Location: New York, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,470•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,420•Admission Rate: 57%•Avg SAT: 1140
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,092
74th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$14,475
42% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.33 ManageableSample: 53 graduates

Analysis

John Jay's Security Science and Technology program offers an unusually favorable financial profile for a CUNY school. Starting salaries of $44,000 put graduates ahead of 60% of similar programs in New York—impressive considering the $7,375 annual tuition versus competitors like Syracuse. More striking is the debt burden: at $14,475, it's roughly half the state median and far below the $23,000-$25,000 typical nationally. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just four months' salary, one of the lowest burdens you'll find for this credential.

The 26% earnings jump to $55,000 by year four signals genuine career momentum, not just entry-level positioning. In New York's security sector—which spans everything from corporate risk management to cybersecurity consulting—this degree opens doors that justify the investment multiple times over. The moderate sample size suggests steady but not massive enrollment, which is typical for specialized security programs.

For families seeking affordable preparation for New York's security industry, this program delivers clear value. The combination of CUNY pricing, manageable debt, and above-average earning potential in a growing field makes it a financially sound choice, particularly for the 59% of students receiving Pell grants who need to minimize borrowing.

Where CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology bachelors's programs nationally

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeOther security science and technology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice graduates compare to all programs nationally

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice earns $44k — 74th percentile among security science and technology bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice$44,092$55,359+26%
Champlain College$70,586$80,946+15%
Robert Morris University$69,872$80,106+15%
Farmingdale State College$38,789$57,524+48%
Hilbert College$32,374$45,324+40%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York$7,470$44,092$55,359$14,4750.33
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$38,789$57,524$19,5000.50
Hilbert CollegeHamburg$32,150$32,374$45,324$27,0000.83
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$31,750—$27,0000.85
National Median—$39,252—$25,0000.64

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Customs and Border Protection Officers

Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:
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 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, approximately 59% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 53 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.