Criminology at Briar Cliff University

Is a criminology degree from a small private university worth nearly $26,000 in debt? Based on comparable programs at similar institutions nationwide, graduates here would carry slightly more debt than the national median while earning—according to peer programs in Iowa—around $43,000 in their first year. That estimated income sits well above the national median for criminology majors ($37,500) and matches what Iowa's mid-tier programs report, suggesting the state's criminal justice job market offers decent opportunities regardless of which university you attend.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 is manageable by conventional standards, translating to roughly $290 monthly payments on a standard repayment plan—challenging but feasible on a $43,000 salary. However, the caveat matters here: these figures come from other schools' outcomes, not Briar Cliff's actual graduates. The earnings estimate draws from just three Iowa programs, and the debt figure reflects what students typically borrow at private colleges offering this major. Your child's actual experience could differ, particularly since 30% of students here receive Pell grants, indicating the school serves a substantial number of lower-income families who may need to borrow differently.

The practical takeaway: if these estimates hold true, you're looking at a workable investment, but without school-specific data, ask Briar Cliff directly about their criminology graduates' job placement rates and starting salaries. The program's value hinges on whether it actually delivers outcomes comparable to Iowa's public universities at a higher price point.