Security Science and Technology at University of Central Missouri

Security-focused bachelor's degrees nationally produce first-year earnings around $39,000, and peer programs suggest University of Central Missouri's graduates would fall in that range. With estimated debt of $24,324, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 sits in manageable territory—graduates would owe roughly seven months of first-year salary. That's reasonable by most standards, though not exceptional given this is a four-year degree in a specialized field.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Only 196 schools nationally offer this bachelor's program, and the data for UCM's specific outcomes is suppressed due to small sample sizes. That means we're relying on national benchmarks from similar programs rather than knowing what UCM's actual graduates earn or owe. Security science spans everything from cybersecurity to physical security management, and career trajectories vary widely depending on which specialization students pursue and what credentials or clearances they obtain post-graduation.

For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if your child is genuinely interested in security careers and understands which sector they're targeting. But you're making this decision with limited visibility into how UCM's specific program performs—whether its industry connections, curriculum, or graduate network produce better or worse outcomes than the national average. Before committing, verify the program's placement record and alumni outcomes directly with the department, since the federal data can't tell you what you need to know.