Analysis
At Florida Tech, students pursuing a bachelor's in Homeland Security can expect financial outcomes in line with typical programs statewide, though the small graduate cohort means we're working with estimates based on three comparable Florida programs. The projected $48,676 first-year salary and $20,500 debt load suggest manageable repayment—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is reasonable, meaning graduates would owe less than half their expected first-year income.
What's worth noting is how Florida Tech compares to peers in this field. Nearby Embry-Riddle and Keiser both produce similar or slightly higher outcomes, with Keiser graduates earning around $54,000. The similarity across programs suggests that for Homeland Security degrees in Florida, institutional prestige may matter less than the specific career pathway students pursue—federal positions, private security contracting, or state emergency management all command different salaries.
The $20,500 debt figure is actually below the national median of $23,475 for this major, which provides some cushion given the moderate earnings. For a family considering Florida Tech's price point—and noting its 20% Pell grant population suggests less financial aid than some competitors—the question becomes whether paying private university tuition makes sense when state schools and specialized institutions like Embry-Riddle offer similar career preparation. If your child has specific interest in Florida Tech's aerospace-adjacent security focus, this could work. Otherwise, compare total costs carefully against closer-to-home options.
Where Florida Institute of Technology 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,360 | $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 Florida Institute of Technology, approximately 20% 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.