Security Science and Technology at University of Scranton

Is a specialized security degree from a private Jesuit university worth $27,000 in debt when you could earn similar money in fields requiring far less education? Based on peer programs nationally, this bachelor's degree appears to launch graduates into first-year earnings around $39,000—a figure that falls dramatically short of what comparable programs in Pennsylvania typically produce. Similar security programs in PA suggest median earnings closer to $58,000, meaning University of Scranton graduates may be entering the market at a significant regional disadvantage, though without school-specific data, it's impossible to know if Scranton's Jesuit emphasis on ethics and its location near regional security corridors creates unique value.

The debt burden here isn't catastrophic—at 0.69 times first-year earnings, it's manageable compared to many private school outcomes. But that $27,000 will take years to pay down on a $39,000 salary, especially when other Pennsylvania programs demonstrate that security professionals can command substantially higher starting pay. The gap between what this credential costs and what peer programs suggest it returns becomes harder to justify unless Scranton offers exceptional industry connections or career placement that the suppressed data can't capture.

For parents footing the bill at a selective private institution, you're entitled to ask hard questions: Why are Scranton's security graduates (if the estimates hold) starting so far below the state average? What specific employer relationships or certifications does this program provide? Without clearer evidence that this particular program beats the national curve, you may be paying private school tuition for middle-of-the-pack outcomes.