Criminology at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's criminology program delivers solidly middle-of-the-road outcomes, but the state comparison reveals something worth noting: while it ranks below the national median by about $2,000, it actually outperforms most Georgia programs in the same field, landing at the 60th percentile statewide. With just four schools offering criminology bachelor's degrees in Georgia, this program edges ahead of the state median by nearly $900 annually. The $26,000 debt load sits right at typical levels for this major nationally, translating to a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real consideration here is whether $35,588 starting salary aligns with your family's financial expectations. That's enough to handle the debt comfortably—monthly loan payments would consume roughly 10-11% of gross income—but it's not a high-earning field overall. Criminology graduates often need additional credentials or years of experience to reach higher pay grades in law enforcement or criminal justice administration.

For Georgia families keeping their child in-state, this program offers reasonable value: competitive outcomes within the state at an accessible institution with a 90% admission rate. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers are reliable. Just understand you're investing in a stable but modest-paying career path, not a financial home run.