Criminology at Otterbein University

Borrowing $26,000 to earn $37,800 in your first year yields a debt-to-earnings ratio that falls within manageable territory, though criminology programs in Ohio rarely deliver earnings that justify significant debt loads. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across the state, Otterbein's graduates would likely earn close to the Ohio median—essentially matching what students at Ohio State's regional campuses or Wright State typically see—but these figures cluster in a narrow band that leaves little room for error if debt climbs higher.

The concerning reality is what happens after that first year. Criminal justice and law enforcement careers often come with modest wage growth, and many positions require additional training or certifications beyond the bachelor's degree. At nearly $27,000 in estimated debt, graduates would face monthly payments around $290 for a decade, consuming a substantial portion of entry-level paychecks in fields where starting salaries in the high thirties are often the ceiling for front-line positions rather than the floor.

For families considering Otterbein specifically, the lack of reported data means you're making this investment without knowing how this school's graduates actually fare in the job market. If costs can be reduced through scholarships or commuting—bringing debt below $20,000—the math becomes more forgiving. But at full borrowed cost, you're betting on outcomes that peer programs suggest will be tight financially from day one.