Security Science and Technology at Rose State College

Rose State College's Security Science and Technology associate's program reports first-year earnings of $58,988—nearly double the national median of $32,620 for this degree. That's an exceptional return for a two-year program, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. The $10,286 in median debt means graduates earn roughly six times what they owe, one of the strongest debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find at the associate's level. For families looking at affordable pathways into security-related fields, these numbers appear compelling.

However, there's critical context: only two Oklahoma schools offer this program, and this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates. That small sample size means one or two unusually successful (or unsuccessful) graduates could significantly skew the numbers. The 60th state percentile ranking—middle of the pack in Oklahoma—also suggests other factors may be inflating these results. It's possible graduates are bringing prior work experience that boosts their immediate earnings, or that local security employers have specific hiring relationships with the college.

The upside potential is real, but treat these numbers as a signal rather than a guarantee. If your student has genuine interest in security technology and wants an affordable credential, this could work well. Just recognize that with such limited data, actual outcomes could vary considerably from what's shown here.