by our College Data Analytics Team
[Homeland Security](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 16 schools on the early-career earnings of their homeland security graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose homeland security graduates go on to earn the most.
For graduate earnings in homeland security, no school beat George Mason University this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a public institution. Early-career homeland security graduates from George Mason University make a median of around $163,625 per year.
A rank of #2 makes Bethel University Tennessee one of the highest-paying schools for homeland security. Set in the town of McKenzie, Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from Bethel University Tennessee typically earn about $70,497 annually.
Strong graduate earnings at Columbia College South Carolina earned it the #3 place for homeland security. Set in the city of Columbia, Columbia College South Carolina is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from Columbia College South Carolina typically earn about $67,338 annually.
Strong graduate earnings at American Public University System earned it the #4 place for homeland security. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Early-career homeland security graduates from American Public University System make a median of around $81,327 per year.
University Of South Florida Main Campus produces some of the highest-paid graduates in homeland security, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus typically earn about $85,268 annually.
Columbia Southern University landed the #6 spot for homeland security salaries this year. Located in the town of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from Columbia Southern University typically earn about $83,721 annually.
Saint Leo University earned the #7 position for homeland security graduate earnings this year. Set in the town of Saint Leo, Saint Leo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career homeland security graduates from Saint Leo University make a median of around $59,876 per year.
Florida International University earned the #8 position for homeland security graduate earnings this year. Florida International University is a public school located in the suburb of Miami. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from Florida International University typically earn about $78,638 annually.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying homeland security schools. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the homeland security program here go on to a median salary of roughly $71,085.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #10 among the highest-paying schools for homeland security. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Homeland Security graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earn a median of about $71,085 a year early in their careers.
Nova Southeastern University earned the #11 position for homeland security graduate earnings this year. Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career homeland security graduates from Nova Southeastern University make a median of around $78,570 per year.
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale earned the #12 position for homeland security graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, homeland security degree recipients from Keiser University Ft Lauderdale typically earn about $56,521 annually.
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying homeland security schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school located in the city of Jonesboro. Students who complete the homeland security program here go on to a median salary of roughly $72,464.
Eastern Kentucky University earned the #14 position for homeland security graduate earnings this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school located in the town of Richmond. Students who complete the homeland security program here go on to a median salary of roughly $61,629.
Campbell University placed #15 among the highest-paying schools for homeland security. Located in the town of Buies Creek, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Homeland Security graduates of Campbell University earn a median of about $58,498 a year early in their careers.
Arkansas Tech University placed #16 among the highest-paying schools for homeland security. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Homeland Security graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of about $56,439 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their homeland security graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 16 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.