Location: San Antonio, TX•In-State Tuition: $35,660•Admission Rate: 93%•Avg SAT: 1042
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,252
Est. from national median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

A $27,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $39,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69—well within the conventional 1.0 threshold that financial aid counselors consider reasonable. But here's the catch: both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally, since UIW's Security Science cohorts are too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. Similar bachelor's programs across the country typically produce starting salaries in this range, suggesting the field itself offers modest but stable entry-level compensation.

What complicates the picture is Texas-specific data. Among the seven schools offering this program in-state, the median first-year salary drops to just $31,000—substantially below the national figure. Texas A&M's graduates start around $39,000, but UTEP's earn only $23,500, illustrating how widely outcomes vary even within the same state and credential. For a field focused on security systems, risk management, and protective technology, these numbers suggest a profession that doesn't command premium starting wages, even as cyber threats and security concerns grow.

The bottom line: this appears financially viable on paper, with debt that graduates could reasonably manage. But you're relying entirely on national estimates since UIW hasn't produced enough graduates to generate its own track record. Before committing, your child should compare this to UIW's actual outcomes in related fields like criminal justice or IT, which may offer clearer data and similar career pathways.

Where University of the Incarnate Word Stands

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

University of the Incarnate Word (estimated ±10%)Other security science and technology programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio$35,660$39,252*—$27,000*—
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$38,792*$59,784—*—
The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso$9,744$23,495*—$25,432*1.08
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 the Incarnate Word, approximately 43% 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 national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.