Security Science and Technology at Piedmont University

Security science programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $39,000, and Piedmont's graduates likely fall within that range. With an estimated $27,000 in debt—slightly above the national median for this field—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 sits in manageable territory. That's about eight months of gross income, meaning graduates could realistically pay down this debt within a few years if they stay focused on it.

The challenge is that security science encompasses everything from cybersecurity to emergency management to homeland security roles, and career trajectories vary wildly depending on which path a graduate pursues. Federal security positions often require additional clearances or certifications, while private-sector roles may demand technical skills beyond what a bachelor's degree provides. The relatively low first-year earnings suggest many graduates start in entry-level positions, though advancement potential exists for those who specialize effectively.

Given that 41% of Piedmont students receive Pell grants and the school serves a largely Georgia population, this program works best for students with a clear career target in mind—someone who knows whether they're aiming for TSA, corporate security management, or cybersecurity analysis. The debt load won't sink them, but the $39,000 starting salary won't provide much cushion either. If your child is genuinely interested in security work and understands which specific career they're preparing for, this represents a reasonable financial risk. Without that clarity, other fields might offer better returns.