Criminology at Stonehill College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Stonehill's criminology program demonstrates strong upward mobility, with graduate earnings jumping 36% from $40,928 to $55,475 in just four years. That $55,000 four-year mark significantly outpaces what most criminology programs deliver and suggests doors opening to better positions as graduates gain experience. While the first-year earnings land in the middle of the pack among Massachusetts criminology programs (60th percentile), the strong trajectory matters more than the starting point.
The debt load of $25,000 aligns with both national and state medians, creating a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. This isn't the lowest-cost option in Massachusetts—public universities like UMass Dartmouth offer cheaper paths into the field—but the moderate debt combined with solid earnings growth creates a workable financial picture. The program outperforms the national median by nearly $3,500 in year one, positioning in the 78th percentile nationally even if it's more middle-tier within the state.
For families willing to pay a moderate premium over public options, this program offers a reasonable bet. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates are advancing into roles with real career development potential rather than stagnating in entry-level positions. Just recognize you're paying somewhat more than state school alternatives for that trajectory.
Where Stonehill College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Stonehill College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Stonehill College graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all criminology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stonehill College | $40,928 | $55,475 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
| Assumption University | $48,600 | — | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| Framingham State University | $41,431 | $52,600 | $25,974 | 0.63 |
| Lasell University | $40,527 | $56,726 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $37,535 | $53,581 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| Emmanuel College | $36,824 | — | $26,348 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $37,476 | — | $25,000 | 0.67 |
Other Criminology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assumption University Worcester | $49,414 | $48,600 | $27,000 |
| Framingham State University Framingham | $11,630 | $41,431 | $25,974 |
| Lasell University Newton | $26,000 | $40,527 | $27,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth | $15,208 | $37,535 | $27,000 |
| Emmanuel College Boston | $46,686 | $36,824 | $26,348 |
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 Stonehill College, approximately 15% 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 63 graduates with reported earnings and 84 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.