Security Science and Technology at University of Central Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma's Security Science and Technology program sits right at the state median for earnings, but that's partly because Oklahoma has limited options in this field—just two schools offer this bachelor's degree. More telling is the national comparison: graduates here earn slightly below the national median ($38,710 vs. $39,252), placing them at the 43rd percentile nationally. The debt load of $23,350 is actually lower than the national median, giving this program a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.6—graduates typically owe about seven months' salary, which is manageable.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, climbing 9% to $42,303 by year four. While that's not dramatic growth, it's headed in the right direction. The program serves a substantial population of Pell Grant students (35% across the university), suggesting it provides access to security careers for working-class families. However, starting at $38,710 is fairly modest for a technical field, and even after four years, earnings remain below what many other security-related programs achieve nationally.

For Oklahoma families, this represents a viable pathway into security work without crushing debt. The relatively affordable price and manageable repayment burden make it worth considering, especially if your student prefers to stay in-state. Just recognize that higher-earning security programs exist elsewhere if you're willing to look beyond state borders.