Homeland Security at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock's Homeland Security program produces first-year earnings of $31,685—barely above poverty-level wages for a college graduate and landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. That $26,000 in debt translates to an 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe nearly a full year's salary before taxes. The national median for this degree is $48,676, so Slippery Rock graduates earn 35% less than typical homeland security majors elsewhere. While the 60th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania sounds middling, that's largely because Pennsylvania's seven homeland security programs collectively underperform the national market.

The earnings deficit here is stark enough that parents should understand their child would likely earn more in many roles that don't require a bachelor's degree. Even graduates from the 75th percentile homeland security programs nationally earn over $62,000—nearly double what Slippery Rock delivers. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers, and nothing in the institution's profile—a 75% admission rate and below-average SAT scores—suggests hidden advantages.

If your child is set on public safety or security work, this program's combination of below-average earnings and debt makes it difficult to justify. They'd likely achieve better financial outcomes through criminal justice programs at Pennsylvania schools with stronger employment pipelines, or by pursuing law enforcement positions that offer paid training rather than requiring expensive credentials upfront.