Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Borrowing roughly $26,000 to earn an estimated $38,000 in the first year puts Ohio Dominican's criminology program squarely in the middle of what similar programs produce—both the debt and earnings figures align closely with state and national medians for this field. Based on comparable criminology programs in Ohio, graduates typically start around this salary range, though top programs like Ohio State's campuses push slightly higher into the $39,000s.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means you'd be borrowing about eight months of expected first-year income, which is manageable if those earnings hold steady and grow over time. Criminology bachelor's degrees generally lead to corrections, probation, or law enforcement roles where advancement often depends on additional credentials or years of service rather than dramatic early-career salary jumps. The question becomes whether the moderate debt load justifies what peer programs suggest will be modest starting pay in a field where the path to higher earnings isn't always straightforward.
If your child is committed to criminal justice work and Ohio Dominican offers specific connections or advantages—campus location in Columbus, internship pipelines, or a learning environment that suits them—the estimated financial picture isn't alarming. But if they're exploring options, recognize that other Ohio programs produce similar outcomes, and the small sample size here means we're working with educated guesses rather than this school's actual graduate track record.
Where Ohio Dominican University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,370 | $37,782* | — | $26,027* | — | |
| $9,212 | $39,396* | $50,244 | $21,922* | 0.56 | |
| $12,859 | $39,396* | $50,244 | $21,922* | 0.56 | |
| $13,746 | $39,349* | $43,382 | $21,669* | 0.55 | |
| $12,799 | $38,087* | $42,807 | $22,250* | 0.58 | |
| $11,188 | $37,476* | $39,894 | $27,250* | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $37,476* | — | $25,000* | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates
Sociologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
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 Ohio Dominican University, approximately 39% 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 median of 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.