Security Science and Technologyat The University of Texas at El Paso
Graduates earn $23,495/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Security Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $625K; scenarios range from $556K to $635K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UTEP
The earnings data for UTEP's Security Science and Technology program highlight the profound impact of regional labor markets. While security fields nationally can command high salaries, El Paso's economy, heavily influenced by government agencies like Customs and Border Protection or the needs of Fort Bliss, often shapes compensation differently for entry-level roles. Many graduates likely find fulfilling work in these crucial public service sectors or physical security roles, which offer stability but may not match the tech-sector salaries found in major urban hubs. The program's accessible nature also means a diverse range of student career aspirations and starting points. To maximize your earning potential, focus on gaining specific, in-demand certifications in areas like cybersecurity, and be prepared to actively explore opportunities with federal agencies or consider broader geographical markets.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UTEP's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Security Science and Technology
How UTEP stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UTEP
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UTEP, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Security Science and Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Security Science and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Security Science and Technology at UTEP
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Security Science and Technology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
At 51/100, The University of Texas at El Paso's Security Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What's the payoff timeline for a Security Science and Technology degree from The University of Texas at El Paso?
At $24,060 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Security Science and Technology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Texas at El Paso a good choice for Security Science and Technology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at El Paso's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.