Analysis
SIU-Carbondale's criminology program outperforms most Illinois alternatives, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide despite being far more affordable than the top program at Concordia. Starting earnings of $37,645 jump to $50,711 by year four—a 35% increase that's unusually strong for this field. That growth trajectory matters because many criminology graduates see flatter earnings curves. The $24,000 debt load matches the state median and sits below the national benchmark, creating a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The numbers reveal a program that delivers solid outcomes without the selectivity premium. While SIU-Carbondale's 90% admission rate might raise eyebrows, graduates here earn more than counterparts at selective Dominican University and substantially outpace National Louis. This suggests the program's law enforcement and corrections connections translate into real career momentum, not just initial placement.
For parents weighing this against pricier private options in Illinois, the value equation is straightforward: similar debt, better earnings growth, and outcomes that beat 60% of state programs. The robust sample size confirms these aren't statistical flukes. If your student is considering criminal justice careers in Illinois, this program provides a cost-effective launching pad with genuine upward mobility built in.
Where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $37,645 | $50,711 | +35% |
| Gonzaga University | $38,028 | $69,525 | +83% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $43,283 | $66,640 | +54% |
| Saint Anselm College | $46,814 | $64,949 | +39% |
| Dominican University | $31,758 | $48,026 | +51% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $37,645 | $50,711 | $24,000 | 0.64 |
 Concordia University-ChicagoRiver Forest | $36,258 | $41,724 | — | — | — |
 Dominican UniversityRiver Forest | $37,844 | $31,758 | $48,026 | $27,000 | 0.85 |
 National Louis UniversityChicago | $12,345 | $30,170 | — | $23,437 | 0.78 |
| 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 37% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 120 graduates with reported earnings and 129 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.