Security Science and Technology at University of Southern Mississippi

The earnings trajectory here tells an unusual story: first-year graduates of similar Security Science programs nationally earn around $39,000, but by year four, this program's graduates are making less—$34,638. That backward slide is rare and concerning, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance or find themselves in roles that don't value this specialized training over time.

With an estimated $24,000 in debt based on typical borrowing at Southern Miss, the initial debt ratio of 0.62 looks manageable. But when earnings actually decline rather than grow, that seemingly reasonable debt load becomes harder to service. Most bachelor's degree holders see their incomes rise substantially in those early career years—here, the opposite appears true. Whether that's due to the niche nature of security science roles in Mississippi's job market or broader issues with how employers value this credential isn't clear from the data alone.

For parents considering this investment, the key question is whether their child has concrete connections to employers who value this degree. The program's nearly open admission and the fact that it serves a high percentage of Pell-eligible students suggests it may be designed for working adults or students with existing security clearances who need the credential for advancement. Without that context, spending $24,000 for a degree where earnings peak immediately after graduation—and then decline—is a risky proposition.