Criminology at Union University

For a program estimating $37,476 in first-year earnings against $26,027 in debt, the math suggests you're looking at about eight months of gross income to clear the borrowing—a manageable ratio that aligns with what criminology bachelor's programs typically deliver nationwide. Union's estimated debt burden sits just above the national median for this field, while earnings track exactly with what 111 comparable programs produce. That's neither a red flag nor a standout advantage.

The challenge is that criminology bachelor's degrees rarely lead to high-paying careers immediately. Similar programs nationally cluster tightly around $37-40K, suggesting a career track that rewards experience and additional credentials more than the undergraduate degree itself. Many graduates pursue law enforcement, corrections, or social services roles that start modestly but offer benefits and advancement paths. If your student is debt-averse or needs immediate earning power, this estimated debt load—while serviceable—still represents a meaningful financial commitment for entry-level public sector work.

The practical reality: this estimated picture suggests a path that's financially workable if your child is committed to criminal justice careers and plans to stay in the field long enough to benefit from public sector stability and pension systems. If they're uncertain about the career direction, that $26K in debt becomes harder to justify given the starting salary profile.