Location: Nevada, MO•In-State Tuition: $26,209•Admission Rate: 66%•Avg SAT: 1190
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,476
Est. from national median (111 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,027
Est. from national median (52 programs)

Analysis

Cottey College's small criminology program lacks specific graduate outcomes, but national peer data suggests a debt load around $26,000 against first-year earnings near $37,500. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, though it's not exceptional. Similar criminology programs across Missouri produce earnings between $36,000 and $38,000, placing Cottey's estimated trajectory right in the middle of the pack.

The challenge here is predictability. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants and modest SAT scores averaging 1190, Cottey serves a population where every dollar of debt matters more. Criminology careers—probation officers, victim advocates, crime analysts—offer stability but rarely command premium salaries early on. The estimated $26,000 debt burden means monthly payments around $290 on a standard plan, which will claim roughly 9-10% of gross monthly income based on comparable program outcomes.

For families considering this program, the uncertainty cuts both ways. Cottey could outperform these estimates if it has strong local law enforcement connections or career placement support, or underperform if graduates struggle to find relevant positions in rural Missouri. Before committing, verify actual job placement rates and talk to recent graduates about their outcomes. The numbers suggest manageable debt, but without school-specific data, you're essentially betting on Cottey matching what similar programs deliver elsewhere.

Where Cottey College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally

Cottey College (estimated ±10%)Other criminology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Cottey CollegeNevada$26,209$37,476*—$26,027*—
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis$13,440$38,207*$45,065$22,801*0.60
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield$9,024$36,185*$41,726$24,187*0.67
National Median—$37,476*—$25,000*0.67
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

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.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cottey College, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 111 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.