Criminology at California State University-Fresno

The big story here isn't where graduates start—it's where they end up. While Fresno State criminology graduates earn just $31,224 in their first year (well below the $37,476 national median), four years out they're making $40,745, representing 31% earnings growth. That trajectory matters more than the slow start, especially when paired with remarkably low debt of just $10,773—less than half the state median and a fraction of the $25,000 national benchmark.

What makes this program compelling is the debt picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates can pay off their loans quickly even during those lean first years. Among California's 11 criminology programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings—roughly middle of the pack—but the minimal debt burden means these graduates aren't stuck in a financial hole while building their careers. The 96% admission rate and 56% Pell grant rate suggest this program serves many first-generation and lower-income students who need affordable pathways into criminal justice careers.

The tradeoff is clear: you're accepting below-average starting pay for a manageable debt load and decent growth potential. If your child can live at home or keep expenses low during those early career years, the math works. The program won't launch them into high-paying federal positions immediately, but it won't saddle them with crushing debt either.