Homeland Security at University of Nebraska at Omaha

UNO's Homeland Security program sits in an awkward middle ground. At $42,058 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $6,600 less than the national median for this field—landing in just the 25th percentile nationally. The debt load of $21,465 is reasonable, giving the program a favorable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio, but that's cold comfort when the earnings themselves are on the low end.

The state comparison offers limited insight since only two Nebraska schools offer this program, placing UNO at the state median by default. More concerning is the trajectory these numbers suggest: homeland security graduates nationally often start around $49,000 and can reach $62,000+ at better-performing programs. Starting at $42,000 means your child begins thousands behind their peers in a field where security clearances and federal opportunities can significantly boost earning potential.

The program won't bury graduates in debt, which matters. But parents should recognize this is a value play that trades lower upfront costs for weaker earnings potential. If your child is committed to homeland security work, they'll need to be strategic about internships and networking to overcome that initial earnings gap. For families shopping on price alone, the modest debt makes this workable—just don't expect the field's typical financial upside.