Location: Charleston, WV•In-State Tuition: $32,842•Admission Rate: 65%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,255
Est. from WV median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

A $27,000 debt load may sound manageable, but when you're earning an estimated $44,255 in your first year—based on what comparable security science programs produce in West Virginia—you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. That's workable but not generous, meaning loan payments will take a noticeable bite out of early paychecks. The estimated earnings here match the state median and sit at the 75th percentile nationally for this field, which suggests the program could be positioning graduates competitively, though we're inferring this from peer programs rather than verified outcomes from Charleston graduates themselves.

What complicates the picture is that American Public University System's security science program shows significantly higher reported earnings at nearly $50,000, while Charleston's estimates track closer to the state average. Whether this gap reflects differences in curriculum focus, employer networks, or the types of roles graduates pursue isn't clear from the data. The debt estimate comes from national medians across similar private nonprofit schools, so individual borrowing could vary considerably based on financial aid packages and family contribution.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether the estimated outcomes justify the cost when other West Virginia programs show a range of results. Press the school directly for placement rates, specific employer partnerships, and what percentage of recent graduates are working in security roles versus adjacent fields—those concrete details matter more than these broad estimates when you're deciding where to spend tuition dollars.

Where University of Charleston Stands

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

University of Charleston (estimated ±10%)Other security science and technology programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of CharlestonCharleston$32,842$44,255*—$27,000*—
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$49,622*$42,158$32,294*0.65
West Virginia University Institute of TechnologyBeckley$8,064$44,255*$52,528$24,324*0.55
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown$9,648$44,255*$52,528$24,324*0.55
Glenville State UniversityGlenville$9,412$38,237*$40,515$29,750*0.78
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 Charleston, approximately 29% 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 median of 4 similar programs in WV. Actual outcomes may vary.