Location: Fond Du Lac, WI•In-State Tuition: $33,000•Admission Rate: 67%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,252
Est. from national median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

A first-year salary around $39,000 for a bachelor's degree in security science raises immediate questions about return on investment, especially when paired with estimated debt near $27,000. While these figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Marian's specific graduates, they suggest a debt burden requiring roughly two-thirds of a year's salary to repay—manageable in theory, but tight for someone earning in the high-$30,000 range. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the only Wisconsin school with reported outcomes in this field, shows graduates earning $38,013, which aligns closely with these estimates and indicates this earning level may be typical for the region.

The challenge here isn't just the modest starting salary—it's whether this specialized degree opens doors that justify its cost compared to broader criminal justice or technology programs. Security science sits at an interesting crossroads of physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management, but with only 196 programs nationwide, it's a niche credential. Parents should verify what specific career paths Marian's program targets and whether regional employers actively recruit these graduates, since the estimated figures can't tell you if this particular program has strong industry connections that might lead to better-than-typical outcomes.

Given the estimation uncertainty and the modest earnings-to-debt picture even in the best-case scenario presented here, this program requires careful vetting of job placement specifics and starting salary ranges for recent Marian graduates before committing.

Where Marian University Stands

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

Marian University (estimated ±10%)Other security science and technology programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Marian UniversityFond Du Lac$33,000$39,252*—$27,000*—
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$38,013*$46,794$24,780*0.65
National Median—$39,252*—$25,000*0.64
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Marian University, approximately 32% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.