Location: Conway, AR•In-State Tuition: $10,118•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,258•Admission Rate: 90%•Avg SAT: 1117
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,453
58th percentile
Median Debt
$20,078
20% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.52 ManageableSample: 38 graduates

Analysis

UCA's criminology program produces graduates who earn slightly above both state and national medians—ranking in the 60th percentile among Arkansas programs—while keeping debt notably lower than typical. With $20,078 in median debt versus $24,000 statewide, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning they owe roughly half their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a field that doesn't command high initial wages.

The $38,453 first-year salary positions graduates marginally ahead of Arkansas State's criminology program and comfortably above the national median of $37,476. While criminology isn't a high-earning field overall—even top-performing programs nationally only reach about $40,500—UCA's combination of lower-than-average debt and slightly better-than-average earnings creates favorable math for graduates. The school's 90% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment suggest accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.

For families concerned about criminal justice career prospects, this program offers a practical path: graduates enter the workforce with debt they can reasonably manage on typical entry-level salaries in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields. The lower debt load matters more here than in higher-earning fields, giving graduates financial breathing room as they establish their careers.

Where University of Central Arkansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Central ArkansasOther criminology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Central Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Central Arkansas earns $38k — 58th percentile among criminology bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Central ArkansasConway$10,118$38,453—$20,0780.52
Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro$7,754$36,732$36,369$27,8750.76
National Median—$37,476—$25,0000.67

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

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 University of Central Arkansas, 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.