Security Science and Technology: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Security Science and Technology graduates earn a median $57,805 four years after finishing — $9,445/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. At a typical $16,906/yr net price ($67,624 over four years), that pays back in about 7.2 years. Federal data pools 165 bachelor's programs graduating roughly 3,148 students a year. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champlain College | VT | $101,401 |
| 2 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | FL | $98,996 |
| 3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | AZ | $98,996 |
| 4 | Florida State University | FL | $93,841 |
| 5 | Robert Morris University | PA | $90,206 |
| 6 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | PA | $73,289 |
| 7 | Towson University | MD | $71,484 |
| 8 | Syracuse University | NY | $69,491 |
| 9 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh | NY | $69,321 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | PA | $66,084 |
| 11 | Loyola University Chicago | IL | $64,194 |
| 12 | University of New Haven | CT | $63,360 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.