Location: Murfreesboro, TN•In-State Tuition: $9,506•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,042•Admission Rate: 68%•Avg SAT: 1119
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,956
54th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$24,324
Est. from national median (18 programs)
Sample: 21 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Middle Tennessee State's Security Science and Technology program sits right in the middle of the pack nationally, with first-year earnings of $39,956 matching both the Tennessee state median and landing just above the $39,252 national median for this degree. While the debt figure is estimated based on other programs at MTSU rather than this program's actual graduates, the $24,324 estimate produces a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly 61% of their first-year salary.

The practical challenge here is less about the numbers and more about what's missing. Security Science is a relatively specialized field with only 196 programs nationwide, and the fact that this program's graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish debt data suggests small cohort sizes. That could mean limited alumni networks and less established employer pipelines, though it might also indicate a niche program with dedicated faculty attention. The estimated debt based on peer programs at MTSU provides a reasonable planning figure, but parents should verify actual aid packages and consider that outcomes could vary significantly from these estimates.

For a family evaluating this investment, the earnings are solid but not exceptional—roughly $40,000 is a reasonable starting point for a security-focused bachelor's degree. Request information directly from the department about recent graduate employment outcomes, typical career paths, and whether most students need graduate credentials to advance in this field.

Where Middle Tennessee State University Stands

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

Middle Tennessee State University (estimated ±10%)Other security science and technology programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Middle Tennessee State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Middle Tennessee State University earns $40k — 54th 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 Debt*Debt/Earnings
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$39,956—$24,324*—
Champlain CollegeBurlington$45,550$70,586$80,946$29,080*0.41
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township$34,940$69,872$80,106$27,000*0.39
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$58,249—$20,693*0.36
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$55,259—$19,500*0.35
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottPrescott$42,204$55,259—$19,500*0.35
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 Middle Tennessee State University, approximately 31% 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.