Criminology (Bachelor's Degree) at Northwest Missouri State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,476

Est. from national median (111 programs)

Median Debt

$27,000

8% above national median

Analysis

Northwest Missouri State graduates this program with $27,000 in debt—just slightly above the state median but still well-controlled for a four-year degree. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, students are borrowing roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary, which translates to manageable monthly payments that shouldn't consume an outsized portion of their budget. This positions the program favorably: the school's debt load is in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of criminology programs nationwide saddle students with more debt.

The earnings picture, estimated from similar programs nationally at around $37,476, tracks closely with what other Missouri schools report for their criminology graduates. University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn about $38,207, while Missouri State-Springfield reports $36,185—suggesting the estimate here is reasonable and competitive within the state. For students interested in law enforcement, corrections, or probation work, these salary levels reflect the reality of public sector starting positions.

The core question is whether your child wants to enter this particular field. The economics work if they're committed to criminal justice careers, but this isn't a degree that opens doors to significantly higher-earning alternatives. If they're certain about the path, Northwest Missouri delivers appropriate preparation without excessive debt. If they're still exploring or might pivot to other fields, understand that this credential is fairly specialized.

Where Northwest Missouri State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville	$10,181	$37,476*	—	$27,000	—
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis	$13,440	$38,207*	$45,065	$22,801	0.60
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$36,185*	$41,726	$24,187	0.67
National Median	—	$37,476*	—	$25,000	0.67

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

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 Northwest Missouri State University, approximately 27% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 111 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.