Criminology at National Louis University

National Louis University's criminology program produces first-year earnings of just $30,170—nearly $7,300 below the national median and $4,500 below what typical Illinois criminology graduates earn. While the debt load of $23,437 is slightly below average, it still represents more than nine months of that first year's salary. The small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift, but the gap is substantial enough to warrant concern, particularly when Concordia University-Chicago graduates start at $41,724 and even Southern Illinois University-Carbondale tops $37,000.

The 40th percentile ranking among Illinois programs tells you this sits squarely in the bottom half of state options, despite being located in Chicago where you'd expect stronger employment connections. At 93% admission rate and serving a majority low-income student population, National Louis provides access—but the question is whether that access translates into meaningful economic opportunity. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 means graduates can manage their loans, but they're starting their careers at a significant income disadvantage compared to peers who chose other Illinois schools.

If your child is committed to criminology in Illinois, this program's outcomes suggest looking elsewhere first. The earnings gap is too wide to ignore, especially when better-performing alternatives exist at similar or lower costs within the state.