Criminology at Avila University

First-year earnings around $37,500 for a criminology bachelor's degree—based on what similar programs nationally produce—create a challenging financial starting point when paired with over $26,000 in estimated debt. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means borrowers could be dedicating roughly 7% of their gross income to loan payments over a standard 10-year plan, which can strain a budget when rent, transportation, and other costs compete for limited dollars.

What's particularly difficult about criminology as a field is how tightly clustered the outcomes tend to be. Looking at peer programs in Missouri, earnings hover in the mid-to-high $30,000s whether you're at Mizzou or Missouri State. Top programs in the state only produce first-year salaries a couple thousand dollars higher than what comparable programs suggest for Avila. This compression means the degree doesn't appear to unlock dramatically different earning potential based on where you earn it—the field itself seems to set the ceiling.

For families considering this path at Avila, the reality is that criminal justice careers often require additional steps after graduation—police academies, graduate degrees for federal roles, or years of experience to reach detective or specialized positions. If your child is passionate about this work, make sure they understand they're likely entering at $35,000-$38,000 annually and should minimize borrowing wherever possible, since the salary trajectory in early years may be modest regardless of where they study.