Compare 6 Homeland Security. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $46,235.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Homeland Security tells a different story. Across 6 programs, earnings range from $30,469 to $61,647—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Oakland University's Homeland Security program leads with graduates earning $61,647, well above the $46,235 average across all programs. Northwest Missouri State follows at $53,435, while University of Central Missouri delivers $47,118—demonstrating that regional publics dominate this specialized field regardless of broader institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Oakland University graduates borrow $22,750 and face just an 8.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $61,647 | 11 | $22,750 | Excellent | $17,858 | Manageable |
| #2 | $53,435 | 14 | $21,500 | Good | $15,803 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $47,118 | 18 | $21,000 | Good | $14,000 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $42,682 | 17 | $23,199 | Manageable | $14,621 | High | |
| #5 | $42,058 | 37 | $19,000 | Manageable | $15,945 | High | |
| #6 | Ohio Christian UniversityPrivate | $30,469 | 7 | $29,579 | High | $9,943 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
