Criminology at Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm's criminology program commands premium pricing—$27,000 in median debt versus $25,000 nationally—but the earnings trajectory suggests graduates are getting what they pay for. First-year earnings of $46,814 jump 39% to nearly $65,000 by year four, placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally. That's $9,000 above the typical criminology graduate's starting salary and significantly ahead of UNH's program, despite Saint Anselm's higher selectivity and lower Pell enrollment potentially benefiting outcomes.

The debt load is manageable at just 58% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates could reasonably pay it off within a few years even before their salaries accelerate. However, the 60th percentile ranking within New Hampshire is worth noting—while Saint Anselm outperforms most programs nationwide, it sits in the middle of the pack for the state. With only two NH schools offering criminology, this comparison is limited but suggests the state generally produces strong outcomes in this field.

For families who can afford Saint Anselm's sticker price without excessive borrowing, this program offers a solid return. The combination of low debt relative to earnings and strong income growth makes it particularly appealing compared to criminology programs at public universities that may cost less upfront but deliver significantly lower earning potential.