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Security Science and Technology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Security Science and Technology programs under $20,000 show remarkable cost variation, with CUNY John Jay College delivering education for just $3,046 while maintaining a solid 55.50% graduation rate. This New York institution stands out in a field where many affordable options cluster in Puerto Rico through the Inter American University system, which offers multiple campuses with consistent $5,580 tuition rates. The earnings gap tells an important story too, ranging from $13,702 to $33,459 for graduates in this field. Federal agencies like TSA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security actively recruit security professionals nationwide, creating steady demand for graduates who understand both technology systems and threat assessment. Eastern New Mexico University breaks the geographic pattern with a 27.55% acceptance rate, far more selective than typical programs in this price range. Students can access quality security education across varied settings, from urban crime labs in New York to specialized technology training in smaller markets, all while keeping debt manageable in a field where practical skills often matter more than prestige.
50
Programs
$3,046 – $14,368
Net Price Range
$34,372
Avg. Program Earnings
47.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Security Science and Technology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
3 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
4 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
5 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
6 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
7 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
8 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
9 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
10 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
11 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
12 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
13 $8,932 $5,580 39.4% 47.0%
14 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
15 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
16 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
17 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
18 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
19 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
20 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
21 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
22 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
23 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
24 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
25 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
26 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
27 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
28 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
29 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
30 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
31 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
32 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
33 $12,233 $26,110 44.4% 97.0%
34 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
35 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
36 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
37 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
38 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
39 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
40 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
41 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
42 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
43 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
44 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
45 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
46 $14,072 $7,986 40.2% 55.4%
47 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
48 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
49 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
50 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY John Jay College so much more affordable than other Security Science programs?

CUNY John Jay College offers the lowest net price at $3,046 due to New York's substantial state funding for public universities and the college's focus on criminal justice education. The school maintains strong industry connections in New York City, where federal agencies and private security firms actively recruit graduates. With a 55.50% graduation rate and $33,459 median earnings, students get excellent return on investment. The college's urban location also provides internship opportunities with NYPD, FBI field offices, and corporate security departments.

How do Puerto Rico's Inter American University campuses compare for Security Science education?

Inter American University operates seven campuses offering Security Science programs, all with consistent $5,580 tuition but varying graduation rates from 31.60% to 43.10%. The Ponce campus leads with a 43.10% graduation rate, while students there graduate with just $5,550 in debt on average. Bayamon campus graduates earn a median of $14,164, reflecting the local job market in Puerto Rico. These campuses provide bilingual education advantages for students planning to work in federal agencies or international security roles.

Is Eastern New Mexico University worth considering despite its 27.55% acceptance rate?

Eastern New Mexico University's 27.55% acceptance rate makes it the most selective affordable option, suggesting rigorous academic standards in their Security Science program. Students pay $6,199 net price with a 39.80% graduation rate, positioning it as a middle-tier option academically and financially. The rural Portales location provides unique training opportunities related to border security and agricultural protection. This selectivity often indicates smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from faculty with real-world security experience.

What explains the wide earnings gap between Security Science graduates at different schools?

Earnings range from $13,702 at Inter American University-Aguadilla to $33,459 at CUNY John Jay College, largely reflecting regional job markets and specialization areas. New York graduates typically access higher-paying federal positions and corporate security roles in finance and technology sectors. Puerto Rico graduates often start in local government or private security, where wages align with the island's economy. Geographic mobility after graduation significantly impacts earning potential, as mainland security positions generally offer higher compensation than island-based roles.

Does the Security Science field justify these program costs given current job market demand?

The security industry continues expanding due to cybersecurity threats, infrastructure protection needs, and regulatory compliance requirements across industries. Programs under $20,000 provide accessible entry points into a field where certifications and experience often matter more than expensive degrees. Graduates can pursue roles in airport security, corporate risk management, government agencies, and private investigation with median debt loads remaining manageable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in security-related occupations, supporting the investment in these affordable programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.