Best colleges for Homeland Security
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Homeland Security by graduate earnings are Neumann University ($125,391), Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($55,702) and Florida State College at Jacksonville ($50,091), 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%.
- Neumann University (Aston, PA): $125,391, 32 graduates a year
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA): $55,702, 56 graduates a year
- Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL): $50,091, 27 graduates a year
- St Petersburg College (St. Petersburg, FL): $49,271, 44 graduates a year
- Florida SouthWestern State College (Fort Myers, FL): $48,873, 24 graduates a year
Compare 64 U.S. colleges offering Homeland Security by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 25 states.
Homeland Security programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $46,735 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 43.99.
About Homeland Security programs
The Homeland Security program focuses on preparing students for careers in national security, law enforcement, firefighting, and related protective services. This program is ideal for individuals interested in ensuring safety and resilience against terrorism and other hazards, contributing to the protection of American interests and ways of life. Students in this program will explore various aspects of homeland security, including the prevention of terrorist attacks and strategies to minimize damage from incidents that may occur. This program is designed for those who are passionate about public safety and want to make a difference in their communities.
In the Homeland Security program, students will gain essential knowledge and skills related to national security policies, risk assessment, emergency response, and crisis management. Coursework may cover topics such as law enforcement practices, firefighting techniques, and protective service strategies.
Top 11 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 | Neumann University Aston, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $125,391 | 32 | 54% | $28,753 | $18,664 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $55,702 | 56 | 74% | — | $25,000 |
| 3 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,091 | 27 | 37% | — | $23,222 |
| 4 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,271 | 44 | 38% | — | $37,970 |
| 5 | Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,873 | 24 | 39% | — | — |
| 6 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,735 | 23 | 86% | $33,106 | $28,000 |
| 7 | Tiffin University Tiffin, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,145 | 40 | 40% | $24,126 | $27,000 |
| 8 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,696 | 64 | 63% | — | $21,500 |
| 9 | Miami Dade College Miami, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,666 | 122 | 46% | — | $12,000 |
| 10 | University of New Haven West Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,455 | 83 | 63% | $32,614 | $27,000 |
| 11 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,561 | 33 | 63% | — | $20,221 |
Specializations within Homeland Security
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 43.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 25 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 6 | $125,391 | Neumann University |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | $55,702 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy |
| Florida | 8 | $48,873 | Florida State College at Jacksonville |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | $46,735 | Tulane University of Louisiana |
| Ohio | 4 | $46,145 | Tiffin University |
| Virginialimited | 1 | $45,696 | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | $42,455 | University of New Haven |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Maryland | 3 | — | — |
| Michigan | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 13 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Rico | 5 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wyominglimited | 1 | — | — |
Common questions
What is the focus of the Homeland Security program?+
The program focuses on national security, law enforcement, firefighting, and related protective services.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
Students will learn about risk assessment, emergency response, crisis management, and law enforcement practices.
What kind of careers can I pursue after graduation?+
Graduates can work in law enforcement, emergency management, and public safety roles.
Is there a demand for jobs in this field?+
While specific outlook data is not provided, the field generally offers a range of opportunities.
How much do Homeland Security graduates earn?+
Homeland Security graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $46,735, College Scorecard (2019).
What is the CIP code for Homeland Security?+
Homeland Security maps to CIP 43.99 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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