Homeland Securityat Columbia College
Graduates earn $67,338/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national Homeland Security average. Base-case 10-year earnings $582K; scenarios range from $535K to $588K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Columbia College
You'll notice the strong earning potential for Columbia College's Homeland Security graduates, significantly outpacing the national average for this major. This isn't just a fluke; it reflects a robust regional demand for skilled professionals in South Carolina's capital. Columbia, SC, is home to numerous state agencies like SLED and the SC Emergency Management Division, federal offices, and a significant military presence at Fort Jackson, all creating a deep talent pool requirement. The program likely benefits from strong local connections, potentially placing graduates directly into roles within these governmental bodies or specialized private security firms. Your path here isn't just about general security; graduates are often stepping into management, supervisory, or critical emergency planning roles, which command higher salaries. To maximize this advantage, actively pursue internships within these local agencies or companies. This direct experience and networking are invaluable for securing those top-tier positions upon graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Columbia College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Homeland Security
How Columbia College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Columbia College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Columbia College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Homeland Security offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Homeland Security trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Homeland Security at Columbia College
How does Columbia College's Homeland Security program score?
A score of 51/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Columbia College trails the majority of Homeland Security programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.