Homeland Security at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser's Homeland Security graduates start above both state and national averages at $54,837, ranking in the 60th percentile among Florida programs. But there's a troubling pattern: by year four, earnings drop 15% to $46,459, falling below where graduates started. This backward trajectory is unusual and concerning, especially given the program's steep price tag.

The debt burden is the real problem here. At nearly $50,000, students borrow more than double the state median of $20,500 and significantly outpace the national figure of $23,475. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates owe almost a full year's salary—a heavy lift even with that initially decent starting wage. For families considering in-state alternatives, this is a significant cost premium over other Florida programs that produce similar or better outcomes.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift substantially year to year, and that declining earnings trend may not hold for future cohorts. However, with a 97% admission rate and 58% of students on Pell grants, Keiser serves many price-sensitive families who would be particularly vulnerable to this debt load. Unless your child has compelling reasons to choose this specific program, Florida offers more affordable paths into homeland security careers.