Homeland Security at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky's Homeland Security program leaves graduates earning $10,000 less than the typical national outcome in this field, landing in just the 13th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap for a program where debt-to-earnings ratios should work in your favor. While it's the only program of its kind in Kentucky—making state comparisons meaningless—the numbers tell a story of delayed financial viability. First-year earnings of $38,307 barely eclipse typical entry-level service jobs, though the 35% jump to $51,629 by year four shows this career track eventually finds its footing.

The debt burden of $28,343 isn't catastrophic at 74% of first-year earnings, but it's higher than what most programs in this field carry nationwide. You're essentially betting on that mid-career earnings boost to justify the investment, which is a gamble some families won't want to take. For students committed to emergency management or public safety careers, this path gets you there—just at a slower financial pace than comparable programs elsewhere. If your child has options at schools where Homeland Security graduates start closer to the $50K mark, those deserve serious consideration before committing here.