Security Science and Technology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The small sample size here demands caution, but the numbers tell a story worth understanding. UNL's Security Science and Technology graduates start at just $29,231—roughly $10,000 below the state median and trailing far behind Bellevue University's $42,000. That's a significant gap, especially when you're carrying nearly $27,000 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 means your child would owe almost a full year's starting salary, which creates real financial pressure in those early career years.

The 65% earnings growth to year four shows the trajectory improves substantially, reaching $48,278. That's a meaningful jump that surpasses both state and national medians by a comfortable margin. This suggests the program may serve as a stepping stone to better positions, but those first few years look challenging. For a program at Nebraska's flagship university, ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide (with only one competitor) raises questions about whether students are being adequately prepared or connected to the strongest job opportunities in the field.

If your child is set on this program, understand they're likely facing a tough financial start that takes several years to overcome. The small sample size means outcomes could vary widely from what's shown here. Given Bellevue's stronger immediate placement, it's worth a serious comparison—or considering whether a different program at UNL might offer better returns.