Homeland Security at University of Arizona

University of Arizona's Homeland Security program starts graduates at just $34,000—landing in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Arizona programs, where the state median is $51,300. That's a startling $17,000 gap compared to other Arizona graduates in the same field, and Grand Canyon University's program produces nearly double the first-year earnings. While debt is slightly below average at $20,312, that modest advantage doesn't offset starting nearly 30% behind peers in the same state.

The picture does improve dramatically: earnings jump 61% to nearly $55,000 by year four, suggesting this program may lead to positions with delayed advancement potential rather than immediate career traction. But that fourth-year figure still barely exceeds what typical Homeland Security grads earn right out of the gate elsewhere. For a flagship public university with an 86% admission rate, these outcomes raise questions about whether the program has strong employer pipelines or if graduates are taking roles that don't fully utilize their degree.

The fundamental issue is opportunity cost. Students could attend competing Arizona programs and likely start $15,000-$34,000 higher, building retirement savings and financial stability from day one rather than spending four years catching up. Unless your child has specific connections to federal agencies through this program, the initial earnings lag represents real money lost that compound interest can never fully recover.