Homeland Security at Elizabeth City State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 suggests manageable borrowing for this homeland security program, though the national benchmarks this estimate draws from reveal a field with moderate starting salaries. With first-year earnings around $49,000—roughly aligned with the national median for similar bachelor's programs—graduates would need approximately six months of gross income to cover their estimated debt load, a reasonable threshold by most standards.

The North Carolina context adds uncertainty. With only two schools in the state offering this program and limited reported data, it's difficult to gauge how Elizabeth City State's outcomes compare locally. Campbell University reports $40,294 for its graduates, about $8,000 below the national figure used here. That gap matters: if Elizabeth City State's actual outcomes track closer to other NC schools than to the national average, the debt picture becomes tighter. The university's 53% Pell grant rate also signals significant financial need among students, making debt management particularly important.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers point to workable debt levels if earnings materialize near national norms. However, homeland security roles vary widely in salary depending on whether graduates enter federal agencies, private security, or local law enforcement. Before committing, verify what specific career paths this program prepares students for and whether those typically pay closer to $40,000 or $49,000 in North Carolina—that difference transforms whether this investment clears comfortably or requires careful budgeting.