Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,349
65th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$21,669
13% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$39,349$43,382$21,6690.55
Ohio State University-Mansfield CampusMansfield$9,212$39,396$50,244$21,9220.56
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$39,396$50,244$21,9220.56
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$38,087$42,807$22,2500.58
Wright State University-Lake CampusCelina$7,504$37,476$39,894$27,2500.73
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$37,476$39,894$27,2500.73
National Median$37,476$25,0000.67

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 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.