Homeland Security at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

The homeland security field presents a unique challenge: small program sizes mean we're working with estimates rather than hard data from Drury's graduates. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates might expect around $48,700 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt—a manageable 0.55 ratio that suggests the degree can pay for itself within a reasonable timeframe. For context, Missouri's only program with reported data (Northwest Missouri State) shows graduates earning $42,266, which would make these estimated earnings competitive if they hold true for Drury students.

The question is whether this return justifies the investment when outcomes remain uncertain. With 59% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive and can't afford to guess wrong. The estimated debt exceeds both the national and Missouri medians for this field, while the earnings estimate merely matches the national figure—not a standout profile. Homeland security careers can lead to stable government positions or security consulting roles, but entry-level pay in Missouri may trend lower than national averages, as the Northwest data suggests.

For families weighing this program, the lack of reported outcomes is the central concern. Without knowing how Drury's specific graduates fare—whether they land federal positions versus local security roles, and what they actually earn—you're betting on peer program estimates holding true. If your student has connections in law enforcement or emergency management that could open doors post-graduation, that might offset the uncertainty. Otherwise, you're paying above-median debt for speculative returns.