Analysis
Homeland Security bachelor's programs nationally show first-year earnings around $49,000, with Notre Dame College's program likely falling in that range based on comparable programs. With estimated debt of $27,000—slightly above the national median for this field—graduates would face a debt load roughly half their first-year salary. That's manageable by most standards, though not exceptional.
The challenge here is visibility. With only three schools offering Homeland Security degrees in Ohio and none reporting actual outcomes data, it's difficult to gauge how this program specifically performs versus alternatives. The national landscape suggests these programs prepare graduates for government and security sector roles with steady, middle-class earnings potential, but there's considerable variation—top programs nationally see first-year earnings above $62,000.
For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture isn't alarming, but it warrants a closer look at Notre Dame College's specific career services and employer connections in the security field. The real question is whether this program offers clear pathways into federal agencies, defense contractors, or corporate security roles—those placements make the difference between a solid investment and one that merely gets you in the door. Ask the school for employment outcomes and try to speak with recent graduates directly.
Where Notre Dame College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,606 | $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 Notre Dame College, approximately 39% 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.