Security Science and Technology at Southern Wesleyan University

Based on comparable security technology programs nationwide, graduates typically start around $39,000—a figure that barely justifies the estimated $27,000 in debt from Southern Wesleyan. While this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 isn't catastrophic, it means your child would owe nearly nine months of their first year's salary, making those initial years after graduation financially tight. Security technology roles do exist in South Carolina, but starting salaries in this field rarely break $45,000 even at the top end nationally, meaning substantial income growth shouldn't be the expectation.

The lack of reported outcomes—here or at most security science programs—is itself revealing. With only 41 schools nationally reporting earnings data despite nearly 200 offering the major, this suggests many programs graduate very few students, raising questions about both job market demand and institutional commitment to the field. Southern Wesleyan's open admissions and modest test scores don't necessarily hurt here, since security technology emphasizes certifications and practical skills over academic pedigree, but the estimated debt is still concerning for an entry-level salary that doesn't create much financial breathing room.

If your child is interested in cybersecurity or information protection, investigate whether Southern Wesleyan's program leads to industry certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP) that employers actually value. Without those credentials built in, $27,000 in debt for a degree whose outcomes remain uncertain is a risky bet when alternative paths—including community college followed by transfer or direct certification programs—could cost significantly less.