Analysis
A Homeland Security bachelor's degree from Kansas Wesleyan appears positioned right at the national midpoint for this field, with peer programs nationally suggesting around $49,000 in first-year earnings. That's a practical starting point for careers in emergency management, border protection, or security coordination—though it's worth noting these roles often advance through experience and additional certifications rather than dramatic salary jumps early on.
The estimated $27,000 debt load sits slightly above the national median for Homeland Security programs, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. This means the typical graduate would owe about half of their first year's income—manageable with standard repayment, though it limits financial flexibility early in your career. With 41% of Kansas Wesleyan students receiving Pell grants, aid packaging will be crucial for families watching their bottom line.
The challenge here is uncertainty: with only two Kansas schools offering this major and no reported outcomes data for either, you're making decisions based on how similar programs perform elsewhere rather than this institution's actual track record. If your child is committed to Homeland Security specifically, scrutinize Kansas Wesleyan's internship pipelines and agency relationships—the value in specialized degrees like this often comes from who they help you connect with, not just what's on the diploma.
Where Kansas Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all homeland security bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Homeland Security bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,470 | $48,676* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $13,815 | $90,956* | — | $21,741* | 0.24 | |
| $18,168 | $78,275* | $62,271 | $31,919* | 0.41 | |
| $17,450 | $68,503* | $73,431 | $28,787* | 0.42 | |
| $21,450 | $67,338* | — | $27,855* | 0.41 | |
| $25,220 | $66,446* | — | $23,437* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Kansas Wesleyan University, approximately 41% 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 national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.