Criminology at University of Central Arkansas

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.