Security Science and Technology at Benedict College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 falls within a manageable range, particularly for a field like security science where stable government and corporate employment is common. Based on the national median for similar bachelor's programs, first-year earnings around $39,000 coupled with estimated debt of $27,000 creates a realistic path to repayment. For Benedict's predominantly Pell-eligible student body, this represents potential access to a professional career field that values credentials and clearances over institutional prestige.

The challenge is that security-related fields often require additional certifications or government clearances to access higher-paying positions, and it's unclear whether Benedict's program provides these entry points. Comparable programs nationally show a relatively tight earnings range—the 75th percentile sits at just $44,255—suggesting this field has a defined salary structure rather than wide-open earning potential. That predictability cuts both ways: limited downside risk, but also a ceiling on early-career growth.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether the program connects students to employers who value security credentials. With only five schools in South Carolina offering this degree, there's less in-state competition, but also fewer established pathways. The debt load is reasonable if the program delivers actual industry connections; it becomes problematic if graduates end up in general administrative roles that don't require specialized security training.