Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting at Savannah State University

Savannah State's Homeland Security and Law Enforcement program tells two different stories depending on your frame of reference. Graduates start at $37,751, well below the $46,440 national median for this degree, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. But zoom into Georgia, and the picture shifts: this program sits at the 60th percentile for in-state options, meaning it outperforms more than half of comparable programs in the state. With $26,000 in debt and first-year earnings creating a 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can expect to pay roughly 69 cents in debt for every dollar earned—manageable but requiring careful budgeting in those early career years.

The earnings trajectory deserves attention. That $37,751 starting point climbs to $45,037 by year four—a 19% increase that suggests real career progression in law enforcement and public safety roles. This growth pattern is typical for fields where experience and advancement through civil service ranks drive compensation. Given that 65% of Savannah State students receive Pell grants, many graduates are building stable public service careers from starting points where family resources may be limited.

For Georgia families considering in-state tuition, this program delivers competitive preparation for law enforcement and emergency management careers. The national rankings look concerning, but they miss the regional context: public safety salaries vary dramatically by location, and this program performs solidly within its actual market. The debt load is reasonable for the field, and the earnings growth suggests graduates find stable career footing after an admittedly modest start.