Security Science and Technology at Seton Hill University

Borrowing $27,000 to earn an estimated $39,000 in the first year might sound reasonable—and by national security science standards, it is. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 falls comfortably within the manageable range, and similar programs across the country typically produce first-year outcomes in this ballpark. However, Pennsylvania tells a different story. The state median for security science graduates sits at nearly $58,000, with programs like Robert Morris consistently placing graduates above $65,000. That's a $18,000 gap that compounds over a career.

The climb to $46,000 by year four shows positive momentum, but even that trails what many PA graduates earn right out of the gate. Security science encompasses everything from cybersecurity to emergency management, and Pennsylvania's concentration of corporate headquarters and government contractors typically means stronger earnings for graduates who can access those networks. Without actual outcomes data for Seton Hill's program specifically, parents should dig into where this program's graduates actually land jobs and whether the curriculum aligns with higher-paying security specializations. The difference between a $40,000 start and a $58,000 start isn't just about patience—it shapes housing choices, loan repayment timelines, and financial independence in your twenties.