Security Science and Technology at Seattle University

Seattle University's Security Science and Technology program starts graduates at $37,557—below the national median but actually matching the Washington state median. Here's the complication: Seattle University is the only institution in Washington offering this degree, making meaningful state comparisons impossible. The 60th percentile state ranking is an artifact of the limited data, not a genuine competitive position.

The debt load of $20,750 sits well below the national median of $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. That means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—not ideal, but workable. However, the earnings figure itself raises questions. $37,557 in Seattle, where the cost of living runs well above the national average, provides less purchasing power than the same salary would elsewhere. For a program in the security technology field, where technical expertise typically commands stronger starting salaries, these numbers suggest graduates may be entering support roles rather than technical positions.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so a few outliers could skew the picture significantly. If your child is considering this program, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. The real question is whether this specific program at Seattle University offers specialized training or connections in security technology that justify the tuition, given that similar degrees at other institutions—even out of state—might offer better earnings trajectories.