Location: Jacksonville, AL•In-State Tuition: $12,426•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,716•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1055
Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,926
10th percentile
Median Debt
$24,250
3% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.87 ManageableSample: 45 graduates

Analysis

Jacksonville State's Security Science and Technology program produces concerning earnings outcomes that parents should examine carefully. One year after graduation, the typical graduate earns just $27,926—placing this program in the 10th percentile nationally, or roughly $11,000 below what similar programs deliver elsewhere. While the 60th percentile ranking within Alabama sounds more reassuring, that's partly because the state has only three such programs, making the comparison less meaningful.

The debt picture compounds the problem. At $24,250, graduates face nearly 11 months of their entire first-year salary in student loans. For context, security professionals at higher-performing programs earn enough to make similar debt loads more manageable, but at these income levels, monthly loan payments will strain most household budgets significantly.

The fundamental issue here is that $27,926 simply isn't enough income to justify a four-year degree investment, regardless of the field. That's barely above what many positions requiring only a high school diploma pay in today's market. If your child is interested in security-related careers, investigate what specific job pathways this program leads to and whether alternative routes—including programs at other institutions, certifications, or direct entry positions with employer-sponsored training—might deliver better financial outcomes. The 90th percentile gap suggests most comparable programs are preparing students for substantially higher-paying opportunities.

Where Jacksonville State University Stands

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

Jacksonville State UniversityOther security science and technology programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Jacksonville State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Jacksonville State University earns $28k — 10th percentile among security science and technology bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville$12,426$27,926—$24,2500.87
Champlain CollegeBurlington$45,550$70,586$80,946$29,0800.41
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township$34,940$69,872$80,106$27,0000.39
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$58,249—$20,6930.36
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$55,259—$19,5000.35
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottPrescott$42,204$55,259—$19,5000.35
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 Jacksonville State University, approximately 43% 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.