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Cheapest Security Science and Technology Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice stands out with a net cost of just $3,046, making it the most affordable Security Science and Technology program by far. The next closest option costs nearly $1,500 more, highlighting how significantly public funding in New York reduces educational expenses. This field has gained momentum as cybersecurity threats have multiplied across government agencies and private corporations, creating demand for graduates who understand both physical and digital security systems. The 15 most affordable programs range from $3,046 to $9,034 in net costs, with several Puerto Rican institutions offering strong value propositions. Graduation rates vary considerably, from 23.6% to 55.5%, suggesting that affordability alone doesn't determine student success. Eastern New Mexico University shows the most selective admissions at 27.55% acceptance, while some programs accept over 90% of applicants. The federal government employs thousands of security professionals in the Northeast corridor, from TSA agents to intelligence analysts, providing clear career paths for graduates willing to relocate to major metropolitan areas.
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 John Jay College so much cheaper than other Security Science programs?

John Jay's $3,046 net cost reflects New York's substantial investment in CUNY system funding and need-based financial aid. The college also serves a high percentage of low-income students, which increases the average aid package significantly. As a public institution with in-state tuition of $7,470, students receive an average of over $4,400 in grants and scholarships. The 55.5% graduation rate is the highest among affordable options, suggesting strong academic support systems.

How do Puerto Rican universities offer such low costs for Security Science programs?

Six Inter American University campuses appear in the top 15 most affordable programs, with net costs between $7,382 and $9,034. These private nonprofit institutions benefit from federal Pell Grant eligibility and lower operational costs compared to mainland universities. The $5,580 base tuition across most Inter American campuses creates consistency, while varying local aid packages affect final net costs. Graduation rates range from 31.6% to 43.1% across these campuses.

Is the earnings potential worth the low program costs?

Graduate earnings vary dramatically, from $13,702 at Inter American Aguadilla to $33,459 at John Jay College. The lower earnings figures likely reflect part-time employment or regional salary differences in Puerto Rico versus New York. Students at John Jay carry $15,500 in average debt but earn nearly 2.4 times more than some graduates from cheaper programs. The debt-to-income ratio becomes important when evaluating long-term financial outcomes.

Does selectivity correlate with program quality in affordable Security Science programs?

Eastern New Mexico University accepts just 27.55% of applicants but has a 39.8% graduation rate, while EDP San Sebastian accepts 90.08% with a 37.3% completion rate. John Jay's 50.66% acceptance rate produces the highest graduation rate at 55.5%, suggesting balanced admissions standards. The most selective programs don't necessarily produce better outcomes, indicating that institutional support matters more than exclusivity. Some universities prioritize access over selectivity while maintaining reasonable completion rates.

Where do graduates find employment after completing these affordable programs?

Security Science graduates typically work for federal agencies, private security firms, or technology companies requiring clearances. The Northeast corridor offers the most government opportunities, with agencies like DHS and FBI headquartered near John Jay College. Regional salary differences explain why New York graduates earn $33,459 compared to $13,702 in Puerto Rico. Many graduates also pursue additional certifications in cybersecurity or physical security management to increase earning potential.

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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.