Security Science and Technology at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all security science and technology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $44,092 | $55,359 | $14,475 | 0.33 |
| Farmingdale State College | $38,789 | $57,524 | $19,500 | 0.50 |
| Hilbert College | $32,374 | $45,324 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
| Syracuse University | $31,750 | — | $27,000 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $39,252 | — | $25,000 | 0.64 |
Other Security Science and Technology Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmingdale State College Farmingdale | $8,576 | $38,789 | $19,500 |
| Hilbert College Hamburg | $32,150 | $32,374 | $27,000 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $31,750 | $27,000 |
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.