Security Science and Technology at George Mason University

George Mason's Security Science and Technology program places graduates slightly ahead of the pack, with first-year earnings of $42,100 beating both the national median ($39,252) and Virginia's state median ($39,800). The debt load of $25,747 is essentially average for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn their full debt back in roughly seven months. With nearly 200 schools nationwide offering this degree, landing at the 64th percentile nationally suggests George Mason provides solid training without the premium price tag of top-tier programs.

The practical math works in students' favor here. That $42,100 starting salary translates to about $3,500 monthly before taxes, and the debt burden sits right at the national median for this field. Among Virginia's 11 programs, George Mason performs reasonably well at the 60th percentile, outearning competitors like VCU by nearly $5,000 annually. For a program at a school with an 89% admission rate, these outcomes represent fair value—students aren't paying elite-school prices for middling results.

This is a straightforward investment proposition: average debt for above-average earnings in a specialized field. Parents should recognize this isn't a high-earning career path overall, but the program delivers what it promises without burying graduates in disproportionate debt. For Virginia residents benefiting from in-state tuition, this represents sensible career preparation in an emerging security sector.