Security Science and Technology at Hilbert College

Hilbert College's Security Science program starts slowly but shows real momentum, with graduates earning $32,374 initially before jumping to $45,324 by year four—a 40% increase that actually outpaces many peers in this field. While that first-year number lands in just the 17th percentile nationally, the four-year figure surpasses even top programs like Syracuse. Among New York security programs, Hilbert sits at the 40th percentile, reasonably close to the state median of $35,582.

The $27,000 in debt is manageable—slightly above state averages but below the national median, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 that should be workable for most graduates. The bigger question is whether your student can weather those lean first couple of years. Security roles often require building experience and credentials before hitting stronger salary bands, which appears to be exactly what's happening here.

This program rewards patience. If your child can accept entry-level security work initially—perhaps while living at home or keeping expenses low—the trajectory looks promising. The 98% admission rate and high Pell grant percentage suggest Hilbert serves students without extensive safety nets, so that early earning period deserves serious financial planning. But graduates who stick with the field appear to land in decent positions within four years.