Analysis
Pennsylvania's criminology programs cluster tightly around $38,000 in first-year earnings, and Geneva College's estimated outcomes sit right at this middle-of-the-road position. Drawing from ten comparable bachelor's programs across the state, graduates here likely face a familiar pattern: early-career earnings that demand careful financial planning against debt loads hovering at $27,000.
The ratio tells the practical story—borrowing 72% of your first-year salary means roughly nine months of gross income to cover the full tab. That's manageable but requires discipline, particularly in a field where career advancement often demands additional credentials or specialized training. While top programs like Saint Joseph's and Drexel push graduates into the low $40,000s, the reality across Pennsylvania suggests criminology degrees deliver similar starting points regardless of institution.
For families weighing this investment, the question centers on Geneva's specific strengths—mentorship quality, internship networks, or graduate school placement—since the financial outcomes appear standard for the state. At 32% Pell enrollment, the college serves students navigating tight budgets, making that $27,000 debt figure consequential. If your student is certain about criminal justice career paths and Geneva offers compelling non-financial advantages, the estimated numbers suggest neither a windfall nor a trap—just the typical entry point for this field in Pennsylvania.
Where Geneva College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,610 | $37,737* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $51,340 | $43,283* | $66,640 | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| $47,675 | $40,646* | $44,439 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| $60,663 | $40,229* | — | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| $50,320 | $38,828* | $63,773 | —* | — | |
| $11,380 | $37,911* | $46,880 | $27,000* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $37,476* | — | $25,000* | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates
Sociologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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 median of 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.