Criminology at Lasell University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Lasell's criminology program shows promising earnings growth, but its position among Massachusetts options tells a more complicated story. While graduates earn solidly above the national median and see a robust 40% salary increase by year four, this program sits in the 40th percentile statewide—meaning three nearby schools produce higher earners. With Assumption grads earning nearly $50,000 and even public Framingham State edging ahead, families should understand they're paying private tuition for middle-tier outcomes within Massachusetts.
The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year salary of $40,527, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 indicates graduates can reasonably handle repayment. The strong earnings trajectory—jumping to nearly $57,000 by year four—suggests career momentum after that initial entry period. However, these figures come from a small sample of under 30 graduates, which means individual experiences may vary considerably from these medians.
For families weighing this program, the question becomes whether Lasell's environment justifies private tuition when public alternatives like Framingham State offer similar earnings at lower cost, or when Assumption delivers significantly better outcomes at a comparable price point. The program works if your student thrives in Lasell's setting, but it's not a financial standout among Massachusetts criminology options.
Where Lasell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lasell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lasell University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all criminology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasell University | $40,527 | $56,726 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| Assumption University | $48,600 | — | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| Framingham State University | $41,431 | $52,600 | $25,974 | 0.63 |
| Stonehill College | $40,928 | $55,475 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $37,535 | $53,581 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| Emmanuel College | $36,824 | — | $26,348 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $37,476 | — | $25,000 | 0.67 |
Other Criminology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assumption University Worcester | $49,414 | $48,600 | $27,000 |
| Framingham State University Framingham | $11,630 | $41,431 | $25,974 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $40,928 | $25,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth | $15,208 | $37,535 | $27,000 |
| Emmanuel College Boston | $46,686 | $36,824 | $26,348 |
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 Lasell University, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.