Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 sits in reasonable territory, but this program's estimated $39,000 first-year salary deserves scrutiny. Peer security science programs nationally produce similar outcomes—the median hovers right at this same figure—which suggests a field where entry-level compensation remains modest regardless of where you study. At $27,000 in estimated debt (drawn from other bachelor's programs at Saint Anselm), graduates would face monthly loan payments around $300, consuming roughly 9% of gross income. That's manageable but leaves little cushion for someone earning less than $40,000.
The challenge here is that security science sits at an intersection of criminal justice, technology, and emergency management—a niche that can lead to rewarding careers in homeland security, cybersecurity coordination, or corporate risk assessment, but where entry positions often require additional certifications or clearances before salaries climb. Even at the 75th percentile nationally, programs in this field only reach $44,000 in first-year earnings. For a private college education, these numbers suggest you're not paying a premium that translates to measurably better outcomes than state schools or specialized security programs.
If your child is committed to this career path, verify what Saint Anselm specifically offers in internship placements, clearance facilitation, or industry connections that justify the investment. The field itself doesn't reward credentials with high early salaries, so the school's network becomes the differentiator worth paying for.
Where Saint Anselm College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,810 | $39,252* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $45,550 | $70,586* | $80,946 | $29,080* | 0.41 | |
| $34,940 | $69,872* | $80,106 | $27,000* | 0.39 | |
| $5,656 | $58,249* | — | $20,693* | 0.36 | |
| $42,304 | $55,259* | — | $19,500* | 0.35 | |
| $42,204 | $55,259* | — | $19,500* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $39,252* | — | $25,000* | 0.64 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates
Information Security Analysts
Geographers
Financial Examiners
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Customs and Border Protection Officers
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 Saint Anselm College, approximately 11% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.