Location: Birmingham, AL•In-State Tuition: $8,832•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,864•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1251
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,252
Est. from national median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,324
Est. from national median (18 programs)

Analysis

Is a specialized security degree worth pursuing when earnings projections sit near $39,000? That figure comes from peer security science programs nationwide, and it suggests a field where technical credentials don't immediately translate to high starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 looks manageable on paper—you'd owe about seven months' salary—but that assumes steady employment in a niche field where job markets can be location-dependent.

The Alabama picture adds a wrinkle. Jacksonville State's security program reports actual graduate earnings of just $27,926, roughly $11,000 below the national benchmark UAB's program is estimated against. That gap might reflect regional salary differences, or it could signal that Alabama's security job market simply pays less than the national average. Either way, if your child stays in-state after graduation, they may face earnings closer to Jacksonville State's outcomes than to the $39,000 estimate.

The practical concern: security science is specialized enough that career pivoting gets harder if the field doesn't pan out. With only three Alabama schools offering this degree, the state's security sector may be small, potentially requiring relocation for better opportunities. Before committing, your child should connect with UAB's program to understand actual graduate placement rates and starting salaries for recent classes—those real numbers matter more than any estimate can tell you.

Where University of Alabama at Birmingham Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Alabama at Birmingham (estimated ±10%)Other security science and technology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$39,252*—$24,324*—
Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville$12,426$27,926*—$24,250*0.87
National Median—$39,252*—$25,000*0.64
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Customs and Border Protection Officers

Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Alabama at Birmingham, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.