Criminology at Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut's criminology program earns above the national median—graduates make about $2,200 more than typical criminology majors across the country. But within Connecticut, it's the weaker option: Central Connecticut State's program produces graduates earning $1,000 more annually. For families comparing in-state options, that gap matters, especially since debt levels are essentially identical between the two schools.

The $25,000 debt burden translates to roughly $280 in monthly payments, which takes a meaningful bite from a $39,700 starting salary. The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming—it's right at the national median for this field—but it does mean financial breathing room will be tight those first few years. Criminology typically doesn't command high starting salaries regardless of where you study, so expectations matter here.

This is a functional choice for students committed to criminology who want the Eastern Connecticut experience or campus environment. The program delivers results slightly better than most schools nationally teach this major. However, families focused purely on return on investment should note that Central Connecticut produces stronger earnings outcomes for similar debt. The deciding factors will likely come down to campus fit, location preference, or program-specific opportunities rather than financial advantage.