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Security Science and Technology at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,255/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (385,400 openings/yr)

ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #9 of 41 Security Science and Technology programs Top 25%

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	$521K	$519K	$478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.5x	13.5x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.7x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	34%	32%	23%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	60	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,592

Out-of-state: $109,440 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,988

-35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,121

6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,315

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,255 per year, Security Science and Technology graduates from West Virginia University earn slightly above the $40,284 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Security Science and Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,121 against $44,255/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

West Virginia University ranks #9 among 41 Security Science and Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 25% earnings increase from $44,255 to $55,315 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About West Virginia University

With 86% of applicants admitted, West Virginia University prioritizes broad access, serving 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia 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 West Virginia University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Security Science and Technology at West Virginia University?

At 60/100, West Virginia University's Security Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Security Science and Technology at West Virginia University?

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 West Virginia University one of the best schools for Security Science and Technology?

Among 41 Security Science and Technology programs, West Virginia University's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →