Analysis
SUNY Canton's Homeland Security program outperforms most New York competitors, placing graduates at the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $48,753—substantially above the state median of $43,612. Only Utica University does notably better among New York schools, while Canton beats SUNY Albany despite Albany's larger reputation. Debt levels of $24,617 are manageable, translating to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than many comparable programs.
The earnings trajectory is encouraging, growing 13% to $54,844 by year four, which suggests graduates gain traction in their careers. The program serves a solidly middle-class student body (47% receive Pell grants), and Canton's 96% admission rate means access isn't a barrier. Nationally, the program sits right at median performance—not spectacular, but perfectly respectable for a public college charging SUNY tuition rates.
For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals work: reasonable debt, above-average earnings for New York, and steady career growth. Homeland Security isn't the highest-paying field, but Canton graduates enter it on competitive footing without crushing debt. If your child wants to work in emergency management, border security, or related government roles, this program delivers solid preparation at a price that won't sabotage their financial future.
Where SUNY College of Technology at Canton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all homeland security bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY College of Technology at Canton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | $48,753 | $54,844 | +12% |
| Grand Canyon University | $68,503 | $73,431 | +7% |
| American Public University System | $62,340 | $67,391 | +8% |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | $48,676 | $64,823 | +33% |
| Utica University | $57,215 | $61,736 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Homeland Security bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,689 | $48,753 | $54,844 | $24,617 | 0.50 | |
| $24,308 | $57,215 | $61,736 | $27,846 | 0.49 | |
| $10,408 | $38,472 | — | $23,250 | 0.60 | |
| $37,504 | $27,387 | — | $27,000 | 0.99 | |
| 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 SUNY College of Technology at Canton, approximately 47% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.