Security Science and Technology at St. Mary's University

Based on comparable Security Science and Technology programs nationally, St. Mary's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $39,000—a figure that notably exceeds the Texas state median of $31,000 and approaches what Texas A&M grads in this field report earning. With estimated debt of $27,000, the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests a manageable financial burden, roughly equivalent to two-thirds of a year's salary.

What makes this estimate more reliable is that it aligns well with both national and state benchmarks for the field. Security Science programs generally produce modest but stable starting salaries, and St. Mary's accessible admission profile (89% acceptance rate, substantial Pell population) suggests students aren't paying private school premiums for credentials they could obtain elsewhere. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable for a bachelor's degree, particularly in a technical field with clear career pathways in cybersecurity, risk management, and corporate security.

For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers point toward a viable outcome: your graduate should earn enough in year one to service their loans without severe financial strain. However, since these figures draw from peer programs rather than St. Mary's actual outcomes, verify the school's career placement services and employer connections in the San Antonio security sector—those practical supports matter more when you're working with projections rather than proven results.