Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,753
50th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$24,617
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.50
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

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

SUNY College of Technology at CantonOther homeland security programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How SUNY College of Technology at Canton graduates compare to all programs nationally

SUNY College of Technology at Canton graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all homeland security bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Homeland Security bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY College of Technology at Canton$48,753$54,844$24,6170.50
Utica University$57,215$61,736$27,8460.49
University at Albany$38,472—$23,2500.60
Roberts Wesleyan University$27,387—$27,0000.99
National Median$48,676—$23,4750.48

Other Homeland Security Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Utica University
Utica
$24,308$57,215$27,846
University at Albany
Albany
$10,408$38,472$23,250
Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester
$37,504$27,387$27,000

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.