ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Homeland Security Schools in the Southeast Region

19 Colleges in the United States
2,344 Homeland Security Degrees Awarded
$52,532 Avg Early-Career Salary

Homeland Security degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their homeland security programs.

College Factual analyzed 94 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best homeland security schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/homeland-security/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 8
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 43.03), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Homeland Security (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Homeland Security (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Homeland Security (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Homeland Security (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Homeland Security (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Homeland Security (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Emergency Management (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Emergency Management (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Emergency Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Emergency Management (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Emergency Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Emergency Management (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 5
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 3 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Homeland Security in the Southeast Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the homeland security degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Homeland Security

1

Leading the list is George Mason University, our #1 school for homeland security. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 150 homeland security degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Homeland Security graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $114,896 early in their careers. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $21,741 in student loans. More information about a degree in homeland security from George Mason University

2

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. University Of South Florida Main Campus graduates 77% of students within six years. About 26 homeland security degrees were awarded at University Of South Florida Main Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $85,268. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security program report for University Of South Florida Main Campus

3

Tennessee Technological University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in homeland security, ranking #3. Tennessee Technological University is a large public school located in the town of Cookeville. Tennessee Technological University graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Tennessee Technological University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Tennessee Technological University earn around $46,981 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security program report for Tennessee Technological University

4

Kennesaw State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in homeland security, ranking #4. Set in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 16 homeland security degrees were awarded at Kennesaw State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security program make about $53,824 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security details for Kennesaw State University

5

A rank of #5 makes Florida International University one of the top schools for homeland security. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 93 homeland security degrees were awarded at Florida International University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $78,638. Typical student debt for the program is $19,349. See the full homeland security program report for Florida International University

6

University Of Central Florida ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. About 78% of students finish within six years. About 63 homeland security degrees were awarded at University Of Central Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from University Of Central Florida earn around $51,790 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security from University Of Central Florida

7

American Public University System came in at #7 for homeland security this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. American Public University System awarded about 906 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $69,808. Typical student debt for the program is $16,339. Get the full homeland security details for American Public University System

8
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University earned the #8 position for homeland security this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 homeland security degrees were awarded at Nova Southeastern University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Nova Southeastern University earn around $70,595 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security details for Nova Southeastern University

9

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #9 among the best homeland security schools. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach awarded about 51 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Homeland Security graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach earn a median of $48,676 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

10

Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #10 spot for homeland security this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Jonesboro. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 49 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Arkansas State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $72,464. Typical student debt for the program is $23,399. More information about a degree in homeland security from Arkansas State University Main Campus

11
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University placed #11 among the best homeland security schools. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 67% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 46 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent data year. Homeland Security graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $45,877 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security details for Liberty University

12
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University placed #12 among the best homeland security schools. This large public university is located in the city of Bowling Green. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Western Kentucky University in the most recent data year. Homeland Security graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,778 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete this degree. See the full homeland security program report for Western Kentucky University

13

Palm Beach State College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security schools. Set in the suburb of Lake Worth, Palm Beach State College is a very large public institution. About 29 homeland security degrees were awarded at Palm Beach State College in the most recent year. Homeland Security graduates of Palm Beach State College earn a median of $42,501 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $12,518 to complete this degree. Read more about the homeland security program at Palm Beach State College

14

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned the #14 position for homeland security this year. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a large private not-for-profit university. About 23% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 55 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earn around $48,676 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. Read more about the homeland security program at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

15

Jacksonville State University came in at #15 for homeland security this year. Located in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a large public university. About 55% of students finish within six years. About 58 homeland security degrees were awarded at Jacksonville State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the homeland security program make about $45,361 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,751 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in homeland security from Jacksonville State University

16

Columbia Southern University earned the #16 position for homeland security this year. Columbia Southern University is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Orange Beach. About 26% of students finish within six years. Columbia Southern University awarded about 292 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Columbia Southern University earn around $73,839 in the first couple years of their career. Columbia Southern University graduates carry a median of $32,683 in student loans. More information about a degree in homeland security from Columbia Southern University

17

Georgia Military College Milledgeville earned the #17 position for homeland security this year. This large public university is located in the town of Milledgeville. About 37 homeland security degrees were awarded at Georgia Military College Milledgeville in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Georgia Military College Milledgeville earn around $29,788 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,587. See the full homeland security program report for Georgia Military College Milledgeville

18

Mercer University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Macon. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 10 homeland security degrees were awarded at Mercer University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Mercer University earn around $56,699 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $32,463. See the full homeland security program report for Mercer University

19

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana earned the #19 position for homeland security this year. Set in the town of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 45%. There were roughly 13 homeland security students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern State University Of Louisiana in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, homeland security degree recipients from Northwestern State University Of Louisiana generally make around $42,684. Typical student debt for the program is $28,061. More information about a degree in homeland security from Northwestern State University Of Louisiana

20

Barry University earned the #20 position for homeland security this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Barry University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 37% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 15 homeland security degrees were awarded at Barry University in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Barry University earn around $64,906 in the first couple years of their career. Barry University graduates carry a median of $31,180 in student loans. Get the full homeland security details for Barry University

21

Keiser University Ft Lauderdale landed the #21 spot for homeland security this year. Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale awarded about 27 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security program make about $54,837 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $39,866. See the full homeland security program report for Keiser University Ft Lauderdale

22
Lander University crest
Lander University
Greenwood, SC

Lander University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best homeland security schools. Lander University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Greenwood. About 50% of students finish within six years. Lander University awarded about 12 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security program make about $37,548 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,064. More information about a degree in homeland security from Lander University

23

Eastern Kentucky University placed #23 among the best homeland security schools. This large public university is located in the town of Richmond. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Eastern Kentucky University awarded about 62 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Eastern Kentucky University earn around $38,307 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $28,343. More information about a degree in homeland security from Eastern Kentucky University

24

Bethel University Tennessee landed the #24 spot for homeland security this year. Located in the town of McKenzie, Bethel University Tennessee is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Bethel University Tennessee graduates 17% of students within six years. About 45 homeland security degrees were awarded at Bethel University Tennessee in the most recent year. Students who receive their homeland security degree from Bethel University Tennessee earn around $78,275 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $31,919 to complete this degree. Get the full homeland security details for Bethel University Tennessee

25

Wayne Community College came in at #25 for homeland security this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the city of Goldsboro. Wayne Community College awarded about 40 homeland security degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the homeland security program make about $33,116 in their early career. Wayne Community College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. See the full homeland security program report for Wayne Community College

Rest of the Top 34 Homeland Security Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong homeland security education:

26
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
27
28
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
29
30
31
32
33
34

ADBLOCK #173
View All Homeland Security Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 94 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options