Security Science and Technology at Chaminade University of Honolulu

This bachelor's in Security Science and Technology carries an estimated $27,000 in debt against first-year earnings that national peer programs suggest hover around $39,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 that's manageable but not impressive. With this program available at only one Hawaii institution, families have limited options for comparison within the state, making the national benchmark particularly important. The estimated debt load sits slightly above the national median for similar programs, while earnings track right at the typical outcome.

The practical challenge here is straightforward: at $39,000 annually, graduates would need roughly 8-9 months of gross income to cover their debt load, assuming they can find work in the security field immediately after graduation. Chaminade's 93% admission rate and below-average SAT scores suggest the program serves a broad student population, which may explain why 42% of students receive Pell grants. For families already stretching financially, adding $27,000 in debt for near-median earning potential requires careful consideration of alternatives, including starting at a community college or pursuing employment-based security certifications.

The key concern isn't that these estimated numbers are catastrophic—they're not. It's that they represent a significant financial commitment with no guarantee of standout returns. If your student is passionate about security science and needs a bachelor's degree to advance, this could work. But given Hawaii's high cost of living, that $39,000 salary translates to considerably less purchasing power than it would elsewhere in the country.