Security Science and Technology at Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College's Security Science and Technology program shows a puzzling disconnect: graduates earn well above the national average ($46,079 versus $39,252 nationally), yet they're significantly trailing their Pennsylvania peers—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide where the median is nearly $58,000. For context, Robert Morris University grads in the same field earn $69,872, about $24,000 more annually.

The debt picture offers a silver lining. At $35,000, borrowing sits well below both national and state benchmarks, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt. This creates a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates would dedicate roughly 76% of their first year's salary to debt if they paid it all at once, which is reasonable. The gap to top Pennsylvania programs is concerning, but the controlled debt prevents this from becoming a financial trap.

The critical caveat: fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. For parents whose children are passionate about security work, this program won't bury them in debt, but it's worth investigating why Pennsylvania peers earn so much more. Is it geographic placement, specific career tracks, or something else? That $12,000 annual gap to the state median compounds to substantial money over a career.