Criminology at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson's criminology program demonstrates surprisingly strong momentum, with graduates seeing their earnings jump from $37,619 to $47,200 over four years—a 26% increase that outpaces the typical trajectory for this field. Among New Jersey's limited pool of criminology programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, essentially matching the state median while positioning itself as the joint-highest earner alongside FDU's Florham campus.

The $25,000 in median debt sits right at the national benchmark for criminology programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that improves substantially as graduates gain experience. The first-year salary of $37,619 mirrors both state and national medians almost exactly, but it's the subsequent growth that distinguishes this program. By year four, graduates are earning nearly 90% of the national 75th percentile, suggesting career advancement opportunities that aren't immediately apparent from the starting figures.

For families concerned about career trajectory in criminal justice fields, this program offers a solid foundation with documented upward mobility. The accessible 96% admission rate combined with reasonable debt levels makes it a practical choice, particularly for New Jersey residents comparing their in-state options.