Security Science and Technology at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,926/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (385,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 41 Security Science and Technology programs

Program Analysis

While the Security Science and Technology field offers high earning potential nationally, the outcomes for graduates from Jacksonville State suggest a strong regional influence on early career trajectories. This program likely provides a robust foundation, but the local economy around Jacksonville, Alabama, may not present the same density of high-paying cybersecurity or advanced tech roles found in major metropolitan tech hubs. Instead, you'll likely find opportunities in regional businesses, government agencies, or local law enforcement, where the compensation structure differs from large private sector tech firms. This can mean starting in broader IT support roles with security responsibilities, or positions focused more on physical security management or compliance within local institutions. To maximize your earning potential, consider actively seeking internships or entry-level positions in larger cities or specializing early in a high-demand niche like cloud security or incident response, even if it means relocating post-graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Security Science and Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $434K $438K $418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.7x 8.8x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 23%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,704
Out-of-state: $90,864 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,400
-20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 7,030 students in Jacksonville, AL. 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Jacksonville State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Information security analysts $124,910/yr
Computer occupations, all other $108,970/yr
View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Security Science and Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Jacksonville State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Security Science and Technology at Jacksonville State University?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Security Science and Technology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Security Science and Technology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $418,091 in decade earnings vs $433,980 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Security Science and Technology from Jacksonville State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →