Criminology graduates earn $55,556 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,042 and $73,111. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Criminology is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $55,556 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 241 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 10,609 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$37,476
Median Earnings · 4yr
$55,556
Colleges Offering
241
Graduates / Year
10,609
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,355
How Much Do Criminology Graduates Earn?
Criminology graduates earn $55,556 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,042 and $73,111. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $37,476 climbs to $55,556 by year four.
$37,476
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$55,556
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$55,621
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Criminology graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$41,04225th pct.
$55,556Median
$73,11175th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $55,556 and an estimated $61,420 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.
Based on outcomes from 222 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 10,609 students who complete Criminology programs each year, the majority (90%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
90%
Bachelor's90%
Master's8%
Associate's2%
What Can You Do With a Criminology Degree?
Criminology connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers leads at $76,590/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Top Colleges for Criminology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Criminology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Criminology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Criminology shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $55,556 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $37,476 at graduation to $55,556 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growthTop related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Criminology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Criminology graduates earn?
Criminology graduates earn a national median of $55,556 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,042 and $73,111. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Criminology degree?
One year after graduation, Criminology degree holders earn a median of $37,476. That climbs to $55,556 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Criminology degree?
Criminology degree holders pursue careers including Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, which pays a median of $76,590/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Criminology program take?
A Criminology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Criminology?
241 colleges and universities in the United States offer Criminology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Criminology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $55,556 and an average net price of roughly $15,355/yr, a Criminology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Criminology and Social Sciences?
Criminology is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Criminology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Criminology graduates?
Employers hiring Criminology graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Related Social Sciences Programs
Other programs in Social Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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