Criminology at Mary Baldwin University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 makes this program more manageable than many bachelor's degrees, though the complete picture remains hazy. Peer criminology programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,500, which would put graduates slightly above the $33,800 median for similar programs across Virginia. Debt levels appear typical for private institutions offering this degree—comparable programs nationally carry about $25,000 in borrowing. With nearly half of Mary Baldwin students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters considerably, and these estimated figures suggest graduates could reasonably tackle their loans on entry-level salaries.

The challenge is that criminology earnings don't climb dramatically in early years, and career paths vary widely—from probation officers to victim advocates to further graduate study in law or social work. The field often rewards specialization or advanced credentials more than the bachelor's degree alone. Whether this investment makes sense depends heavily on your child's post-graduation plans and whether they'll need to borrow close to that $26,000 estimate.

With only five Virginia schools offering this major and limited reported data, comparison shopping is difficult but essential. Old Dominion's program shows slightly lower first-year earnings but offers the resources of a larger public university. Before committing, press Mary Baldwin about actual job placement rates and typical career trajectories for their recent graduates—those details matter more than these broad estimates can reveal.