Criminology at Maryville University of Saint Louis

A 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable borrowing, but the bigger question is whether criminology graduates see meaningful salary growth beyond entry-level positions. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $37,476 align closely with what similar programs in Missouri produce—Missouri State Springfield reports $36,185 and University of Missouri-St Louis reports $38,207. The four-year earnings figure of $41,522 represents modest but real growth, though this remains well below what many bachelor's degrees deliver at mid-career.

The estimated $26,000 debt load sits slightly above both Missouri and national benchmarks for criminology programs, which typically hover around $24,000-$25,000. Given Maryville's 94% acceptance rate and the fact that over one-third of students receive Pell grants, this suggests the school may serve students with fewer alternatives, making the debt premium worth examining closely. For families considering law enforcement or corrections careers, these salary levels reflect industry realities—but parents should know that many related roles don't require a four-year degree, while graduate school (often necessary for higher-paying criminology positions) means additional borrowing.

The practical takeaway: This appears to be a typical criminology program with typical outcomes. If your child has a clear career path requiring this credential and limited financial aid elsewhere, the debt burden shouldn't be crushing. But if they're exploring options or could access lower-cost alternatives, those peer programs in Missouri with reported data offer similar earnings at potentially lower cost.