Analysis
Ohio University's criminology program delivers respectable earnings with manageable debt, though neither aspect is exceptional. First-year graduates earn $39,349—solidly above both the national median ($37,476) and Ohio's state median ($37,782), placing this program in the 60th percentile among Ohio schools. The $21,669 in typical debt sits well below state and national averages of $25,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that most graduates can handle within a few years of entering the workforce.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates see a 10% bump by year four, reaching $43,382. While criminology isn't a high-earning field, Ohio University's program performs better than six out of ten comparable programs in the state. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers reflect enough graduates to be meaningful without being heavily influenced by outliers.
For parents evaluating in-state options, this represents solid middle-of-the-pack value. Your student won't leave with crushing debt, and they'll earn slightly more than peers from other Ohio criminology programs. It's not going to catapult anyone into financial comfort immediately, but the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a stable foundation for someone committed to criminal justice or related fields.
Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $39,349 | $43,382 | +10% |
| Capital University | $32,984 | $51,147 | +55% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $39,396 | $50,244 | +28% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $39,396 | $50,244 | +28% |
| Cleveland State University | $32,393 | $44,047 | +36% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,746 | $39,349 | $43,382 | $21,669 | 0.55 | |
| $9,212 | $39,396 | $50,244 | $21,922 | 0.56 | |
| $12,859 | $39,396 | $50,244 | $21,922 | 0.56 | |
| $12,799 | $38,087 | $42,807 | $22,250 | 0.58 | |
| $7,504 | $37,476 | $39,894 | $27,250 | 0.73 | |
| $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 University-Main Campus, approximately 20% 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.