Security Science and Technology at Cedar Crest College

This Security Science and Technology bachelor's program faces a significant challenge: comparable programs across Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings of $58,000, nearly 50% higher than the estimated $39,000 figure here. Even accounting for the uncertainty inherent in national estimates, that gap is substantial. The top program in the state—Robert Morris University—reports nearly $70,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting the field can pay well for graduates of the right programs. The question is whether Cedar Crest's approach prepares students for those higher-paying security roles or channels them toward entry-level positions.

The estimated $27,000 debt load looks manageable on paper—roughly in line with state norms for this field—but it becomes less attractive when paired with earnings that fall short of Pennsylvania's typical outcomes. Similar programs nationally suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.69, which is workable but not impressive. The real concern is whether this program connects students to the cybersecurity, corporate security, or government roles that drive higher compensation in Pennsylvania's market.

Given Cedar Crest's 99% admission rate and the school's small graduating cohorts in this major, prospective families should dig into job placement specifics: what roles do graduates actually land, and do those align with your child's career goals? If the answer points toward lower-tier security positions, stronger alternatives exist within Pennsylvania.