Security Science and Technology at Syracuse University

At $31,750 in first-year earnings, Syracuse's Security Science and Technology program trails both the national median ($39,252) and New York's state median ($35,582) by significant margins. That's roughly $8,000 less than you'd expect nationally and $4,000 below what peers at other New York schools earn. Among the 17 programs in New York, Syracuse lands at the 40th percentile—meaning six out of ten comparable programs deliver better outcomes. CUNY John Jay, for instance, produces graduates earning $44,092 in their first year, nearly 40% more than Syracuse grads.

The $27,000 debt load is moderate but creates an uncomfortable 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio when paired with those lower earnings. Your child would owe nearly a full year's salary, making loan payments tight in those early years. The program's 16th percentile national ranking is particularly striking given Syracuse's 42% admission rate and 1351 average SAT score—this is a selective university where students should reasonably expect better returns.

For a security-focused degree, CUNY John Jay or Farmingdale State College both offer substantially stronger earnings trajectories at likely lower total costs. If Syracuse is the target for other reasons—campus culture, specific faculty, or connections—understand you're paying a premium that doesn't translate to labor market advantage in this particular field.