Security Science and Technology at Davenport University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 looks manageable on paper, but here's what matters: based on peer programs nationally, this cybersecurity-focused degree typically produces first-year earnings around $39,000 while graduates carry roughly $27,000 in debt. That's a year's worth of payments on a standard ten-year plan eating about 8% of gross income—feasible, but leaving little room for error if your child faces a job search delay or starts below that median. With nearly 200 programs competing nationally in this field, standing out matters, and Davenport's 97% admission rate signals limited selectivity that may or may not translate to strong employer connections in Michigan's security sector.

The real question is whether this specific program delivers what similar programs suggest. Security and technology credentials can open doors in corporate IT, government agencies, and consulting—fields with genuine hiring demand—but outcomes vary wildly based on internships, certifications, and regional job markets. Grand Rapids isn't a major tech hub, which could complicate networking and early-career opportunities compared to Detroit or out-of-state alternatives.

If your child has clear cybersecurity interests and local job prospects lined up, these estimated figures suggest a survivable debt load. But given that all the numbers here come from comparable programs rather than Davenport's actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting on this program performing at the national average—worth confirming through direct conversations with current students and recent graduates about their actual placement results.