Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 suggests borrowers would face manageable repayment under a standard plan, but the underlying figures here come from peer institutions nationally rather than Christian Brothers' specific outcomes. With comparable Security Science programs producing first-year earnings around $39,000 and typical debt loads near $27,000, graduates would likely commit about 9% of gross income to loan payments—a workable but not comfortable starting point for a field that doesn't command premium entry salaries.
Middle Tennessee State, the only Tennessee program with reported data, shows nearly identical earnings at roughly $40,000, which tracks with both state and national medians. This consistency across different institutions suggests some stability in how the market values this bachelor's degree, though it also means graduates shouldn't expect Christian Brothers' private education premium to translate into meaningfully higher starting pay. The question becomes whether the university's smaller class sizes and individualized attention justify borrowing more than students might at a public alternative.
The narrow gap between debt and earnings leaves little cushion for financial surprises early in a career. If your child can graduate with significantly less than $27,000 in loans—through scholarships, family contributions, or working while enrolled—this program becomes more defensible. At the estimated borrowing level, they'd need disciplined budgeting and prompt career placement to avoid payment stress.
Where Christian Brothers University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $39,252* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,506 | $39,956* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $39,252* | — | $25,000* | 0.64 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates
Information Security Analysts
Geographers
Financial Examiners
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Customs and Border Protection Officers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Christian Brothers University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.