeland Security) maps to 9 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9161 | Emergency Management Directors |
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
| 33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives |
| 33-1091 | First-Line Supervisors of Security Workersprimary |
| 33-1099 | First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other |
| 55-1017 | Special Forces Officers |
| 55-3018 | Special Forces |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Homeland Security programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
- Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
- Monitor and authorize entry of employees, visitors, or other persons.
- Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
- Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
- Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Homeland Security program?+
The program focuses on preparing students to protect the nation from terrorism and other hazards.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
Students will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.7% and around 7,000 annual openings.
What is the typical education requirement for careers in this field?+
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Homeland Security graduates earn?+
Homeland Security graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $48,676, College Scorecard (2019); the First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers occupation pays about $59,900 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Homeland Security?+
Homeland Security maps to CIP 43.03 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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