Analysis
Homeland Security programs in Pennsylvania show surprisingly wide variation, and Millersville's estimated outcomes suggest it may sit at the stronger end. While peer programs at the national level typically produce first-year earnings around $48,700, Pennsylvania's state median is just $31,685—a striking $17,000 gap. If Millersville's program actually performs closer to the national benchmark (as the estimates suggest), that would represent a meaningful advantage over documented in-state alternatives like Slippery Rock.
The estimated debt load of $23,250 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, which is manageable by most standards. Comparable programs nationally carry similar debt burdens (around $23,500), so this isn't unusual for the field. The real question is whether this particular program delivers earnings closer to the national norm or falls back toward Pennsylvania's lower state average. That $17,000 difference would dramatically change the value proposition—the same debt looks quite different against $48,700 versus $31,700.
Given the lack of reported data for this specific program, parents should recognize they're making a bet on which outcome is more likely. The school's 89% admission rate and moderate academic profile don't necessarily predict graduate outcomes in a field where security clearances and professional networks matter enormously. If you're considering this program, dig into placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually land jobs—those details matter more here than the estimated figures can tell you.
Where Millersville University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all homeland security bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Homeland Security bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,262 | $48,676* | — | $23,250* | — | |
| $10,507 | $31,685* | — | $26,000* | 0.82 | |
| 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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania, approximately 27% 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.