Criminology at Chatham University

The estimated $27,000 in debt sits right at Pennsylvania's typical level for criminology graduates, while first-year earnings around $37,700 mirror both state and national medians—suggesting this program tracks closely with what similar bachelor's programs deliver across the state. The 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, though it's worth noting that several Pennsylvania programs produce stronger early outcomes, with top performers reaching into the low $40,000s.

The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Because these figures come from comparable Pennsylvania programs rather than Chatham's specific outcomes, your child might do better or worse depending on factors we can't see in this data—internship quality, geographic mobility after graduation, or particular career pathways emphasized. Criminology graduates typically pursue paths in social services, corrections, or criminal justice administration, fields where employer connections and local reputation matter considerably.

Given that Chatham's estimates align with typical outcomes statewide, this appears neither a standout value nor a warning sign. The debt load is reasonable for the field, though the earnings ceiling in criminology tends to limit how quickly graduates can pay down loans. If your child is committed to this career path and Chatham offers specific practicum opportunities or agency partnerships in Pittsburgh, those practical elements may matter more than the median numbers suggest.