Security Science and Technology at Salve Regina University

With earnings at $91,193 and debt of just $27,000, Salve Regina's Security Science certificate appears to deliver exceptional value—but there's an important catch. Only nine schools nationwide offer this specialized credential, and with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers might reflect a handful of high earners rather than a reliable pattern. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 looks attractive on paper, putting graduates in position to manage their loans comfortably if these earnings hold up.

The percentile rankings tell a contradictory story worth examining. While this program sits at the 95th percentile nationally, it only reaches the 60th percentile within Rhode Island—which makes more sense when you realize there are just two schools offering this certificate in the state. The "national ranking" is essentially comparing Salve Regina against a tiny pool of competitors. For context, this is a niche post-baccalaureate program likely attracting students who already have careers in security or defense sectors, which may explain the strong starting salary.

The real question is whether your child fits the specific profile this program serves. If they're pivoting into cybersecurity or defense contracting with an existing bachelor's degree, the numbers suggest solid upside. If they're considering this as a first credential or career exploration, the small sample size means you're essentially taking a bet on very limited data.