Security Science and Technology at Texas A&M University-College Station

Starting at $38,792 in first-year earnings, this security science program performs solidly within Texas—outpacing the state median of $31,144 by nearly $8,000—though nationally it lands in the middle of the pack. The estimated $24,324 in debt suggests a manageable burden, translating to roughly eight months of first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a specialized technical degree, particularly when graduates see earnings jump 54% by year four, reaching nearly $60,000.

What makes this program interesting is the trajectory rather than the starting salary. While some security programs nationwide push students above $44,000 initially, the growth curve here suggests Texas A&M's approach builds deeper technical skills that command better pay mid-career. Since only seven Texas schools offer this major, the competitive landscape is limited—and A&M's Aggie network likely opens doors that smaller programs can't match.

The caveat: these figures come from peer institutions since A&M's graduate cohort was too small for the DOE to report. Similar security programs at comparable universities produced these outcomes, but your child's experience could differ. For a parent weighing this investment, the debt-to-earnings ratio looks sound and the four-year numbers suggest real career momentum. If your student is genuinely interested in cybersecurity or physical security systems—fields with growing demand—this appears to be a path where the math works out.