Security Science and Technology at National University

A bachelor's in Security Science and Technology typically leads to first-year earnings around $39,000 nationally, and National University's program appears to track with that baseline. The estimated $27,000 in debt falls slightly above the national median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69—manageable but tight for a graduate's first year out. With only four schools offering this program in California and none reporting actual outcomes data publicly, parents should recognize they're navigating largely on peer program estimates rather than demonstrated results from this specific institution.

The security field offers clearer pathways than many disciplines—government agencies, corporate security departments, and defense contractors actively recruit these graduates—but the relatively modest starting salary means that $27,000 in loans will require disciplined budgeting early in your child's career. California's higher cost of living compounds this challenge, though security roles often exist in more affordable inland areas rather than exclusively in coastal metros.

The takeaway: This appears to be a standard-performing security program at standard costs, but with no reported data from this school or similar California programs, you're relying entirely on national patterns. If your child has a clear security career goal and can keep borrowing near or below the estimated figure, the debt remains serviceable. Beyond $30,000, the math gets considerably tighter given these earning projections.