Homeland Security at Rowan University

A debt load of roughly $23,250—based on similar programs at Rowan—becomes manageable when first-year earnings of $43,002 outperform most other Homeland Security programs in New Jersey. With only four schools offering this major in the state, Rowan sits above the state median of $41,313, suggesting its graduates compete effectively in the local security job market. The 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment struggles.

The national picture tells a more sobering story. That same $43,002 places graduates in the 29th percentile nationwide, meaning similar programs elsewhere typically produce stronger earnings outcomes—the national median reaches $48,676. For families considering out-of-state alternatives or wondering about career mobility beyond New Jersey, this gap matters. However, the estimated debt appears aligned with national norms ($23,475 nationally), so Rowan isn't loading students with unusual borrowing for this field.

The practical question is geography. If your child plans to work in New Jersey's government agencies, law enforcement, or security sectors, Rowan's above-median state performance and reasonable debt suggest solid value. If they're eyeing federal positions or agencies in higher-cost metros where competition includes graduates from top-performing programs, the earnings gap becomes harder to ignore. The limited data here means confirmation from Rowan about actual graduate outcomes would strengthen any decision.