You're living on the wrong side of the country:

Averages in the beltway
Digital Forensic Analyst With Security Clearance in McLean, VA (average salary $104,000)
http://www.indeed.com/salary/q-Digital-Forensic-Analyst-With-Security-Clearance-l-McLean,-VA.html

Forensic Clearance in McLean, VA ($98,000)
http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Forensic+Clearance&l1=McLean%2C+VA

Forensic Engineer With Security Clearance in Fort Bragg, NC $81,000
http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Forensic+Engineer+With+Security+Clearance&l1=Fort+Bragg%2C+NC

Senior Digital Forensic Analyst With Security Clearance in McLean, VA $92,000 Low Confidence (less than 75 sources)
http://www.indeed.com/salary/q-Senior-Digital-Forensic-Analyst-With-Security-Clearance-l-McLean,-VA.html

So here is the reality of it whether some choose to ignore or realize this... A BA in CompSci is not all that it is cracked up to be. In 1999 (over 10 years ago!!!) I had just broke 100k without the degree, without any certifications at all. Granted it was the dotcom daze, the money was around then and it still is around now.

The issue with trying to learn most of the useful security groundwork is, it changes daily, There will be no college capable of supporting this. So programs/curricula needs to change rapidly otherwise what you learned at the beginning of your freshmen year is worthless. Same goes for certain certain certs. While I have never been a fan of SANS, I do respect the fact that their course content remains fresh. This is more worthwhile in the long run when you hit the real world.

College vs. say SANS cert route:

Learning
College - find a good school, hope your tuition isn't sky high. Learn decades old frameworks and theories.

SANS - two solid years in either a red or blue route. Learning cutting edge concepts and techniques that are applied in the real world.

Benefits
College - parties, parties, dorms, parties

SANS - network with people in the industry. Get to see what others do, where others work.

Costs
College - depends on the school. Let's average this to 4k per semester
SANS - depends on what you do... We can average this to say 3-4k per course

At the end of it all, which candidate do you think would have the upper hand here? The college graduate or the SANS student? I know people who've slept their way through college. I highly doubt you will find the same when it comes to someone who is SANS certified. Anyway, back to topic... I suggest you look outside of your state if money is your theme. Your area seems to be lacking on the payscale. 'Round these parts (metro Tri-State: NY, NJ, CT) we start at about 75k for intro security jobs.

I am open to move.  Since I was in the Navy I am used to moving frequently.

Since my BA is in Forensics and Security I have the option to do either one.  Which one do I choose.  Forensics. 

I don't want to me a help desk monkey.  Maybe to begin  but would need to be in writing that I move within a yr. 

I do have an Forensics internship that I've had for 6 months.  So I do have some experience to back up the BA and certs. 

My buddy and I went to the same "A" school as a welder and were in the same shop.  So hypothetically I could go be a welder in the shipyards for 60K but I don't enjoy welding.

Sil,

I understand your point but i just don't want to undersell myself when clearances are so hard to get.  I am attending the SANS 408 & 508 and then also the Infosec CEH.  I hope with these as well as my ACE (Access Data) and my EnCase I can get a good paying job.

On the other hand, General Dynamics has a lot of really cool projects going on. If you spent some time working a job that may or may not be all that great, there are a ton of opportunities within GD once you've proven yourself.

Food for thought...

I am working two jobs.  My FT job and then also my internship and school.  I am paying for these classes out of my own pocket.  I think I am taking these course to help me with the fundementals of Forensics and Security moee than what school taught me.  So those tough questions I face in an interview I will know what they are and be bale to answer them correctly and then hopefully land the job.

Anyone else?

The question is what are you going to be doing, and what is the pool of qualified individuals for  that position in that location.

First strike out any qualifications above your job level. Then look at the competition. And of course, I dont know how contracting, or whatever you are doing works, but you may be able to get a raise later on down the line.

And perhaps most importantly, you are needed. you are doing a job that your nation needs you to do. I would think twice about turning that down because of my self worth, but that is me.

Tell them you're really interested in the position, and try to negotiate a higher pay.