Security Science and Technology at Ashland University

Security science programs in Ohio cluster tightly around $44,000 in first-year earnings, and Ashland's graduates would likely land near that mark based on the state's limited pool of comparable programs. The estimated $27,000 debt load—derived from similar private universities offering this credential—translates to manageable monthly payments relative to expected income. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could realistically handle their loan obligations while building toward stronger mid-career earnings typical in security and risk management roles.

The challenge is the uncertainty itself. With only four peer programs in Ohio reporting data, and Ashland's figures estimated from both state and national sources, parents face more guesswork than usual. The program sits right at Ohio's median for both earnings and debt, which offers some reassurance about its market positioning. Still, the $43,918 first-year estimate exceeds the national median of $39,252 for this field—a meaningful premium that could reflect Ohio's industrial base and corporate security needs.

For families comfortable with moderate private-school debt, the fundamentals look reasonable: graduates would likely earn enough to service their loans without financial distress. But given the data gaps, request concrete placement outcomes from Ashland's career services—where do graduates actually land, and at what salaries? The estimated figures suggest this program performs competitively, but you'll want verification before committing to five figures of debt.