Criminology at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron's criminology program produces graduates earning slightly above both the national and Ohio medians, though the small sample size means these figures could shift year to year. At $38,087 starting and $42,807 after four years, graduates outpace the typical Ohio criminology program (60th percentile statewide) while keeping debt manageable at $22,250—about $3,000 below state and national averages.

The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio puts graduates in a reasonable position to handle loan payments, requiring roughly seven months of pre-tax income to cover the full debt load. That's solid compared to many bachelor's programs. The 12% earnings growth over four years suggests steady career progression rather than immediate plateauing, which matters in a field where experience and certifications often drive advancement.

The caveat here is significant: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, one unusually successful (or struggling) cohort could substantially alter these numbers. Still, the fundamentals look sound—competitive earnings for Ohio, controlled debt, and performance that beats most in-state alternatives except Ohio State. For a family weighing criminal justice careers at an accessible public university, this represents a practical path with reasonable financial outcomes, assuming the field aligns with your child's career goals.