Criminology at Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary's criminology graduates earn $43,230 in their first year—substantially better than the $37,476 national median for the field, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. However, Maryland context reveals a more nuanced picture: the state median sits at $43,464, and University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn slightly more at $43,698. With only three schools offering this program in Maryland, that 40th percentile state ranking essentially means Mount St. Mary's lands in the middle of a small pack.

The program's real strength emerges over time. Earnings jump 38% to nearly $60,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find career traction after initial entry-level positions. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable—lower than 95% of criminology programs nationally—creating a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows graduates to service their loans without financial strain. That's considerably better than many criminal justice programs where debt can quickly outpace modest starting salaries.

For families choosing between Mount St. Mary's and the flagship state university, the earnings difference is minimal while the private school experience comes at a slightly higher debt cost. If your child values smaller class sizes and the college's mission-driven environment, the financial tradeoff is reasonable. If cost is the primary concern, UMD offers comparable outcomes with potentially lower in-state tuition.