Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations at Maryville University of Saint Louis

Maryville's Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations program delivers exactly what you'd expect: middle-of-the-pack earnings with debt that's manageable but not exceptional. At $61,299 one year out, graduates hit the national median precisely, while carrying $22,250 in debt—about $2,700 less than the typical program nationally. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means borrowing roughly 4.3 months of first-year salary, which is reasonable territory.

The Missouri context is worth noting here. This program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, though only two Missouri schools offer this specialized degree, so the comparison is limited. What's more telling is how Maryville compares to top programs nationally: graduates here earn about $3,200 less than the 75th percentile. For a highly technical field tied to defense and cybersecurity work, that gap isn't huge but suggests this program isn't opening doors to the highest-paying positions in the sector.

The real question is location and connections. At 94% admission rate, Maryville is accessible, and with over a third of students on Pell grants, it serves students who need an affordable path into this field. If your child is committed to intelligence or defense work and you're Missouri residents, the debt level won't be crushing. But if they're considering similar programs at schools with stronger government or military placement networks, those connections might justify a modest increase in cost.