Best colleges for Security Science and Technology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Security Science and Technology by graduate earnings are Champlain College ($70,586), Robert Morris University ($69,872) and Florida State University ($58,249), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Champlain College (Burlington, VT): $70,586, 89 graduates a year
- Robert Morris University (Moon Township, PA): $69,872, 134 graduates a year
- Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL): $58,249, 88 graduates a year
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott (Prescott, AZ): $55,259, 27 graduates a year
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, PA): $52,887, 57 graduates a year
Compare 434 U.S. colleges offering Security Science and Technology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 52 states.
Security Science and Technology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $39,956 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 43.04 and the Forensic Science Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Security Science and Technology programs
The Security Science and Technology program focuses on the intersection of science, technology, and society as it pertains to homeland security, law enforcement, and related protective services. This interdisciplinary field prepares students to understand and address the challenges posed by crime, terrorism, and public safety through a comprehensive curriculum. Designed for those interested in careers that protect communities and enhance security, this program offers various specializations, including Cybersecurity Defense Strategy and Forensic Science. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex security issues in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Students in the Security Science and Technology program will develop critical skills in areas such as critical thinking, writing, and active listening. Coursework covers essential knowledge in law and government, public safety, and forensic science, equipping students with the tools needed to analyze and respond to security challenges effectively.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champlain College Burlington, VT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $70,586 | 89 | 65% | $32,531 | $30,666 |
| 2 | Robert Morris University Moon Township, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $69,872 | 134 | 66% | $24,175 | $27,000 |
| 3 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $58,249 | 88 | 86% | — | $20,693 |
| 4 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,259 | 27 | 68% | $38,461 | $19,500 |
| 5 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,887 | 57 | 54% | — | $25,800 |
| 6 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,202 | 43 | 73% | $33,454 | — |
| 7 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,782 | 68 | 86% | — | $27,000 |
| 8 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,718 | 54 | 54% | — | $27,000 |
| 9 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WV Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,255 | 139 | 65% | — | $24,324 |
| 10 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,092 | 190 | 56% | — | $14,475 |
| 11 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,100 | 126 | 68% | — | $25,747 |
| 12 | University of New Haven West Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,889 | 322 | 63% | $32,614 | $27,000 |
| 13 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,956 | 27 | 54% | — | — |
| 14 | Washburn University Topeka, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,252 | 39 | 53% | — | $21,638 |
| 15 | Tiffin University Tiffin, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $38,994 | 42 | 40% | $24,126 | $27,000 |
| 16 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,792 | 109 | 84% | — | — |
| 17 | Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,789 | 201 | 53% | — | $19,500 |
| 18 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,710 | 166 | 37% | — | $23,350 |
| 19 | Glenville State University Glenville, WV Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,237 | 27 | 34% | — | $29,750 |
| 20 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,013 | 33 | 56% | — | $24,780 |
| 21 | Seattle University Seattle, WA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,557 | 32 | 76% | $31,900 | $20,750 |
| 22 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,501 | 71 | 63% | — | $26,000 |
| 23 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,481 | 159 | 43% | $21,535 | $27,000 |
| 24 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,231 | 77 | 61% | $35,483 | $37,151 |
| 25 | Hilbert College Hamburg, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $32,374 | 33 | 56% | $22,690 | $27,000 |
Top 7 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utica University Utica, NY Private not-for-profit · Certificate | $53,951 | 21 | 56% | $20,237 | — |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Public · Certificate | $46,673 | 54 | 49% | — | $28,000 |
| 3 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI Public · Associate degree | $35,887 | 28 | 65% | — | $17,000 |
| 4 | Salve Regina University Newport, RI Private not-for-profit · Graduate degree Small program | $91,193 | 3 | 77% | $31,899 | $27,000 |
| 5 | Rose State College Midwest City, OK Public · Associate degree | $58,988 | 128 | 20% | — | $10,286 |
| 6 | Hamline University Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Certificate Small program | $49,614 | 7 | 60% | $20,981 | — |
| 7 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV Public · Associate degree Small program | $29,354 | 2 | 19% | — | $11,000 |
Specializations within Security Science and Technology
9 of the 9 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 43.04 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Forensic Science and TechnologyCIP 43.04065,008 graduates / yr239 institutions44 states
- Cyber/CIP 43.0403
Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism 2,457 graduates / yr126 institutions39 states - Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/CIP 43.0404
Policy New in CIP 20201,710 graduates / yr66 institutions32 states - Criminalistics and Criminal ScienceCIP 43.0402622 graduates / yr31 institutions16 states
- Financial Forensics and Fraud InvestigationCIP 43.0405284 graduates / yr29 institutions17 states
- Law Enforcement Intelligence AnalysisCIP 43.0408223 graduates / yr15 institutions11 states
- Security Science and TechnologyCIP 43.0401New in CIP 2020partial data60 graduates / yr6 institutions6 states
- Geospatial IntelligenceCIP 43.0407New in CIP 2020partial data19 graduates / yr6 institutions5 states
- Security Science and TechnologyCIP 43.0499New in CIP 2020limited data1 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
Offered across 52 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4092, Forensic Science Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Security Science and Technology program can pursue a variety of careers in law enforcement, cybersecurity, and forensic science. The job outlook for this field is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 12.8% and approximately 2,900 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this area is $67,440, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Security Science and Technology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 43.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 43.04 (Security Science and Technology) maps to 19 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 13-2011 | Accountants and Auditors |
| 13-2061 | Financial Examiners |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts |
| 15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other |
| 17-1021 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists |
| 19-3092 | Geographers |
| 19-4092 | Forensic Science Techniciansprimary |
| 19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other |
| 25-1064 | Geography Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives |
| 33-1091 | First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers |
| 33-1099 | First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other |
| 33-3021 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators |
| 33-3051 | Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers |
| 33-9021 | Private Detectives and Investigators |
| 55-1017 | Special Forces Officers |
| 55-3018 | Special Forces |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Security Science and Technology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
Common questions
What specializations are available in this program?+
Students can specialize in areas such as Cyber/Computer Forensics, Financial Forensics, and Geospatial Intelligence.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, writing, active listening, and monitoring.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 12.8%.
What is the typical educational requirement?+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Security Science and Technology graduates earn?+
Security Science and Technology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $39,956, College Scorecard (2019); the Forensic Science Technicians occupation pays about $79,200 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Security Science and Technology?+
Security Science and Technology maps to CIP 43.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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