Analysis
Based on comparable homeland security programs in Florida, graduates here would likely earn around $48,700 in their first year while carrying roughly $20,500 in debt—a ratio that falls well within manageable territory at 0.42. Three similar bachelor's programs in the state cluster around this same earnings figure, suggesting this estimate reflects realistic outcomes for Florida graduates entering federal, state, or local security positions.
The debt load looks particularly reasonable when you consider that over half of Everglades students receive Pell grants, indicating the school serves many families without substantial college savings. That estimated $20,500 represents less than five months of typical first-year salary, making it feasible to pay down aggressively early in a career. Homeland security careers often come with government benefits packages and clear advancement tracks that can improve the value proposition over time.
The challenge is that this program's small graduate cohort means we're working entirely with estimates rather than verified outcomes from Everglades itself. While peer programs suggest solid middle-class starting salaries, you won't find hard data proving this specific program delivers those results. If your child is committed to homeland security work and Everglades offers other advantages like location or scheduling flexibility, the projected financial picture seems workable—just recognize you're placing some faith in the broader pattern holding true here.
Where Everglades University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all homeland security bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Homeland Security bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,768 | $48,676* | — | $20,500* | — | |
| $24,136 | $54,837* | $46,459 | $49,981* | 0.91 | |
| $42,304 | $48,676* | $64,823 | $20,500* | 0.42 | |
| $11,665 | $48,676* | $64,823 | $20,500* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $48,676* | — | $23,475* | 0.48 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with homeland security graduates
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Everglades University, approximately 51% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.