Analysis
A $24,300 debt load against $39,250 in first-year earnings—both figures derived from peer programs nationally—produces a ratio that looks manageable on paper. Security Science and Technology graduates from comparable bachelor's programs typically start near the $39,000-$40,000 range, and this estimated debt burden is slightly below the national program median. For a field that blends cybersecurity, emergency management, and homeland security concerns, these numbers suggest a reasonable entry point, though they don't capture what happens as professionals gain certifications and specialized experience.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only four programs in Georgia and no reported outcomes from any of them, parents are working with educated guesses rather than concrete track records. Savannah State serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (65%), and while security-focused careers often provide stable government and corporate pathways, we can't verify how this specific program's graduates fare in the regional job market around Savannah or whether alumni successfully transition into federal positions that could accelerate earnings.
The debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.7 is encouraging, but treat these estimates as a starting hypothesis rather than a promise. Before committing, your family should investigate placement rates directly with the department, connect with recent graduates if possible, and understand what credentials or clearances the program helps students obtain—those practical details matter more than estimated benchmarks when the actual data remains suppressed.
Where Savannah State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,498 | $39,252* | — | $24,324* | — | |
| $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 Savannah State University, approximately 65% 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.