Criminology at Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

Ohio State-Mansfield's criminology program stands out for strong earnings trajectory rather than immediate payoff. Graduates start at $39,396—slightly above the state median—but reach $50,244 by year four, a 28% jump that outpaces typical career progression in this field. Among Ohio's criminology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, putting it ahead of most in-state options and roughly tied with the flagship Columbus campus.

The debt picture requires context. At $21,922, graduates borrow about $3,000 less than state and national medians, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 is higher than ideal because of the modest starting salary. However, the strong earnings growth shifts this calculation—by year four, that debt burden becomes far more manageable. This is a program where patience pays off, assuming graduates can weather those first couple years in entry-level criminal justice positions.

For families considering criminology degrees in Ohio, Mansfield offers comparable outcomes to the main Columbus campus at what's likely a lower total cost. The earnings aren't exceptional—criminology rarely produces high earners—but they're solid for the field, the debt is reasonable, and the upward trajectory suggests career momentum. If your student is committed to criminal justice work and wants to stay in-state, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack performance with below-average debt.