Homeland Security Degree | Salary, Jobs & Top Colleges

About Homeland Security

Homeland Security is a focused area of study within Criminal Justice. Graduates typically earn around $70,193 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 335 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 6,480 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $48,676
Median Earnings · 4yr: $70,193
Colleges Offering: 335
Graduates / Year: 6,480
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,462

How Much Do Homeland Security Graduates Earn?

Homeland Security graduates earn $70,193 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,236 and $95,443. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $48,676 climbs to $70,193 by year four.

$48,676

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$70,193

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$67,744

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Homeland Security graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.

$51,236 25th pct.

$70,193 Median

$95,443 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $70,193 against an estimated $81,848 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 125 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 6,480 students who complete Homeland Security programs each year, the majority (49%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 49%

Master's 35%

Associate's 7%

What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?

Homeland Security connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Emergency Management Directors leads at $93,330/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Emergency Management Directors

$93,330

$68K $126K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,000 openings/yr 14K employed nationally

Service Orientation Complex Problem Solving Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.
Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.

↗ +2.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers

$76,590

$60K $101K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,200 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Speaking Critical Thinking Active Listening Active Learning Learning Strategies

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Homeland Security

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Homeland Security students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ · Nonprofit	217	78.9%	$22,472	$42,186
2	University at Albany Albany, NY · Public	209	69.1%	$17,167	$67,979
3	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	153	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343
4	Utica University Utica, NY · Nonprofit	137	92%	$19,108	$63,277
5	Waldorf University Forest City, IA · Nonprofit	123	77%	$19,693	$51,165
6	Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA · Public	122	91.2%	$19,550	$63,435
7	American University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	104	62%	$41,943	$77,370
8	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	102	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
9	Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL · Public	88	77.7%	$14,279	$45,235
10	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX · Public	80	90.3%	$16,404	$54,211
11	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH · Public	72	88.2%	$23,805	$66,479
12	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	70	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
13	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL · Nonprofit	70	64.8%	$41,272	$84,131
14	George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	66	47.1%	$36,586	$90,873
15	Bethel University McKenzie, TN · Nonprofit	65	60.2%	$12,595	$47,482
16	Georgetown University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	63	12.9%	$40,815	$103,494
17	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY · Public	62	57.1%	$3,203	$56,195
18	University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public	56	72.2%	$15,649	$57,010
19	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY · Public	51	77.6%	$11,040	$45,795
20	New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ · Public	49	98.4%	$16,053	$52,745

View all colleges

Ranked by Homeland Security graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Homeland Security program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Homeland Security degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Homeland Security Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Homeland Security shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $70,193 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $48,676 at graduation to $70,193 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $95,443, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Homeland Security Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Homeland Security graduates earn?

Homeland Security graduates earn a national median of $70,193 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,236 and $95,443. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Homeland Security degree?

One year after graduation, Homeland Security degree holders earn a median of $48,676. That climbs to $70,193 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Homeland Security degree?

Homeland Security degree holders pursue careers including Emergency Management Directors, which pays a median of $93,330/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Homeland Security program take?

A Homeland Security bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Homeland Security?

335 colleges and universities in the United States offer Homeland Security programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Homeland Security degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $70,193 and an average net price of roughly $20,462/yr, a Homeland Security degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Homeland Security and Criminal Justice?

Homeland Security is a focused concentration within the broader Criminal Justice field. The Criminal Justice major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Homeland Security-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Homeland Security graduates?

Employers hiring Homeland Security graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Homeland Security graduates?

With a median salary of $70,193, graduate study in Homeland Security can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Homeland Security graduates?

The job outlook for Homeland Security graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Emergency Management Directors is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.